Behemoth by Scott Westerfeld

Behemoth by Scott Westerfeld
Buy Behemoth by Scott Westerfeld at Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com
Category: Teens
Reviewer: Rose Corbyn-Smith
Summary: I loved so many aspects of this book, and thought it surpassed Leviathan for awesome characters and fabulous background details.
Buy? Yes	Borrow? Yes
Pages: 496	Date: October 2010
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Books
ISBN: 978-1847386755
Share on:

World War One looms and Europe's powers are getting ready their armies. In a last ditch attempt at diplomacy, the British air ship Leviathan carries aboard a gift for Sultan Mehmed V, Lord of the Horizons and ruler of the Ottoman Empire. But when things go drastically and dramatically wrong Deryn, a girl posing as a male midshipman aboard the Leviathan and Alek, the heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary, find themselves fighting their own battles. Everyone has their own secrets, but not everyone wants to spark a deadly war...

Scott Westerfeld's writing sparkles. So much stands out, that I don't even know where to begin. Deryn, whom I adored, was an amazing character; brisk, practical, kind, adventurous and resourceful. Someone who I'd like meet, and would be friends with, I'm sure. Scott Westerfeld adds in all these natural, quirky details like Deryn's favourite expression Barking Spiders which really brings his characters to life.

The idea of Darwinists verus Clankers is one that really appeals to me. I loved the Leviathan, this giant "hydrogen-breather" in the sky, an entire floating world that I found fascinating and the illustrations were unexpected, delightful surprises that accompanied the story extremely well.

If I had any critisicms, it would be a lack of depth to the novel. The story is good, the background is wonderfully vivid, the characters are AMAZING, but it all feels slightly superficial. I found it very enjoyable to read, but it didn't deliver any message or connect to me on any deep meaningful way. So if you're looking for something on World War One that deals with all the awful events that occured, then Behemoth isn't the book you want. However, if you want something that is a pleasure to read and that willl make you fall in love with a enticing blend of feisty characters, read this.

I'd like to thank the publishers for sending a copy to The Bookbag.

Recommendations: Leviathan (the first in the trilogy) or anything else by Scott Westerfeld.

Please share on: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

You can read more book reviews or buy Behemoth by Scott Westerfeld at Amazon.co.uk Amazon currently charges £2.99 for standard delivery for orders under £20, over which delivery is free.
Template:Waterstonestext

Comments

Like to comment on this review?

Just send us an email and we'll put the best up on the site.