Leviathan

Westerfeld, Scott. Leviathan. Book 1 of the Leviathan Series. 2009. 440p. ISBN 978-1-4169-7173-3. Available at FIC WES on the library shelves.

Archduke Ferdinand and his wife have just been assassinated this July of 1914, and the world is careening towards a war that will engulf the entire planet. With these deaths, Crown Prince Aleksander is now heir to the throne of Austria and Hungary, right behind his great uncle Franz Joseph. But Alek’s prospects are dim. Immediately following his parents’ assassination, he is forced by a crew of loyal men to escape in one of House Hapsburg’s imperial walkers, giant robotic war machines. Alek avoids capture by the Germans but must flee to Switzerland.

Meanwhile, Deryn Sharp’s dream has always been to fly. Her father used to take her in hot air balloons before his death, and now Deryn is bent on serving in the Royal Navy’s airship fleet. Joining as a midshipman, Deryn must hide her gender for women cannot serve in Great Britain’s armed forces.

Unlike the German clankers, the British are Darwinists, and have evolved animals that can serve military functions. The Leviathan, the largest British airship in service, is in fact a live animal, a mix of whale and other DNA, and together with other beasties forms an ecosystem onto itself. The two strongest empires are on a collision course, and Alek and Deryn hold the fate of the world in their hands.

Westerfeld goes a fantastic job elaborating this steampunk universe where animalistic Darwin ideas clash with inventive and powerful machines in a world domination scheme. Alek and Deryn come from different sides and are opposed to one another like it’s second nature. Will they be able to work out their differences before both their groups become victims to German aggression?

If you enjoyed this book, you will like Worldshaker, the largest floating ship of all times, and the fight for the Filthies' freedom! You will also like Etiquette & Espionage, The Mark of the Dragonfly, and The Inventor's Secret.