The Butcher of Anderson Station

The Expanse #1.5

by James S.A. Corey

From New York Times bestselling author James S. A. Corey...
A new story set in the world of The Expanse. One day, Colonel Fred Johnson will be hailed as a hero to the system. One day, he will meet a desperate man in possession of a stolen spaceship and a deadly secret and extend a hand of friendship. But long before he became the leader of the Outer Planets Alliance, Fred Johnson had a very different name. The Butcher of Anderson Station.

This is his story.

Word Count: ~9,000 words

Genres: Science Fiction, Fiction, Short Stories, Space Opera, Audiobook, Space, Novella

37 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 17, 2011

Reviews

[Petrik · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mini-review

Well, it seems like I’m going to read all the short stories and novellas in this series too.

The title of this short story says it all already, The Butcher of Anderson Station is a short story that reveals the details behind the truth of Fred Johnson’s infamous nickname. This was a good read, in my opinion. Leviathan Wakes has shed light and gave hints on what happened, but it was great to read what actually happened. Although it took less than an hour for me to read, I do think it’s beneficial to fans of the series to read this one as it helped gives extra depth to Fred’s background. No idea why they left this out of Leviathan Wakes though; this was very short and would’ve fit as one or two chapters in the novel.

You can find the rest of my reviews at Novel Notions

Special thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for giving me extra support towards my passion for reading and reviewing!

My Patrons: Alfred, Devin, Hamad, Joie, Mike, Miracle, Nicholas.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

How did Fred Johnson end up on the side of the OPA?
More importantly, why?



I've been hearing Anderson Station referred to in regard to Fred "The Butcher of" for several books now, so it was nice to finally get the story of what happened there.
A bit shorter than I was expecting, but it was still all I needed to know about the incident that set Fred on a new path. I do wish it had included a few more details about what happened immediately after this stops, but maybe that will come later on in the series. Or not.
I'm satisfied enough with what we get here if it comes to that.



The skinny gist is that Fred is on the fast track to military stardom on Earth until he does a really good job at putting down a terrorist attack on Anderson Station. Some things don't add up. Until they do.
And then he gets kidnapped.



It's a good story, and any fan of The Expanse books will enjoy it.
Recommended.

[Jessica ❁ ➳ Silverbow ➳ ❁ · Rating 4 out of 5]

SO. It's been obvious from our first introduction in LEVIATHAN WAKES that Fred Johnson, the butcher of Anderson Station, isn't a stone cold killer . . . You don't walk away from the military you've served your whole life when following orders led to the slaughter of "terrorists" if you've got an empty chest cavity.

If you've watched THE EXPANSE, then you already know this story, what really happened that day, why the Belters of Anderson Station led a revolt.

It is heartbreaking. But even if you do already know, THE BUTCHER OF ANDERSON STATION is still worth reading. You've seen it through the eyes of Kiri's father. This is Fred's version.

If you wondered what it meant to see him standing there, arms slack, face expressionless, staring at the carnage he'd wrought, if you wondered what was going on in Fred Johnson's head . . . here's your answer.

[David - proud Gleeman in Branwen's adventuring party · Rating 5 out of 5]

FULL REVIEW TO COME

Just finished another Accountant Buddy Read with The Amazing Kayla! I loved this novella even more than The Churn, which I also gave 5 stars to! "The Expanse" already has the potential of becoming one of my favorite series just from how much I enjoyed these two novellas. I can't wait to get the main books of the series off my TBR shelf and into my currently reading piles now!

[Ginger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella has more character information on Fred Johnson as a Colonel with Earth before he joins the OPA.
It also introduces us to a young Belter named Anderson Dawes that helps Fred come to terms with his past.

I’m glad I found the time to read this between the main books in the series!

[Dennis · Rating 3 out of 5]

2021 re-read:

This time I'll try to read this in the order recommended by the authors. Which makes this book #1.5, even though chronologically it happens before the first novel.


Fred, for me personally, was one of the most interesting characters in Leviathan Wakes. There's this certain mystique about him. And I was desperate to find out what exactly had happened on Anderson Station and what ultimately made him change sides.

This very short piece provides the answers to these questions. It's another well written story. And I'm slowly becoming a fan of James S.A. Corey. However, I feel this story takes as much away from the character as it adds to it.

I strongly recommend reading this after Leviathan Wakes.

[Scott Hitchcock · Rating 3 out of 5]

Abraham (Corey) is just such an amazing story teller. Being able to tell such a complete and compelling story in such as short work is amazing. He as usual makes you feel the characters issue so vividly.

The three prequel novellas completed....bring on the main event.

[Drusilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just love Fred.

“I’ve been through better interrogation training than you’ll ever see. You want to build rapport? Go for it. Talk for a while, take my shackles off, start telling me that you can save me if I just tell you what I know. And then I’ll rip your eyes out and skull-fuck you. You understand?” 🖤🖤🖤

[Bradley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely a must for any Expanse fan, especially for those who are fans of Fred. I am. I think he's pretty damn cool.

But even for completionists, it's worth it. Why? Because Fred is a conflicted character for also being a relatively steadfast and rational friend to adventurers in need. His story may not be the most epic or the most emotional of the bunch, but for me, he has a certain mystique. :)

Also, this short story is REALLY short. :)

[Kemper · Rating 3 out of 5]

In space no one can hear you commit a war crime.

While I’ve read all of The Expanse books and love the TV series I hadn’t gotten around to checking out all the tie-in short stories, and this first one fills in the backstory of Fred Johnson. Since Fred is a former military officer from Earth who left all that behind to become one of the key leaders of the Belters he’s been something of an enigma so it was nice to get this story that explains why Fred turned his back on Earth and exactly what happened to earn him the nickname ‘The Butcher of Anderson Station.’

Since I’d already seen this dramatized on the TV show it didn’t give me quite the emotional punch that it could have. Plus, much like the other tie-in The Churn I could argue that it was short enough to be worked into the actual novels at some point instead of being extra material. If you’re a fan of the series it’s definitely worth a look although you’re not missing critical information if you don’t check it out.

[Jess Owens · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75

A quick back story on Fred Johnson. I appreciate that it’s short and to the point and shows what really happened on Anderson Station and how Fred Johnson became who he is now.

[Trish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another background story for one of the characters in the Expanse novels. This time, it's about Fred Johnson, now leader of the OPA (Outer Planets Alliance).

Like Amos, Fred originally comes from Earth. Unlike Amos, Fred even served in the UN Navy and made a name for himself as "The Hero of Anderson Station". However, it's not like he's proud of it. Because his other nickname is "The Butcher of Anderson Station". It all depends on your point fo view, which might hinge on how much insider information you have.
This tells of how he earned his nickname(s) and how he subsequently went from war hero to the leader of the Belter terrorist group.

Personally, I'm not much of a fan of Fred's. For starters, I don't like people preaching to me about how wrong killing is while their own hands are covered in blood (and I'm not even talking about Anderson Station). Also, while he might be smart (he has to be or he would have never made the rank of Colonel), he's too shifty and betrayal comes too easy for him for my taste.

Nevertheless, it was interesting to see how and why he switched sides (though, again, I disagree with him, but that might be mostly because the set-up for what happened on Anderson Station was a bit too much eye-rolling conspiracy for me) and the action, characterizations and writing style in these novellas are as wonderful as in the novels so it was worth just for that.

[Alejandro · Rating 3 out of 5]

I knew about this prequel story even before of reading "Leviathan Wakes", however, I decided to read before the actual first book on the series since I was afraid that in just 40 pages, it won't be possible to establish the literature universe of the series to really get this short story.

I think that I chose the right decision. It was a good introductory story to the character of Fred Johnson, who is a supportive but key character in the development of the story in "Leviathan Wakes". Even you get a glimpse of Anderson Dawes who is other supportive character in the first book.

I enjoyed the short story and that gives a better view of where Fred Johnson stands. However, I encourage to read the story after of reading the first book, "Leviathan Wakes". I think that you'd enjoy more the first book if you are not sure what to expect from Fred Johnson.

[Diana Stormblessed · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kind of sad. But too short to make any lasting impression.

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have low expectations for novellas because I have a hard time connecting with the story in such a small amount of pages, and don't ever expect to go higher than a 4 star rating. The Butcher of Anderson Station skirts that problem since it is about a character and an event that were introduced in Leviathan Wakes, so we go into it already familiar with what's going on. It's a satisfying narrative that reads just like an extension of the previous book and fills in an important character who deserves more of a backstory.

The authors say to read the series in publication order, which would put this book between Leviathan Wakes and Caliban's War (if you were to read chronologically it would be before both). I read it after the latter because I was in such a hurry to move forward with the series, but I wish I had read it in order as there are some insights into Fred Johnson's character that I would have enjoyed being aware of while reading Caliban's War. Overall it's definitely worth your time if you enjoy the main novels in the series.

[aria ✧]

[ Read in the collection Memory’s Legion ]

A small novella telling Fred Johnson's story. How he became the Butcher of Anderson Station and how he joined OPA.

[Justine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid short story that lays out Fred's infamous command and his eventual meet up with Anderson Dawes.

Although chronologically this takes place before Leviathan Wakes, the story will have much more meaning if read after that book.

[Carrot :3 (on a hiatus) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one didn’t really add much to the plot but made a good job of fleshing out Fred.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been meaning to read this ever since I read the first book several years ago. That's where we're first introduced to Fred Johnson, leader of the OPA, who was once (and still is) known through the solar system as the Butcher of Anderson Station. This short story elaborates on the brief hints of how he got that name that we got in Leviathan Wakes, and also shows how Fred got involved with the OPA to boot. More importantly, it doesn't just show us how he got that name, but what he did with it, and why it's important. Very good addition to the world. Does just what extra content should do, elaborating on the world, but nothing you wouldn't miss if you didn't read it.

[Niki Hawkes - The Obsessive Bookseller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Expanse fans have all heard of Fred Johnson's pseudonym, and this novella offers a chance to learn more about how he earned the title. You can see how events in this novella shaped Fred's actions throughout the series, which makes it worth reading in it's own right. Although I enjoyed it, and in fact was looking forward to it most out of all the novellas, it's also the one I came away with the least from. It's a solid "I liked it" rating, but not the one I'd hand to you if you were only going to read a few of the novellas.

[Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

“So I think to myself,” the bartender said, reaching back toward the glassware by the mirror, “you’re here for something. The Butcher of Anderson Station in a Belter bar.”

A great little quick back story on The Butcher.

[Trevor · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5

A quick story detailing Fred Johnson's past and the events that gave him the moniker of "The Butcher of Anderson Station"

I did feel like I already knew most of what was going to happen from conversations in Leviathan Wakes, so there were no major revelations. Still, gaining insight into what motivates Fred was pretty neat.

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story and important background on Fred "The Butcher of Anderson Station" Smith who plays a supporting yet critical role in the series.

[Lost Planet Airman · Rating 4 out of 5]

review to follow

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Background short

This is an interesting look into the background of Fred Johnson. It would have changed my thinking while reading book one had I read this first. Very interesting.

[Lata · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had always wondered how Fred Johnson could have found himself working for the OPA. The show obviously covers this well, but I wanted the original text showing me Fred’s disgust with his superiors’ lack of respect for life in the Belt.
I also liked that in the authors’ note, in “Memory’s Legion”, Cara Gee is referenced as saying she thought the unknown woman holding the gun on Fred was Drummer. (Oddly, I had pictured Cara Gee as Drummer by Anderson Dawes’s side during the short story.)

[Richard · Rating 3 out of 5]

This spin-off short story from the Expanse series details the backstory of Fred Johnson, the infamous OPA leader that was introduced in the first book, Leviathan Wakes. It's a short and quick read that goes deeper in detailing why the massacre at Anderson Station changed him forever. But because many characters have talked about the event in the main books, I wish that the story went even further with adding more to the world-building, inspiring readers to see the story in a different light. Because this doesn't fully happen, it's not a big deal if you skip this one.

[Little Timmy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice short story expanding the background of one of the main characters. Recommended

[Brendon Lowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very short novelette about Colonel Fred Johnson and his exploits prior to the first book in The Expanse series and how he got the moniker The Butcher Of Anderson Station. I quite enjoyed it and am glad to know his backstory, which wasn't told in the main series. it's very short that's my old real gripe with it but still has the amazing writing that is the hallmark of the series.

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

A superb back-story to Fred Johnson from The Expanse series. The author has written back-stories to most of the main characters, and each of them is wonderful and insightful.

A must-read if you love The Expanse.