Behemoth (2011) Parents Guide: Is the book OK for kids?

Romance is very light and limited to hints of attraction or 'puzzling' feelings between the protagonists. Deryn continues to hide her female identity under the name 'Dylan,' leading to some awkward moments regarding physical proximity to Alek, such as when they are cramped in small quarters. Alek occasionally notices Deryn's 'fine features,' which causes him internal confusion as he believes she is a boy. There is no sexual activity, nudity, or explicit content in the novel. The focus remains on their camaraderie…

Moderate action occurs throughout the narrative, including naval battles, aerial dogfights, and encounters with 'behemoth' sea creatures. While characters are injured by shrapnel or falls, and machines are destroyed in spectacular explosions, the gore is minimized, focusing more on the tactical and mechanical aspects of the conflict. In one scene, the Behemoth swallows ships whole, which is described with a sense of awe and terror rather than bloodiness. There are also street skirmishes involving grenades, rifles…

Mild period-appropriate slang and invented 'Darwinist' or 'Clanker' terms are used throughout the book to add world-building flavor. Frequent use of terms like 'blinking,' 'barking spiders,' 'beastly,' and 'clanker' serve as expletives, but no modern profanity or vulgarity is present. Characters occasionally use 'cur' or 'slag' to insult one another during heated moments. The language is entirely appropriate for an upper middle-grade audience and fits the Victorian-era steampunk setting. Parents will find the…

Minor references to characters drinking tea, coffee, or wine at formal dinners and diplomatic functions occur, reflecting the historical period. During a high-stakes meeting in the Ottoman capital, alcoholic beverages are served as part of the hospitality, but no characters are depicted as intoxicated. There is no use of illegal drugs or any depiction of substance abuse or addiction. The focus on beverage consumption is purely social and used to underscore the cultural settings of the British and Ottoman…

Heavy themes of political intrigue, the consequences of war, and the ethics of genetic engineering versus industrialization drive the plot. The struggle of personal identity is central to Alek’s arc as he weighs his royal duty against the need for peace, while Deryn faces the burden of her secret life. Historical events like the Ottoman Empire's precarious neutrality are explored through a lens of alternate history. Ethical dilemmas arise regarding the use of 'fabricated' animals as weapons of mass destruction…