by Lucy Softich

Leviathan, by Scott Westerfeld, illus. by Keith Thompson
$13.95

Plot

In an alternate history of World War I, Europe is divided into Clankers, countries who are technologically driven and control huge machines, and Darwinists, countries who breed animal ships and symbiodic creatures. Leviathan follows Prince Aleksander of Austria-Hungary, a Clanker nation, and Deryn Sharp, a girl masquerading as a boy to be part of Brittan Darwinist air force.

First Impressions
Lovely art, and the story starts us right off in the mist of action and intrigue, as Alexsander is sneaking out with his instructors for a secret midnight training session.

Lasting Impressions
I’m infamously bad at history, but this book made me want to read up on WWI. The characters are well-developed and easy to like, the plot help my interest to the end, and the illustrations are breathtaking.

Behind the Scenes
There’s an Afterward where the author has a brief summary of what  really happened leading up to WWI, and explains the changes he made and why.

Audience
This book will probably appeal to more boys than girls, but anyone who likes mechanics, fascinating creatures, and exciting military adventures, will really enjoy this book. Aimed at ages 9-13, but an older audience will also get a lot out of it.

Posted in Have You Read ... ?.
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