Leviathan is the first book in the three book YA series written about an alternate past during WWI. The story chapters switch between the perspectives of two characters, Alek, the son of the Archduke Ferdinand, whose assassination starts the war, and a british commoner girl Deryn disguised as a boy to enter the air force and fly. Alek is on the side of the Central powers, (Germany, Austria Hungary and so on) also known as the clankers, for their massive mechanized war machines. Deryn is fighting for the darwinists, who use genetically fabricated animals for their warfare. Alek is fleeing for his life as his parents killers track him down, Deryn is on her own harboring a huge secret so she can fly. As war heats up, the two cross paths and their adventure changes the course of the war, and the course of their lives.
This book is one of my absolute favorites for a couple of reasons. First, the reading level isn't so challenging that it's inaccessible, however it isn't too easy to apply to all age groups. Second, even though there is a boy and a girl on opposite sides, the cliche trope of them falling in love doesn't happen, in a refreshing turn of events, they are best friends and harbor each others secrets rather than feelings. Third, the whole setting has a steampunk vibe, however the darwinist animals add an ethereal almost magical feel, so it isn't a typical machine based setting. The descriptions are fantastic, and if your imagination isn't up to speed, every few chapters there is a beautiful black and white illustration of the action. This book is a YA masterpiece, showcasing human interaction in the purest and most violent forms, while still crafting a riveting plot.
This book is one of my absolute favorites for a couple of reasons. First, the reading level isn't so challenging that it's inaccessible, however it isn't too easy to apply to all age groups. Second, even though there is a boy and a girl on opposite sides, the cliche trope of them falling in love doesn't happen, in a refreshing turn of events, they are best friends and harbor each others secrets rather than feelings. Third, the whole setting has a steampunk vibe, however the darwinist animals add an ethereal almost magical feel, so it isn't a typical machine based setting. The descriptions are fantastic, and if your imagination isn't up to speed, every few chapters there is a beautiful black and white illustration of the action. This book is a YA masterpiece, showcasing human interaction in the purest and most violent forms, while still crafting a riveting plot.