Leviathan: Leviathan 1

Author: Scott Westerfeld
Illustrator: Keith Thompson
Genre: Young-Adult – Fiction/Steampunk
Publication Date: October 6, 2009
Age Range:  Young Adult
Pages:  440
Date Scoot Read: October 2009 & October 2010
Source: Hardcover, Audiobook

Scoot's Rating:  10 – Amazing! Loved it. Read it now!

Synopsis (via Goodreads): Prince Aleksander, would-be heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, is on the run. His own people have turned on him. His title is worthless. All he has is a battletorn war machine and a loyal crew of men.

Deryn Sharp is a commoner, disguised as a boy in the British Air Service. She's a brilliant airman. But her secret is in constant danger of being discovered.

With World War I brewing, Alek and Deryn's paths cross in the most unexpected way…taking them on a fantastical, around-the-world adventure that will change both their lives forever.

Scoot’s Review:

I love this book!  I read it for the first time directly after its release, and once again this past week in preparation for the sequel Behemoth’s release. Scott Westerfeld creates a perfect blend of history, adventure, and fantastical elements in Leviathan.  Starting off with a bang you are in the mind of young Prince Aleksander just as tragedy strikes.  Running from those he once considered an ally; you struggle with him as he learns just what it’s going to take to survive in the brewing war.  Furthermore, you are enthralled with the witty Deryn Sharp as she flies high in the air on a Darwinist ‘beastie’, all the while in fear of being discovered a girl in the service.  Eventually their storylines converge in a brilliant fashion.  Filled with creative monsters, both living and machine, this story gets your imagination flowing.  I enjoyed the writing style, the imagery, and the pace.  In addition, the story is illustrated by Keith Thompson.  I love the images dispersed throughout the book and think they are a perfect complement to the storyline. I highly recommend it!