June 2014- Behemoth by Scott Westerfeld

[Jennifer W, WT Moderator]

Welcome to June's themed group read of Behemoth by Scott Westerfeld.

Be aware that this thread may contain spoilers for Leviathan which we read previously. You may comment on that book here: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/....

Enjoy!!

[Jennifer W, WT Moderator]

Some questions:

Have you read much steampunk? Is this series typical of the genre?

How do the illustrations advance the story?

[SthTx Dawn]

I am going to the library next week and check out both of the books in this series..I love the steampunk genre..so hopefully I will get to participate in the discussion this month..

[Jennifer W, WT Moderator]

Quick question, the characters refer to Constantinople but the map calls it Istanbul. Any thoughts?

[Jennifer W, WT Moderator]

I found the answer! About 100 pages in it explains it.

I think I like the politics of these books the most. Having the heir to the Austrian throne on the run, trying to figure who to trust. Also, the interplay of countries with the Germans and the British trying to court the Turks, as well as Turkey's upheaval in this time period, all very interesting.

As for the illustrations, I think my favorites in both this one and Leviathan, I like the maps the best. I think they're so creative, so much to look at, and carry the feeling of WWI.

[Nicol]

I really like steam punk but I think the only other series I have read in that genre are: Infernal Devices series by and the Parasol Protectorate series by Gail CarrigerCassandra Clare which I enjoyed both, however nothing compares to the wittiness of Ms Carriger. I actually listened to Behemoth a couple of years ago and it was narrated by Alan Cummings and he did an absolute awesome job the only thing I regret is I have not seen the illustrations from the books so I missed out on that. I love this series and never understood why there are not more Westerfeld fans out there! I really liked their time in Turkey and agree with you that I enjoyed the politics of this book.

[Jennifer W, WT Moderator]

I'm about halfway through the book. The creatures that the scientist woman brought on board (I forget her name, don't have the book in front of me) have started to hatch. What do you think they are? They appear to have a part to play in forming alliances.

Have any teachers used this series in a classroom? Does it interest kids in WWI? Do any of you think it would increase the interest in history? Does it muddy the waters by being alternate history?

[Jennifer W, WT Moderator]

I finished today. I liked it. Will post more when I get back to my computer.

[Jennifer W, WT Moderator]

I think I liked this one more than Leviathan. I think there was more going on in this book. I liked the idea, and scariness, of the Tesla cannon, and the arms race in general. (view spoiler)[Britain builds a hydrogen plane, the Germans build a lightning cannon, Britain builds a giant sea monster, Germans build a giant net, Britain builds barnacles to eat the net... I also really liked the variety of races coming together in Turkey to fight, though I thought Alek was foolish to trust them with the truth so quickly. (hide spoiler)] I still don't know what to think of those new little creatures... I'm also surprised at the ending and where everyone is heading. Can't wait to see how it all ends!