Leviathan is the reinvented and re-imagined story of WWI, but in full steampunk galore. It's the parallel story of Alek, son of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and Deryn, a girl disguised as a boy to join the British Air Force. With the sudden catalyst of the assassination of Franz Ferdinand, Alek's life is suddenly in danger, and is on the run. Deryn, meanwhile, is thrust in the middle of the largest ship the Leviathan. As their fates intertwine and the war progresses, Deryn and Alek both have their worlds redefined by the changing times. 
 I do love what Leviathan has to offer, historical fiction in a more fanciful setting - the various references to facts: the Darwinist ideas, evolution, the assassination of Franz Ferdinand. It's a good book for any history lover that likes to dream a bit, I suppose. 
 Leviathan really shines because it features two characters that are very different and need to adapt to a whole new world and new changes. Deryn and Alek are young, and they've got a lot to learn but that's what defines the novel - it's like a coming of age story in the midst of one of the most chaotic times in history. 
 Yet, Westerfeld's writing is just as fluid, just as strong as the idea. There is no awkwardness, no loss of voice, he is clear and distinctive in every line, every sentence (which is really admirable in the YA market, I've seen some bad writing out there). And the wonderful illustrations in every chapter just add to the book's enjoyability. 
 Leviathan may not have blown me away, but it is such a solid and good book to read. In the midst of the ever changing YA genre, Leviathan is a story that deserves to be read and loved.