In Scott Westerfield’s strange and wonderful world, it’s British Clankers and their extraordinary steam-driven machines versus continental Darwinists and their amazing genetically engineered creatures, and both sides are gearing up for war in an alternative version of the second decade of the twentieth century. Prince Aleksander, heir to the throne of the Astro-Hungarian Empire is woken late one night and bundled from the palace and into a small walking tank. He learns, to his horror, that his parents have been assassinated in far-off Sarajevo and that he is next to be taken captive or murdered. Together with his loyal retinue he must flee from his enemies to the safety of neutral Switzerland.

Deryn Sharp longs to in the British Navy and sail the skies in the giant living airships of the British Empire. Unfortunately, she’s a girl, and must disguise herself as a boy to enlist as a cadet. On her first day aloft over the London rooftops she is cast adrift by a storm and rescued by the great Leviathan, where she is made a midshipman. The Leviathan embarks on a secret mission to Turkey, but flying over Switzerland, is shot down over the Swiss Alps, close to Aleksander’s mountain refuge.

The Leviathan’s crew struggle to repair their ship in a desperate race against time as German forces cross the Swiss border intent on their destruction. Aleksander must struggle with his loyalties and his need to stay hidden and his urge to help Deryn and her shipmates from their dangerous plight.

Leviathan is a cracking tale of adventure and derring do with a pair of engaging, likeable leads set in a fascinating, brilliantly realised world. Superb illustrations by Keith Thompson make for some amazing visuals. This is the first volume in a series and I very much look forward to reading more.