Behemoth

This was the second book in the Leviathan trilogy by Westerfeld. I really enjoyed Leviathan and this book was also wonderful. There is a ton of action and we see a lot more of Alec and Dylan.This book starts with Alec and Dylan on the Leviathan getting reading to dock in Istanbul. Tensions are high in Istanbul because of German presence there. Dylan will get drawn into secret activities. And when Austria-Hungry declares war with Britain, suddenly Alec finds himself a prisoner of war. Alec and Dylan soon embark on separate adventures that will take them apart and then eventually draw them back together. Full of crazy genetically engineered animals and wonderful steampunk machines this book is super creative and fun to read.This was an absolutely wonderful book. The things that Westerfeld thinks up for crazy animals and contraptions are fascinating and incredibly creative. The plot that is woven is complex and full of political subtleties; it never falters and never slows down. The characters are very likable; you are really cheering Alec and Dylan on throughout and it is hard not to want to learn more about the mysterious Lady Boffin and the leaders of the rebellion in Istabul.Keith Thompson's illustration are spectacular and really bring Westerfeld's creations to life for the reader. I thoroughly enjoyed them and was constantly looking forward to the next fantastical thing upcoming pictures would show me.Overall just a very wonderful read. It is exceedingly well written, creative, has great action scenes, great characters, and a wonderful plot loosely based on events that happened during World War I. The book ends in a good spot; although I am very eager to see what happens next. Of course the number one question is: will Alec realize Dylan is really Deryn, a girl disguising herself as a midshipman? You'll have to read it to find out. If you like the steampunk theme that this book has you might want to check out Cherie Priest's Clockwork Century series as well.

Leviathan was just the start of Deryn and Alek's adventure. Now that they've arrived in Constantinople/Istanbul to complete Dr. Barlow's mission of gifting the eggs to the Ottoman Emperor, it's Alek's chance to run away with his men. But the escape plan goes wrong. Alone in the streets on Istanbul, Alek is dragged into the politics of the place and ends up joining a band of rebels looking to overthrow the sultan! Meanwhile, Deryn has been sent on a special mission, that if fulfilled will bring everyone closer to meeting the behemoth. But her plans also go awry! The Leviathan has left and now she's stranded, and there's really no other option than to join Alek...or so she keeps telling herself. With Behemoth Scott Westerfeld returns stronger than ever with adventure, action, and steampunk like you've never seen before!In this second book of the Leviathan trilogy we get deeper into the politics and alliances of the war. Westerfeld does a great job of incorporating real events and twitching others to suit this lighter fantasy version of what we know as WWI. Of course, what makes it so fun is that the story revolves around Alek and Deryn. Deryn slowly realizes her feelings towards Alek run a wee bit stronger than she imagined. There's a certain tension to their scenes now that wasn't there before, especially with the loris laughing every time it says "Mr. Sharp." I never knew when Alek would finally get it. The beautiful Lilit also adds complications to the whole thing, and jealousy is certainly a new emotion for Deryn. Alek is very fond of his best friend, confides in Deryn, and counts on her for everything, but he still doesn't know her secret. In this book he's trying his hardest to bring about peace; he sees the rebellion as an opportunity to reach that ultimate goal. He also gets to see the real consequences of war, death and destruction.I loved the meltingpot that was Istanbul, with both Clanker and Darwinist influences. The walkers were pretty amazing, being machines but keeping the forms in organic and animal shapes. Thompson does an amazing job of illustrating them all! I would just stop reading to examine each and every one of his drawings. Be prepared to read about Tesla cannon's, spottiswoode rebreather armor, perpicacious loris, ironclads, vitriolic barnacles and many other marvels in this steampunk world Westerfeld has imagined. Onwards to read Goliath!

You can learn a whole new batch of cuss words from this trilogy.

Attention : écrit en Anglais => à n'utiliser que dans le cadre d'une immersion linguistique ...Pas évident à repérer dans la description:-(

This is the sequel to the already impressive Leviathan, and continues Westerfeld's rollicking alternate universe take on the Great War. We continue to follow Deryn and Alek as they and the living airship Leviathan embark on an important mission in Istanbul.The author depicts the exotic city beautifully, with both period detail and his own additions- some very cool animalistic walkers and steam powered shadow plays, among others.The world might be just as great as in the original book, but here the characters take centre stage, as they and their relationships deepen and develop. Alek begins to fully consider his destiny and possible role in ending the conflict, and Deryn struggles between duty and friendship, and examines her own burgeoning feelings for the archduke's son who still thinks her a boy.There are great new characters too, in the resistance fighters our heroes befriend within the city. We also finally discover what is inside Dr. Barlow's mysterious eggs, and those expecting a powerful warbeast of some kind might be pleasantly surprised.The tale builds to a thrilling climax as the protagonists face the horrors of a new German weapon, and the action scenes throughout the book are of a higher standard than those in the original book.Sterling work, too, from Keith Thompson, whose illustrations just get better and better. His drawings impart bags of character to Alek, Deryn and their friends, and he excels at depicting the industrial machinery of the Clankers as well as the biological monstrosities of the Darwinists (Cronenberg would be proud).Now the only problem is waiting for the last installment!

A great book in a great series.

I started with Leviathan to try out the universe and an author I did not know. I have to admit I have been unable to stop reading and went through the three books very quickly. I have loved the alternative universe and loved the characters. Behemoth is as good as Leviathan or Goliath and well, if you started and enjoy the first one, it will not disappoint.