Leviathan

By: Scott Westerfeld

Narrated by: Alan Cumming

Length: 8 hrs and 16 mins

Publisher's summary

It is the cusp of World War I, and all the European powers are arming up. The Austro-Hungarians and Germans have their Clankers, steam-driven iron machines loaded with guns and ammunition. The British Darwinists employ fabricated animals as their weaponry. The Leviathan is a living airship, the most formidable airbeast in the skies of Europe.

Aleksandar Ferdinand, prince of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, is on the run. His own people have turned on him. His title is worthless. All he has is a battle-torn Stormwalker and a loyal crew of men.

Deryn Sharp is a commoner, a girl disguised as a boy in the British Air Service. She's a brilliant airman. But her secret is in constant danger of being discovered.

With the Great War brewing, Alek's and Deryn's paths cross in the most unexpected way - taking them both aboard the Leviathan on a fantastical, around-the-world adventure. One that will change both their lives forever.

©2009 Scott Westerfeld (P)2009 SImon & Schuster

pretty good

the story is a little simplistic but the setting of the book made up for it

Narration is wonderful!

Any additional comments?

I really enjoyed listening to Alan's reading. Going to get the next book to decide on the story. Has potential, but definitely doesn't stand on its own.

Amazing Performance

The story is interesting, but the characters are amazing. I enjoyed the journey Alec and Darren have made. I’m not sure I would have enjoyed it as much if I hadn’t heard it performed by Alan Cumming, he is truly talented and does so many great voices. Audible 20 Review Sweepstakes Entry

Surprisingly delightful

My sister recommended the Leviathan series to me years ago but as a history major I tend to avoid alternate histories. They generally drive me crazy I don't like people playing with historical figures unless they do it really well. Also I wasn't a super fan of the Uglies. I resisted for a long time until I listened to a chapter of the book with her while on a road trip. I was caught up within seconds by Allen Cumming's performance. He does a wonderful job! The first section I listened to was a conversation with multiple genders, ages and nationalities and he preformed them all so well it was better than many full cast audio productions I've listened to. It didn't take long for me to be completely enthralled in the story as well. I love the complexity of Darwinist vs clanker and what it added to the allied sides of the war. I especially loved the authors notes at the end detailing changes Westerfield made and why.

All and all I would say this is one of the best audio books I have ever listened to, as well as being one of the most original stories I've come across in ages. I loved it.

Fun, interesting, and beautifully read!

This book had a bit of a slow start for me emotionally, but not for long. I really like the characters that Scott Westerfeld created, and the clever way the two main characters finally meet. The alternate past steampunk plot is really fun to imagine. This was a well-researched book. I can't help myself, I'll have to read the next to find out what happens! If you haven't read the Uglies series by this same author, please do. It's all great writing, very imaginative and well-described! Alan Cumming, by the way, is absolutely brilliant!

Great book for all ages

I question the difference between an adult book and one for young adults. The main difference is who the main characters are. If they are teenagers or adults and whether or not they is sex and violence. The rest of the content is very similar and enjoyable. Harry Potter is a good example of literature that can be enjoyed by all ages as is this book! I reccomend it heartily!

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Clankers and Darwinists on the move, oh my!

I took a chance on this and by the end I was having a great time! I’m another one who picked this up during a $4.95 sale, and I’ll definitely be getting the following books.

This is chocked full of action and steampunky details! The two main characters begin their adventures on opposing sides of the onset of an alternate World War I. Both become immediately embroiled in the brewing conflict -- steampunk style of course! But this isn’t just about dry battles. The characters are likeable and things move at a quick pace. There was one section about a third of the way through where things felt a little mired down in mechanical details, but that’s about my only complaint. I really liked how the author set up two separate steampunk cultures to go with the opposing sides of the war. It works very well in the context of the story.

This is the first book in a young adult trilogy, but still a lot of fun for an adult. I’m a woman in my 30’s and really enjoyed it. The narrator juggled a host of European accents very well, and his performance added a lot to the experience! The story comes to a reasonable stopping point even though it’s part of a series. You can see where things are headed in the next book, but won’t be left dangling with a cliffhanger.

Fantastic and charming

What did you love best about Leviathan?

I love the world of the book. The way things from actual history show up and make sense in a world of mad-science and general steam-powered coolness is so fun!

What did you like best about this story?

The characters are great, especially Deryn. She may start out like your typical

Which character – as performed by Alan Cumming – was your favorite?

They were all fun, but Deryn is my favorite. My new favorite phrase is

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I wish I could have listened to this one in one sitting and then listen to the next two right after.

Any additional comments?

The Leviathan series is great fun no matter what your age. It's also a great introduction to the world of steam-punk.

Steam punk all the way!!!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

To anyone that loves a steampunk twist on history and a sweet romance. No trash here.

What about Alan Cumming’s performance did you like?

Alan is fantastic!! I would try other books by him just because he does such a great job.