The beginning of an epic sci-fi space opera
The Expanse is a great sci-fi show that adapted its source material well. It’s rare to find a show that does this well, but when it does it usually turns out to be a success. ..
The novels in the series are based on the original science fiction stories by J.D. Salinger, and while the TV show is good, they’re even better because they add more complexity and flavour to what’s otherwise already an extremely delicious sci-fi pie.
The Expanse is a science fiction series that takes place in the future, where humanity has colonized the solar system from Mars and the Moon through to the asteroid belt. Mars is a military faction that many fear will go to war with Earth, while Earthers aren’t too happy with Mars and keep them locked in their sights at all times. The show follows the crew of a space vessel called the Canterbury, which is captained by Tom Hiddleston. The Canterbury is on a mission to explore an unknown planet when they are attacked by a group of Earthers.
The Belters are a unique and fascinating group of people who have been living in space for centuries. They are a hard-working and dedicated bunch, and they have made a significant impact on the conflict in the region.
The second is Naomi Nagata, a scientist who’s been imprisoned on the prison planet Ganymede for years. When the crew of the Rocinante find her, she’s been tortured and has lost all hope. But as they work to free her and bring her back to Earth, they realize that Ganymede is more than just a prison—it’s a testing ground for a new kind of war. ..
The crew of the Scopuli stumble upon a derelict ship called the Scopuli. They unwittingly find themselves thrust in the middle of a massive conspiracy. A secret that people will kill to keep. ..
Detective Miller is looking for a missing girl, Jessica Mao. Her parents have money, which is enough incentive for Miller to head out and try to track her down. Miller’s trail inevitably leads to the Scopuli and Holden himself, where the pair quickly realize that this girl is the key to everything. ..
As tensions mount between Earth and Mars, a group of people work tirelessly to prevent an all-out war from happening. A rebellion is brewing in the Belt, and there’s a potential alien threat that could wipe them all out too. With so much on the line, it’s clear that everyone involved needs to pull together. ..
Leviathan Wakes is a well written and compelling space opera, but it’s also a complex and diverse world that you can’t help but want to explore in more detail. The way this jumps between two different character perspectives is a nice way of mixing things up, and seeing the world through the eyes of both Miller and Holden poses some particularly tasty moral questions about what’s right and wrong. Not only that but the book also dives into questions about what it means to be human and what our ultimate purpose is in the universe.
The humour in the book is strong and often unexpected, making it a joy to read. It’s a refreshing change from the dark and serious tone of the TV series, and makes for an enjoyable read.
The characters in the novel feel one-dimensional until the very end. ..
The Expanse is a world of space opera, science fiction, and adventure. It’s a place where the future is always in question, where the boundaries between reality and fiction are constantly being tested. And it’s a place where James S.A. Corey has created an absolutely stunning novel that will keep you reading long after you finish it.
