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Leviathan
It's a foul night in late October 1916.
You're alone, in the cockpit of a frail, unreliable biplane, chasing a Leviathan in the darkness. A Zeppelin, somewhere out there in the night, sent to attack your country.
You're cold, frightened, with nothing but your own thoughts and memories for company.
And you're 20 years old.
You're alone, in the cockpit of a frail, unreliable biplane, chasing a Leviathan in the darkness. A Zeppelin, somewhere out there in the night, sent to attack your country.
You're cold, frightened, with nothing but your own thoughts and memories for company.
And you're 20 years old.
- GenresWorld War I
69 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2020
14 people are currently reading
5 people want to read
About the author
Malcolm Havard
35 books19 followersMalcolm started writing fiction around 10 years ago, self-publishing three novels through Amazon including a mountaineering thriller, The Last Mountain, which has had more than 10,000 downloads. He also has two books published by a small publisher, including a collection of WW1 stories which topped the Amazon anthology best-sellers list at Christmas 2014.
His short stories have done well in a number of competitions, including runner-up placings for those run by Henshaw Press and the Mere Literary Festival.
Having written in several genres early in his career, Malcolm has now settled into writing historical fiction.
This includes LMF, a WW2 novel set during the RAFs controversial night bombing campaign, Leviathan, a novella about a young, frightened pilot hunting Zeppelins in the night during WW1, The Neutral Zone, a collection of short stories, and Eleven Days, a novel set around the events of 'Bloody April'. 1917.
LATEST NEWS!
The long-awaited sequel to LMF, The Way Back, is published 15 March 2021.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 13, 2021
Leviathan is a fascinating ride with a young pilot through the British skies during World War I. The thoughts of the pilot flash back and forth about his plane, a BE2 single engine biplane, to his mission, to events from his past. He's chasing a Zeppelin, the Leviathan that has come to invade his country and attack his people.
The author’s description of flying the World War I era biplane was so meticulous and detailed that I felt like I was in the cockpit of the plane, learning to fly. The pilot’s thoughts racing back and forth from his plane and his surroundings to events from his life seemed so real to me.
I was completely impressed by the author’s ability to transport us into this plane and into this pilot’s experiences. I would highly recommend this for anyone interested in World War I historical fiction or aviation.
I downloaded a copy of this book on Kindle Unlimited, where members can read it for free.
The author’s description of flying the World War I era biplane was so meticulous and detailed that I felt like I was in the cockpit of the plane, learning to fly. The pilot’s thoughts racing back and forth from his plane and his surroundings to events from his life seemed so real to me.
I was completely impressed by the author’s ability to transport us into this plane and into this pilot’s experiences. I would highly recommend this for anyone interested in World War I historical fiction or aviation.
I downloaded a copy of this book on Kindle Unlimited, where members can read it for free.
January 5, 2021
The author via Booktasters provided a copy for an honest review.
Leviathan by Malcolm Havard is a must read novella that transports the reader immediately to a WWI flyer’s adventure. The young pilot shares his personal thoughts—his memories, dreams, and fears. His moral compass is tested as well. This well-written read moves at a rapid pace and is a page-turner. The author’s character driven read does not disappoint.
Leviathan by Malcolm Havard is a must read novella that transports the reader immediately to a WWI flyer’s adventure. The young pilot shares his personal thoughts—his memories, dreams, and fears. His moral compass is tested as well. This well-written read moves at a rapid pace and is a page-turner. The author’s character driven read does not disappoint.
January 16, 2021
An accurate and very human account of what it means to be a soldier. It allows a realistic glimpse -without being violent, exaggerated or sweetened- to the thoughts, feelings and reactions of a man involved in a war conflict.
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Relato certero y muy humano de lo que significa ser soldado. Permite vislumbrar de forma realista-pero sin llegar a ser violenta, exagerada ni dulcificada- los pensamientos, sentimientos y reacciones de un hombre implicado en un conflicto bélico.
________________
Relato certero y muy humano de lo que significa ser soldado. Permite vislumbrar de forma realista-pero sin llegar a ser violenta, exagerada ni dulcificada- los pensamientos, sentimientos y reacciones de un hombre implicado en un conflicto bélico.
May 20, 2021
This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.
In a cold and wet night, a frightened and lonely pilot search England's skies for bomber zeppelins. A boy that thinks too much. Is really this war for him? Is he honest to his love, his family, his country and himself?
This short story reads very fast and really makes you feel like soaring in a damp biplane. Is very well written and represent very well the troubles of the stoic british boys in WWI, trying hard to play Etton's game as expected from any true brit.
Is tricky to see this in an ebook but very quickly the rythms says this is a very short novel, feeling like on of these Saint-Exupery's night flyer novels but without the romanticism. Very big kudos for the author, you have me now hooked into your WWI flyers stories.
In a cold and wet night, a frightened and lonely pilot search England's skies for bomber zeppelins. A boy that thinks too much. Is really this war for him? Is he honest to his love, his family, his country and himself?
This short story reads very fast and really makes you feel like soaring in a damp biplane. Is very well written and represent very well the troubles of the stoic british boys in WWI, trying hard to play Etton's game as expected from any true brit.
Is tricky to see this in an ebook but very quickly the rythms says this is a very short novel, feeling like on of these Saint-Exupery's night flyer novels but without the romanticism. Very big kudos for the author, you have me now hooked into your WWI flyers stories.
February 22, 2021
This novella follows a young soldier and his machime through a cloudy night flight with only one goal: to bring down a zeppelin, also known as Leviathan.
The story switches back and forth between the pilot and his memories. The stories of the past mostly revolve around a young woman named Polly, who spent an interesting night with the pilot, after which he wasn‘t the same.
It was interesting to read the thoughts of the pilot, as he steers through the night, hunting a beast that most pilots never come close to bringing down. I especially enjoyed his inner monologue that demonstrated how torn he was and how much war can blind a person.
Sadly it was hard for me to really connect with the pilot, which might be the case because the readers learn everything about him in conversations, rather than actual scenes.
Still a very deep and enjoyable novella.
The story switches back and forth between the pilot and his memories. The stories of the past mostly revolve around a young woman named Polly, who spent an interesting night with the pilot, after which he wasn‘t the same.
It was interesting to read the thoughts of the pilot, as he steers through the night, hunting a beast that most pilots never come close to bringing down. I especially enjoyed his inner monologue that demonstrated how torn he was and how much war can blind a person.
Sadly it was hard for me to really connect with the pilot, which might be the case because the readers learn everything about him in conversations, rather than actual scenes.
Still a very deep and enjoyable novella.
June 1, 2020
I was excited to receive an early copy of this novella, and I am happy to recommend it. The author has a thoughtful, introspective writing style that places the reader directly into the mind of a conflicted, scared 20-year-old pilot. Parts of this book reminded me of Leslie Mann's And Some Fell on Stony Ground, a book that has stayed with me long after reading it. In the same way, this story gives the reader the feeling of what it was like to be an ordinary pilot who is no hero, except in the way that they all were.
As he flies, the pilot has far more to worry about than if he will find any Germans to shoot down (or if any will find him). Through his distracted thoughts, we are invited into his memories of dating, his dilemma over the plight of the poor, and his plane's shocking lack of dependability. He worries that the officers are "using someone else's blood to get a shot at a promotion" when they send men up in planes that they know have a high risk of mechanical failure. He feels so much pressure to take "his shot at immortality." At the same time he wonders if his sacrifice would be worth it if he were to die. The uncertainty and fear that these young pilots must have felt leaves an impact on the reader and makes one wonder at their great courage.
As he flies, the pilot has far more to worry about than if he will find any Germans to shoot down (or if any will find him). Through his distracted thoughts, we are invited into his memories of dating, his dilemma over the plight of the poor, and his plane's shocking lack of dependability. He worries that the officers are "using someone else's blood to get a shot at a promotion" when they send men up in planes that they know have a high risk of mechanical failure. He feels so much pressure to take "his shot at immortality." At the same time he wonders if his sacrifice would be worth it if he were to die. The uncertainty and fear that these young pilots must have felt leaves an impact on the reader and makes one wonder at their great courage.
July 23, 2020
Have you ever had a drowning experience? Have you ever been in water, struggling to get out, to breathe, but you just can't because you are powerless against the water? That was how I felt reading this book. I was drowning in the imagery, the metaphor, the smooth narrative technique, the transitioning, the diction, the delivery... I was drowning as I was reading. It is a beautiful read. The plot is simple. The characterisation is beautiful. I could see as a main character, yet feel like the other characters. This is a well written book, and I'll recommend it a thousand times over. Good work Malcolm!
February 15, 2021
This is a great little Novello that takes you right back in time and into the head of a young pilot in the war. The descriptive words and imagery made me feel like I was right there with him, willing him on - especially toward the end when he was over sea! I would have liked to have known the pilots name, and a little more about what happened with Edith (if anything). But the book is really well constructed and written and descriptive, as I say you literally feel like you are in the cockpit with the pilot. I also really want to know what happened at the end, was it successful or? (I’m trying not to put spoilers in!) perhaps a sequel?
All in all well written and enjoyable, and transports you to the mind of a very young soldier. I especially liked the parts where you describe parts of his childhood and the reasons behind certain ailments and what not and how they affect the pilot now (again no spoilers) and how his Charlie has been affected too.
All in all well written and enjoyable, and transports you to the mind of a very young soldier. I especially liked the parts where you describe parts of his childhood and the reasons behind certain ailments and what not and how they affect the pilot now (again no spoilers) and how his Charlie has been affected too.
November 13, 2020
I was given this book in exchange of an honest review!
It's set during world war 1, the great war, that disrupted the peaceful lives of millions of people. A young pilot of RAF is set out on a night mission with his 2376, known as the quirk. He's barely 22 years of age, thinking of bringing down a Zappelin all by himself to win the glory & fame. It started as the thoughts of a pilot during a stormy night raid in search of German Zappelin, remembering about his past life. Soon it turned out to be a moral fight inside the pilot's mind, and he began questioning his morality, views and beliefs.
The novella was pretty good, except for the use of too many pronouns(I read epub version, and it somehow annoyed me), otherwise it's very good. I sincerely hope the writer will gift us with more exciting novels and novellas in future!
It's set during world war 1, the great war, that disrupted the peaceful lives of millions of people. A young pilot of RAF is set out on a night mission with his 2376, known as the quirk. He's barely 22 years of age, thinking of bringing down a Zappelin all by himself to win the glory & fame. It started as the thoughts of a pilot during a stormy night raid in search of German Zappelin, remembering about his past life. Soon it turned out to be a moral fight inside the pilot's mind, and he began questioning his morality, views and beliefs.
The novella was pretty good, except for the use of too many pronouns(I read epub version, and it somehow annoyed me), otherwise it's very good. I sincerely hope the writer will gift us with more exciting novels and novellas in future!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2020
I read this book for an honest review.
In this novel, the author jumps from the present to the past and vice versa, so it keeps the story alive and moving, not to mention the nature of the story, happening during the war. I liked how vivid it was, the description wasn't too much and you get to see the reflections of the main character. Also, the book addresses some social order differences, prejudices, and how women were perceived at the time.
The only things that I would've wanted different are the length of the novel, it should've been longer, and the ending that I think was really open.
I recommend this book for a quick read.
In this novel, the author jumps from the present to the past and vice versa, so it keeps the story alive and moving, not to mention the nature of the story, happening during the war. I liked how vivid it was, the description wasn't too much and you get to see the reflections of the main character. Also, the book addresses some social order differences, prejudices, and how women were perceived at the time.
The only things that I would've wanted different are the length of the novel, it should've been longer, and the ending that I think was really open.
I recommend this book for a quick read.
January 3, 2021
I was given a copy of this novella in return for a review.
Leviathan is a good novella and one that I would recommend to others looking for a quick read. The author has a good insight into the thoughts and feelings of a young pilot during the First World War, especially in relation to how unreliable his plane is and about other current events 😊
Will definitely be downloading other books by this author now.
Leviathan is a good novella and one that I would recommend to others looking for a quick read. The author has a good insight into the thoughts and feelings of a young pilot during the First World War, especially in relation to how unreliable his plane is and about other current events 😊
Will definitely be downloading other books by this author now.
February 4, 2021
Thank you again Booktaster for the free book in exchange for an honest review!
I honestly don't have any words for this book. I didn't have any idea what was going on until the further part of the book, and that's not that good as it's incredibly short. It would be a nice quick read if you need a book to read as a past time and would want to fill your book log with a random book.
The book was well-written, but it was confusing and didn't really fit with me.
I honestly don't have any words for this book. I didn't have any idea what was going on until the further part of the book, and that's not that good as it's incredibly short. It would be a nice quick read if you need a book to read as a past time and would want to fill your book log with a random book.
The book was well-written, but it was confusing and didn't really fit with me.
September 3, 2020
I received a free copy conditional on a review so here goes.
Nice book overall
I like how it takes you into the mind of a 20 year fighter pilot in WW1 trying to achieve glory of taking down a German zeppelin
I like how it also lightly touches politics and the conditions of life in pre world war Britain
Nice book overall
I like how it takes you into the mind of a 20 year fighter pilot in WW1 trying to achieve glory of taking down a German zeppelin
I like how it also lightly touches politics and the conditions of life in pre world war Britain
December 20, 2020
Wow! The book starts with the reader chewing fingernails and ends the same way. Most of the book is an interior dialogue and series of memories of the pilot as he fights himself, his plane, and the Germans. It’s the physical experience of the pilot that leaves the reader gasping, finger crossing, and uncertain. Short but sweet.
January 3, 2021
Descriptions in this novella are excellent, you feel like you are there with the young pilot.
Captures the struggles and terror of flying in the early days of air combat. Keeps you on edge with descriptions of the struggles of the young pilot to keep to his mission while reliving his worries and regrets. Not a novella that's easily forgotten.
Captures the struggles and terror of flying in the early days of air combat. Keeps you on edge with descriptions of the struggles of the young pilot to keep to his mission while reliving his worries and regrets. Not a novella that's easily forgotten.
March 21, 2021
My honest review... The book is a good short read. Though at first I was having a hard time connecting with the story, I was confused. But towards the middle, I realized how the pilot's mind, the memories, and even small talks help him overcome his fears while on flight.
July 17, 2020
The title was disappointing because it made me expect more mysterious or religious reflection but it was interesting to read about what could be in the head of a 20-years-old warrior during WWII.
February 28, 2021
The author via Booktasters provided a copy for an honest review
Leviathan by Malcolm Havard is a passionate novella that transports us into the mind of a WWI flyer's adventure. The young pilot, only 20 yrs olds,shares with us his personal thoughts.
A page-turner I really recommend 👌
Leviathan by Malcolm Havard is a passionate novella that transports us into the mind of a WWI flyer's adventure. The young pilot, only 20 yrs olds,shares with us his personal thoughts.
A page-turner I really recommend 👌
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews