Teens @ Pewaukee Public Library discussion

Leviathan is a book that falls into the Steampunk genre. Steampunk is a type of science fiction and alternative history that is usually set in Victorian times (often in England). Technology more advanced than what you would have seen in Victorian times is often featured in the story, but all of this technology is run on steam power. The machinery is fairly clunky, and gears are often featured in the style.

Have you ever read any books other than this one from the steampunk genre? If you have, tell us about them.

Whether you have read other steampunk books or not, tell us what you think of this genre. Do you like the style? What do you like or not like about it?

I like this style. It is fun to read a different kind of style of book. There are many new and interesting words that they use, and I like to try and figure them out.

I absolutely love the steampunk genre and culture and I discovered it just over a year ago; I always come back to it when I need a good read with automatons, gears and ray guns set in a historical period, it's always action packed and fascinating. A few books/series that I have read and enjoyed within the steampunk genre include:
The Girl in the Steel Corset by Kady Cross (this is the first book in the Steampunk Chronicles series)
Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 01 by Hirmou Arakawa (The first book in the fullmetal alchemist manga series)
The Clockwork Girl by Sean O'Reilly (A stand alone graphic novel)
and Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare (the first book in the infernal devices trilogy)

I loved Leviathan as well and am excited to continue reading the series.

Thanks for the recommendations, Ashley!

I really enjoy seeing the creative ways that different authors re-imagine the world.

The Author (Scott Westerfeld) has described steampunk as "blending future and past." What about the nature of the genre do you think has made it more popular in recent years? Why do you think more people gravitate towards it?

-Blair

I have not yet read any steampunk books, but I will soon read Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare, as it was recommended to me by a friend. The genre sounds interesting, so I can't wait to read it.

Lauren, I'm glad that you're enjoying the steampunk genre so far! What exactly is it about steampunk that is appealing to you? What did your friend tell you about it that made it sound like something you might want to try?

I guess the fact it is a genre that I haven't read before, and is very different from those I have is the reason it sounded appealing. To be completely honest, I had asked my friend to recommend to me a steampunk book because it was a challenge in the summer reading booklet. It also sounded like something I wanted to try for reasons already stated.