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I read this because it is a group-read in a challenge, so I'm trying to be ultra-fair in my review. I love reading alternative-histories, and since the Temeraire series by Naomi Novik are shelved as steampunk, the WWI theme sounded like it should make a good steampunk story. It didn't work for me, tho, for several reasons. The main characters are 15-16 years old, but but this seems to be geared more toward middle-schoolers than young adults. Maybe the characters will mature and act more their ag
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I concluded while reading this book that while I find steampunk an interesting concept, I don't really enjoy reading it.
The alternate history Westerfeld creates, at the beginning of what we now call World War I, is amazingly complex because of the different directions the opposing sides have pursued in developing their technology. The "Clankers" (Austria-Hungary and Germany) use machinery and weapons that we recognize as machines, even though their tanks walk on simulated legs rather than rolli ...more
The alternate history Westerfeld creates, at the beginning of what we now call World War I, is amazingly complex because of the different directions the opposing sides have pursued in developing their technology. The "Clankers" (Austria-Hungary and Germany) use machinery and weapons that we recognize as machines, even though their tanks walk on simulated legs rather than rolli ...more
5.5/10. This book reads a lot more juvenile than I expected for a "YA" book. The characterization, plotting, dialogue, prose, etc, are all quite simple and depthless. None of them were bad - certainly entertaining, but definitely not gripping.
The book was more focused on the "fabricated beasties" and machines than the characters or even plot. I felt like the author was trying too hard for the whole "steampunk" vibe to the exclusion of every other component. I'm no expert on steampunk fiction, b ...more
The book was more focused on the "fabricated beasties" and machines than the characters or even plot. I felt like the author was trying too hard for the whole "steampunk" vibe to the exclusion of every other component. I'm no expert on steampunk fiction, b ...more
I really enjoyed this book, which surprised me no end! It is the first book in the steampunk genre that I have read. The reviews on my reading group were mixed but overall not encouraging, so I thought it would be a drag. Well, it was not. I found this book full of fun descriptions (imaginative creatures and wonderful machines), a believable storyline, interesting characters set in an interesting time. Scott Westerfield used elements surrounding WW I to create a fantastical story of two kids - t
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This was an interesting book not just for the blend of history and science. The plot was clever and I liked the characters of Alek and Deryn. I wanted to learn more about them. Also, I don't remember much about World War I and how it all came about. I had studied it in school but it was awhile ago. I like how the two groups were divided into creation versus machine. I liked how they blended different species of animals. Then I read the afterward and found out the character of Dr. Barlow was base
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What a wild romp of pure delight!
Nov 17, 2009
Atishay
marked it as to-read
Dec 26, 2009
Dylan
marked it as to-read
Jan 01, 2010
Angela Randall
marked it as to-read
Apr 08, 2010
Stellabella
marked it as to-read
![[ JT ]](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1253302100p2/2641450.jpg)
Jul 10, 2010
[ JT ]
marked it as to-read
Jan 11, 2011
Kate
marked it as to-read
Feb 14, 2011
Heather (DeathByBook)
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Jan 02, 2012
Tiffany
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Jan 07, 2012
Danielle
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May 22, 2012
Ashley
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Dec 01, 2013
Amy
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Jul 04, 2015
Lindsay
marked it as to-read
Jun 09, 2016
LeeEllen
marked it as to-read
