Behemoth

In a thrilling alternate 1914, Scott Westerfeld's "Behemoth" plunges readers deeper into the escalating global conflict between the mechanist Clankers and the bio-engineered Darwinists. Austrian Prince Alek, a fugitive on the run aboard the magnificent living airship Leviathan, finds himself entangled with Deryn Sharp, a resourceful girl disguised as a boy in the British Air Service. Their perilous journey from the icy reaches of the Arctic Circle takes them to the exotic and politically charged city of Constantinople. There, they uncover a sinister plot involving genetically modified 'Behemoth' creatures – colossal, weaponized beasts unlike anything seen before. As their alliance strengthens amidst espionage and daring escapes, Alek and Deryn must navigate a world on the brink of total war, where their destinies, and perhaps the fate of Europe, are intertwined with the secrets hidden beneath the Ottoman capital. This gripping sequel expertly expands its unique steampunk/biopunk universe, offering a rich tapestry of adventure, political intrigue, and evolving friendships.