theredpanda17's review
5.0
No doubt just as good as the first book. The tension between the characters, the war waging in this lively city, and the addition of new characters really made this book shine.
nina1117's review
5.0
This is seriously a great book. It had a lot of plot building without being boring. I love how the dynamics of Alek and Deryn's relationship is changing. Westerfeld is such a great writer; I feel like this world is so fleshed out and detailed. I can't wait for the next book!!!
sedgewrenbooks's review
adventurous
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
sh_ng's review
5.0
didn't think it could get much better than Leviathan but goddamn
also, romantic subplot was somewhat cliche but somehow immensely satisfying
also, romantic subplot was somewhat cliche but somehow immensely satisfying
fortunesdear's review
3.0
Enjoyed the first book a bit more than this one but the whole series has only been just okay so far. Still really only listening to the books because I live listening to the narrator.
dutchlee's review
4.0
This book was phenomenal and continues the Clanker vs. Darwinist themes well. I really enjoyed Westerfield's amazing steampunk imagination in being able to create awe-striking technology for both the Darwinists and Clankers. He creates vivid and believable machines and beasts that make me wish I could see them myself. I'm glad for Keith Thompson's illustrations in giving me at least some visuals.
This story continues the storyline of Leviathan and drags Deryn and Alek into WWI. This time they find themselves in the Ottoman Empire, keeping and revealing their secrets. Their "romance" (aka Deryn's crush on Alek, who thinks she is a boy) develops and has some interesting sharp (pun-intended) twists. The way Westerfield writes it, it leaves you wondering whether they will get together at the end (though of course they have to). I especially liked Bovril and its perspicaciousness. It is quite smart, funny, and gives lots of hints about what is really happening, which makes me want to re-read the novel and see what clues and hints it gives off without the reader noticing.
Overall an amazing book. I can't wait for the third book of the trilogy!
This story continues the storyline of Leviathan and drags Deryn and Alek into WWI. This time they find themselves in the Ottoman Empire, keeping and revealing their secrets. Their "romance" (aka Deryn's crush on Alek, who thinks she is a boy) develops and has some interesting sharp (pun-intended) twists. The way Westerfield writes it, it leaves you wondering whether they will get together at the end (though of course they have to). I especially liked Bovril and its perspicaciousness. It is quite smart, funny, and gives lots of hints about what is really happening, which makes me want to re-read the novel and see what clues and hints it gives off without the reader noticing.
Overall an amazing book. I can't wait for the third book of the trilogy!
bookgoonie's review
4.0
Original review posted @ www.bookgoonie.com March 2011
http://wp.me/p1h3Ps-2D
Alek and Deryn start off on the Leviathan headed to Istanbul. New news is bad news--Britian and Austria are at war. This complicates things for Alek. Deryn risks treason by keeping Prince Alek's secret. She hates to see him go, but she needs to help him escape in Istanbul OR he'll become a diplomatic prisoner of war.
Lots of action for these two...Alek takes up with revolutionaires against the Sultan and the meddling Germans. Deryn gets to head her first secret mission. Disaster and fate bring the two back together to save the Leviathan. Saving the Leviathan is important personally and to the success of the Behemoth--Captain Jack Sparrow's worst nightmare.
I have already spoken about the cover. The illustrations are an awsome addition and probably necessary to wrap your brain around Westerfeld's unique creations. Make sure to read the Afterword on each, he lays out what is truth and what is his creation. What is great about this series....It needs no parental warnings. It has a colorful, strong female character to draw in girl readers into a book that would naturally appeal to boys. The history teacher appreciated the political dealings between England and Germany vying for the Ottoman's alliance and their fear of Russia. Also enjoyed the stops at the Blue Mosque and reference to the Hagia Sophia.
http://wp.me/p1h3Ps-2D
Alek and Deryn start off on the Leviathan headed to Istanbul. New news is bad news--Britian and Austria are at war. This complicates things for Alek. Deryn risks treason by keeping Prince Alek's secret. She hates to see him go, but she needs to help him escape in Istanbul OR he'll become a diplomatic prisoner of war.
Lots of action for these two...Alek takes up with revolutionaires against the Sultan and the meddling Germans. Deryn gets to head her first secret mission. Disaster and fate bring the two back together to save the Leviathan. Saving the Leviathan is important personally and to the success of the Behemoth--Captain Jack Sparrow's worst nightmare.
I have already spoken about the cover. The illustrations are an awsome addition and probably necessary to wrap your brain around Westerfeld's unique creations. Make sure to read the Afterword on each, he lays out what is truth and what is his creation. What is great about this series....It needs no parental warnings. It has a colorful, strong female character to draw in girl readers into a book that would naturally appeal to boys. The history teacher appreciated the political dealings between England and Germany vying for the Ottoman's alliance and their fear of Russia. Also enjoyed the stops at the Blue Mosque and reference to the Hagia Sophia.
mimosaeyes's review
4.0
The plot quite literally thickens in this excellent sequel, which I polished off in one sitting. I immensely enjoyed seeing the way different characters' motivations and allegiances played out, especially over the more protracted timeframe (compared to the first book). Also, Bovril the perspicacious loris gets a special mention because I love me a cuddly and canny animal companion.
somewheregirl7's review
4.0
In Westerfeld's follow-up to Leviathan we find Deryn and Alek in the Ottoman Empire as the war heats up and both sides, Clanker and Darwinist, fight to win the sultan's allegiance.
Like many series the second book, in this case Behemoth, is stronger than the first. In Behemoth the characters feel familiar and comfortable, changing slowly as the story progresses, growing. The pace is more even and the plot nice and tight. Deryn's attraction to Alek still feels a bit forced but there's so much else going on that it's easy to dismiss that slight flaw. The world building in this series is superb, the illustrations lush and detailed and the descriptions draw the reader in with every word. This was a fun, fast read that left me impatient for the third book in the series to come out.
Like many series the second book, in this case Behemoth, is stronger than the first. In Behemoth the characters feel familiar and comfortable, changing slowly as the story progresses, growing. The pace is more even and the plot nice and tight. Deryn's attraction to Alek still feels a bit forced but there's so much else going on that it's easy to dismiss that slight flaw. The world building in this series is superb, the illustrations lush and detailed and the descriptions draw the reader in with every word. This was a fun, fast read that left me impatient for the third book in the series to come out.
rjbedell's review
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5