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A review by secret_getaway
Behemoth by Scott Westerfeld
5.0
The second book in the Levaithan series has Deryn and Alek in the Ottoman Empire, a country that melds both the Clanker and the Darwinist technology. This puts it at a position in the war that has both sides clamoring for their alliance. Clanker and secret prince, Aleksander, and Darwinist and secret girl serving in the British Army, Deryn, become involved during a tumultuous time of the Ottoman Empire. With their minds also set on the war engulfing the rest of the world, they must find a way back to the Leviathan.
Although the book is written completely in third person, the switch of perspectives is very easy to notice. The characters are so brilliant and their upbringing and nationalities create great contrasts to one another but their friendship also allows them to see the benefits from each side.
The book does follow the events of WWI closely but with a few of Westerfeld’s own events added. He even included a few real historical people but with some changes to their character. And if you ever have an trouble picture what each machine or beastie looks like, the book is enhanced with Keith Thompson’s illustrations. Actually getting to see Westerfeld’s creations really sets this book apart. He created a very interesting fictional story of one of the biggest wars, especially with the steampunk elements.
Although the book is written completely in third person, the switch of perspectives is very easy to notice. The characters are so brilliant and their upbringing and nationalities create great contrasts to one another but their friendship also allows them to see the benefits from each side.
The book does follow the events of WWI closely but with a few of Westerfeld’s own events added. He even included a few real historical people but with some changes to their character. And if you ever have an trouble picture what each machine or beastie looks like, the book is enhanced with Keith Thompson’s illustrations. Actually getting to see Westerfeld’s creations really sets this book apart. He created a very interesting fictional story of one of the biggest wars, especially with the steampunk elements.