Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld

Synopsis:
It is the cusp of World War I, and all the European powers are arming up. The Austro-Hungarians and Germans have their Clankers, steam-driven iron machines loaded with guns and ammunition. The British Darwinists employ fabricated animals as their weaponry. Their Leviathan is a whale airship, and the most masterful beast in the British fleet.
Aleksandar Ferdinand, prince of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, is on the run. His own people have turned on him. His title is worthless. All he has is a battle-torn Stormwalker and a loyal crew of men.
Deryn Sharp is a commoner, a girl disguised as a boy in the British Air Service. She's a brilliant airman. But her secret is in constant danger of being discovered.
With the Great War brewing, Alek's and Deryn's paths cross in the most unexpected way...taking them both aboard the Leviathan on a fantastical, around-the-world adventure. One that will change both their lives forever.

My Review:
This was my very first Scott Westerfeld and Steampunk book so there was a lot of newness to get used to. I like the idea of a book about an alternate history of World War I and twisting history by making something in the past that is familiar brand new for the reader. This story was very Star Wars-esque to me because while it was set in the past there were very futuristic elements with all the war machines and morphed animals. I am torn about the pacing of this book because I felt Westerfeld sped through the description of the actions scenes and I had a hard time keeping up. On the other hand I am glad Westerfeld did not linger too long on details because the story would drag on forever and would lose momentum. I think what saved the pacing issue for me, honestly, was the artwork inside the book which I found really interesting and it illustrated what was happening in the scene.
I think Westerfeld does a good job of implementing the language and slang into the story which can very easily sound forced and fake. I love the fact that there are two strong female characters in this story who take on non-traditional roles namely Deryn Sharp who is a commoner girl posing as a soldier and Dr. Nora Barlow who is a Darwinists and top British scientist. Both women are quick, clever, and assertive which is so refreshing because so many times women are portrayed as damsels in distress types. At this point think the story lacks a true villain, someone we can truly hate and from what I can tell the Germans are the only ones that fill that role. The story ends with not so much a cliff hanger but a feeling of continuation so I will be interested to see what happens to the characters in the next book.