Behemoth (Leviathan, #2)

by Scott Westerfeld

The Leviathan arrives in Constantinople, a city where Clanker culture and Darwinst principles intersect in the most intriguing ways. Dr Barlow and Deryn deliver their precious cargo to the Sultan, but their peace-keeping mission goes unexpectedly - and disastrously - awry. Now the only way to save themselves in this hostile, politically-charged city is for Dr Barlow to offer up the thing that matters most: the air ship. Alek escapes from his prison camp and goes on the run with his men and the loris while Count Volger stays behind to fend-off the pursuit, forcing Alek to take on new responsibilities. Meanwhile a secret mission lands Deryn in serious danger... and leads both teens to re-evaluate their precarious situations in the world.

• ISBN10: 1416971750
• ISBN13: 9781416971757
• Publish Date: 5 October 2010 (first published 1 October 2010)
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Simon & Schuster
• Edition: Reprint ed.
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 496
• Language: English

Reviews

[Rinn]

Also posted on my book blog, Rinn Reads.

I read and reviewed Leviathan, the first book in this series, last year as part of Sci-Fi Month. The book had been sat on my shelf for some time, and I almost returned it to the library – but luckily I didn’t, because after reading Behemoth I’m pretty sure the Leviathan series is going to end up being a new favourite.

Unlike the first book in the series, much of the action in Behemoth takes place on the ground. This also allows the reader to catch more of a glimpse of the ‘Clanker’ side of life: we see walkers used to guard the ghetto, scarab beetle taxis, elephantine transport and a giant mechanical ‘sultan’ puppet. Each new reveal of technology fascinated me, and accompanied by the gorgeous illustrations (once again provided by Keith Thompson), Alek and Deryn’s world really began to come together.

The majority of the story was set in Constantinople/Istanbul, which opened up the opportunity to introduce some new characters. Alek and Deryn meet a group of people taking part in a revolution, most notably Zevan and his daughter, Lilit. Lilit is seen as ‘unusual’ by Alek, a girl who is trained to fight and do typically ‘unladylike’ things, which only makes Deryn more confused and unsure about revealing her true identity. Yet her feelings for Alek are becoming more and more clear, making things difficult – especially when he teases Deryn about Lilit’s feelings for her. And whilst Alek is convinced that Lilit has a crush on ‘Dylan’ (Deryn’s male identity), something Lilit says later on makes it quite clear that she knows Deryn’s secret – and that makes no difference to her attraction towards Deryn.

One of my favourite parts of the book was the introduction of the perspicacious loris, a fabricated beastie hatched by Dr. Barlow, who latches on to Alek. This adorable creature learns as it observes, often repeating snatches of conversation or useful words. In fact, the loris even catches on to Deryn’s secret, frequently saying”Mr. Sharp!” and then giggling. We also get to see that Deryn isn’t just street smart, but smart smart. After spending some time around Alek and his companions, she starts to pick up German (or ‘Clanker’) at great speed, and by the end of the book is able to have fairly complex conversations.

I loved Behemoth just as much as I loved Leviathan, and do not for a moment regret picking up this series. A wonderfully imagined alternate history with some fantastically developed characters await you in this book – along with some truly gorgeous illustrations.

[mrs_mander_reads]

Just as good as the first book. I'm hooked on Alek and Deryn, and can't wait to see what happens where Deryn finally comes clean about being a girl. I also think the loris, Bovril, is the cutest fabricated beast by far. If I could have one as a pet, it would be him! Starting the third book (and last! :( ) asap.

[lizarodz]

Find the original review here: Reading with ABC

I first read Leviathan in 2009 and although I had Behemoth, just like other unread (but not unloved) books in my shelves, I hadn’t had the chance to read it before now. When I saw the audio book at my local library, I quickly decided to pick it up. Barking spiders! It was an extraordinary adventure!


In the audio book, actor Alan Cumming does a wonderful job. I really enjoyed the different accents (German, British, Scottish, Middle East) and different voices, it was a true masterpiece. However, I usually listen to audio books in the car and it was taking too long to finish the book that way AND I also missed the beautiful (and helpful) drawings; therefore I finished the book by actually reading my copy.


If you haven’t read Leviathan, let me give you a very brief summary. This is Steampunk at its best! It is a re-telling of some of the events of WWI (early 1900s) in which the world is divided between Darwinists (who create creatures or ‘beasties’) and Clanckers (who create amazing machines) and they are at war.


It was so good to visit again with these beloved characters. Deryn is so funny, loyal, extremely intelligent, and resourceful. She makes an extraordinary soldier, even if she has to hide in breaches to become one. Alek is so focused on making a difference that sometimes his judgment gets him in trouble. It’s a good thing that he has Deryn to look after him! He still blames himself for the start of the war.


The characterization for these series is really good; it makes the reader invested in the story and in what the characters are going through. I enjoyed all the characters, Lilit, Dr. Barlow, Count Volger, and specially Bovril. Deryn, I love you and I hope that Alek does too!


I really enjoy all the drawings, as I said before, they are beautiful AND very helpful since they portray amazing creatures and machines that help the reader visualize the huge imagination that Mr. Westerfeld has. The plot is truly a stroke of genius! It is complicated, unexpected, full of twists and turns and amazing besties and machines. I really love this series and I already order Goliath, the last book in the series.

[Terri M. LeBlanc]

A quick read with growing anticipation for how the series with end.

[inlibrisveritas]

If you've seen my review for Leviathan then you know I wasn't terribly sure how I felt about the book and ended up giving three stars because of that. Well Behemoth did what the first couldn't for me and helped me decide that I bloody love this series. I had a few irritants here and there so I couldn't give it a five but it's still a brilliant book and made me realize that the first was just as good, so I may go back to my review and rework it if I have the time.

I really love Alek and Deryn as main characters, they are each others opposite so they fill in what the other is missing. Also I really like the fact that it's not turning into a romance and becoming all love sick, this is first and foremost about how they deal with the war and the friendship between them. Deryn is a wonderful female character and she's breaking the mold of so many YA main characters. She's bold, straight forward, strong, and clever. It's really enjoyable reading about her and her situations. Alek is just as enjoyable and not just because he's noble, but because he's also a strong character with a unique situation. Also I adore Bovril, he's so adorable!!

These are some well thought out books, and that much is very clear. It's an alternate history so of course you have facts mingling with fiction in vast amounts, but you also have interesting steampunk creations and beautiful illustrations. I'm in love with the idea of the Allies being 'Darwinists' and the Axis being 'Clankers', it gives a whole new outlook on WWI, not to mention the interesting battles that take place. The illustrator, Keith Thompson, does a fantastic job with the pictures throughout this book. Not only do they give you a glimpse of what this world looks like they are also very nice to look at, I kind of wish that I could find a colored poster version of a few to hang in my room.

I can't wait for Goliath to hit the shelves! I also regret getting rid of my copy of Leviathan, so I'll have to re-buy it when I get the chance.

[Grace]

This book was utterly fantastic. The prequel, Leviathan, moved a bit slowly; it felt more like a very long set-up for Behemoth. In all fairness, it would probably have been annoying if Westerfeld had tried to gloss over the entire events of the first book by cramming it all into a couple of chapters at the beginning of Behemoth... but I digress.

Behemoth delves even deeper into the war between the Darwinists and the Clankers, and shows us Westerfeld's skill at blending fact and fiction. The creatures and machines he creates are absolutely amazing (what I wouldn't give to get my hands on a perspicacious loris of my own). I cannot wait for the next installment, and I'm sad that this is only a trilogy.

My only complaint is that the main characters, Deryn and Alek, are supposed to be about 16, but they read as though they're about 12 or 13. Their thoughts, words, and behavior just don't have the complexity of a teenager. This is a pretty minor quibble, though; I would still recommend this series to anyone.