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

Very enjoyable YA story

This a well written, really fun adventure written for the young adult audience. The story takes place in an alternate reality in the WW1 time frame. In this alternate reality, scientist in England have used the theories of Darwin to create useful creature that are crafted to help fight the war. At the same time Scientist in Germany have used the theories of Tesla and the like to created mechanical walking machines and other mechanized war machines. In the middle of all this are two young people on different side of this conflict. One is a young girl disguised as a boy in the airfleet of England, another a young Austrian prince. They meet and form a friendship and alliance. But will he ever find out she's a really a girl? And will she ever realize her feelings for him?

Good reader

This is one of my favorite series and I'm glad it was read by a very good reader. I would recommend it 100 percent

Fabulous story and beautifully read.

i quickly fell in love with the characters and their stories. I think the hardest part is that the book ended so abruptly. Grateful ibhave enough credits to finish the series!

amazing book should be a movie

love the book have read it before but really would love to see it in a movie

One of my faves! I cannot stop listening.

I have already listened to this series once or twice through and every time I come back, I end up falling in love with it all over again. I want these to be movies someday.

The voice actor for this series is just spectacular. the characters come to life and I laugh and cry and simply find pure delight in his voice talent.

And the story is so wonderfully creative and imaginative!

fun Reed

this was a fun read. I can't imagine why someone would say it was bad. the amount of imagination put into the book along with the alternate timeline makes it worthwhile. I'm going to have to go look for the second book now

Horrid Narration

Would you try another book from Scott Westerfeld and/or Alan Cumming?

No

Would you be willing to try another book from Scott Westerfeld? Why or why not?

Yes. The ratings tell me this is worth reading.

Any additional comments?

I read/listen to the books I select for my grandchildren. In this case, I'm going to have to read it. The way Alan Cunning hammered his words, not a few with mistaken emphasis, drove me mad. Perhaps he was trying to create a sense of danger but it didn't work for me. When I found myself voicing the words, I decided it was time to give up the audio and read the book. This one is going back.

Delightful

Any additional comments?

What a fun and inventive story, with engaging characters, and such an interesting take on the time period (WWI). Alan Cummings is an exceptional reader, which of course is no surprise. I really enjoyed this. I must read the sequel, Behemoth.

Fairly good. Not too many complaints

Would you listen to Leviathan again? Why?

Yes. It has a great alternate-history storyline. Fun setting and interesting take on Machine vs. nature.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I didn't have a favorite character. Maybe as the series progresses I'll find one that I'm attached to but not yet.

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

I loved his accents. The Scottish accent and the Austrian accent were great.

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

No. Sadly. It was good but had so much more potential.

Any additional comments?

The characters were often frustrating instead of endearing. I think that this will become less of a problem if the characters mature a bit. We'll see.

A different genre for me that I thoroughly enjoyed

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

Yes I would, if they liked Steam Punk, Sci-Fi or adventure. I might even recommend it as a starter for touching the waters of Sci-Fi. Not sure if I would recommend to a true history lover, as although many references are historical, the twists on them would probably bother a war story or history lover. I could be wrong though.Although it started slow for me, when it got going, I would look forward to my next day's drive so that I could listen again!

What other book might you compare Leviathan to and why?

Not sure as I stated before this is really my first taste of this type of book. I have read The Hunger Games series and although it's not quite the same genre and I liked Hunger better, it does have it's parallels of battles, friendships and adventure.

Which scene was your favorite?

Not sure I want to say as I don't want to give something away here.

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

Yes it was once it got going. Unfortunately I only listen in my car, but it made me look forward to the next drive.

Any additional comments?

I liked it very much and I will be getting the other 2 in the series. Looking forward to what happens next!