Goliath: Leviathan Trilogy, Book 3

Book review by Carrie R. Wheadon, Common Sense Media
Goliath: Leviathan Trilogy, Book 3 Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 12+

High-flying end to smart, inventive sci-fi series.

Scott Westerfeld Science Fiction 2011
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age 12+

Based on 2 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this book.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this final book in the popular sci-fi Leviathan trilogy includes some fascinating and true historical tidbits amid the action (some wartime violence, some attacking creatures, but no gore), and romance (a couple of kisses). They'll visit William Randolph Hearst's castle, the site of a mysterious explosion in the wilds of Siberia, and meet the wild inventor Nikola Tesla.

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What's the Story?

Back aboard the part-whale airship the Leviathan, Prince Alek and Midshipman Dylan Sharp resume their easy friendship. But when they pick up the mad inventor Nikola Tesla in the wilds of Siberia, things get a lot more complicated. Tesla is determined to show off his nearly completed invention; one that he claims can take out whole cities from anywhere in the world and end all wars. Alek, looking for a quick way to stop the war, decides to make him an ally and appear with him for a demonstration in Japan. That brings press, cameras, and more cameras, and more truths to light than Alek is ready for. Alek now knows his best friend and confidant is really a girl, Deryn. He has to ask himself how much he is willing to lie for her. And will those lies damage his ties to Tesla and those he hopes can end the war?

Is It Any Good?

If readers loved the first two books, Leviathan and Behemoth, they'll love the last one too. Though they won't find every loose end tied up -- like how perspicacious will the perspicacious lorises get, for starters? And that's not to mention the bigger picture of a war still going on (though, according to the afterward, this version of World War I will be over much quicker than the real one, thanks in part to Alek and Deryn).

The adventures -- mammoth ocean storms, rescues amidst giant ravenous bears -- always pop up in time to keep GOLIATH from getting too caught up in all the war plotting, identity hiding, and descriptions of complex fabricated beasts, machines, and inventions. It's a lot to juggle, and the series is richer and more memorable for it.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the alternate history presented here. What's fact and what's fiction? Do you like that the series introduces you to real historical figures?

  • Families can also talk about this sci-fi series and other favorites. What makes this one a hit? Is it the brave characters, the writer's imaginative take on history, or something else entirely?

  • Deryn is a strong female character in a man's world. What other strong female characters in books or movies do you admire?

Book Details

Our Editors Recommend

For kids who love history and science fiction

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