Leviathan Trilogy Review
Rating: 96% Rating: 97% Rating: 96%
Pages: 440 Pages: 481 Pages: 543
Author: Scott Westerfeld Author: Scott Westerfeld Author: Scott Westerfeld
Genre: Steampunk/ Genre: Steampunk/ Genre: Steampunk/
Alternate History Alternate History Alternate History
Publisher: Simon Pulse Publisher: Simon Pulse Publisher: Simon Pulse
Release Date: Release Date: Release Date:
Oct. 6, 2009 Oct. 5, 2010 Sept. 20, 2011
I had never thought of myself as a "steampunk" reader. I had heard of this trilogy before it was recommended to me, but I never in a million years thought it would be something I would actually like. After a conversation that included an in-depth explanation of Dungeons and Dragons and eventually a recommendation of this book, I decided I would put it on my Goodreads TBR shelf along with the other 200 books I wanted to read. Fast forward 8 months later and I decide to pick it up on a whim. And wow, I'm so glad I did!
Before you turn away as I once did, let me explain to you what Leviathan is all about. It is an alternate-history of World War I, but reimagined with steam-powered machines and crazy genetically-designed beasts that are so different from what's in the history books. The story takes place in the early 20th century, a war is imminent, and it is finally sparked by the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The book follows the archduke's son, Prince Aleksander, as he flees from his enemies, both on the other side of the war and within his own country. With his most trusted advisors and friends, Alek finally escapes to Switzerland where his and Deryn's fates collide.
Deryn Sharp is a fifteen-year-old girl who loves to fly. Unfortunately, she cannot because girls cannot join the British military. So because Deryn is probably too clever for her own good, she disguises herself as a boy named Dylan and earns a spot on one of the most famous airships ever: the Leviathan. When the Leviathan crash-lands and Alek comes to help, a friendship is born, and chaos ensues from there.
“Maybe this was how you stayed sane in wartime: a handful of noble deeds amid the chaos.”
I binged this series, reading each book back to back (to back,) and my overall impression is that this series is a work of art! I had no idea what to expect from this author, but I'm so impressed by the storytelling and immense creativity put into this world. The history nerd in me was geeking out the entire time, catching what was historically accurate and what was added to spice things up. Although this book may read more middle-grade, I loved the writing and how addicting it was!
I loved our main characters more than I can say! Deryn is that kick-butt, gutsy girl that doesn't let anything get in her way. She is brave and determined, and although she is acting as a boy and tough as nails, she is still believably a girl! She is loyal to a fault, and although she may seem similar to other YA female leads, she is especially spunky and lovable. Even Alek, who can be a snob sometimes, has a good heart. We see so much development of his character over the series, and he learns how to be a good leader not by setting himself apart from everyone, but by being involved with "commoners" and such. He is loyal, honest, and in reality, pretty sensitive! The whole "boys can't show their feelings" stereotype is almost nonexistent in this trilogy. Alek regularly lets out his emotions to his friends. These characters are so tangible and real that I wish they actually existed.
“That was the trick- to keep punching, no matter what.”
My absolute favorite thing about this series was the friendship between Alek and Deryn. Although there are lots of lies that separate them (Alek thinks Deryn is a boy for a majority of the time) and they lie on opposite sides, they are vulnerable and loyal to each other. Later, as their relationship develops (I think you can see where I'm going with this) I couldn't stop wishing they could be together. Their banter is adorable. My only problem was that when the relationship moved beyond "friends," I was a little let down by the romance. It was a little awkward, and the chemistry barely shifted. Really, that was my only critique.
Another thing that sets this series apart is the technology. In this steampunk world, the Allied Powers are called Darwinists, because they use Charles Darwin's research to combine technology and animals, such as the whale hydrogen-producing Leviathan airship. The Central Powers are called Clankers because they rely on steam-power, engines, and use giant walkers to stomp on their enemies. The tech plays a major role in this story, and I applaud Scott Westerfeld for all the effort he put into creating all these crazy inventions.
Because I'm so obsessed with this trilogy, I'm going to do a short spoiler section just for my enjoyment:
SPOILERS AHEAD!--------------------------------------------------------
I could not stand the fact that Deryn kept her identity secret from Alek for TWO AND A HALF BOOKS. I felt like I would burst! She had so many opportunities and told herself that she would tell him so many times and... she didn't. My heart was actually beating so hard when I thought it would finally happen.
But I loved the scene so much more because I had waited so long for it. When they were on the ship and Alek gets hurt, Deryn finally reveals that she likes him, and Alek finally gets it, even though he figured it out himself, that she's a girl. It was such a perfect scene! I found myself going back to read it over and over again. It was so worth the time I waited.
Also, the little creature, Bovril, was one of the greatest additions to the story. When all the characters were oblivious, he knew! Bovril and the Dr. Barlow's story was so fascinating to me. Dr. Barlow was such a crazy character, and I could never decide if I liked her or not, which makes her a great complex character.
Other things I hated at the time but still love:
-Eddie Malone. He sucks. But he always made the story more intense, and every time he showed up I would have to keep reading because you know he's going to mess up everything.
-Nicola Tesla. Yikes. We all hate him. But really, do you think he was crazy or not? The last book felt a little open-ended, and leaves you to decide. Although the evidence and the meteor suggests the Goliath wasn't as powerful as he thought, do you think the Goliath could have potentially done some damage?
END OF SPOILER SECTION----------------------------------------------
I realize how massive this review is, but I can't tell you how much I need everyone to read this trilogy. Every book gets bigger and better, and I couldn't stop reading. Leviathan is a hidden gem. Although I'm about 7 years behind on reading this, it is so special and I will never stop thinking about it! If you need just the right amount of crazy in your reading life, Leviathan is the book for you!
Lots of love,
Ellie
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