Review - Behemoth (Levithan Trilogy, Book 2) by Scott Westerfeld (5/5 stars)

Reading level: Young Adult/Middle Grade
Genre: Fantasy/Steampunk
Size: 496 pages
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Release Date: October 5, 2010
ISBN-13: 978-1416971757
Stand Alone or Series: 2nd book in Leviathan Trilogy
Source: Bought
Rating: 5/5 stars

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.

This book goes towards the following reading challenges:
- 100+ Reading Challenge
- Get Steampunked!