From the Bookshelf of Sci-fi and Heroic Fantasy…

Leviathan Wakes (The Expanse, #1)

James S.A. Corey

Start date: October 21, 2015

Finish date: November 19, 2015

Discussion: Book Discussions

Discussion leader: Hillary Major

Why we're reading this: Group Contemporary novel Discussion October 2015
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What Members Thought

Aug 24, 2016 Jim rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: scifi, 2fiction, 1audio, 3series

This is one of the best SF books I've read in a long time. It had everything: great characters, a twisty mystery, & a wonderful depiction of humanity's future in space.

The story was told from the point of view of Holden & Miller, an idealist space ship pilot, & a 30 year old veteran of the Ceres private police force very similar to a burned-out Harry Bosch. Holden is in drone mode when the story begins. He is thrust into the center of things where his naive idealism continually causes problems. This is one of the best SF books I've read in a long time. It had everything: great characters, a twisty mystery, & a wonderful depiction of humanity's future in space.

The story was told from the point of view of Holden & Miller, an idealist space ship pilot, & a 30 year old veteran of the Ceres private police force very similar to a burned-out Harry Bosch. Holden is in drone mode when the story begins. He is thrust into the center of things where his naive idealism continually causes problems. Miller can't let a case go, even though he let's many things slide just to get along. The two clash & bond wonderfully.

The way space is described is wonderful. Orbits, inertia, mass, gee force, & such were all very well done. If there were any goofs in the science of that, I missed them. Not that I'm an expert, but I've read a fair few over the years & have been called picky on the subject before. Humanity has diverged by where & how we live with the asteroids being the slums of the system with captive work forces & company police.

What put this over the 4 star mark for me was the ethical dilemma that's too much of a spoiler to mention. For those of you that have read the book: (view spoiler)

Half the fun of this book is not knowing what's coming or where it is heading, so don't read too many reviews. Take it from me, just read or listen to the book ASAP. If you've seen the first season of the show on TV like I have, don't worry about it. Read the book now!!!

I'm not going on to the second book yet. I might not. I originally thought it was a trilogy, but I see it's gone on for several earlier short stories & at least 5 other books. I'm not sure I want to go there. As a stand-alone, this is close to perfect much the way Dune was. I never cared much for any other book in that world. I only recommend it as a stand-alone, although I have friends that love all the books. ...more

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Jul 30, 2014 Tom rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites

I started watching SyFy's series The Expanse largely based on the glowing praise from Tom Merritt during a Sword and Laser podcast (also in a Goodreads group... see The Sword and Laser).

(BTW - everything I've mentioned so far... terrific stuff... go check it out.)

Anyway, about mid-way through my binge-viewing of The Expanse, I decided to check out this e-book from my local library. This is the first book in the series that serves as the source for the SyFy TV interpretation.

Wow. Amazing Sci-Fi ...more

1 like · Like · see review

Jun 24, 2019 Shhhh... Books rated it it was amazing

Shelves: scifi

Mars and Earth at war. Space pirates spreading an alien virus. An idealist captain and an alcoholic cop. This was so well written--being long but feeling short given the perfect pacing. It included many of my favorite things... like space zombies, seamless and fun hard science, and lots of humor.

Anyway, the audio book was a delight. Can't wait to read the next. ...more

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Aug 09, 2011 Derek rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: science-fiction

Wow. Space opera at its finest. I loved how well thought out the details were. I'm looking forward to the next book (in "The Expanse" series) as we continue to follow humanity out to the stars.

P.S. Why is it that the Mormons always seem to be building generation ships in these sorts of books? :)
...more

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Jun 24, 2012 Andrei Rybin rated it really liked it

Shelves: science-fiction

Very solid and in the best traditions of sci-fi. The characters are well done and so is the universe, and the plot isn't too predictable. I'd definitely recommend to any science fiction fan. ...more

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