Giveaways Inspirations and Influences

Guest Author & Giveaway: Scott Westerfeld on the Leviathan Series

“Inspirations and Influences” is a series of articles in which we invite authors to write guest posts talking about their…well, Inspirations and Influences. The cool thing is that the writers are given free reign so they can go wild and write about anything they want. It can be about their new book, series or about their career as a whole.

We are proud to bring you today a guest post by Scott Westerfeld, author of both Adult and YA books, including the Uglies Trilogy which Thea read and reviewed here. The first book in his new series, Leviathan, was published last year and Ana barking LOVED IT. And to celebrate the upcoming release of the awesome second book Behemoth ( which Ana reviewed today), we invited the author to talk about writing it.

Please give a warm welcome to Scott Westerfeld!

The Leviathan series was inspired by the crumbling “boy’s own adventures” in my parents’ book collection. These books had lots of derring-do and panache, but lacked even a glimpse of a strong female character. So what I’m doing is half homage and half correction, which is a nice combination to work with. You get to be both nostalgic and forward-looking.

It took me about sixty pages to realize what was missing from my version of these old adventure books, however, and that was illustration. A hundred years ago pretty much all novels, whether for kids or adults, had pictures. So I hired Keith Thompson to do a set of old-fashioned images for the trilogy. Then a weird thing happened: these illustrations turned into an even biggest inspiration than my original source material. Here’s what I mean . . .

Keith started with portraits of the two main characters, Alek and Deryn, who are from two different cultures. Alek is Austrian and a Clanker (a machine-user), while Deryn is English and a Darwinist, (In my world Darwin discovered DNA in the 1860s, and created all sort of Victorian biotechnologies: message lizards, living airships, etc.) Rather brilliantly, Keith decided to create frames for these portraits that reflected the cultures.

As you can see, Alek’s frame is made of mechanical parts, fan blades and gears. Deryn’s is made of organic shapes, like seashells. As an aristocrat, Alek is painted, whereas middle-class Deryn is a black and white photograph. With his first illustration, Keith had already begun to establish that the characters came from two different worlds.

Keith carried these distinctions through all fifty illustrations in Leviathan. The tools, clothing, even the furniture of the two cultures reflect two completely different aesthetics. Darwinist stuff has curved lines and smooth edges. Clanker stuff is boxy, as ungainly as a Great War “land dreadnought.” Compare the rear of Alek fighting a fire atop his Clanker Stormwalker with the captain of His Majesty’s Airship Leviathan sitting at his Darwinist-style desk:

Of course, with Keith setting the bar so high, I had to bring those distinctions to life on the page as well. I decided to give the two characters two different linguistic styles as well.

Those of you who’ve read the Uglies series know that I like a bit of slang. Deryn speaks in an alternate-world Glaswegian dialect. It’s tough and tomboyish, because she’s a girl pretending to be a boy to serve in the Royal Air Navy. Alek the aristocrat is grammatically correct, even a bit stiff, though he gets to use a few bites of Clanker slang. Alek uses the word “mind” a lot; Deryn just says “brain” or “head.” (Those Darwinists are very matter of fact about physiology.) Alek generally refers people by title (“Mr.”, “Dr.”, “Captain”), even when he’s only thinking about them, whereas Deryn has internal nicknames for people. (She refers to Dr. Barlow as “the lady boffin,” for example.) I tried to do with words what Keith did with his picture frames, created two styles that are in conflict with each other, just as the Clankers and Darwinists are in conflict in the Great War.

Of course, you can never just divide the world in two. Reality is much more convoluted than that. So in book two of the series, Behemoth, our heroes travel to Istanbul, capital of the Ottoman Empire. The Ottomans are Clankers, but they build their machines in the shapes of animals. So Keith created a third aesthetic, a sort of Levantine Clankerism, mechanistic and yet as curvaceous as a minaret. Behold, the sultan’s airyacht:

Whenever Keith makes art like this, it makes me want to ramp up the lushness of my prose. Istanbul is at a cross-road of many cultures, of course, and was divided into lots of neighborhoods and languages (moreso in 1914 than now). So as the characters explore the city, I let my usually spare adjectives and sentence length get a bit more Byzantine, so to speak. To support what’s going on in the art and prose, the settings are a bit more luxuriant than the cabins of an airship or a steam-powered walker—busy libraries, crowded marketplaces, and palaces.

All of these maneuvers were obvious in retrospect. Different characters and setting should demand different kinds of words. But something about seeing the characters and places rendered as images made it crystal clear what the language of Leviathan had to do.

I guess this is merely part and parcel of the old saying, “A picture’s worth a thousand words.” But it’s a reminder that we writers should look while we work. History, places, people—all of our subjects have a visual dimension that can serve as inspiration, if we just remember to use our eyes.

About the author: Scott Westerfeld is the author of books for adults and for teens, including the bestselling YA series, Uglies. Behemoth is the second book in the Leviathan trilogy. He divides his time between Sydney and New York. Visit www.scottwesterfeld.com to read Scott’s blog and follow his writing career.

Thank you, Scott, for the awesome post!

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

We have two copies of Behemoth to give away, courtesy of S&S UK. The contest is open to EVERYONE and will run until Saturday, October 2nd, 11:59PM (PST). To enter, leave a comment here. We will randomly select the winner and will announce it on Sunday in our weekly Smugglers’ Stash. ONE entry per person please. Good luck!

182 Comments

  • Ginny
    September 30, 2010 at 2:50 am

    The art wok in your books is beautiful, I wish more books had illustrations. The only other I’ve seen with them recently is Laini Taylor’s Lips Touch Three Times, with were also stunning, though in a gothic way kind of way.
    I will admit to the crime of having not read Levaithan yet, but now I can’t resist – steampunk, historical influences & amazing pictures? I am so there.

  • Cindy
    September 30, 2010 at 2:58 am

    Thank you for that giveaway ! I’m looking forward to read “Behemoth” since I love Leviathan.
    That story about Keith Thompson’s art and how it gives inspiration is really interesting. I do hope that more YA books will be illustrated !

  • J
    September 30, 2010 at 3:34 am

    The illustrations really do bring the world to life. It sounds like a facinating world. I’m going to have to go find the books!

  • Susanne
    September 30, 2010 at 3:37 am

    I wonder; can I use this entry of “Inspirations and Influences” on my students, when I’m trying to get them to write stories?
    Looking forward to “Benemoth”!

  • Eileen
    September 30, 2010 at 3:37 am

    I absolutely loved Leviathan and cannot wait for this to come out!

  • Maureen
    September 30, 2010 at 3:48 am

    Please enter me.

  • Mindi
    September 30, 2010 at 3:51 am

    Leviathan has been flying off my classroom library shelves since I read it last fall. Both boys and girls love this story, and I can honestly say I am in that camp, too. Thank you, Scott, for introducing me (and my students) to the world of Steampunk!

  • Carla
    September 30, 2010 at 3:56 am

    It looks like I am going to need more shelf space in my classroom if Scott Westerfeld keeps writing these amazing books.

  • Nick
    September 30, 2010 at 3:58 am

    Behemoth!!! :mrgreen:

  • Skye Handley
    September 30, 2010 at 4:14 am

    I loved Leviathan! I think it’s the only YA novel I’ve read that’s been illustrated. I really wish more were. It seemed kind of juvenille, but Keith’s art is just…wow.
    I can’t wait for Behemoth’s release. And if I win an early copy? Even better 😀

  • Amanda Isabel
    September 30, 2010 at 4:19 am

    Awesome post! Scott Westerfeld has been a favourite author of mine since “Uglies”, and I found this to be quite good! I love the illustrations,and this has made me even more excited to start “Leviathan”! Thanks for this! 😀

  • Josh
    September 30, 2010 at 4:20 am

    Loved Leviathan and this article was inspirational to a feelow writer. Looking forward to reading Behemoth as the cliffhanger at the end of Leviathan was steep and without toe-holds!

  • Wendy
    September 30, 2010 at 4:26 am

    LOVED Leviathan, and can’t wait for Behemoth! The illustrations are as lovely as the text.

  • kelly
    September 30, 2010 at 4:31 am

    I’ve been waiting for this book from the moment I turned the final page of LEVIATHAN.

  • Amy
    September 30, 2010 at 4:48 am

    I read Leviathan and loved it. The book is also beautifully designed. I look forward to buying Behemoth as well, and plan on going to meet Scott Westerfeld on Oct. 12th.

  • Glaiza
    September 30, 2010 at 4:55 am

    Great interview, I love the different artwork portraits. Oh and please enter me in for a chance too 🙂

  • Gilliene
    September 30, 2010 at 4:59 am

    I’m currently reading Leviathan and so far it’s been an interesting read! I’m so excited for Behemoth! Also, I have to comment on your lovely cover art! 🙂

    Gilliene
    gillieneong[at]gmail[dot]com

  • Pagecrawler
    September 30, 2010 at 5:01 am

    Fantastic post and a great give away Leviathan is one of my favourite books and its so interesting to see the thinking behind it. Can’t wait to read Behemoth!

    Thanks for making it international

  • Angelia Fransisca Rusli
    September 30, 2010 at 5:04 am

    I always love Scott’s works & I would totally love to win Behemoth!

  • Karri Justina Shea
    September 30, 2010 at 5:05 am

    I was fascinated by the Darwinist creations in Leviathan and am looking forward to reading more of this world in Behemoth. The artwork is beautiful and yes, a bit nostalgia-inducing – all books should be illustrated like this!

  • Liz
    September 30, 2010 at 5:10 am

    The illustrations in Leviathan are so stunning and fit the story perfectly. I cannot wait to read Behemoth! Thanks for the giveaway!

  • blodeuedd
    September 30, 2010 at 5:17 am

    Cool, I am so in 😀
    Westerfeld is such a good writer

  • Amy
    September 30, 2010 at 5:19 am

    I loved Leviathan, look forward to reading Behemoth and meeting Scott Westerfeld on Oct 12th.

  • Chase
    September 30, 2010 at 5:27 am

    The illustrations look fantastic! Can’t wait to get my hands on this book!

  • wandering-dreamer
    September 30, 2010 at 5:30 am

    I’d love to win a copy of the book, more books with pictures please!

  • Karissa
    September 30, 2010 at 5:30 am

    I absolutely loved Leviathan! Please enter me 🙂
    Thanks so much for holding this giveaway. 😀

  • Louisse
    September 30, 2010 at 5:34 am

    Totally loved Leviathan!!! I so can’t wait for Behemoth! 🙂 Thanks!

  • Sam
    September 30, 2010 at 5:35 am

    Please count me in! 😀

  • Charlotte
    September 30, 2010 at 5:40 am

    That was fascinating! Thanks.

    I can’t wait to read this!

  • Etta
    September 30, 2010 at 5:41 am

    I can’t wait to read Behemoth since I loved Leviathan (one of my favorite books of the past year). It’s interesting to hear how you were influenced by Thompson’s illustrations. I thought they really added an interesting dimension to Leviathan. There was so much going on in each illustration, and I found myself poring over them to catch all the details.

  • Em
    September 30, 2010 at 5:48 am

    Every time I see the cover of Behemoth an angel gets its wings (or something like that). Can’t wait to see what happens next for Deryn and Alek and crew! Thanks for the great giveaway! Fingers crossed!

  • Henry Stokes
    September 30, 2010 at 5:54 am

    Garsh it would be bully to win!

  • Cristina
    September 30, 2010 at 6:03 am

    Looks intreaguing (never could spell that word!)

  • Mezzowriter
    September 30, 2010 at 6:08 am

    I’ve been itching to get my hands on this one ever since I read Leviathan!

  • mara
    September 30, 2010 at 6:10 am

    I liked his other series (Uglies, Pretties, etc.), but haven’t yet tried this one. Looks interesting, I’ll check it out anyway.

    P.S. That cover is made of Awesome.

  • Cheri H.
    September 30, 2010 at 6:10 am

    Still haven’t read anything by Westerfield, although I have Uglies at home.

  • Hannah
    September 30, 2010 at 6:21 am

    I adore illustrated books – there’s a weird school of thought which thinks they’re ‘picture books’ for people who can’t be bothered to read, but a beautifully illustrated book (like Leviathan and Behemoth) can be so, so wonderful – a good drawing adds to the story, it doesn’t replace it.

  • Jenny
    September 30, 2010 at 6:31 am

    Love this! Great post and beautiful illustrations. I love the portraits.
    Also, thanks for the giveaway!

  • David H.
    September 30, 2010 at 6:32 am

    I’ve read Leviathan, and I can’t wait to read Behemoth!

  • Camila F.
    September 30, 2010 at 6:39 am

    Looks like an awesome book, I’d love to win!

  • Helene
    September 30, 2010 at 6:40 am

    Looking forward to Behemoth!

  • Lindsay Elizabeth
    September 30, 2010 at 6:40 am

    I want! This looks awesome.

  • Chloe
    September 30, 2010 at 6:46 am

    Ohmygoodness I CANNOT wait for this book. Leviathan totally blew my mind when I was not expecting it, and now I can’t get enough. I love how in this case, the artwork influences the story, and its not just someone drawing what the author wrote. I’m so excited for Behemoth (and Goliath!), thank you for creating this masterpiece, Scott Westerfeld. 😀

  • Chris
    September 30, 2010 at 6:48 am

    I just bought the Uglies-trilogy on amazon – when I`m finished, I`m going to start reading Leviathan for sure!
    The illustrations are awesome!

  • Tara Q.
    September 30, 2010 at 6:59 am

    Great interview! I literally just finished Uglies this morning and absolutely loved Scott’s writing style. I will definitely be buying the rest of the books in the Uglies series as well as Leviathan!

  • Hann1bal
    September 30, 2010 at 7:04 am

    Looks super great, I want it, I really do want it!

  • Tara
    September 30, 2010 at 7:11 am

    I have heard so many great things about this book and author! I have the Uglies sitting on my shelf at home, My library and review books keep getting in the way! lol 🙂 Thanks for the giveaway!

    TaraTagli at gmail dot com

  • Ceilidh
    September 30, 2010 at 7:15 am

    Ooh Scott Westerfeld. *quiet fangirling*

  • Mary Claire
    September 30, 2010 at 7:21 am

    Count me in!

    I loved Leviathan and have been looking forward to Behemoth for months.

  • AndreaS
    September 30, 2010 at 7:21 am

    The pictures/writing differences is very interesting because I usually work in a medium that has both (theatre). It’s amazing how the smallest details can change the look/feel or even inspire action in a show.

    Also, I am so excited for Behemoth to come out! I absolutely devoured Leviathan and I cannot wait to find out what happens to the characters.

  • JenP
    September 30, 2010 at 7:24 am

    I’ve heard amazing things about Behemoth–would love to win!

  • Rebecca
    September 30, 2010 at 7:27 am

    Just saw Scott debating Zombies vs Unicorns in Baltimore. Now Behemoth is coming. What a great week!

  • Meg
    September 30, 2010 at 7:48 am

    I loved loved loved Leviathan!! Can’t wait to read Behemoth. Sometimes, trilogies annoy me because I feel they are just unnecessary & I want closure, but with these books I’m so glad I still have 2 more to look forward to and read.
    Thanks for the giveaway & the interview! It was neat to hear what Scott thinks about the illustrations. They are pretty awesome 🙂

  • Kaethe
    September 30, 2010 at 7:49 am

    My daughters and I have been looking forward to the release of Behemoth since we finished Leviathan last year. Because of that boys-own quality it makes a fantastic read-aloud to much younger readers. I’m fascinated to learn how much the art was an inspiration to Mr Westerfeld, because it certainly enhanced the feel of the whole book for us.

  • KMont
    September 30, 2010 at 7:53 am

    Been looking forward to Behemoth for a while now. And that UK cover above is actually starting to appeal to me.

  • Stacy
    September 30, 2010 at 7:58 am

    I’m so excited to read this book. I absolutely adored Leviathan!

  • Greg L
    September 30, 2010 at 8:02 am

    Truly looking forward to Behemoth…. Sometimes YA books show more imagination then adult fiction

  • redhead
    September 30, 2010 at 8:09 am

    great interview, thanks for posting it! and thanks of course for doing a give away on your site! 🙂

  • therainhouse
    September 30, 2010 at 8:12 am

    Is this giveaway open to international readers? I live in Malaysia.

  • Throuthehaze
    September 30, 2010 at 8:38 am

    I love this series! Count me in please

  • Marie
    September 30, 2010 at 8:38 am

    Great interview. I loved the ‘Uglies’ series, but have not yet started this one. I’ve heard so many good things about this series.

  • Jennifer
    September 30, 2010 at 8:42 am

    Devoured Leviathan so eagerly awaiting the US release of Behemoth. Absolutely LOVING the countdown widget: http://scottwesterfeld.com/behemoth-countdown/
    If I win the book, the seconds sure would tick-away more quickly, eh?!

  • Maggie Burns
    September 30, 2010 at 9:02 am

    I adored the Uglies books–brilliant work. I can’t wait to read Leviathan and Behemoth!

  • Trini
    September 30, 2010 at 9:07 am

    I would DIE if I won this book! After I read it, of course. 😉 I’ve been looking forward to it all year. It really is a lovely series.
    Here’s hoping I win.

  • Mia
    September 30, 2010 at 9:27 am

    I just realized how little time I have to re-read Leviathan before Behemoth comes out.

    I can’t wait to read Behemoth and I can’t wait to see Scott Westerfeld speak.

  • Shy
    September 30, 2010 at 9:27 am

    The artwork in Westerfeld’s book is to die for and I think it helps reader to imagine the world that the author constructed in the book. I so want to read this book!

  • gmackenzie
    September 30, 2010 at 9:28 am

    I haven’t read Leviathan yet, but it’s on my “to read” list.

  • Sarah Olson
    September 30, 2010 at 9:31 am

    I love the combination of art & writing and how they influenced each other. Very inspirational!

  • Sarah
    September 30, 2010 at 9:45 am

    REALLY enjoyed Leviathan and very excited for this new book.

  • gina
    September 30, 2010 at 10:34 am

    Leviathan was my first steampunk love. I cannot wait to read Behemoth!

  • Su
    September 30, 2010 at 10:36 am

    Ooh! Please enter me in this contest! Thank you!

  • Laura
    September 30, 2010 at 10:54 am

    I cannot wait for this book! I loved Leviathan, my first introduction to steampunk. I also liked the illustrations, they helped make the book something special.

  • Anonymous
    September 30, 2010 at 11:13 am

    I didn’t realize Behemoth was going to be out so soon! I am SO looking forward to it.

  • Sarah
    September 30, 2010 at 11:14 am

    I would love to enter the contest. I can’t wait for Behemoth to be released!

  • ediFanoB
    September 30, 2010 at 11:21 am

    As a steampunk lover I must take part in this giveaway. I bought a copy of Leviathan recently.
    It would be great to read Leviathan and Behemoth back to back :mrgreen:

  • Maischeph
    September 30, 2010 at 11:24 am

    I really enjoyed the short zombie story Mr. Westerfeld wrote for the Zombies vs. Unicorns anthology. I bought Leviathan although I haven’t read it yet. I’d love to have Behemoth too! 🙂

  • Stephanie S
    September 30, 2010 at 11:31 am

    I remember Leviathan as a really good book. I love the way these two technologies play such a huge role, and I found myself rooting for both sides. My only disappointment was that the next in the series had not come out yet.

  • Tran
    September 30, 2010 at 11:41 am

    I absolutely adored Leviathan! I hadn’t realized Behemoth was coming out so soon and am looking forward to this give away! Leviathan was the kind of book I had to squeal about after I had finished and I can’t wait to read Behemoth!!

  • Mary @ Book Swarm
    September 30, 2010 at 11:41 am

    I really enjoyed Leviathan–out of left field & not what I expected. So, I want to know what happens next in the story. Friends? Enemies? What happens to them all?

    Can’t wait!

  • FD
    September 30, 2010 at 11:43 am

    I was fortunate enough to only come across Levithian recently – I say fortunate because it meant I didn’t have so long to wait for the next book!

  • Lillian
    September 30, 2010 at 12:02 pm

    Honestly, before I read Leviathan, I didn’t think much of Scott Westerfeld. I passed over Uglies and Peeps because they just didn’t interest me. I almost passed over Leviathan too, but I decided to give it a chance (the gorgeous original cover won me over 😀 ). I’m so glad I did. Leviathan has everything I’ve been missing in YA lit lately: real action, believable characters, a heroine to root for, and an original concept. I swear, if it wasn’t for Leviathan and another recent favorite of mine, The Monstrumologist, I probably would have given up on YA lit.

  • Caroline
    September 30, 2010 at 12:02 pm

    I *loved* Leviathan and am desperate to read Behemoth, fingers crossed!

  • Chandra
    September 30, 2010 at 12:24 pm

    The illos certainly add to this series, but I love how the world–or worlds if you like–are characters all their own.

  • Lauren Chaikin
    September 30, 2010 at 12:34 pm

    HURRAY FOR WINNING!

  • Carrie Bartsch
    September 30, 2010 at 12:58 pm

    Crossing my fingers!

  • John J.
    September 30, 2010 at 1:00 pm

    I just read and adored Leviathan. I must say, the artwork did catch my interest a lot. I wish more books had it. :p Laini Taylor’s work is the only other notable work with art in it that I know of, and it’s quite good as well. It makes everything have a whole new dimension to it.

    Also, LOVE the UK cover for Behemoth. I wish they would have kept the style for the US one.

  • Michelle M
    September 30, 2010 at 1:02 pm

    I absolutely love the art from these books. I cannot wait to see what new drawings are in store for BEHEMOTH cause I just know Westerfeld is gonna deliver an awesome story. Again.

  • Nonie
    September 30, 2010 at 1:20 pm

    I love Scott Westerfeld and I adore Leviathan so much. I think it’s one of my favorite books that I read this year. Lovely story, lovely characters, and lovely illustrations. This series really does have it all. 😀 I’m really anxiously looking forward to Behemoth’s release. 🙂 Thanks for the contest!

  • Shiloh S.
    September 30, 2010 at 1:42 pm

    yes please 🙂

  • Kathryn
    September 30, 2010 at 1:50 pm

    Great interviewing! I’d noticed some of the speech differences, but hearing Scott Westerfeld talk about them made me really want to go back and reread LEVIATHAN (which I loved). Can’t wait to read the BEHEMOTH!

  • Stephanie
    September 30, 2010 at 1:52 pm

    Author inspirations & influences is seriously one of my favorite things about this site. So, thank you Book Smugglers and thanks to Scott Westerfeld! I loved the Midnighters and Uglies series, and I thought Leviathan was amazing. I’ve been looking forward to Behemoth for months! So yeah, I’d love to win a copy of it 🙂

  • Emily
    September 30, 2010 at 2:04 pm

    Excellent giveaway! I’d love to win a copy. Fingers crossed! 😀

  • Susanna
    September 30, 2010 at 2:13 pm

    I read Leviathan after seeing the review on this blog, and absolutely loved it. One of my favorite aspects of the book was how the illustrations didn’t really seem like, well, illustrations, but more like part of a graphic novel – not just decoration, but integral parts of story. So how exciting to read that Westerfeld himself was influenced by them when writing the book! Definitely looking forward to Behemoth! 😀

  • Brita
    September 30, 2010 at 2:24 pm

    This was wonderful to read! Scott Westerfeld is most definitely my favorite author 🙂 It was so refreshing to hear these details I hadn’t known before, so thank you for inviting him to post here! I’m all the more excited for “Behemoth” and it would be awesome to get myself a free copy (The UK cover, also, which I like much better than the one in the USA). Thanks, again!

  • Van P.
    September 30, 2010 at 2:24 pm

    Sounds great, please enter me!

  • marly
    September 30, 2010 at 2:33 pm

    oh, giveaway! sign me up!

  • meredith g
    September 30, 2010 at 2:35 pm

    Oh, I would love to enter! Sign me up.

  • Tiah
    September 30, 2010 at 2:36 pm

    Thank you for this contest! Please enter me.

  • Katy
    September 30, 2010 at 2:55 pm

    Thank you for the giveaway! I’d love to read the book.

  • Emily
    September 30, 2010 at 2:56 pm

    Seeing Keith Thompson’s artwork reminded me how much I loved Leviathan and how little I can wait for Behemoth.

  • TJ Mathews
    September 30, 2010 at 3:19 pm

    Can’t wait for the next book. Thanks! :mrgreen:

  • Ariana Avila
    September 30, 2010 at 3:24 pm

    The first book was sheer inventive genius. I hope Behemoth is just as good. Also, Keith Thompson’s art is just beautiful.

  • cories
    September 30, 2010 at 3:27 pm

    I absolutely adored the artwork in “Leviathan”! The story is good, too, of course. 😀

    Too bad the paperback version of “Leviathan” doesn’t have the cool map of Europe endpaper like the hardcover version does. The paperback does have the map but only in black and white which is not nearly the same.

  • Josh
    September 30, 2010 at 3:41 pm

    Yeah! I have been waiting for this book to come out!

  • Tina
    September 30, 2010 at 4:16 pm

    I loved the first book in this series and can’t wait to read Behemoth. Westerfield’s writing is such a joy to read and I’ve yet to come across a book of his that I haven’t liked. I am forever trying to enrich the lives of helpless family and friends by forcing them to read his books. Thanks for the chance to win!

  • Michael A.
    September 30, 2010 at 4:24 pm

    I hadn’t noticed the differences that Mr. Westerfeld mentions, although it certainly makes me want to re-read Leviathan at the earliest chance I get! Thanks for the insight into the novel. 🙂

  • Rachel
    September 30, 2010 at 4:27 pm

    “Leviathan” was wonderful and “Behemoth” looks even better! Can’t wait to read it!

  • Ray Pratt
    September 30, 2010 at 4:28 pm

    As a 60-yr. old F/SF reader and newcomer to YA literature, I thoroughly enjoyed “Leviathan”, both story and artwork, and am looking forward to “Behemoth”.

  • Amelia P.
    September 30, 2010 at 4:38 pm

    I have to say that the portraits are simply lovely! and of course, great author 🙂 Woul love to get a hold of Behemoth!

  • Mary Catherine
    September 30, 2010 at 5:21 pm

    I absolutely LOVE Scott Westerfeld! His books are amazing. I especially like uglies but the midnighters series is really good too. Leviathan however is by far my favorite! Thanks for the giveaway! :mrgreen:

  • Jackie
    September 30, 2010 at 5:37 pm

    Typo in address before. Looking forward to it.

  • Katie W
    September 30, 2010 at 5:43 pm

    Scott Westerfeld is definitely one of my favorite authors. But adding Keith Thompson to the mix made Leviathan a splurge I could afford. I’m definitely looking forward to Behemoth. 🙂

  • E.J. Stevens
    September 30, 2010 at 5:57 pm

    Thank you for the wonderful giveaway! Behemoth looks fabulous.
    xx,
    E.J.
    From the Shadows

  • Doreen R
    September 30, 2010 at 6:02 pm

    Behemoth will be a dream to read. I love the art work too. Excellent post….thanks. 🙂

  • Misha Mathew
    September 30, 2010 at 6:06 pm

    Thanks a LOT for the contest! I would love to enter.

    Misha
    mishamary@gmail.com

  • chartz
    September 30, 2010 at 6:07 pm

    I am so looking forward to this book! I even got my uncle and cousins excited for it!

    Thanks for doing the giveaway!

  • Savi
    September 30, 2010 at 6:09 pm

    Great post!!

  • Nastacia
    September 30, 2010 at 6:10 pm

    Levithian was a joy to read. Thank you for posting the review and interview, both made me put Behemoth at the top of my to-read list.

  • sarah w
    September 30, 2010 at 6:11 pm

    Very excited to read Behemoth!!

  • Mia
    September 30, 2010 at 6:19 pm

    I really enjoyed the first book in this series and look forward to reading Behemoth.

  • Mrs. DeRaps
    September 30, 2010 at 6:33 pm

    Can’t wait to read this book–Love Scott Westfeld and this genre!

    mrsderaps @ hotmail . com

  • Llehn
    September 30, 2010 at 6:58 pm

    I’d love to play please!

  • Sara
    September 30, 2010 at 7:04 pm

    Lovely of you to do a giveaway! Thanks! I loved Leviathan.

  • Marg
    September 30, 2010 at 7:15 pm

    Count me in for this giveaway! Thanks so much for making it an international give!

  • kemendraugh
    September 30, 2010 at 7:20 pm

    I love Scott’s books. True story. And I want to read this one SO bad! Leviathan was amazing!

    Please enter me?

  • Jasmine A S
    September 30, 2010 at 7:20 pm

    Oh my, I have always loved Mr. Westerfield’s use of slang in his books, and it is wonderful to get a look into the inner machinations of his mind. *cough*

    Which is to say lovely article, I hope I win the book, and Yay, it’s the one with the proper cover!

  • Andrea
    September 30, 2010 at 8:01 pm

    Wow, that art is so fantastic. Great blog.

  • Erika
    September 30, 2010 at 8:03 pm

    Throwing my hat into the ring for a chance to win this. 🙂 I’m so very glad Steampunk has grown in popularity.

  • Melissa
    September 30, 2010 at 8:23 pm

    When my friend first started gushing to me about how I just had to read Leviathan, I was a bit hesitant. But now I’m dying to read the next book!!!

  • Bethie
    September 30, 2010 at 8:26 pm

    Thanks for the giveaway. I would love to win this. I just love Westerfeld.

  • Maia
    September 30, 2010 at 10:56 pm

    im really interested to see what this book is about! ive read pretty much all of his other books…

  • Robin F
    September 30, 2010 at 11:03 pm

    I read Leviathan to my son and we both loved and we can’t wait to see what happens next!

  • Carol Thompson
    September 30, 2010 at 11:53 pm

    It sounds like a really great series although I have not read the first book as yet.

    Please enter me in the giveaway.
    Thanks

    Carol T

    buddytho {at} gmail DOT com

  • Eva SB
    October 1, 2010 at 12:14 am

    I love these illustrations and the subtle differences so the reader can instantly identify who’s who.

  • Fif
    October 1, 2010 at 12:31 am

    Barking spiders – what a great giveaway!

  • Giada M
    October 1, 2010 at 1:50 am

    Thank you for the interesting post and giveaway! I can’t wait to read Behemoth!

    Giada M.

    fabgiada (at) gmail (dot) com

  • Jodie
    October 1, 2010 at 2:33 am

    So exciting to see artwork from the new book. Crossing my fingers that I win a copy.

  • writingmonkey
    October 1, 2010 at 3:31 am

    I would like a free book, please. 😀

  • Stacie
    October 1, 2010 at 5:42 am

    Please count me in.

  • Laura Hartness
    October 1, 2010 at 6:34 am

    What amazing illustrations! Behemoth looks like it’s going to be just as amazing as Leviathan!

    Thanks for the giveaway!

    Laura Hartness
    The CalicoCritic

  • Paz
    October 1, 2010 at 6:41 am

    I just got hooked on the Uglies Series about two months ago. Let me just say that I am soooo glad I did not start the series until ALL the books were out. I don’t think I would have handled waiting for the next installment very well! Can’t wait to start this next series by Westerfeld.

  • ritu
    October 1, 2010 at 7:08 am

    I love Westerfeld’s works! Been on a reading binge of his books. Just love it!

  • Julia L.K.
    October 1, 2010 at 7:58 am

    I think I should win because it’s my birthday in a few days, I’m at college, and I really can’t afford to be buying books! So.. =) Be kind.

  • Audra Holtwick
    October 1, 2010 at 8:07 am

    This is a new author for me – I would love to win a copy of your book thanks for the great interview.
    audie(at)wickerness(dot)com

  • Kiki
    October 1, 2010 at 8:16 am

    The illustrations combined with your descriptive prose make for a beautiful book. I love it.

  • Victoria Zumbrum
    October 1, 2010 at 9:05 am

    Plase enter me in contest. I am a follower and email subscriber. The book sounds really good. Tore923@aol.com

  • Kevin
    October 1, 2010 at 9:11 am

    I’d like to enter. *enters*

  • Dovile
    October 1, 2010 at 10:16 am

    I’ve already put the Leviathan series on my list of to be read books:) Would love to win this.

    spamscape [at] gmail [dot] com

  • MikeMagpuyo
    October 1, 2010 at 10:42 am

    Sequels are the make-it or break-it books. I’d love to win this one!

    E-mail: michael_hp37 [at] yahoo [dot] com

  • Jade
    October 1, 2010 at 11:04 am

    The art’s supremely gorgeous! And if that’s just the illustrations I can see how intriguing such a terrific this book can get. I hope to find out more. Scott’s an excellent writer – I really enjoyed Leviathan – and so are you, I liked your review a lot 🙂
    Thank you for a chance!

    legally_write[at]hotmail[dot]com

  • Becca
    October 1, 2010 at 12:23 pm

    I have been counting down for the release of Behemoth since reading Leviathan early this past summer. I can hardly wait for the 5th (lucky UK – getting it early!)

  • Maryam H
    October 1, 2010 at 12:27 pm

    wow the illustrations look amazing!
    Looks like such a great read; definitely one to add to my to-be-read pile!

    m-hussein at hotmail dot co dot uk

  • draconismoi
    October 1, 2010 at 12:45 pm

    For the first time in….well forever….I don’t drastically prefer the UK cover to the US version.

    Regardless, I’d still love to be entered. Thanks!

  • A Tady
    October 1, 2010 at 1:01 pm

    I loved Westerfield’s Succession series, so I’m really looking forward to checking out the Leviathan books. I hope I win.

  • Will
    October 1, 2010 at 1:46 pm

    My 1st SW was Risen Empire & have been a fan ever since.

  • Scorpio M.
    October 1, 2010 at 1:51 pm

    Wow, the new one!! Yes, please count me in.

    jenma76 at hotmail dot com

  • Carol M
    October 1, 2010 at 2:47 pm

    Thank you for such a great giveaway! Please enter me!

  • Carol Wong
    October 1, 2010 at 3:13 pm

    Usually, I would not comment with some many comments already but I beleive that this is an an exceptional book. Please put me in this drawing.

    Thank you,
    CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

  • Katie
    October 1, 2010 at 3:22 pm

    I read the first book and wouldn’t mind reading the second.

  • Misti P
    October 1, 2010 at 5:36 pm

    I loved Leviathan and can’t wait to read this one.

  • Courtney
    October 1, 2010 at 7:43 pm

    I can’t wait to read this! 🙂

  • Megan
    October 1, 2010 at 7:57 pm

    I read the first one and I’d love to snag this early 🙂

  • thelioness
    October 1, 2010 at 10:15 pm

    ZOMG I love Scott Westerfeld and I’ve read pretty much all of his books and would love to have Behemoth!!

  • Mariska
    October 1, 2010 at 10:18 pm

    Scott is a new for me author. i would really like to win the book !!

  • Tatiana
    October 1, 2010 at 10:39 pm

    I’ve been meaning to read this series. I’ve heard so many good things about it.

  • Nicole R
    October 2, 2010 at 12:02 am

    Such an eye-catching cover!

  • Helle M. Larsen
    October 2, 2010 at 5:48 am

    What a great giveaway. I would love to enter. 🙂

  • Marco Miranda
    October 2, 2010 at 6:41 am

    great giveaway I am in 🙂

  • Jessica Shin
    October 2, 2010 at 8:54 am

    Love that the worlds created are half-inspired by the illustrations.

  • Ginny
    October 2, 2010 at 10:50 am

    I loved leviathan and am so excited for this one!! even my friend, who hates reading, read leviathan.. and like it. (her reading it was a task within itself.)
    anyway, i cannot wait to read this one!! ahhhh!!! 🙂

  • CherylS22
    October 2, 2010 at 10:53 am

    I really enjoy reading these kinds of books. Thanks for the chance to get into this series by Scott Westerfield.

  • Mary
    October 2, 2010 at 11:28 am

    Thanks for the interview. I am a Scott Westerfield fan.

  • Caitrin
    October 2, 2010 at 12:42 pm

    I really enjoyed Leviathan so I’m looking forward to Behemoth. The illustrations are fantastic!

    liathiano at gmail dot com

  • Alex
    October 2, 2010 at 1:00 pm

    The illustrations of Leviathan are very nice, they remind me of those in Jules Verne’s books from the XIXth century. Very appropriate for a steampunk novel!

  • Breanne M.
    October 2, 2010 at 2:42 pm

    LOVED Leviathan and can’t wait for Behemoth – thanks for the contest!

  • vvb
    October 2, 2010 at 9:52 pm

    great artwork and interesting storyline makes this one very desirable. mmm.

  • Jennifer R
    October 3, 2010 at 2:38 pm

    Please enter me in the contest. I loved Leviathan and Behemoth sounds just as amazing!

  • Candice Smith
    October 3, 2010 at 7:33 pm

    I loooooooove these books soooo much. I have been waiting for this book for a year!!!!!!! I can’t sleep until I read this book.

  • Fantasy Book News » Blog Archive » Fantasy Blogosphere: October 3, 2010
    October 9, 2010 at 6:27 am

    […] Interview: Scott Westerfield @ The Book Smugglers […]

  • mrhappy
    October 12, 2010 at 9:34 am

    😀 i think that this book is the best thing ive ever read or close to it

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