I liked the premise when I saw it, I found it intriguing. The book is a non-stop action story, with an incredibly imaginative steampunkish world-building, two very sympathetic protagonists and amazing illustrations and I loved every minute of it.

The two kids, Alek and Deryn are what make Leviathan stand out for me. They each are immersed in their own culture and have their views about Clankers vs Darwinists and it is through their eyes that questionings about each side are raised and they both come out as sympathetic. I really liked it when they finally met and how they fought for what they believed in – they cannot really trust each other at first given how they are in opposite sides but soon, they must learn to work together.

The only thing marginally negative I have to say about this whole experience is that the book ends with far too many unanswered questions, a minor cliff-hanger. I hope the sequel answers most of them. Overall it has a great story and world-building, sympathetic, believable characters and it's beautifully illustrated. :thumbs up: