Leviathan

Set on the precipice of World War I, Scott Westerfeld's 'Leviathan' plunges readers into a captivating alternate history where global powers wage war with astonishingly divergent technologies. On one side are the 'Clankers' – the Austro-Hungarians and Germans – who command formidable, steam-driven mechanical war machines. On the other, the 'Darwinists' – the British – who wield genetically engineered creatures, including the colossal whale-airship known as the Leviathan. The story unfurls through the eyes of two young protagonists: Aleksandar Ferdinand, a prince and Clanker on the run after his parents' assassination, and Deryn Sharp, a resourceful British girl who disguises herself as a boy to join the Air Service. Their paths, destined to be on opposing sides of the brewing conflict, unexpectedly intertwine aboard the majestic Leviathan, embarking them on a thrilling, globe-trotting adventure. As they navigate dangers, uncover conspiracies, and confront the harsh realities of war, their unlikely alliance challenges their preconceived notions and has the potential to alter the course of history itself.