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BEHEMOTH

Scott Westerfeld

A sequel to "Leviathan," about a fearsome creature.

Ages 13+Source checked

Why this age? Frequent wartime peril, combat, frightening encounters, death-related stakes, and morally complex political conflict suit mature middle-grade and teen readers more than young children. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age13+

Strongest cautions

  • Violence4/5
  • Death of a character3/5
  • Frightening scenes3/5

Strongest positives

  • Creativity & curiosity5/5
  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Good role models4/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character3/5
Why this rating?

Characters die during conflict, though it is handled through the lens of wartime casualty.

Graphic injury2/5
Why this rating?

Includes brief descriptions of injuries in a battle context, but remains largely non-graphic.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Very mild language, typical of middle-grade fantasy adventure.

LGBTQIA characters1/5
Why this rating?

No prominent LGBTQIA characters or relationships central to the plot.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

Cultural background mentions of religious institutions in historical settings.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

Focuses on developing teenage crushes and the complex dynamic between the two protagonists.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Dangerous missions, enemy attacks, giant creatures, confinement, and wartime suspense may frighten younger readers.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Brief mentions of social drinking in a historical context.

Violence4/5
Why this rating?

War, battles, weapons, explosions, combat, and threats occur repeatedly; violence is adventurous but sometimes intense.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Facing war, danger, prejudice, and powerful enemies with determination is a central theme.

Creativity & curiosity5/5
Why this rating?

Exceptionally creative world-building blending steampunk technology and Darwinist biology.

Diverse representation3/5
Why this rating?

The story includes well-developed characters from several national and cultural backgrounds, with gender-role challenges also shaping the adventure; representation is meaningful but not especially broad.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

The alternate-history setting introduces World War I-era politics, technology, geography, and social expectations through fiction.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Empathy and cooperation are central to the protagonists' survival and character growth.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

Explores themes of duty, the cost of war, and challenging cultural prejudices.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

Protagonists show integrity, bravery, and self-reliance while navigating difficult choices.

Family discussion

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Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What was the most imaginative idea in the story, and what would you add to it?
  2. How did the story handle conflict or violence? Did the characters have other choices?
  3. Which choice in BEHEMOTH would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in BEHEMOTH, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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