One-line summary:

In “Behemoth,” author Scott Westerfeld continues his thrilling steampunk adventure as Alek and Deryn find themselves caught in the middle of a war between the Clankers and the Darwinists.

The Clankers and the Darwinists

“Behemoth” is the second book in Scott Westerfeld’s “Leviathan” trilogy, set in an alternate version of World War I. In this steampunk world, the Clankers, who rely on machinery and steam-powered technology, are pitted against the Darwinists, who have mastered the art of bio-engineering. Alek, the young heir to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and Deryn, a girl disguised as a boy serving in the British Air Service, continue their adventures as they navigate the treacherous waters of war.

As the story unfolds, Alek and Deryn find themselves aboard the Leviathan, a massive living airship created by the Darwinists. Their mission is to deliver a mysterious package to the Ottoman Empire, a neutral power in the war. However, their journey is fraught with danger as they encounter enemy forces, face political intrigue, and uncover shocking secrets.

A World at War

“Behemoth” takes readers on a thrilling ride through a war-torn Europe. The Clankers, led by the German forces, are determined to crush the Darwinists and their living creations. Meanwhile, the Darwinists, with their genetically modified creatures, fight to maintain their dominance. Alek and Deryn find themselves caught in the middle, forced to make difficult choices that could change the course of the war.

As they travel through Istanbul, Alek and Deryn witness the tensions between the Ottoman Empire and the German forces. They also encounter the mysterious Dr. Barlow, a British scientist with her own agenda. With their lives constantly in danger, Alek and Deryn must rely on their wits and resourcefulness to survive.

Friendship and Loyalty

Throughout “Behemoth,” the theme of friendship and loyalty is explored. Alek and Deryn come from different backgrounds and have different loyalties, but their bond grows stronger as they face numerous challenges together. Their trust in each other is tested as they navigate the complexities of war and politics. Despite their differences, they learn to rely on each other and work as a team.

As the story progresses, Alek and Deryn form unexpected alliances and discover that their enemies may not be who they seem. They learn to question their preconceived notions and challenge the status quo. Their journey becomes not only a physical one but also a journey of self-discovery and personal growth.

Key takeaways:

• The Clankers and the Darwinists represent two opposing forces in a war-torn Europe.
• Alek and Deryn’s friendship and loyalty are tested as they navigate the complexities of war.
• The story explores themes of trust, teamwork, and personal growth.

“The world is a mess, and I just…need to rule it.”

In “Behemoth,” Scott Westerfeld continues to captivate readers with his thrilling steampunk adventure. The book delves deeper into the complexities of war, friendship, and loyalty. As Alek and Deryn face danger at every turn, they learn valuable lessons about trust, teamwork, and the importance of questioning the status quo. With its vivid world-building and engaging characters, “Behemoth” is a must-read for fans of the series and anyone who enjoys action-packed stories set in alternate histories.