Hassan

= __ Leviathan __  =

By: Hassan Syed = __About the Book__ =

==== //Leviathan,//was written by Scott Westerfeld and illustrated by Keith Thompson.This book was published in October 6, 2009 by Simon Pulse, and it won the Aurealis award in 2009. The setting is mostly located in Britain and Germany during 1914. This novel is a retelling of World War 1. It is a book in the relatively new genre, steampunk. This is a sub-genre to science fiction and fantasy. //Leviathan// is the first book in the trilogy set in World War 1. In this book the war is mainly between the Darwinists and the Clankers. The Darwinists use genetically mutated creatures for war while the Clankers use mechanized war machines. In all of this chaos an orphan and prince must work together to end the war. ====

=__Character & Conflict__= ==== The main characters are Deryn "Dylan" Sharp, Prince Alekzander of Hohenberg, and Dr. Nora Darwin Barlow. Deryn and Prince Alekzander who is called Alek in the book are the most notable characters and are thrust into the spotlight throughout the majority of the book. Deryn is a orphan girl that disguises herself as a boy to join the air force. Alek is a noble born boy whose parents are killed and is forced to go on the run. Dr. Nora Darwin Barlow is the granddaughter of Darwin who the Darwinists are named after. She is also the caretaker of some mysterious eggs that will hatch into "things" they can use against the Clankers. The story starts when Alek is awaken in the middle of the night. It's revealed to him that his parents were killed and that he is now on the run. Meanwhile Deryn wants to be on one of the great air beasts, Leviathan. To do this she must pretend to be a boy, so she is known as Dylan. When Leviathan comes under attack by a Clanker ship, Alek feels the need to help and provides medicine. Dylan is suspicious of him and sounds the alarm, and Alek is captured. Alek is forced to reveal his true identity. They then decide to join forces in an effort to get away from the Clankers. ====

=__Theme__=

**Despite fundamental differences, two groups can unite under very trying circumstances to confront an overarching evil in an attempt to subdue it.**
=__Review__= ==== The book, //" Leviathan"// by Scott Westerfeld is a very fast paced, high stakes novel that will keep your heart pounding throughout it. Westerfeld is able to keep your attention hooked while retelling the story of World War I. The new take on WWI is very profound as he makes you think throughout the novel. With the introduction of massive blimps as well as massive creatures, the war suddenly turns into something that could mean the end of the world. The book reaches new levels with its interesting story line as well as very relatable characters. The author's ability to create suspense will keep you on the edge of your seat unable to wait for the next two books. ====


 * [[image:250px-Scott_Westerfeld.jpg]] || =__About the Author__=

and the Victorian Award.
=__Style Analysis__= ==Scott Westerfeld uses a unique voice, a suspenseful tone, and a few humorous lines to create a very individual style. By using much of the language that was used in WWI such as, "bantam" and "ANZAC" (Westerfeld 107) he is able to give an authentic representation of WWI in his own retelling of WWI. Another unique thing Westerfeld does is the amount of inappropriate words he uses. This is used most of the time to show the intensity of a battle which gives these fights a very chaotic feeling. His unique style really sets his writing apart from other writers, as he is able to create intensity and then diffuse it a few moments later with a funny line. == || Westerfeld, Scott, and Keith Thompson. //Leviathan //. New York: Simon Pulse, 2009. Print.
 * || =__Works Cited__=

Bedford, Rob. "Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld." //Sffworld.com //. Ssfworld.com, Oct. 2009. Web.

Grossman, Austin. "'Leviathan,' by Scott Westerfeld." //The New York Times //. The New York Times, 5 Nov. 2009. Web.

Norx, Andrew. "LEVIATHAN by Scott Westerfeld." //Kirkus Book Reviews //. Kirkus Reviews, 1 Sept. 2009. Web. ||