September 13, 2011

Goliath by Scott Westerfeld

Release Date: September 20, 2011
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pages: 560
Series: Leviathan #3
Review Source: GalleyGrab


Synopsis: (from Goodreads)
Alek and Deryn are on the last leg of their round-the-world quest to end World War I, reclaim Alek’s throne as prince of Austria, and finally fall in love. The first two objectives are complicated by the fact that their ship, the Leviathan, continues to detour farther away from the heart of the war (and crown). And the love thing would be a lot easier if Alek knew Deryn was a girl. (She has to pose as a boy in order to serve in the British Air Service.) And if they weren’t technically enemies.

The tension thickens as the Leviathan steams toward New York City with a homicidal lunatic on board: secrets suddenly unravel, characters reappear, and nothing is at it seems in this thunderous conclusion to Scott Westerfeld’s brilliant trilogy.

My Thoughts:
I could make this the simplest review ever and say: you pretty much couldn't ask for a better conclusion to the "Leviathan" trilogy.

But that would be a bit boring, right? So here's a list of some things I found especially awesome:

  • Deryn. She is awesomely tough and strong, but she still gets all fluttery about her crush on Alek. Too, too cute. But does she become ultra girly? No way. She stays true to herself throughout the whole book.
  • Bovril. I could probably ready a whole book of just this perspicacious loris. He makes me laugh, especially with his “Mr. Sharp”s.
  • Crazy new characters (many based on real-life people) and the return of old ones.
  • The real historical events that are twisted around for the story, plus the Afterword by Westerfeld that explains some of the key differences between the book and history.
  • The illustrations. Obviously! These books are great on their own, but the illustrations add a whole other layer to the story. They provide a detailed visual representation of the Clanker and Darwinist inventions and creatures that I could never picture that vividly on my own.

And the best part?

  • An absolutely perfect ending. Some people might think it’s a little too perfect, but I adored it. I couldn’t imagine a better ending for the trilogy.

The Cover:
All kinds of lovely. These covers are awesome and perfect for the stories.

Rating:
[4/5]

Find Goliath by Scott Westerfeld on Goodreads, Book Depository, & Amazon.

9 comments:

  1. I'm reading this one right now, and I think the illustrations get better with every books. Simply fascinating. Love the characters. He just is a masterful story teller! Great review. Wish I could go read right now......

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  2. I need to read this trilogy! I love when a series ends perfectly and you're happy with how everything got wrapped up. That doesn't always happen so I'm glad to know this one is a success all the way through!

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  3. Ugh.. I seriously need to start this trilogy. Seems like I've been saying that for so long.

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  4. Glad you were pleased with the ending of the trilogy. I need to catch up with the series sometime now that it's over. I didn't realize the book was illustrated - sounds awesome.

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  5. Soooo jealous you got an advance copy of this book! I've been going crazy, waiting for this last book to be released. Glad to hear it doesn't disappoint!


    Smiles!
    Lori

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  6. I hear the most fantastic things about this series, and I've yet to read it! I think, seeing this raving review in particular, I need to push it up in my TBR. Great thoughts, girl! :)

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  7. Another series I need to read! Sounds like such an incredible plot. Great review :)

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  8. Ah! This sounds incredible! My brother read the first one, but hasn't had a chance to get himself the second. Great review, Ashley!

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  9. This has been an amazing series -- I need to read this final book in it! And, personally, I see nothing wrong with a perfect ending. It is fiction after all and perfect endings make me happy.
    Mary @ BookSwarm

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Thank you so much for taking the time to comment; I appreciate each one!

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