Goliath by Scott Westerfeld

I had more fun reading this book this week than any book I have read in a very long time. All week it made me smile. It is the third and final book in the Leviathan series and it actually has less action and cool technology than the other two, but it is the relationship between Daryn and Alek that makes it a pure delight. The Leviathan rescues the famous and somewhat crazy scientist, Nicholai Tessler, in Russia. Once on board ship he claims that he has a weapon so powerful that it will end the war. Alek gets caught up in the claims and wants to help Tessler with his plans use his ultimate weapon, Goliath, to force all nations to live in peace. Meanwhile, Alek hasn't figured out Dylan/Darrin's secret yet, and she is having all kinds of conflict, wanting to tell him, and then not wanting to tell him. The Leviathan is assigned to take Tessler to America where our heroes meet such famous historical characters as William Randolf Hearst, and Pancho Villa. I won't say any more because you have to read it yourself, and I don't want to spoil the ending. I will only say that when you do read it, be sure to read the afterward. It is amazing how much of the story is based on historical facts. (543 p)