About This Book
Reach for this book when your teenager is navigating the complexities of loyalty or feels caught between two worlds. Whether they are balancing family expectations against personal beliefs or struggling to find their voice in a crowded room, this story offers a mirror for those growing pains. Set in an imaginative, steampunk version of World War I, it follows a prince and a disguised girl soldier as they navigate a revolution in Constantinople. Beyond the high-octane action, the book explores the weight of secrets and the courage required to stand up for what is right even when the path is unclear. It is a sophisticated choice for readers aged 12 and up who enjoy historical atmosphere mixed with ethical dilemmas and the thrill of discovery.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
DISTRESS: The book contains scenes of mechanized and biological warfare. Specifically, the descriptions of the Behemoth consuming ships and the tactile nature of the 'beasties' might be intense for more sensitive readers. There is a scene involving an attempted assassination and several moments where characters are in immediate, life-threatening danger during a revolutionary uprising. CONVERSATION: You might need to discuss the ethical implications of 'fabricating' living creatures for war, as the Darwinist technology raises questions about animal rights and bioethics. You may also want to discuss historical gender roles and the necessity of Deryn’s disguise within the military of that era.
Ideal Reader
A 13-year-old history buff who loves technical details and complex world-building. This reader enjoys seeing how individual choices impact global events.
Parent Prep
Review the chapters involving the internal revolution in Constantinople to help provide context on why the citizens are rebelling against the Sultan. A child expressing interest in how technology can be used for harm.
Age Experience
Middle schoolers will gravitate toward the cool gadgets and the 'beasties.' High schoolers will better appreciate the political maneuvering, the high stakes of Deryn’s secret identity, and the romantic tension.
What Makes It Special
Westerfeld's unique 'Darwinist vs. Clanker' dichotomy (biology vs. mechanics) provides a much richer philosophical playground than standard steampunk fiction.
Read plot summary
In the second installment of the Leviathan trilogy, Prince Alek and Deryn (disguised as midshipman Dylan) arrive in the Ottoman Empire aboard the living airship Leviathan. Their mission is to prevent the Sultan from joining the Central Powers. While Alek navigates the political intrigue of the city and joins an underground resistance, Deryn must maintain her secret identity while dealing with her growing feelings for the prince. The story culminates in a massive battle involving the titular Behemoth, a genetically engineered sea kraken.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Deryn must continue to hide her identity as a girl to serve in the Air Service. How does this secret affect her ability to trust Alek?
2
The Darwinists use living creatures as tools and weapons. Do you think this is more or less ethical than the Clankers using machines? Why?
3
Alek decides to join the committee of public safety in Constantinople. What does this tell us about his evolution from a sheltered prince to a leader?
4
How does the setting of Constantinople, a city between Europe and Asia, reflect the 'between worlds' feeling that both Alek and Deryn experience?
