“Inspirations and Influences” is a series of articles in which we invite authors to write guest posts talking about their…well, Inspirations and Influences. The cool thing is that the writers are given free reign so they can go wild and write about anything they want. It can be about their new book, series or about their career as a whole.
We are proud to bring you today a guest post by Scott Westerfeld, author of both Adult and YA books, including the Uglies Trilogy which Thea read and reviewed here. The first book in his new series, Leviathan, was published last year and Ana barking LOVED IT. And to celebrate the upcoming release of the awesome second book Behemoth ( which Ana reviewed today), we invited the author to talk about writing it.
Please give a warm welcome to Scott Westerfeld!
The Leviathan series was inspired by the crumbling “boy’s own adventures” in my parents’ book collection. These books had lots of derring-do and panache, but lacked even a glimpse of a strong female character. So what I’m doing is half homage and half correction, which is a nice combination to work with. You get to be both nostalgic and forward-looking.
It took me about sixty pages to realize what was missing from my version of these old adventure books, however, and that was illustration. A hundred years ago pretty much all novels, whether for kids or adults, had pictures. So I hired Keith Thompson to do a set of old-fashioned images for the trilogy. Then a weird thing happened: these illustrations turned into an even biggest inspiration than my original source material. Here’s what I mean . . .
Keith started with portraits of the two main characters, Alek and Deryn, who are from two different cultures. Alek is Austrian and a Clanker (a machine-user), while Deryn is English and a Darwinist, (In my world Darwin discovered DNA in the 1860s, and created all sort of Victorian biotechnologies: message lizards, living airships, etc.) Rather brilliantly, Keith decided to create frames for these portraits that reflected the cultures.
As you can see, Alek’s frame is made of mechanical parts, fan blades and gears. Deryn’s is made of organic shapes, like seashells. As an aristocrat, Alek is painted, whereas middle-class Deryn is a black and white photograph. With his first illustration, Keith had already begun to establish that the characters came from two different worlds.
Keith carried these distinctions through all fifty illustrations in Leviathan. The tools, clothing, even the furniture of the two cultures reflect two completely different aesthetics. Darwinist stuff has curved lines and smooth edges. Clanker stuff is boxy, as ungainly as a Great War “land dreadnought.” Compare the rear of Alek fighting a fire atop his Clanker Stormwalker with the captain of His Majesty’s Airship Leviathan sitting at his Darwinist-style desk:
Of course, with Keith setting the bar so high, I had to bring those distinctions to life on the page as well. I decided to give the two characters two different linguistic styles as well.
Those of you who’ve read the Uglies series know that I like a bit of slang. Deryn speaks in an alternate-world Glaswegian dialect. It’s tough and tomboyish, because she’s a girl pretending to be a boy to serve in the Royal Air Navy. Alek the aristocrat is grammatically correct, even a bit stiff, though he gets to use a few bites of Clanker slang. Alek uses the word “mind” a lot; Deryn just says “brain” or “head.” (Those Darwinists are very matter of fact about physiology.) Alek generally refers people by title (“Mr.”, “Dr.”, “Captain”), even when he’s only thinking about them, whereas Deryn has internal nicknames for people. (She refers to Dr. Barlow as “the lady boffin,” for example.) I tried to do with words what Keith did with his picture frames, created two styles that are in conflict with each other, just as the Clankers and Darwinists are in conflict in the Great War.
Of course, you can never just divide the world in two. Reality is much more convoluted than that. So in book two of the series, Behemoth, our heroes travel to Istanbul, capital of the Ottoman Empire. The Ottomans are Clankers, but they build their machines in the shapes of animals. So Keith created a third aesthetic, a sort of Levantine Clankerism, mechanistic and yet as curvaceous as a minaret. Behold, the sultan’s airyacht:
Whenever Keith makes art like this, it makes me want to ramp up the lushness of my prose. Istanbul is at a cross-road of many cultures, of course, and was divided into lots of neighborhoods and languages (moreso in 1914 than now). So as the characters explore the city, I let my usually spare adjectives and sentence length get a bit more Byzantine, so to speak. To support what’s going on in the art and prose, the settings are a bit more luxuriant than the cabins of an airship or a steam-powered walker—busy libraries, crowded marketplaces, and palaces.
All of these maneuvers were obvious in retrospect. Different characters and setting should demand different kinds of words. But something about seeing the characters and places rendered as images made it crystal clear what the language of Leviathan had to do.
I guess this is merely part and parcel of the old saying, “A picture’s worth a thousand words.” But it’s a reminder that we writers should look while we work. History, places, people—all of our subjects have a visual dimension that can serve as inspiration, if we just remember to use our eyes.
About the author: Scott Westerfeld is the author of books for adults and for teens, including the bestselling YA series, Uglies. Behemoth is the second book in the Leviathan trilogy. He divides his time between Sydney and New York. Visit www.scottwesterfeld.com to read Scott’s blog and follow his writing career.
Thank you, Scott, for the awesome post!
GIVEAWAY DETAILS:
We have two copies of Behemoth to give away, courtesy of S&S UK. The contest is open to EVERYONE and will run until Saturday, October 2nd, 11:59PM (PST). To enter, leave a comment here. We will randomly select the winner and will announce it on Sunday in our weekly Smugglers’ Stash. ONE entry per person please. Good luck!
182 Comments
Ginny
September 30, 2010 at 2:50 amThe art wok in your books is beautiful, I wish more books had illustrations. The only other I’ve seen with them recently is Laini Taylor’s Lips Touch Three Times, with were also stunning, though in a gothic way kind of way.
I will admit to the crime of having not read Levaithan yet, but now I can’t resist – steampunk, historical influences & amazing pictures? I am so there.
Cindy
September 30, 2010 at 2:58 amThank you for that giveaway ! I’m looking forward to read “Behemoth” since I love Leviathan.
That story about Keith Thompson’s art and how it gives inspiration is really interesting. I do hope that more YA books will be illustrated !
J
September 30, 2010 at 3:34 amThe illustrations really do bring the world to life. It sounds like a facinating world. I’m going to have to go find the books!
Susanne
September 30, 2010 at 3:37 amI wonder; can I use this entry of “Inspirations and Influences” on my students, when I’m trying to get them to write stories?
Looking forward to “Benemoth”!
Eileen
September 30, 2010 at 3:37 amI absolutely loved Leviathan and cannot wait for this to come out!
Maureen
September 30, 2010 at 3:48 amPlease enter me.
Mindi
September 30, 2010 at 3:51 amLeviathan has been flying off my classroom library shelves since I read it last fall. Both boys and girls love this story, and I can honestly say I am in that camp, too. Thank you, Scott, for introducing me (and my students) to the world of Steampunk!
Carla
September 30, 2010 at 3:56 amIt looks like I am going to need more shelf space in my classroom if Scott Westerfeld keeps writing these amazing books.
Nick
September 30, 2010 at 3:58 amBehemoth!!!
Skye Handley
September 30, 2010 at 4:14 amI loved Leviathan! I think it’s the only YA novel I’ve read that’s been illustrated. I really wish more were. It seemed kind of juvenille, but Keith’s art is just…wow.
I can’t wait for Behemoth’s release. And if I win an early copy? Even better 😀
Amanda Isabel
September 30, 2010 at 4:19 amAwesome post! Scott Westerfeld has been a favourite author of mine since “Uglies”, and I found this to be quite good! I love the illustrations,and this has made me even more excited to start “Leviathan”! Thanks for this! 😀
Josh
September 30, 2010 at 4:20 amLoved Leviathan and this article was inspirational to a feelow writer. Looking forward to reading Behemoth as the cliffhanger at the end of Leviathan was steep and without toe-holds!
Wendy
September 30, 2010 at 4:26 amLOVED Leviathan, and can’t wait for Behemoth! The illustrations are as lovely as the text.
kelly
September 30, 2010 at 4:31 amI’ve been waiting for this book from the moment I turned the final page of LEVIATHAN.
Amy
September 30, 2010 at 4:48 amI read Leviathan and loved it. The book is also beautifully designed. I look forward to buying Behemoth as well, and plan on going to meet Scott Westerfeld on Oct. 12th.
Glaiza
September 30, 2010 at 4:55 amGreat interview, I love the different artwork portraits. Oh and please enter me in for a chance too 🙂
Gilliene
September 30, 2010 at 4:59 amI’m currently reading Leviathan and so far it’s been an interesting read! I’m so excited for Behemoth! Also, I have to comment on your lovely cover art! 🙂
Gilliene
gillieneong[at]gmail[dot]com
Pagecrawler
September 30, 2010 at 5:01 amFantastic post and a great give away Leviathan is one of my favourite books and its so interesting to see the thinking behind it. Can’t wait to read Behemoth!
Thanks for making it international
Angelia Fransisca Rusli
September 30, 2010 at 5:04 amI always love Scott’s works & I would totally love to win Behemoth!
Karri Justina Shea
September 30, 2010 at 5:05 amI was fascinated by the Darwinist creations in Leviathan and am looking forward to reading more of this world in Behemoth. The artwork is beautiful and yes, a bit nostalgia-inducing – all books should be illustrated like this!
Liz
September 30, 2010 at 5:10 amThe illustrations in Leviathan are so stunning and fit the story perfectly. I cannot wait to read Behemoth! Thanks for the giveaway!
blodeuedd
September 30, 2010 at 5:17 amCool, I am so in 😀
Westerfeld is such a good writer
Amy
September 30, 2010 at 5:19 amI loved Leviathan, look forward to reading Behemoth and meeting Scott Westerfeld on Oct 12th.
Chase
September 30, 2010 at 5:27 amThe illustrations look fantastic! Can’t wait to get my hands on this book!
wandering-dreamer
September 30, 2010 at 5:30 amI’d love to win a copy of the book, more books with pictures please!
Karissa
September 30, 2010 at 5:30 amI absolutely loved Leviathan! Please enter me 🙂
Thanks so much for holding this giveaway. 😀
Louisse
September 30, 2010 at 5:34 amTotally loved Leviathan!!! I so can’t wait for Behemoth! 🙂 Thanks!
Sam
September 30, 2010 at 5:35 amPlease count me in! 😀
Charlotte
September 30, 2010 at 5:40 amThat was fascinating! Thanks.
I can’t wait to read this!
Etta
September 30, 2010 at 5:41 amI can’t wait to read Behemoth since I loved Leviathan (one of my favorite books of the past year). It’s interesting to hear how you were influenced by Thompson’s illustrations. I thought they really added an interesting dimension to Leviathan. There was so much going on in each illustration, and I found myself poring over them to catch all the details.
Em
September 30, 2010 at 5:48 amEvery time I see the cover of Behemoth an angel gets its wings (or something like that). Can’t wait to see what happens next for Deryn and Alek and crew! Thanks for the great giveaway! Fingers crossed!
Henry Stokes
September 30, 2010 at 5:54 amGarsh it would be bully to win!
Cristina
September 30, 2010 at 6:03 amLooks intreaguing (never could spell that word!)
Mezzowriter
September 30, 2010 at 6:08 amI’ve been itching to get my hands on this one ever since I read Leviathan!
mara
September 30, 2010 at 6:10 amI liked his other series (Uglies, Pretties, etc.), but haven’t yet tried this one. Looks interesting, I’ll check it out anyway.
P.S. That cover is made of Awesome.
Cheri H.
September 30, 2010 at 6:10 amStill haven’t read anything by Westerfield, although I have Uglies at home.
Hannah
September 30, 2010 at 6:21 amI adore illustrated books – there’s a weird school of thought which thinks they’re ‘picture books’ for people who can’t be bothered to read, but a beautifully illustrated book (like Leviathan and Behemoth) can be so, so wonderful – a good drawing adds to the story, it doesn’t replace it.
Jenny
September 30, 2010 at 6:31 amLove this! Great post and beautiful illustrations. I love the portraits.
Also, thanks for the giveaway!
David H.
September 30, 2010 at 6:32 amI’ve read Leviathan, and I can’t wait to read Behemoth!
Camila F.
September 30, 2010 at 6:39 amLooks like an awesome book, I’d love to win!
Helene
September 30, 2010 at 6:40 amLooking forward to Behemoth!
Lindsay Elizabeth
September 30, 2010 at 6:40 amI want! This looks awesome.
Chloe
September 30, 2010 at 6:46 amOhmygoodness I CANNOT wait for this book. Leviathan totally blew my mind when I was not expecting it, and now I can’t get enough. I love how in this case, the artwork influences the story, and its not just someone drawing what the author wrote. I’m so excited for Behemoth (and Goliath!), thank you for creating this masterpiece, Scott Westerfeld. 😀
Chris
September 30, 2010 at 6:48 amI just bought the Uglies-trilogy on amazon – when I`m finished, I`m going to start reading Leviathan for sure!
The illustrations are awesome!
Tara Q.
September 30, 2010 at 6:59 amGreat interview! I literally just finished Uglies this morning and absolutely loved Scott’s writing style. I will definitely be buying the rest of the books in the Uglies series as well as Leviathan!
Hann1bal
September 30, 2010 at 7:04 amLooks super great, I want it, I really do want it!
Tara
September 30, 2010 at 7:11 amI have heard so many great things about this book and author! I have the Uglies sitting on my shelf at home, My library and review books keep getting in the way! lol 🙂 Thanks for the giveaway!
TaraTagli at gmail dot com
Ceilidh
September 30, 2010 at 7:15 amOoh Scott Westerfeld. *quiet fangirling*
Mary Claire
September 30, 2010 at 7:21 amCount me in!
I loved Leviathan and have been looking forward to Behemoth for months.
AndreaS
September 30, 2010 at 7:21 amThe pictures/writing differences is very interesting because I usually work in a medium that has both (theatre). It’s amazing how the smallest details can change the look/feel or even inspire action in a show.
Also, I am so excited for Behemoth to come out! I absolutely devoured Leviathan and I cannot wait to find out what happens to the characters.
JenP
September 30, 2010 at 7:24 amI’ve heard amazing things about Behemoth–would love to win!
Rebecca
September 30, 2010 at 7:27 amJust saw Scott debating Zombies vs Unicorns in Baltimore. Now Behemoth is coming. What a great week!
Meg
September 30, 2010 at 7:48 amI loved loved loved Leviathan!! Can’t wait to read Behemoth. Sometimes, trilogies annoy me because I feel they are just unnecessary & I want closure, but with these books I’m so glad I still have 2 more to look forward to and read.
Thanks for the giveaway & the interview! It was neat to hear what Scott thinks about the illustrations. They are pretty awesome 🙂
Kaethe
September 30, 2010 at 7:49 amMy daughters and I have been looking forward to the release of Behemoth since we finished Leviathan last year. Because of that boys-own quality it makes a fantastic read-aloud to much younger readers. I’m fascinated to learn how much the art was an inspiration to Mr Westerfeld, because it certainly enhanced the feel of the whole book for us.
KMont
September 30, 2010 at 7:53 amBeen looking forward to Behemoth for a while now. And that UK cover above is actually starting to appeal to me.
Stacy
September 30, 2010 at 7:58 amI’m so excited to read this book. I absolutely adored Leviathan!
Greg L
September 30, 2010 at 8:02 amTruly looking forward to Behemoth…. Sometimes YA books show more imagination then adult fiction
redhead
September 30, 2010 at 8:09 amgreat interview, thanks for posting it! and thanks of course for doing a give away on your site! 🙂
therainhouse
September 30, 2010 at 8:12 amIs this giveaway open to international readers? I live in Malaysia.
Throuthehaze
September 30, 2010 at 8:38 amI love this series! Count me in please
Marie
September 30, 2010 at 8:38 amGreat interview. I loved the ‘Uglies’ series, but have not yet started this one. I’ve heard so many good things about this series.
Jennifer
September 30, 2010 at 8:42 amDevoured Leviathan so eagerly awaiting the US release of Behemoth. Absolutely LOVING the countdown widget: http://scottwesterfeld.com/behemoth-countdown/
If I win the book, the seconds sure would tick-away more quickly, eh?!
Maggie Burns
September 30, 2010 at 9:02 amI adored the Uglies books–brilliant work. I can’t wait to read Leviathan and Behemoth!
Trini
September 30, 2010 at 9:07 amI would DIE if I won this book! After I read it, of course. 😉 I’ve been looking forward to it all year. It really is a lovely series.
Here’s hoping I win.
Mia
September 30, 2010 at 9:27 amI just realized how little time I have to re-read Leviathan before Behemoth comes out.
I can’t wait to read Behemoth and I can’t wait to see Scott Westerfeld speak.
Shy
September 30, 2010 at 9:27 amThe artwork in Westerfeld’s book is to die for and I think it helps reader to imagine the world that the author constructed in the book. I so want to read this book!
gmackenzie
September 30, 2010 at 9:28 amI haven’t read Leviathan yet, but it’s on my “to read” list.
Sarah Olson
September 30, 2010 at 9:31 amI love the combination of art & writing and how they influenced each other. Very inspirational!
Sarah
September 30, 2010 at 9:45 amREALLY enjoyed Leviathan and very excited for this new book.
gina
September 30, 2010 at 10:34 amLeviathan was my first steampunk love. I cannot wait to read Behemoth!
Su
September 30, 2010 at 10:36 amOoh! Please enter me in this contest! Thank you!
Laura
September 30, 2010 at 10:54 amI cannot wait for this book! I loved Leviathan, my first introduction to steampunk. I also liked the illustrations, they helped make the book something special.
Anonymous
September 30, 2010 at 11:13 amI didn’t realize Behemoth was going to be out so soon! I am SO looking forward to it.
Sarah
September 30, 2010 at 11:14 amI would love to enter the contest. I can’t wait for Behemoth to be released!
ediFanoB
September 30, 2010 at 11:21 amAs a steampunk lover I must take part in this giveaway. I bought a copy of Leviathan recently.
It would be great to read Leviathan and Behemoth back to back
Maischeph
September 30, 2010 at 11:24 amI really enjoyed the short zombie story Mr. Westerfeld wrote for the Zombies vs. Unicorns anthology. I bought Leviathan although I haven’t read it yet. I’d love to have Behemoth too! 🙂
Stephanie S
September 30, 2010 at 11:31 amI remember Leviathan as a really good book. I love the way these two technologies play such a huge role, and I found myself rooting for both sides. My only disappointment was that the next in the series had not come out yet.
Tran
September 30, 2010 at 11:41 amI absolutely adored Leviathan! I hadn’t realized Behemoth was coming out so soon and am looking forward to this give away! Leviathan was the kind of book I had to squeal about after I had finished and I can’t wait to read Behemoth!!
Mary @ Book Swarm
September 30, 2010 at 11:41 amI really enjoyed Leviathan–out of left field & not what I expected. So, I want to know what happens next in the story. Friends? Enemies? What happens to them all?
Can’t wait!
FD
September 30, 2010 at 11:43 amI was fortunate enough to only come across Levithian recently – I say fortunate because it meant I didn’t have so long to wait for the next book!
Lillian
September 30, 2010 at 12:02 pmHonestly, before I read Leviathan, I didn’t think much of Scott Westerfeld. I passed over Uglies and Peeps because they just didn’t interest me. I almost passed over Leviathan too, but I decided to give it a chance (the gorgeous original cover won me over 😀 ). I’m so glad I did. Leviathan has everything I’ve been missing in YA lit lately: real action, believable characters, a heroine to root for, and an original concept. I swear, if it wasn’t for Leviathan and another recent favorite of mine, The Monstrumologist, I probably would have given up on YA lit.
Caroline
September 30, 2010 at 12:02 pmI *loved* Leviathan and am desperate to read Behemoth, fingers crossed!
Chandra
September 30, 2010 at 12:24 pmThe illos certainly add to this series, but I love how the world–or worlds if you like–are characters all their own.
Lauren Chaikin
September 30, 2010 at 12:34 pmHURRAY FOR WINNING!
Carrie Bartsch
September 30, 2010 at 12:58 pmCrossing my fingers!
John J.
September 30, 2010 at 1:00 pmI just read and adored Leviathan. I must say, the artwork did catch my interest a lot. I wish more books had it. :p Laini Taylor’s work is the only other notable work with art in it that I know of, and it’s quite good as well. It makes everything have a whole new dimension to it.
Also, LOVE the UK cover for Behemoth. I wish they would have kept the style for the US one.
Michelle M
September 30, 2010 at 1:02 pmI absolutely love the art from these books. I cannot wait to see what new drawings are in store for BEHEMOTH cause I just know Westerfeld is gonna deliver an awesome story. Again.
Nonie
September 30, 2010 at 1:20 pmI love Scott Westerfeld and I adore Leviathan so much. I think it’s one of my favorite books that I read this year. Lovely story, lovely characters, and lovely illustrations. This series really does have it all. 😀 I’m really anxiously looking forward to Behemoth’s release. 🙂 Thanks for the contest!
Shiloh S.
September 30, 2010 at 1:42 pmyes please 🙂
Kathryn
September 30, 2010 at 1:50 pmGreat interviewing! I’d noticed some of the speech differences, but hearing Scott Westerfeld talk about them made me really want to go back and reread LEVIATHAN (which I loved). Can’t wait to read the BEHEMOTH!
Stephanie
September 30, 2010 at 1:52 pmAuthor inspirations & influences is seriously one of my favorite things about this site. So, thank you Book Smugglers and thanks to Scott Westerfeld! I loved the Midnighters and Uglies series, and I thought Leviathan was amazing. I’ve been looking forward to Behemoth for months! So yeah, I’d love to win a copy of it 🙂
Emily
September 30, 2010 at 2:04 pmExcellent giveaway! I’d love to win a copy. Fingers crossed! 😀
Susanna
September 30, 2010 at 2:13 pmI read Leviathan after seeing the review on this blog, and absolutely loved it. One of my favorite aspects of the book was how the illustrations didn’t really seem like, well, illustrations, but more like part of a graphic novel – not just decoration, but integral parts of story. So how exciting to read that Westerfeld himself was influenced by them when writing the book! Definitely looking forward to Behemoth! 😀
Brita
September 30, 2010 at 2:24 pmThis was wonderful to read! Scott Westerfeld is most definitely my favorite author 🙂 It was so refreshing to hear these details I hadn’t known before, so thank you for inviting him to post here! I’m all the more excited for “Behemoth” and it would be awesome to get myself a free copy (The UK cover, also, which I like much better than the one in the USA). Thanks, again!
Van P.
September 30, 2010 at 2:24 pmSounds great, please enter me!
marly
September 30, 2010 at 2:33 pmoh, giveaway! sign me up!
meredith g
September 30, 2010 at 2:35 pmOh, I would love to enter! Sign me up.
Tiah
September 30, 2010 at 2:36 pmThank you for this contest! Please enter me.
Katy
September 30, 2010 at 2:55 pmThank you for the giveaway! I’d love to read the book.
Emily
September 30, 2010 at 2:56 pmSeeing Keith Thompson’s artwork reminded me how much I loved Leviathan and how little I can wait for Behemoth.
TJ Mathews
September 30, 2010 at 3:19 pmCan’t wait for the next book. Thanks!
Ariana Avila
September 30, 2010 at 3:24 pmThe first book was sheer inventive genius. I hope Behemoth is just as good. Also, Keith Thompson’s art is just beautiful.
cories
September 30, 2010 at 3:27 pmI absolutely adored the artwork in “Leviathan”! The story is good, too, of course. 😀
Too bad the paperback version of “Leviathan” doesn’t have the cool map of Europe endpaper like the hardcover version does. The paperback does have the map but only in black and white which is not nearly the same.
Josh
September 30, 2010 at 3:41 pmYeah! I have been waiting for this book to come out!
Tina
September 30, 2010 at 4:16 pmI loved the first book in this series and can’t wait to read Behemoth. Westerfield’s writing is such a joy to read and I’ve yet to come across a book of his that I haven’t liked. I am forever trying to enrich the lives of helpless family and friends by forcing them to read his books. Thanks for the chance to win!
Michael A.
September 30, 2010 at 4:24 pmI hadn’t noticed the differences that Mr. Westerfeld mentions, although it certainly makes me want to re-read Leviathan at the earliest chance I get! Thanks for the insight into the novel. 🙂
Rachel
September 30, 2010 at 4:27 pm“Leviathan” was wonderful and “Behemoth” looks even better! Can’t wait to read it!
Ray Pratt
September 30, 2010 at 4:28 pmAs a 60-yr. old F/SF reader and newcomer to YA literature, I thoroughly enjoyed “Leviathan”, both story and artwork, and am looking forward to “Behemoth”.
Amelia P.
September 30, 2010 at 4:38 pmI have to say that the portraits are simply lovely! and of course, great author 🙂 Woul love to get a hold of Behemoth!
Mary Catherine
September 30, 2010 at 5:21 pmI absolutely LOVE Scott Westerfeld! His books are amazing. I especially like uglies but the midnighters series is really good too. Leviathan however is by far my favorite! Thanks for the giveaway!
Jackie
September 30, 2010 at 5:37 pmTypo in address before. Looking forward to it.
Katie W
September 30, 2010 at 5:43 pmScott Westerfeld is definitely one of my favorite authors. But adding Keith Thompson to the mix made Leviathan a splurge I could afford. I’m definitely looking forward to Behemoth. 🙂
E.J. Stevens
September 30, 2010 at 5:57 pmThank you for the wonderful giveaway! Behemoth looks fabulous.
xx,
E.J.
From the Shadows
Doreen R
September 30, 2010 at 6:02 pmBehemoth will be a dream to read. I love the art work too. Excellent post….thanks. 🙂
Misha Mathew
September 30, 2010 at 6:06 pmThanks a LOT for the contest! I would love to enter.
Misha
mishamary@gmail.com
chartz
September 30, 2010 at 6:07 pmI am so looking forward to this book! I even got my uncle and cousins excited for it!
Thanks for doing the giveaway!
Savi
September 30, 2010 at 6:09 pmGreat post!!
Nastacia
September 30, 2010 at 6:10 pmLevithian was a joy to read. Thank you for posting the review and interview, both made me put Behemoth at the top of my to-read list.
sarah w
September 30, 2010 at 6:11 pmVery excited to read Behemoth!!
Mia
September 30, 2010 at 6:19 pmI really enjoyed the first book in this series and look forward to reading Behemoth.
Mrs. DeRaps
September 30, 2010 at 6:33 pmCan’t wait to read this book–Love Scott Westfeld and this genre!
mrsderaps @ hotmail . com
Llehn
September 30, 2010 at 6:58 pmI’d love to play please!
Sara
September 30, 2010 at 7:04 pmLovely of you to do a giveaway! Thanks! I loved Leviathan.
Marg
September 30, 2010 at 7:15 pmCount me in for this giveaway! Thanks so much for making it an international give!
kemendraugh
September 30, 2010 at 7:20 pmI love Scott’s books. True story. And I want to read this one SO bad! Leviathan was amazing!
Please enter me?
Jasmine A S
September 30, 2010 at 7:20 pmOh my, I have always loved Mr. Westerfield’s use of slang in his books, and it is wonderful to get a look into the inner machinations of his mind. *cough*
Which is to say lovely article, I hope I win the book, and Yay, it’s the one with the proper cover!
Andrea
September 30, 2010 at 8:01 pmWow, that art is so fantastic. Great blog.
Erika
September 30, 2010 at 8:03 pmThrowing my hat into the ring for a chance to win this. 🙂 I’m so very glad Steampunk has grown in popularity.
Melissa
September 30, 2010 at 8:23 pmWhen my friend first started gushing to me about how I just had to read Leviathan, I was a bit hesitant. But now I’m dying to read the next book!!!
Bethie
September 30, 2010 at 8:26 pmThanks for the giveaway. I would love to win this. I just love Westerfeld.
Maia
September 30, 2010 at 10:56 pmim really interested to see what this book is about! ive read pretty much all of his other books…
Robin F
September 30, 2010 at 11:03 pmI read Leviathan to my son and we both loved and we can’t wait to see what happens next!
Carol Thompson
September 30, 2010 at 11:53 pmIt sounds like a really great series although I have not read the first book as yet.
Please enter me in the giveaway.
Thanks
Carol T
buddytho {at} gmail DOT com
Eva SB
October 1, 2010 at 12:14 amI love these illustrations and the subtle differences so the reader can instantly identify who’s who.
Fif
October 1, 2010 at 12:31 amBarking spiders – what a great giveaway!
Giada M
October 1, 2010 at 1:50 amThank you for the interesting post and giveaway! I can’t wait to read Behemoth!
Giada M.
fabgiada (at) gmail (dot) com
Jodie
October 1, 2010 at 2:33 amSo exciting to see artwork from the new book. Crossing my fingers that I win a copy.
writingmonkey
October 1, 2010 at 3:31 amI would like a free book, please. 😀
Stacie
October 1, 2010 at 5:42 amPlease count me in.
Laura Hartness
October 1, 2010 at 6:34 amWhat amazing illustrations! Behemoth looks like it’s going to be just as amazing as Leviathan!
Thanks for the giveaway!
Laura Hartness
The CalicoCritic
Paz
October 1, 2010 at 6:41 amI just got hooked on the Uglies Series about two months ago. Let me just say that I am soooo glad I did not start the series until ALL the books were out. I don’t think I would have handled waiting for the next installment very well! Can’t wait to start this next series by Westerfeld.
ritu
October 1, 2010 at 7:08 amI love Westerfeld’s works! Been on a reading binge of his books. Just love it!
Julia L.K.
October 1, 2010 at 7:58 amI think I should win because it’s my birthday in a few days, I’m at college, and I really can’t afford to be buying books! So.. =) Be kind.
Audra Holtwick
October 1, 2010 at 8:07 amThis is a new author for me – I would love to win a copy of your book thanks for the great interview.
audie(at)wickerness(dot)com
Kiki
October 1, 2010 at 8:16 amThe illustrations combined with your descriptive prose make for a beautiful book. I love it.
Victoria Zumbrum
October 1, 2010 at 9:05 amPlase enter me in contest. I am a follower and email subscriber. The book sounds really good. Tore923@aol.com
Kevin
October 1, 2010 at 9:11 amI’d like to enter. *enters*
Dovile
October 1, 2010 at 10:16 amI’ve already put the Leviathan series on my list of to be read books:) Would love to win this.
spamscape [at] gmail [dot] com
MikeMagpuyo
October 1, 2010 at 10:42 amSequels are the make-it or break-it books. I’d love to win this one!
E-mail: michael_hp37 [at] yahoo [dot] com
Jade
October 1, 2010 at 11:04 amThe art’s supremely gorgeous! And if that’s just the illustrations I can see how intriguing such a terrific this book can get. I hope to find out more. Scott’s an excellent writer – I really enjoyed Leviathan – and so are you, I liked your review a lot 🙂
Thank you for a chance!
legally_write[at]hotmail[dot]com
Becca
October 1, 2010 at 12:23 pmI have been counting down for the release of Behemoth since reading Leviathan early this past summer. I can hardly wait for the 5th (lucky UK – getting it early!)
Maryam H
October 1, 2010 at 12:27 pmwow the illustrations look amazing!
Looks like such a great read; definitely one to add to my to-be-read pile!
m-hussein at hotmail dot co dot uk
draconismoi
October 1, 2010 at 12:45 pmFor the first time in….well forever….I don’t drastically prefer the UK cover to the US version.
Regardless, I’d still love to be entered. Thanks!
A Tady
October 1, 2010 at 1:01 pmI loved Westerfield’s Succession series, so I’m really looking forward to checking out the Leviathan books. I hope I win.
Will
October 1, 2010 at 1:46 pmMy 1st SW was Risen Empire & have been a fan ever since.
Scorpio M.
October 1, 2010 at 1:51 pmWow, the new one!! Yes, please count me in.
jenma76 at hotmail dot com
Carol M
October 1, 2010 at 2:47 pmThank you for such a great giveaway! Please enter me!
Carol Wong
October 1, 2010 at 3:13 pmUsually, I would not comment with some many comments already but I beleive that this is an an exceptional book. Please put me in this drawing.
Thank you,
CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com
Katie
October 1, 2010 at 3:22 pmI read the first book and wouldn’t mind reading the second.
Misti P
October 1, 2010 at 5:36 pmI loved Leviathan and can’t wait to read this one.
Courtney
October 1, 2010 at 7:43 pmI can’t wait to read this! 🙂
Megan
October 1, 2010 at 7:57 pmI read the first one and I’d love to snag this early 🙂
thelioness
October 1, 2010 at 10:15 pmZOMG I love Scott Westerfeld and I’ve read pretty much all of his books and would love to have Behemoth!!
Mariska
October 1, 2010 at 10:18 pmScott is a new for me author. i would really like to win the book !!
Tatiana
October 1, 2010 at 10:39 pmI’ve been meaning to read this series. I’ve heard so many good things about it.
Nicole R
October 2, 2010 at 12:02 amSuch an eye-catching cover!
Helle M. Larsen
October 2, 2010 at 5:48 amWhat a great giveaway. I would love to enter. 🙂
Marco Miranda
October 2, 2010 at 6:41 amgreat giveaway I am in 🙂
Jessica Shin
October 2, 2010 at 8:54 amLove that the worlds created are half-inspired by the illustrations.
Ginny
October 2, 2010 at 10:50 amI loved leviathan and am so excited for this one!! even my friend, who hates reading, read leviathan.. and like it. (her reading it was a task within itself.)
anyway, i cannot wait to read this one!! ahhhh!!! 🙂
CherylS22
October 2, 2010 at 10:53 amI really enjoy reading these kinds of books. Thanks for the chance to get into this series by Scott Westerfield.
Mary
October 2, 2010 at 11:28 amThanks for the interview. I am a Scott Westerfield fan.
Caitrin
October 2, 2010 at 12:42 pmI really enjoyed Leviathan so I’m looking forward to Behemoth. The illustrations are fantastic!
liathiano at gmail dot com
Alex
October 2, 2010 at 1:00 pmThe illustrations of Leviathan are very nice, they remind me of those in Jules Verne’s books from the XIXth century. Very appropriate for a steampunk novel!
Breanne M.
October 2, 2010 at 2:42 pmLOVED Leviathan and can’t wait for Behemoth – thanks for the contest!
vvb
October 2, 2010 at 9:52 pmgreat artwork and interesting storyline makes this one very desirable. mmm.
Jennifer R
October 3, 2010 at 2:38 pmPlease enter me in the contest. I loved Leviathan and Behemoth sounds just as amazing!
Candice Smith
October 3, 2010 at 7:33 pmI loooooooove these books soooo much. I have been waiting for this book for a year!!!!!!! I can’t sleep until I read this book.
Fantasy Book News » Blog Archive » Fantasy Blogosphere: October 3, 2010
October 9, 2010 at 6:27 am[…] Interview: Scott Westerfield @ The Book Smugglers […]
mrhappy
October 12, 2010 at 9:34 am😀 i think that this book is the best thing ive ever read or close to it
car hire paphos reviews
May 7, 2013 at 9:42 pmFret not since a paphos car hire will solve that
for you as well as the city has a reputation for having a go.
People in favor of CTL Euro College – Limassol,
paphos car hire. They demanded information on the case,
following conversations with Schaeuble, he said. Also, the city is famous for
its pristine nature’s abundant beauty and cool & delightful ambiance that makes it a great choice for those in search of asylum.
publicar articulos
July 2, 2013 at 4:23 pmundoubtedly much like your web page however, you must take apple iphone 4 punctuation in many of one’s content. A lot of them tend to be rife using punctuational issues and i also in finding this really difficult to see the fact on the other hand will definitely keep coming back yet again.