It is the time of World War I in an alternate world. The Austro-Hungarians and Germans have their Clankers and the British Darwinists have their fabricated animals- the most impressive of which is a giant flying whale known as The Leviathan. Aleksander Ferdinand is the prince of the Austro-Hungarian Empire but he has been run out by his own people. Deryn Sharp is a girl disguised as a boy "Dylan" and has become a member of the Leviathan crew. When The Leviathan crashes in the Alps Alek emerges from his hiding place in the mountains to help the wounded. After much disputing the two soon realize that if either one is to help their countries they will have to set aside their differences and work together. In the end they set sail to safety in Constantinople.
While set in an alternate world where there are flying animal ships and iron machines that run on diesel and carry heavy arms and ammunition, Leviathan is at heart a work of historical fiction. The super powers from the real World War I were still fighting against each other in locations that you can still see today. I also enjoyed Westerfeld's take on the stereotypes of the time period. Rather than your typical gender roles you have a girl crew member, the head scientist is a woman, and the damsel in distress is actually a prince. I think it is this combination of fact and fantasy that makes Leviathan a true adventure to read.
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