Behemoth by Scott Westerfield

 Synopsis:

The behemoth is the fiercest creature in the British navy. It can swallow enemy battleships with one bite. The Darwinists will need it, now that they are at war with the Clanker powers.

Deryn is a girl posing as a boy in the British Air Service, and Alek is the heir to an empire posing as a commoner. Finally together aboard the airship Leviathan, they hope to bring the war to a halt. But when disaster strikes the Leviathan's peacekeeping mission, they find themselves alone and hunted in enemy territory.

Alek and Deryn will need great skill, new allies, and brave hearts to face what's ahead.

Review by Patrick:

If you haven't read my review of Leviathan, please read it first. It gives some background about what is going on generally.

This book continues the greatness started in Leviathan. Alek and Deryn are noticeably coming closer together, although there is a slight "love drama" later in the book. Don't worry, I think it all turns out alright in the end.

The main part of this book stays in one location: Istanbul. As we learned from the first book, the British (and other Darwinists) are definately not happy with the Clanker Powers, but as further evidence is seen, not all the Clankers are on the same page either. Istanbul, in this book, is the meeting of everyone. There's the British, the Austrians, the Sultan, the Germans, and even the Americans have a role to play. Then to through a kink in everything, you have the revolution. It's not quite the political read of a Tom Clancy, but we have a different audience.

The fantasy presents new elements in this book. There's the Bovril that hatched and attached to Alek. There are the elephant walkers, the Sultan's automaton, several encounters with Tesla cannons, and of course, the Behemoth itself. The world created by Westerfeld is not neglected in the imagination department. Seriously, it's amazing he has come up with this stuff.

The book ends on another cliff hanger. I have no idea how the story is going to end, or even if the British are going to win the war. (Remember, this is an alternate history.) I do know that I really want to read it, and look forward to the last book of the series, Goliath. Another 5 stars from me for this book.

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis

Synopsis:

Four adventurous siblings—Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy Pevensie—step through a wardrobe door and into the land of Narnia, a land frozen in eternal winter and enslaved by the power of the White Witch. But when almost all hope is lost, the return of the Great Lion, Aslan, signals a great change . . . and a great sacrifice.

Review by Patrick:

This is one to the timeless classics of fantasy. When someone mentions fantasy, I think of Middle Earth, Krynn, and Narnia. The most popular and well known of The Chronicles of Narnia is The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, which in my mind, makes it one of the entry books into the fantasy world. I think this is a great book for young readers who want to get into fantasy fiction, or readers who want to try fiction for the first time.

This book follows after The Magician's Nephew, where the world of Narnia was created. Now we get to see what happened to Jadis who was left behind in Narnia. The four children get to explore and discover this magical land, ultimately attempting to reclaim the land back for good.

This book is definitely a kids story. It's main characters are quite young during most of the book, and the pace is very quick. Each chapter develops the story significantly. It's a good light book that will not take too much time to read.

There's so much to say about this book, and yet so much that doesn't need to be said. Just about everything in this book is wonderful, and it also makes you wonder what magic exists in our real world that we just have yet to find yet. I'm giving this classic 4.5 stars.

Up Next:

A Horse and His Boy by C. S. Lewis
Behemoth by Scott Westerfield

Review: Jett by Dana Pratola

    

Synopsis:

When a reclusive businessman takes an interest in Haven’s artwork, she knows it’s an answer to prayer. But Jett Cestone is an enigma with a disconcerting connection to the young women in his employ. He’s by far the most unusual man she’s ever met.
Haven is the most interesting woman to ever cross Jett’s path. But she’s too naïve and pure to learn what goes on in his home. Too bad he wants her more than he’s wanted anyone or anything in his life.

Review: Rating- 5
I had to take some time after reading this book so I could compose this review. I have never read a book that has made me feel the way this one did. I know I will not be able to do this review justice because this book is one you just have to read to understand why I have this massive book hangover.

It was a slow build that felt monotonous, but it really wasn't. It was slow and the climax was tame, but by the time it's over you realize Dana Pratola has made you feel. It was all too realistic and I think that's what made it feel monotonous. When I read I don't expect to read a book that feels like reality, yes I hope to be able to relate to the characters, but I always expect that little bit of unrealistic-ness to come through. The book does have a paranormal element to it, but Dana Pratola even made that feel normal.

The romance between Jett and Haven was phenomenal. This is a clean book, but it does talk about wanting to be with the other. The sexual tension was palpable!!! I was completely intrigued with Jett's paranormal side. I kept wanting to know more and more, which is what had me turning the pages. Plus, what he does with his gifts was interesting and tied in wonderfully with the book. I was surprised by the religious element to the book. I have never read a Dana Pratola novel so I didn't know she wrote Christian Fiction. I thought it was an interesting view and very tastefully done. If you don't like hearing about God then I advise you to read this novel with an open mind. It's too good to tell you not to read just take note that it is Christian Fiction.

This book has rocked me to my core. I don't know how I've never heard of Dana Pratola because she is fantastic. If you haven't read this series I highly, highly recommend you pick it up be on your way to your very own book hangover.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.