Another book gone and time for another review. Recently I have been reading more science fiction than fantasy and as such when the time came to choose a new book and after asking over social media, I decided to read Leviathan Wakes by James S.A Corey. This book series has gained a tremendous popularity in no small part due to the TV show based on this books, The Expanse. Coming into the book I had great expectations, I had been given great feedback on it, I enjoyed immensely the first season of the TV show and I enjoyed previous works by one of the authors. I was shocked to discover that James S.A Corey is a pen name used by collaborators Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck yet also elated since I have enjoyed immensely other works from Daniel Abraham, especially The Dagger and the Coin fantasy series. As such, I prepared myself for a great, entertaining book.
I was not disappointed. The book is a great read that creates a magnificent world full of intrigue, mystery and conflict. Reading the world the authors created, the conflict between Mars, Earth and the Belters creates a great backdrop for the story, full of racist overtones. It is quite interesting to see a world in where racism is due to where you come from, what planet you live in. The organization of this world is fascinating something that is very common of all novels by Daniel Abraham. His series are full of complex political relationships, political struggles, which the characters have to face and navigate through. As a political scientist, I have a soft spot for political intrigue in my fantasy/sci-fi books and this book has plenty of them.
The mystery of the threat that the protagonists are facing really pulls the book forward and in my opinion it was a great choice to not explain the nature of the antagonist until almost the end of the book. It helped create intrigue and the mystique of a powerful rival that was always a step ahead of the heroes. The story is also an mystery novel, a detective story, as we follow characters who are determined to discover the truth and throughout much of the novel are investigating and trying to find out the truth.
The best aspect of the novel is without a doubt the characters. The characters are well fleshed out, with flaws and are very relatable. All their decisions are logical and make sense. In many books, decisions taken by the characters make no sense and take away from the internal logic of the story but in this novel we do not see this. The contrast between the two main characters, James Holden and Detective Miller is fascinating and especially the latter is a great character who is able to captivate you as a reader and in my humble opinion steals the show.
Lastly, I can’t end this review without mentioning the pace of the book. The book has generally a fast pace that is very entertaining but the authors are also very able to slow it down when needed to give the reader time to really understand what is happening in the book. This technique is very much appreciate it as it allows you as a reader to take time and breath, to have time to comprehend the implications of what is happening in the novel.
Leviathan Wakes is a great start to this series and a fantastic science fiction novel. If you enjoy science fiction it is a must read book (and a must see TV show) and I strongly urge you to pick it up and read it. I have been so enthralled by this book that I immediately have started reading the second book, which so far keeps the excellent level.
Made For Nerds 