It's difficult to write a young adult book that really works, especially in this genre. But Scott Westerfeld really knows his job.
With the backdrop of the beginning of World War I, Leviathan opens with Alek, the young prince of Austria, who finds he has no throne. His father and mother have been killed, and he is taken for a wild adventure by his tutor and a small band of men in a single fighting machine, on the run from his own people. Next we come to Deryn, a British girl, who disguises herself as a boy to join the Navy.
Alek of the Clankers, the Axis, and Deryn of the Darwinists, the Allies, are enemies by name, but are destined to greater things.
That's a very basic outline of the story, which is far more complicated than I have described, especially considering that Leviathan is based on the actual events and political turmoil of the First World War. Westerfeld conjures an exquisite blend of steampunk, mutations, slight twists of history, and staying true to actual events to create a tight, interesting, and frankly quite brilliant science fiction slash alternate history novel.
There are two reasons why Leviathan works so well. The first and lesser of the reasons is how he develops the story world. This is an extremely difficult task and many others have failed on this aspect. Westerfeld, on the other hand, makes everything feel so natural, despite it being something that we can hardly even imagine. But what enhances this even more is the second reason why Leviathan works so well.
Characterization. This is the single most difficult skill to masker in story telling. Characterization is the most key aspect of a story, and Westerfeld nails it. The reason why the story world feels so realistic and natural is the way the characters act and live in it. Westerfeld doesn't make Alek gape wide-eyed at giant complicated machines. He isn't surprised to see a half tiger, half dog held on a leash by a tall woman. That's not to say they don't frighten him. After all, mutated beasts are fabrications of the enemy, and giant complicated machines belong to the Axis, who is trying to kill him.
It's safe to say that Westerfeld is a master of characterization. The weight of the story falls on the shoulders of Alek and Deryn, and they hold it well. We care about them, we want them to succeed, and we are interested in every one of their decisions. Even the side characters are fun to read. The captain of the Leviathan, which is a huge floating whale; Dr. Barlow, a tall, stately, mysterious passenger; Count Volger, the man who was Alek's tutor at home, and the man who helps Alek survive out in the world. Every one of these characters are wonderfully developed, brought to life, and, most importantly, believable.
The plot is simple and complicated at the same time. Westerfeld melds the intricate politics of counties at war with the main characters' personal struggles, giving the heroes and heroines that much more weight. There is mystery, intrigue, suspense, and lots of action. Everything starts in the first chapter. From the got go, we're hooked. And it doesn't let up, even at the end, which is ready to lead right into the sequel.
All of this is told in an effective writing style, which does more than just get the job done. It's funny, quick-paced, and a lot of fun to read. The pages speed passed. The entire book is simply a joy to read.
To compliment the awesome prose, are pictures illustrated by Keith Thompson, who captures the essence of the story beautifully. His artwork is astounding.
I have no complaints whatsoever about this book. In my opinion, the author has succeeded on every level. There was never a dull moment, and I enjoyed every minute.
For all of these reasons, I highly recommend this book to anyone at any age.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Top reviews from other countries
Pamela Kelt
Leviathan - powerful novel for all ages
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 4, 2013
