Erin's Reviews > Behemoth

I think Bovril counts as an excuse to add a book to my "talking cats" shelf. ;)

Also, I am going to try to add some images to my review for the vewy first time, so please bear with me...


Behemoth was even better than Leviathan. Why?

1. First up, Alek is my fave still. He was a little less pathetic in this book than the first, which was good and bad. Good because he was taking charge of his life in a way that made me want to stand up and cheer, bad because I thought his snobbishness was super amusing. I kinda missed the old Alek who was all, "I can't fight without servants standing ready with towels!" But I suppose we all must grow and change.

2. The other characters grew on me a LOT. I still really love Count Volger (something about him reminds me of my dear Severus Snape... not a lot, but just enough to make me all crazy-eyed when he steps on the scene). Dr. Barlow was more likable for me personally, mainly because she was turning that all-seeing eye of hers onto Deryn's secrets instead of Alek's (I'm very protective of my boy!). It was pleasant to have Alek's men (Bauer and Klopp) developed more. And Deryn, of course, was full of swagger and sweetness. I like her a lot and she's only getting better. But I think every other review of this book has already said enough about her. :)

3. The new characters (Lilit! BOVRIL!) were a lot of fun. Bovril kind of completes me. Perspicacious doesn't even begin to cover it. And I thought the gender issues that Lilit's presence brought up were... interesting. My affection for Alek was put to the test, but we pulled through. Oh yes, we did.

4. ILLUSTRATIONS. Thank you, Mr. Keith Thompson (and on that note, I adore the fact that the title page calls the author Mr. Scott Westerfeld... way to keep it classy).

PUT YOUR HANDS IN THE AIR AND WAVE 'EM LIKE YA JUST DON'T CARE... IF YOU LOVE ALEK!!!

Oh my gosh, my first image. What a milestone.

5. The plot. So excellent! The climax is saved for the last few chapters, but even the rising action was intriguing. The Darwinists' attempts to get the Ottomans on their side were quite interesting to read. And I wanted to punch Eddie Malone in the face. That is all.

6. Deryn's friendship with Alek was just... precious. I understand her reluctance to share her true identity with him, but I feel confident that when the time finally comes Alek will be a splendid little chap and go "girl it ain't no thang!". But in a more princely (sorry Alek, ARCHDUKELY) diction.

7. Mr. Sharp. Oh my sweet Bovril. Every time Bovril said that I just about died. And it was just the icing on the cake when I saw an illustration of Bovril saying that on the back cover of my book. A (hardly extensive) Google Image search did not turn up this image, to my immense disappointment. But it seriously amuses me to no end that EVERYONE but Alek seems to be onto Deryn's secret. Even the fabricated animal knows it. Alek is so hopelessly oblivious. Which I love.


So there you have it, seven reasons I think Behemoth was splendiforous. And from all the reviews I've peeked at, I'm getting the feeling that Goliath will be just as good, if not better. Yay.


"Are we going to fight?" Deryn finally asked. "Or just stare each other to death?"

(view spoiler)[Sequel-oriented Musings:

I am completely stumped as to why Dr. Barlow wants Alek to be the one to bond with Bovril. I hope the reason is really awesome...

I can't decide if I'm happy or annoyed that Klopp survived the train crash. It seemed almost like a cop-out; that should have killed him.

Prediction: Alek will not get the crown, thanks to the Pope's untimely death... but he'll live with it, because this turn of events will leave him in Deryn's lovin' arms! ;)

Bovril will grow in perspicacious-ness, and do something epic in the next book. I just feel it.

Alek will finally live up to Count Volger's high standards. But he'll be insulted anyway. :) (hide spoiler)]