8 Rated Books Book Reviews

Book Review & Giveaway: Goliath by Scott Westerfeld

Title:Goliath

Author: Scott Westerfeld / Illustrations by Keith Thompson

Genre: Steampunk, Young Adult

Publisher: Simon Pulse (US & UK)
Publication Date: September 20th 2011 / September 29th 2011
Hardcover: 537 pages

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.

Stand alone or series: Final book in the Leviathan trilogy.

How did I get this book: Review copy from the UK publisher

Why did I read this book: Because I LOVED books 1 (Leviathan) and 2 (Behemoth) and had been dying for the conclusion.

Review:

WARNING: there will be necessary spoilers for books 1 and 2. If you haven’t read this series yet and don’t want to be spoiled, do not read on. You have been warned!

Goliath is the final instalment in the Leviathan trilogy and after loving Leviathan and Behemoth so much, I was on tenterhooks, waiting to see how everything would be wrapped up.

Leaving the revolution in Istanbul behind, our intrepid protagonists Alek and Deryn go back to their (now) regular lives aboard the Leviathan travelling all over the world, from the wilderness of Siberia to Japan, where they witness a country that combine both Clanker and Darwinist technology; and then all the way to the neutral USA and to a Mexico in the midst of a popular revolution. In their travels, they meet famous figures like Pancho Villa and are joined by scientist/investor Tesla aboard their ship who is developing a weapon called the Goliath, which he promises will put an end to the raging War.

On a more personal level, Alek and Deryn are sadly, getting ready to say goodbye to each other. Alek has revealed his secret identity as heir to the Austro-Hungarian Empire and guided by his own belief that it’s his role to put a stop to the World War becomes Tesla’s ally and plans on leaving the ship when they reach the USA. Since this is the final book, it comes as no surprise that Alek finds out that his best friend Dylan is in fact, a girl named Deryn, and whereas he agrees to keep her secret, they both fear it is only a matter of time until everybody else finds out her true identity.

There is a lot of the madcap adventure and great action sequences (most of them led by Deryn) that I have come to expect from this series plus awesomely fascinating details about the beginning of the movies. Furthermore, a lot of the book concentrated on the characters and their relationships and since I love both characters so dearly, I was actually extremely happy about this and with the way things developed (and ended) between them. On that front, Goliath was a delight to read. It was as fun, romantic and engaging as I hoped it would be. And of course, Keith Thompson’s illustrations are still fantastic.

Having said that, since this is a trilogy-ender I can’t help but to look at it very critically and so, I do have a few nits to pick. Re-reading my review of Leviathan, the first book in the series, and revisiting my hopes for the trilogy, I thought that many things weren’t satisfactorily addressed in the end. I’ve always felt slightly uneasy about how the Darwinists used living creatures and I hoped for more ethical/moral questioning of this and even though there was some, I feel they were too sparse to make an impression – in fact, the Darwinists effectively came across to me as the ultimate, definite heroes of this series.

Regardless of how good I felt about all things Deryn and Alek, I did think that Alek went from being best friends with a boy to falling in love with a girl far too quickly and far too easily. Yes, there was some angst but I didn’t feel it was enough or as impacting as it could have been. I also thought that the great inventor and scientist Tesla was portrayed in a less than sympathetic way. In fact, he was far too close to being a mad villain and even though I do appreciate this is an alternate reality and as such anything is up for grabs, I felt slightly uncomfortable about this. I don’t expect a lot of people will feel the same way and I understand this is a very subjective point of view.

I know it might sound as though I didn’t like Goliath but that’s not true at all. It is because I love this series and these characters so much that I feel the need to put all my feelings out there.

On its own, Goliath may not be as good as its predecessors but it is a satisfactory conclusion to what is overall, an absolutely recommended, awesome series. I know I am going to miss waiting anxiously year after year for an instalment, I am going to miss this crazy-cool world and above all I will miss the characters, especially my girl Deryn who is a barking incredible heroine.

Notable quotes/parts: A spoilery illustration! But isn’t this awesome? (Click to enlarge!)

Rating: 8 – Excellent

Reading next: All Men of Genius by Lev Ac Rosen

GIVEAWAY DETAILS: To celebrate the ending of this fantastic trilogy, we have the most awesome giveaway ever: two lucky winners, two awesome prizes.

Prize #1: winner #1 gets the entire trilogy in audiobooks, which are narrated by none other than Alan Cumming PLUS a signed audiobook script cover by both Scott Westerfeld AND Alan Cumming).

Prize #2: winner #2 gets the entire trilogy in print. copies

The contest is open to US and CANADA addresses ONLY and will run until Saturday, October 1 at 11:59PM (PST). In order to enter, leave a comment here telling us which is your favourite character in the series. Only one entry per person, please! Multiple comments will be automatically disqualified. Good luck!

 

Buy the Book:

Ebook available for Kindle, Sony, and Nook

137 Comments

  • Jennifer Shepherd
    September 27, 2011 at 3:50 am

    My favorite character is Alek. 🙂

  • Katie
    September 27, 2011 at 4:06 am

    This trilogy boasts the most outstanding cover art. And, I could just look at the illos and be happy for hours. Great story with plenty of steampunk goodness. I have Goliath on my TBR list. Deryn is my favourite character.

  • Karin Perry
    September 27, 2011 at 4:37 am

    I’m with Katie. Deryn is my favorite too. Thanks for the awesome contest.
    KarinLibrarian@gmail.com :mrgreen:

  • Karin Perry
    September 27, 2011 at 4:39 am

    I’m with Katie. Deryn is my favorite too. Thanks for the awesome contest.
    KarinLibrarian@gmail.com

  • J
    September 27, 2011 at 4:41 am

    Deryn’s my favorite. So much spunk! Thanks for the giveaway!

  • Jodie
    September 27, 2011 at 5:15 am

    WARNING! SPOILERS! SPOILERS!

    All your critical points – YES. On the Darwinist use of animals, I’ve seen Westerfeld say he likes his readers to be able to make up their own minds about the big issues rather than handing them definite answers. Do you think that in the case of animal treatment/genetic engineering that he was edging towards successfully leaving a balanced enough picture for readers to make up their own minds? I thought he was almost there – Alek would get to comment on somethings he wasn’t keen on, but I did feel like the trilogy was pro-Darwinist technology even when that technology was a little off, whereas it was more case by case in its treatment of Clanker technology.

    I really want to talk about the romance and the reveal of Deryn’s identity at length, but will restrain myself (I warn you, we may talk a lot about cross dressing heroines at the play next year). The resolution on the final pages – so awesomely cool. The whole ‘I have discovered Dylan is a girl, she acted strangely around me and Lilit, therefore she must be in love with me’ gets a big thumbs down from me. It seemed too easy, too based on assumptions…

    But at the same time I loved large parts of this book. Like you said the meeting with Pancho Villa is grand. I think Behemoth is the best complete book of the trilogy (although Leviathan isn’t exactly shabby) but as a conclusion to the trilogy I was largely happy with Goliath. And the wrapping up of ideas about the brutality of war and Alek’s horror of killing was done very well.

  • Ana
    September 27, 2011 at 5:37 am

    WARNING: SPOILER! SPOILER!

    Hey Jodie! I edited your comment to add a spoiler tag.

    I think we are on the same wave length regarding this one and the entire series. I agree that Behemoth is the BEST book out of the three.

    Do you think that in the case of animal treatment/genetic engineering that he was edging towards successfully leaving a balanced enough picture for readers to make up their own minds?

    To be honest…no, not really. I don’t think it was balanced at all and tipped heavily into the positive side with not enough exploration of negative aspects. I think he did a better job with the Clankers. That’s how I feel anyway.

    And I completely agree about the romance as well – it was awesome how it ended (big happy sigh) and I loved the kisses and all, but it definitely seemed Alek accepted it all too easily. I also felt slightly uncomfortable at how he went from “it is fate that I must end this war” to “it is fate we must be together.” I decided to accept this as simply an aspect of his character and something he might grow out of eventually….they are only 15 after all.

  • Michelle
    September 27, 2011 at 5:52 am

    AAHHH what an awesome giveaway!! Thank you thank you thank you!!

    Favorite character is definitely Derryn. I have a soft spot for the girls-dressing-as-boys trope, and she’s got the most awesome expressions (ie. barking spiders, haaaa).

  • Sabrina
    September 27, 2011 at 6:07 am

    Sadly I have yet to read the series so I can’t chose a favorite character. It is definitely on my to-read list though! I hope I can still be entered for the awesome giveaway 🙂 Thank you!

  • Katie
    September 27, 2011 at 6:18 am

    My favorite character is Deryn, for sure. She’s such a badass.

  • Wendy Hanko
    September 27, 2011 at 6:32 am

    Deryn is my favorite character because she is yet another great example of a strong female lead in YA books. Also, I have yet to read a book by Westerfeld that I didn’t like. Can’t wait to see what he writes next! 😀

  • Kat (No Page Left Behind)
    September 27, 2011 at 6:39 am

    My favorite character is Derryn – thanks for the awesome giveaway!!

  • Tina
    September 27, 2011 at 6:50 am

    I have to agree with a lot of the other commenters– Derryn is my favorite character. I love that she cross-dresses and that she is so determined.

  • Heidi
    September 27, 2011 at 6:54 am

    Derryn of course. Got to love a girl that refuses to stick to conventions in order to be true to herself; and let’s face it, she’s kind of a badass. I’ve been dying for this book to come out since I finished Behemoth last year…cannot wait to read it!

  • Heather R.
    September 27, 2011 at 7:26 am

    I haven’t read ANY of the three books, and I don’t know why since I really LOVE steampunk. I think it is beacuse my libarary carries Behemoth but not Leviathan (I hate it when thaat’s the case) and I don’t want to read it out of order (and I am totally broke right now and can’t buy a lot of books:) But, I have read Westerfeld’s Uglies series and I loved, loved, loved Peeps. So, no fave character (yet) but I’d still love to enter the giveaway! Thanks:)

  • Lindsay Elizabeth
    September 27, 2011 at 7:35 am

    Not to be a total cliche, but Deryn is so my favorite.

  • Erica
    September 27, 2011 at 7:43 am

    I want to read this so very badly. I can’t wait! As for my favourite character, I think I’m going to go with Dr. Barlow. She amuses me.

  • LeAnn
    September 27, 2011 at 7:57 am

    I haven’t read the series yet, but I want to! I recently bought Leviathan at a used bookstore but I haven’t dived in yet. I skipped the review since you said there were spoilers, but I promise I’ll read it after I get through the first two books! 🙂

  • Casey
    September 27, 2011 at 8:07 am

    Deryn and Alek are great leads, but I just have to show the love to Dr. Barlow. Since there aren’t REALLY such things as boffins, I don’t have to be conflicted between my desire for historical accuracy and my desire for strong females in historical fiction. Plus she has terrific style.

  • MarieC
    September 27, 2011 at 8:10 am

    I haven’t read this series yet, but I have the first book. Can’t wait to get started!

  • Baird
    September 27, 2011 at 8:14 am

    I know I’m bucking the trend her but my favorite character has to be Bovril.

    Thanks for the contest

  • Christine
    September 27, 2011 at 8:25 am

    What a great contest! My favorite character is obvs Deryn. She’s a go-getter kind of girl and probably close to what I’d be like during a great war, just not in the air since I hate heights. 🙂

  • Shelley
    September 27, 2011 at 8:34 am

    Although I’m not a speculative writer (unless you consider the past as another world),I can’t resist congratulating you on being selected for the Wikio Top Blogs list!

  • Stephanie
    September 27, 2011 at 8:39 am

    My favorite character is either Dr. Barlow or Count Volger – they’re both such sneaky cusses, and way too clever by half.

  • Kaethe
    September 27, 2011 at 8:39 am

    I’m old enough to prefer Dr. Barlow, the lady boffin. So smart, so canny, so cool with her pet thylacine.

  • The Joy of Booking
    September 27, 2011 at 8:41 am

    I vote Deryn, too. What a great giveaway!

  • Shannon@BooksDevoured
    September 27, 2011 at 8:51 am

    I have not read the series yet, but I would really love to win these for my son. He is 11 and it is so hard to find books that keep him interested in reading. I really think that he would love the audiobooks too. Of course it is a bonus that I get to read them too! Thanks for the giveaway!

  • Misti
    September 27, 2011 at 9:28 am

    I’ll have to go with Deryn too. She’s fantastic. I loved the first 2 books and can’t wait to read this!

  • Chris Bails
    September 27, 2011 at 9:41 am

    This is a new author and series for me. I love the covers of these books and think they look good and would love to win and read. I am big fan of Alan Cumming, and I he has a great speaking voice. I would love to listen to him read. I loved him in Romy and Michelle High school reunion, X-Men 2-loved costume & makeup, and he was in Emma. He is funny and a great actor.
    Thanks for the giveaway and the chance to win.

  • Hannah Koppers
    September 27, 2011 at 9:42 am

    Like you said, Deryn is a barking good heroine. But I can never resist me a good Austrian prince. I’m for Alek.

  • Sheila
    September 27, 2011 at 9:53 am

    Going to go with the majority: Deryn.
    Thanks for the fun contest!

  • Jacqueline
    September 27, 2011 at 10:07 am

    I am going to have to say my favorite person in the books is Count Volger. He’s clever, loyal and not above using a little bribery to get the information he needs. Plus he is a fencer and I love anyone who can teach people how to use a sword with nothing but broom sticks and snark.

  • Laurie Brown
    September 27, 2011 at 10:35 am

    Deryn/Dylan! The bold girl who disguises her self as a boy will almost always take my heart. Takes guts to do that!

  • Quill2006
    September 27, 2011 at 10:54 am

    I can’t get enough of strong female characters, so Deryn is my favorite. I see her as a steampunk version of Tamora Pierce’s Alanna, in some ways.

  • Cieloan
    September 27, 2011 at 12:01 pm

    Yay for awesome giveaways!

    Aside from the two main protagonists, my favorite character would probably be Volger.

  • LScribeHarris
    September 27, 2011 at 12:11 pm

    Even though I’m totally besotted with Alek, Deryn is my favorite character. She manages to be both comfortable in her boy persona, but never loses who she is, since she can still be “dead girly sometimes”. The best thing about Deryn is *spoilers* she never doubts herself in the same way most girls in fiction do: she never worries that she isn’t pretty, she never worries that Alek won’t love her. She’s confident in herself, and confident in him. Plus, we never have to gag on a soppy scene where she appears in a dress and reduces Alek to a Pavlov experiment in superficiality. She sticks with her trousers and Alek, bless him, doesn’t even try to imagine her any other way. “We may have to wait until the world catches up with you,” he says to her at some point. *sigh* *flutter* <3 Deryn. <3 Alek.

  • draconismoi
    September 27, 2011 at 12:44 pm

    Deryn – granted I’ve only read Leviathan so far. That could easily change if Behemoth and Goliath spend too much time with her angsting about an unreciprocated crush…..

  • jenmitch
    September 27, 2011 at 1:24 pm

    i haven’t read the series, but i promise i will if i win. 🙂 (the audio books would be awesome, because i drive over an hour every day!!)

  • Lillian
    September 27, 2011 at 1:39 pm

    I guess I’m throwing my lot in with everyone else because Deryn is my favorite character too.

  • Natalie
    September 27, 2011 at 1:41 pm

    My favorite character is VOLGER!

  • Ariana A.
    September 27, 2011 at 1:44 pm

    Favorite character is Deryn-she has so much character and attitude that she just shines.

  • Serenity
    September 27, 2011 at 1:55 pm

    Lilit, because she is such a little revolutionary firebrand lol. (Although I also find Count Volger sort of sexy…) This giveaway is creepily well-timed – I just finished Behemoth earlier today…

  • Becci
    September 27, 2011 at 3:03 pm

    I love this series so much and am sad to see it end! I will definitely be rereading these books in the future. 🙂

  • Aurian
    September 27, 2011 at 3:06 pm

    Bovril 🙂

  • Breanne M.
    September 27, 2011 at 3:37 pm

    I’d love to be original but I’m going to have to go with Deryn.

  • melissa @ 1lbr
    September 27, 2011 at 4:00 pm

    I agree completely with Deryn (mostly because she gets all the awesome language), though I think Bovril is a very close second.

  • Susan Laura
    September 27, 2011 at 4:07 pm

    I haven’t read this series yet but I hope to soon and then I can tell you my favorite character! Thanks for the giveaway.

  • Meredith
    September 27, 2011 at 4:10 pm

    My favorite character is definitely Deryn.

  • bigfoot24
    September 27, 2011 at 5:38 pm

    My favorite character is Deryn! She’s so tough and courageous and she and Alek make a great team! Can I specify that I would rather have the print copies? I’m a book lover all the way and I’ve tried to do audio books, but my mind tends to wander while I’m listening to them. I have to be actively engaged in reading the book. I hope this doesn’t disqualify me from the contest, I would just rather have the book copies (if I win). 🙂

  • Rebecca
    September 27, 2011 at 5:38 pm

    I love Deryn, but Dr. Barlow just has some panache, and pizazz, and perspicacious-ness. Love her.

  • Scribe Kira
    September 27, 2011 at 5:44 pm

    Deryn, for sure!=o)

  • Amy C
    September 27, 2011 at 5:45 pm

    My favorite character has to be Alek. He’s caught up in this war, and in so many history books, WWI is summed up as “some guy was assassinated, the Allies won”, and Alek is a reminder that the “some guy” had family and people who cared about him.

  • Deserae
    September 27, 2011 at 6:30 pm

    Oh… I have yet to read the series, but I’d love to! So although I don’t have a fave character YET, I’d love to fall in love with Deryn and Alek because their relationship seems to be one of those long awaited things that fans of the series would have appreciated and I LOVE getting caught up in those kinds of shenanigans. 🙂

    Thanks for this opportunity!

    Deserae

  • Wendy
    September 27, 2011 at 6:35 pm

    Alek! I loved his character from the first book on.

  • Victoria Zumbrum
    September 27, 2011 at 6:38 pm

    I haven’t read the series yet but I would like to. Please enter me in contest. Tore923@aol.com

  • Alex
    September 27, 2011 at 6:45 pm

    I would have to say Deryn – ever since reading Tamora Pierce’s Song of the Lioness quartet, I’ve been a sucker for the girls-disguised-as-boys trope.

  • Shellie
    September 27, 2011 at 7:03 pm

    I hope this doesn’t disqualify me but I haven’t read the books yet. I’d love too though!

  • Madi
    September 27, 2011 at 7:06 pm

    Out of all of Scott Westerfeld’s wonderful characters in his lovely world, my answer to this question has to be Deryn. In most cases the leads- especially the leading heroines- are just place holders that get on my nerves. Even when they try so hard to be brave in the face of danger it only ruins them for me even more. With Deryn Sharp not only is she cliched, but she is almost a Mary-Sue like person. But the fact that Scottsters and Deryn make it work is amazing. She’s sharp and whitty, and even after everyone knows her secret- she still fights for what she wants and keeps on working her butt off for her country. She is anything but single minded (thankfully) and I love how even Alek wants to be her. The best things about Deryn are her fiery personality- and the fact that she’s funny as hell

  • Jen B.
    September 27, 2011 at 7:16 pm

    I have been trying to post my answer…I hope it works this time. I can’t pick a favorite character because I haven’t read the books yet. I would love to win this becuase I love steampunk and I read a lot of YA books!
    jepebATverizonDOTnet

  • Beverly H.
    September 27, 2011 at 7:30 pm

    My favorite character is Deryn because of her smart and courageous personality. Thanks for the giveaway!

  • pv mann
    September 27, 2011 at 7:31 pm

    i don’t know yet, haven’t had the $$ to buy them, but my friends keep telling me the series is awesome! i hope to find out one day. 🙂

  • erysimum
    September 27, 2011 at 8:31 pm

    Deryn, for sure! Action, adventure, knots and cross-dressing!

  • vvb
    September 27, 2011 at 8:36 pm

    alek!
    i bet alan cumming does a great job with the reading!

  • Jasmine A S
    September 27, 2011 at 8:37 pm

    Oh, my favorite characters are a tie between Dr Barlow and Count Volger. Deeply intelligent, somewhat devious and snarky older people? Definitely my type!

  • Cambelle
    September 27, 2011 at 9:05 pm

    The Kizlar Agha, of course!

    Just kidding, though for some reason I like him a lot in Behemoth.
    My favorite character depends on if I’m reading or if I’m listening to the audiobook.
    Reading: Alek
    Audiobook: Eddie Malone. He’s annoying but Cummings early 20th century American accent is epic!

  • Kristy McRae
    September 27, 2011 at 10:25 pm

    I’ve only read the first book so far, but I really love Deryn! Can’t wait to see what happens next!

  • Susan
    September 27, 2011 at 10:28 pm

    I do not–yet!–have a favorite character. I knew this story was to be a trilogy and wanted to wait until the third book was out so I could go from 1 to 2 to 3 without the usual frustrated pauses waiting for publication. I am a big Westerfeld fan and have heard lots of good things about books 1 & 2 from a friend and all over the internet!

  • Vivian
    September 28, 2011 at 1:51 am

    My favorite character has to be Alek! This is an awesome giveaway, the people who win this will be lucky people.

  • Becky
    September 28, 2011 at 3:37 am

    Deryn is my favorite character because she is willing to follow her dream despite everyone telling her she can’t and despite the risk of following her dreams.

  • debbie
    September 28, 2011 at 4:30 am

    I think Alek is my favorite. This would be so great to have.
    twoofakind12@yahoo.com

  • Jon
    September 28, 2011 at 5:16 am

    Dr. Barlow

  • Janice
    September 28, 2011 at 5:17 am

    I haven’t read this series, but have read others by Scott Westerfeld. I’m sure this one is just as good. I would love to read it. 😀

  • Evika
    September 28, 2011 at 5:35 am

    I have yet to read this series but am really looking forward to doing so. 😀

  • Julie Witt
    September 28, 2011 at 6:46 am

    I haven’t read the series yet but I have heard SO many good things about it! I’m really psyched to read it, so if I win, that’s just what I will do!! Thanks for an awesome giveaway:)

  • Katrina
    September 28, 2011 at 6:59 am

    I have yet to read the series; however, I love the girl-masquerading-as-a-guy trope!!!

  • SwiftScribbler
    September 28, 2011 at 8:25 am

    I don’t have a favorite yet–I just discovered Westerfeld’s Uglies series (love it!) and plan on moving on to this one once I’ve finished.

  • Karman Z
    September 28, 2011 at 8:32 am

    I love both main characters but if I have to choose, it would be Deryn

  • Andrea S
    September 28, 2011 at 9:04 am

    I don’t know that I have a favorite in this series. It’s epic. Although pressured to choose, it might have to be Dr Barlow. She’s super sneaky smart and I’m still not entirely sure what she’s up to. Which is awesome.

  • Lorraine
    September 28, 2011 at 9:47 am

    Deryn-you go girl! 😀

  • Margaret S.
    September 28, 2011 at 9:48 am

    I’m entering this because I would love to win the series so I can read it. I suppose my favourite character will be either Alek or Deryn… on the other hand, maybe there will be some secondary or even bit character that will seize my imagination. I can’t wait to find out!

  • Elly
    September 28, 2011 at 10:23 am

    Deryn and Alek all the way! I don’t even have to explain, there are who they are! 🙂

  • Justine
    September 28, 2011 at 10:45 am

    Do I have to choose between Alek and Deryn? Noooo, I refuse!

  • Amanda
    September 28, 2011 at 11:09 am

    I’m starting Boemoth tomorrow! I listened to Leviathan, finally, and loved it. There are so many good characters. I really like the professor lady (can’t remember her name) but I think Deryn is my favorite because she goes for her dream no matter what everyone else is telling her. I also admire her brother for helping her achieve her dream, but Deryn is my favorite. Thanks for your reviews and the give away!

  • Maureen
    September 28, 2011 at 2:27 pm

    I haven’t read this series so I don’t have a choice yet.

  • jenn aka the picky girl
    September 28, 2011 at 3:00 pm

    OOH! This is a fantastic giveaway! I really like Deryn’s character and am so glad Westerfeld introduced such a strong female in this series.

    Thanks so much!

  • Courtney
    September 28, 2011 at 4:16 pm

    Deryn!

  • Jill of The O.W.L.
    September 28, 2011 at 5:17 pm

    I’m gonna be honest – I hate when I have to answer that question for a giveaway – especially when the giveaway includes book one. People may have not read it! I haven’t so I don’t have a clue who my favorite character would be, and I don’t know from reading your review because you said it contained spoilers.

    Sorry I can’t answer the question but hope you still enter me 🙂

  • Breanne M.
    September 28, 2011 at 5:50 pm

    I’d love to be original, but I’m going to have to go with Deryn too.

  • Su
    September 28, 2011 at 7:29 pm

    I haven’t read these books yet, but they are on my TBR pile for sure. Or rather, now that I know who narrates the audio books, they are on my To Be Swooned Over pile. Thanks for hosting this contest.

  • Su
    September 28, 2011 at 7:31 pm

    I haven’t read these books yet, but they are on my TBR pile for sure. Thanks for hosting this contest.

  • Nicole
    September 28, 2011 at 8:23 pm

    Deryn, of course 🙂

  • Heather
    September 28, 2011 at 8:41 pm

    His Serene Highness Aleksandar, of course!

  • Annie
    September 28, 2011 at 10:04 pm

    Deryn, definitely

  • Audra Holtwick
    September 29, 2011 at 5:35 am

    I have been wanting to try steampunk please pick me
    audie@wickerness.com

  • Stephanie T.
    September 29, 2011 at 9:11 am

    I think my favorite character is Deryn. She holds a special place in my heart and I think out of all the characters, her adventures are the most fun to follow! Such awesome steam punk!

  • Deborah/thebookishdame
    September 29, 2011 at 9:19 am

    I’m so sad to say I can’t tell who my favorite character is because I haven’t read this series! It looks and sounds so fabulous. I came to YA fiction rather late…I was probably the last to drop my snoot-wall and read the Harry Potter books. Couldn’t understand why my otherwise brilliant reader friends were stooping to children’s books! Boy, did I find out.
    I would love to win one of these giveaway offers.
    All I can do, is wish to find out who my favorite character will be.
    Thanks!

    Deborah/TheBookishDame
    http://ab

  • Erin
    September 29, 2011 at 9:24 am

    I have to say Alek is my favorite character. I would love to win these in print.

  • Lisa B.
    September 29, 2011 at 1:08 pm

    I haven’t started the series yet, but it’s been on my wishlist since Leviathan came out. Thanks for the amazing contest.

  • Susan Chester
    September 29, 2011 at 2:07 pm

    I haven’t read any of these books yet:(. I am entering because I just read Pretties and loved it and can’t wait to read his other books!
    smchester at gmail dot com

  • FMan
    September 29, 2011 at 3:17 pm

    Has to be Volger.

  • Samantha
    September 29, 2011 at 3:18 pm

    Deryn!

  • Sarah W.
    September 29, 2011 at 3:18 pm

    I like Alek best. I’ve only read Leviathan so far, but I love how he deals with all the changes in his life.

  • Jacey
    September 29, 2011 at 3:19 pm

    My favorite character is Bovril. He is such a cryptic little guy.

  • Leah
    September 29, 2011 at 3:21 pm

    My first instinct is to say Deryn because she is such a great example of a smart, brave female character. HOWEVER! I have a huge affinity for Dr. Barlow – the lady boffin is awesome. She’s super sneaky and brilliant. Her dialogue always makes me laugh; plus she created the perspicacious lorises!

  • Ann Principe
    September 29, 2011 at 3:25 pm

    I love Deryn because she is a strong female protagonist, her vivacious attitude, and her vernacular such as “bumrag” and “barking spiders”.

  • snlim
    September 29, 2011 at 3:30 pm

    I love Deryn. She’s the independent, smart, badass girl that we all want to be.

  • Katie
    September 29, 2011 at 3:35 pm

    Dr. Barlow definitely. She’s incredibly smart and hilarious. Plus, she’s managed to do what she wants in a world where it’s improper for women to have a job.

  • Theresa
    September 29, 2011 at 3:41 pm

    Deryn becase she’s such a strong female character and as insperational as those are, they’re hard to come by.

  • darchole
    September 29, 2011 at 3:47 pm

    Leviathan is still sitting on my TBR pile. Maybe now is the time to read it.

  • Casey
    September 29, 2011 at 4:06 pm

    My favorite character is definitely Dr. Barlow!

  • Nonie
    September 29, 2011 at 4:26 pm

    Count Volger! He’s hilarious, clever, and even though he’s a bit evil, he just wants the best for Alek. And he has an epic mustache. 😀

  • Paige
    September 29, 2011 at 4:28 pm

    Alek because it’s great to see him as he grows and changes from a spoiled young prince in Leviathan to someone who’s willing to make difficult decisions and sacrifices in Goliath.

  • Yukari
    September 29, 2011 at 5:45 pm

    I have to second Leah: I was going to say Deryn but Dr. Barlow is really the best. I think it may have something to do with my age; if I was younger I’d say Deryn with no hesitation and not even consider Dr. Barlow!

  • Carmen
    September 29, 2011 at 8:24 pm

    Deryn is hands down my favorite character! <3

  • Charlee Vale
    September 29, 2011 at 8:28 pm

    I love Alek!

    CV

  • Jill
    September 29, 2011 at 10:49 pm

    Deryn!

  • Elizabeth
    September 30, 2011 at 8:50 am

    Deryn!

  • Michelle
    September 30, 2011 at 10:37 am

    I just finished this one up on audio this week. It was fantastically narrated by Alan Cumming. Though, sadly this means I’ve missed out on the beautiful illustration. I’ll be picking up the hard copy for sure to be able to enjoy that too. All in all I found this a satisfying ending but agree it was not the best in the trilogy. For me that goes to Leviathan. I did enjoy the angst of Deryn & Alek’s revelations about their relationship the most in this book. I’m interested to see what Westerfeld does next.

  • Rena
    September 30, 2011 at 11:28 am

    I absolutely adore Mr. Westerfeld’s books! Unfortunately so does everyone else in my town so I haven’t been able to get this series out of the library 😥 I don’t have a favorite character yet but I’m dying to read it!

  • Lili
    September 30, 2011 at 1:32 pm

    Deryn!

  • Lili
    September 30, 2011 at 1:43 pm

    I have a preference for Deryn!

  • Tiff
    October 1, 2011 at 6:27 am

    I’m going to have to go with Deryn. Thanks for hosting the contest!

  • Sarah
    October 1, 2011 at 6:39 am

    I’ve only had a chance to read Book One since my students are all fighting over Book Two, but I loved Deryn. Thanks for an amazing giveaway!

  • Diana.
    October 1, 2011 at 7:38 am

    Deryn is the baddasser one of the characters.

  • Isabel Fine
    October 1, 2011 at 8:43 am

    I was going to start this series, but I got distracted by A Song of Ice and Fire. Curse you, GRRM! Well, no time like the present…

  • Stephanie
    October 1, 2011 at 10:23 am

    Deryn is my favorite character! I wish I was her! 😀

  • Tiffany
    October 1, 2011 at 10:45 am

    Favorite character is Deryn Sharp!

  • Tiffany
    October 1, 2011 at 10:57 am

    Mr. Deryn Sharp!!!

  • Teresa N
    October 1, 2011 at 12:23 pm

    Thanks for the great giveaway! The first book has been in my TBR pile for awhile, so I”m excited to read the whole trilogy in one swoop. Deryn sounds like a great character.

  • alanagkelly
    October 1, 2011 at 1:33 pm

    Deryn for sure!

  • Nga D
    October 1, 2011 at 7:56 pm

    Deryn. 🙂

  • Josephine
    October 2, 2011 at 10:44 am

    Deryn’s my favourite.

  • Karli
    October 2, 2011 at 4:37 pm

    Deryn, hands down. She is such a fantastic character – someone I wish I could be! Thank you so SO much for this giveaway! 😀

  • Anonymous
    February 27, 2012 at 2:58 pm

    😀 😆 😈 ➡ 🙂

  • bob
    February 27, 2012 at 2:59 pm

    😛 🙂 😀 🙄 😉 ❗ 😥 😐 :mrgreen:

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