Monday Meme Spotlight: Steampunk

 

     Have you ever wanted a new kind of superhero? Is Batman too mainstream to you? Do you like historical fiction, but with there was more action involved? Then steampunk is for you! Here are a few excellent examples of steampunk in books. 

Leviathan- Scott Westerfeld:  This is a great example of a divergent steampunk adventure, set in an alternate history where DNA was discovered much sooner and the world- beasties versus mechanics- is on the brink of World War II. In this world, animal airships and mechanical walkers battle on the snowy tundras and forests down to the dusty lands of the Ottoman Empire. Click here to get your copy, and don't miss the other two books, Goliath and Behemoth.

Incarceron- Catherine Fisher: No fantasy steampunk is complete without a living prison that changes and moves to keep its captives inside. This is exactly what Incarceron provides, a thrilling adventure starring the daughter of the warden of this prison, who willingly goes in to escape an arranged marriage. There are three books in this series as well, so click here to check it 

Airman- Eoin Colfer: This book is close to my heart. Most certainly one of the best books I have ever had the pleasure to read, it's set in various places and times, but the gist is this: Connor is imprisoned for a crime he did not commit, and sentenced to serve out his term on a deadly mining island while the villain usurps control and endangers the princess- the new queen, Connor's best friend. He must find a way to escape and take back his reputation and save his friend before it's too late- and the novel is a complete thrill. Click here to get it for yourself. 

 

Book Review: Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld

Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
In an instant, Prince Alek’s life changes forever. His father Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary, and his mother are assassinated while visiting Serbia. On the run with a few of his father’s most trusted men, Alek seeks to escape from those who would kill him or make him a pawn.

Dylan Sharp, a young Midshipman aboard the Leviathan is more than he appears to be. Dylan is actually Deryn, a girl who longed to fly who disguises herself as a boy in order to enlist in the navy. When the Leviathan is attacked by the Germans and forced to crash land in Switzerland, Deryn meets a most unusual young Austrian who may or may not be her enemy.

In a world where Darwinist creations such as the whale of the Leviathan roam the skies, and Clanker machines walk on two, four, six, or even eight legs, you never know what will happen next.

Westerfeld refers to this book as being steampunk, a mixture of history, and science fiction. Where advanced technology may appear in an historical era. That is indeed the best description of what this novel is. It takes place right at the start of World War I, after the death of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife.

While the book was action packed, it did take a while to get used to the world Westerfeld has created. The book has interesting drawings to accompany the text which is helpful in visualizing the world Westerfeld created.

An audio version of this book is available in the teen book section.  The audio is well done and very engaging.  The only downside to listening to the audio is that you miss out on the interesting (and sometimes helpful) illustration that pepper the text.  The illustrations help the reader visualize the machines, but even this did not detract from the quality and interest of the audio.

Overall, I felt this was an fascinating book, but I found the ending a bit abrupt.  Since this is the first book in a series, I am anxious to see how this story will end. In some ways it reminded me of Eoin Colfer’s Airman, a book I also enjoyed. I just wish I had gotten more of a concrete ending to this book. I will pick up the next though, since I have to know what happens next.

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