Behemoth

Let me introduce you to a term you may not have heard before:

Steampunk is a sub-genre of science fiction, alternate history, and speculative fiction that came into prominence during the 1980s and early 1990s. Specifically, steampunk involves an era or world where steam power is still widely used—usually the 19th century and often Victorian era Britain—that incorporates prominent elements of either science fiction or fantasy. Works of steampunk often feature anachronistic technology or futuristic innovations as Victorians may have envisioned them; in other words, based on a Victorian perspective on fashion, culture, architectural style, art, etc. This technology may include such fictional machines as those found in the works of H. G. Wells and Jules Verne or real technologies like the computer but developed earlier in an alternate history. (definition taken from Wikipedia)

Steampunk is the latest trend in YA lit. Some of my favorite authors are trying out steampunk and there are several steampunk releases set to come out this year. Behemoth is a steampunk book by Scott Westerfeld (author of the Uglies series); it's second in a series of three (Leviathan was the first). Personally, I love it. I love all the weird technologies in this book, set at the beginning of WWI (or an alternate world's WWI, I should say). Scott Westerfeld is a compelling author, too. I was dying all book to see what would happen next. The big question was, of course, will Prince Alek realize that Midshipman Dylan is actually Deryn Sharp (classic girl in disguise as a boy plot, but it feels so original)? I won't tell you, but be ready for a serious cliffhanger. I was also a big fan of the perspicacious loris. So, so funny, and I love it when Children's books teach me new vocab words.

So, if you're in the mood for something different and fun, check out Leviathan and Behemoth. The third book, Goliath, is coming out October 2011.