The Leviathan

A well-written and well-researched book.

The author paints a skilful picture of the past, and there are also some references to historical figures thrown in for good fun. I required a dictionary for some words, but nothing was so opaquen as to not be understood from context.

The prose, especially in the first half of the book, is very atmospheric and evocative. As the book transitions into more of an action packed style, this slowly falls off- but does not disappear.

The author is very good at surprising the reader and subverting expectations. The surprised and reveals were a joy to read.

It was perhaps a bit too short to fully explore the fantasy aspect of the setting, or perhaps it was left unexplored for the mystery. Even at the end of the book, we are left with some unanswered questions, which was slightly unsatisfying.

The characters, too, are not very well explored, except the protagonist Thomas. The Moores' life stories do not explain how they are the way they are, nor other characters explained beyond what is needed. It is not too egregious, but it happens.

On the whole, a nice book.