Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld: Review by Natalie

I just read a great fantasy book about an alternate history called Leviathan, by Scott Westerfeld. It's set right near the beginning of World War 1, in places like Austria, Switzerland, and the Leviathan. It's about two people, Alek and Deryn. Deryn is a 15-year-old girl who enters the British Air service, and has to hide the fact that she is female because girls are not allowed. Surprisingly, the British and their allies don't fly planes, they fly huge hydrogen-filled sea creatures! In this story, the great scientist Darwin discovered DNA and learned how to manipulate it to create unique creatures, for instance message lizards. They repeat orders and bring them to people in other places. The British are called Darwinists because they use Darwin's man-made animals to do many different things. The Leviathan is a giant flying whale airship that was specially designed so that it is possible to walk inside it, where there are rooms and more strange creatures. Alek is the prince of the Austro-Hungarian empire, but his parents are assassinated by the empire to start a war and he has to run away with his teachers. The Austro-Hungarians and their allies, nicknamed "Clankers" are the enemies of the Darwinists. They use mechanical things to do things, but they walk, instead of being on wheels or treads. Alek is also their enemy and to escape them he crosses the border into Switzerland, a neutral country. Not long after the Leviathan crashes close to where he is hiding, and Alek and Deryn (Who is calling herself Dylan) meet. Then, the excitement begins!

You'll have to read this great book to find out what happens next! I loved it because it has lots of excitement and an amazing back story. Also, I am interested in books with alternate history. I'd recommend this book to nearly everyone because one character uses a LOT of interesting swears, though it is a good book. Leviathan is a good read!