Goliath by Scott Westerfeld

If you like: Fighting Bears * Tesla * Adventure

Goliath expands on the mold created by the first two books in the Leviathan series to create a captivating story. Leviathan, and Behemoth were both fantastical Darwinist beasts, but Goliath is something new and different. This does not mean there are no new creatures in Goliath, but they are no longer the focus of the story. Initially, getting the beasts to strategic positions drives the series, but in the conclusion Deryn and Alek provide all of the momentum.

The role of the media in this series also develops in Goliath. In Behemoth, one reporter gave us a glimpse into the role of the media in this world. Now we see the integral role that reporters play, and that movies begin to shape events, as well. Westerfeld provides an interesting commentary on the role of the media on present day events through this story. We see how people’s actions are driven by the desire to be on camera. Though they are just early newsreels in Goliath, it easily represents the way many politicians speak in sound bites, or people do just about anything to get a reality TV show.

Deryn and Alek teach us a lot about following your dreams, and the virtues of being loyal. Both characters could make decisions to work towards their goals in spite of the other, but they don’t. In the end, their mutual respect for each other leads to a successful outcome that neither could have imagined. Winning does not mean everyone else has to lose; victory is greater when shared with allies.

Sometimes, the excitement and hype leading up to a release can lead to disappointment. That is not the case with Goliath—every few chapters something unexpected happens, which is a difficult feat in the third installment of a series. Goliath is my favorite book of the Leviathan trilogy; I can’t recommended it highly enough.

Westerfeld, Scott. Goliath. New York: Simon Pulse, 2011. Kindle edition