kvela

In Leviathan, Scott Westerfeld introduces us to an alternative version of Europe during World War I. At first it is complicated to understand the jargon used in the book, but after the reader becomes familiar with terms like Clankers and Darwinists it becomes much easier to follow the plot of the story.  The plot is alternated between the two main characters, whose path eventually meet. Alek is unaware of the reasons in which he is  forced to flee his kingdom. It is later that his caretakers reveal to him that his parents have been killed and his life is in danger. Meanwhile Deryn, a young Darwinist girl, has disguised herself as a boy in order to join the military effort. But it is when Deryn and Alek meet that the story takes off. The book is full of action and rich in vocabulary, it would be excellent for readers who enjoy fantasy, war, or books in a series. Leviathan is the first book in the series and is  classified in the Steampunk genre.  

Westerfeld, S. (2009). Leviathan. NY: Simon Pulse.