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Auberon
(The Expanse #8.5)
by
A novella set in the universe of James S. A. Corey’s NYT-bestselling Expanse series, Auberon explores a new and alien world and the age-old dangers that humanity has carried with it to the stars. Now a Prime Original series.
Auberon is one of the first and most important colony worlds in humanity’s reach, and the new conquering faction has come to claim it. Governor Rittena ...more
Auberon is one of the first and most important colony worlds in humanity’s reach, and the new conquering faction has come to claim it. Governor Rittena ...more
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This latest novella in the The Expanse universe offers a look at one of the human colonies that is now supposed to be brought to heel by the Laconian Empire. Remember, Duarte has executed his plan brilliantly and therefore basically rules humanity. This means he also controls the ring gate(s) and the colony worlds.
Auberon is one such colony planet and Governor Rittenaur is sent there to bring law and order to the world. Moreover, his wife is there to ensure certain research can progress, thus ad ...more
Auberon is one such colony planet and Governor Rittenaur is sent there to bring law and order to the world. Moreover, his wife is there to ensure certain research can progress, thus ad ...more
I REALLY love the subtext in this novella.
It's not only a novel about the straight-laced Laconian government taking over a thoroughly integrated quasi-mob-based world of Auberon and the clash that arises.
It's also a fantastic commentary on America. With the rife corruption throughout all levels of government... not least with high cabinet members profiting on their positions by having billion-dollar deals in the very industry they should have been regulating... this novella lays out the problem ...more
It's not only a novel about the straight-laced Laconian government taking over a thoroughly integrated quasi-mob-based world of Auberon and the clash that arises.
It's also a fantastic commentary on America. With the rife corruption throughout all levels of government... not least with high cabinet members profiting on their positions by having billion-dollar deals in the very industry they should have been regulating... this novella lays out the problem ...more
I'm giving this novella the benefit of the doubt. Independently, it has more or less the same quality as some of the other Expanse novellas like The Butcher of Anderson Station.
Similar with Strange Dogs, we are given yet another insight to Laconian characters, one of which was briefly mentioned in Tiamat's Wrath. Naomi visited Auberon quite a while in that novel so we also got a considerable amount of information about this system.
The characters - a Laconian governor and his scientist wife - w ...more
Similar with Strange Dogs, we are given yet another insight to Laconian characters, one of which was briefly mentioned in Tiamat's Wrath. Naomi visited Auberon quite a while in that novel so we also got a considerable amount of information about this system.
The characters - a Laconian governor and his scientist wife - w ...more
One of the interesting things about the later Expanse books is the moral foundations behind them. If the earlier books are a warning about amoral greed and what a lack of empathy in powerful individuals can cause, then the post-Laconia universe shows that the opposite is true as well. Laconia is a militaristic society based on law and honor, but it's also absolutist. We've already seen in the series how that fails with ordinary humans (Santiago Singh from Persepolis Rising). This one basically r
...more
These Expanse novellas just keep getting better and better.
Along with Strange Dogs, this is my favourite novella of the series. It's a great fit to read right after Persepolis Rising, as we get to see yet another Laconian governor attempt a soft takeover, this time of a well established colony world, following the clearly successful invasion of the Sol System.
And what a great story! It was fabulous to see Erich again, who of course hasn't lost any of his well-honed tactical senses and predatory patience. ...more
And what a great story! It was fabulous to see Erich again, who of course hasn't lost any of his well-honed tactical senses and predatory patience. ...more
Maybe not my favourite Expanse Novella but it had a certain weight. Once more, we get to see Laconian’s experience and behaviours in the face of the rest of the ‘verse, and it surprised me. Kingpin Erich is not what you expect, and nor is Governor Rittenaur. Their confrontation very much felt like a game of chess, which was fascinating. Veronica and Mona ended up being pawns, or better still, the Queen and the Bishop. I do wonder if these players will feature in the last novel... It would be int
...more
[3.5/5 stars] A full review for a novella?! Only when it's from James S.A. Corey. These novellas usually focus on periphery characters, and I love how in-depth and meaningful the authors make them. The stories are always about the human connection and digging into what motivates us. Auberon took a few pages to warm up, but quickly built momentum. I was totally enthralled by the end. There's one scene in particular that about had me out of my seat in shock. And that ending! O_O
Auberon dives into ...more
Auberon dives into ...more
Mmm. An oddity, not to mention a disappointment, coming straight off Tiamat's Wrath. Perhaps novellas like these would be more cohesive in a collection, giving insight into some of the quirkier corners of the Expanse, etc.
...more
This is a short story that is part of a series. This is not a starting point as this takes place well into the series. In this one, we explore how Laconia's rule is affecting one of the new planets that humans have access to because of the ring.
Not much of a surprise here. Once again this series offers another quality offering and once again I am giving at least a four star rating to it. Seriously. How do these authors keep writing quality stories in this universe? This short story is not the mo ...more
Not much of a surprise here. Once again this series offers another quality offering and once again I am giving at least a four star rating to it. Seriously. How do these authors keep writing quality stories in this universe? This short story is not the mo ...more
Fucking hell, that was brilliant.
Auberon audio excerpt
3m 47s — posted by the publisher:
https://soundcloud.com/hachetteaudio/...
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The release date has been moved. It's NOVEMBER 12th now. :)
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Wonderful news. So far James S.A Corey Expanse novellas haven't disappointed me.
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Oh, Erich!
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Auberon is a planet accessible through the ring gates that has a lush biome that grows native and Terran crops. The planet has 12 cities, each being in the million but also has many towns, farms, and more scattered around the planet.
Reput ...more
3m 47s — posted by the publisher:
https://soundcloud.com/hachetteaudio/...
---
The release date has been moved. It's NOVEMBER 12th now. :)
---
Wonderful news. So far James S.A Corey Expanse novellas haven't disappointed me.
---
Oh, Erich!
---
Auberon is a planet accessible through the ring gates that has a lush biome that grows native and Terran crops. The planet has 12 cities, each being in the million but also has many towns, farms, and more scattered around the planet.
Reput ...more
3.5 Stars
An interesting side book for The Expanse series, mostly concerned with Laconia, Duarte and the human limits of any empire.
A fun read, but not nearly as revealing as most of the side books to date.
As usual with my reviews, please first read the publisher’s blurb/summary of the book. Thank you.
Full size image here
Only one quote --
Klinger knew nothing about him but what she'd been told by Laconia. She would have been just as solicitous to anyone who had come in his position. And if s ...more
An interesting side book for The Expanse series, mostly concerned with Laconia, Duarte and the human limits of any empire.
A fun read, but not nearly as revealing as most of the side books to date.
As usual with my reviews, please first read the publisher’s blurb/summary of the book. Thank you.
Full size image here
Only one quote --
Klinger knew nothing about him but what she'd been told by Laconia. She would have been just as solicitous to anyone who had come in his position. And if s ...more
I love that not only is this a 9 book chronological series of great depth, but that there are stand along novellas, like this one, to explore and expand on that universe. The Expanse novellas to this point have taken deeper looks at part of the universe and looked into certain characters backstories. They've created even more depth to an already quite deep story. In this one, as the title suggests, they focus on Auberon, one of the bigger colonies and on that came into focus in novel #8. It give
...more
Nov 27, 2019
Shaun Hutchinson
added it
I quite enjoyed this novella. Nothing new or groundbreaking, but I could read little stories about the Laconians and the colony worlds all day long.
"Ideological purity never survives contact with the enemy"
Maybe I'm mistaken, but I really think this should be considered #7.5 in the series rather than #8.5, based on the events as they unfold in the novels. Anyway, this is a brilliant story illustrating the immense difficulties encountered by the ideologically motivated and highly disciplined Laconian imperial forces as they take control of a vast number of colony worlds where varying degrees of corruption and informality have taken hold. The ...more
Maybe I'm mistaken, but I really think this should be considered #7.5 in the series rather than #8.5, based on the events as they unfold in the novels. Anyway, this is a brilliant story illustrating the immense difficulties encountered by the ideologically motivated and highly disciplined Laconian imperial forces as they take control of a vast number of colony worlds where varying degrees of corruption and informality have taken hold. The ...more
He let his hand drop to the sofa, near his holster but motionless. It was dangerous to move forward, but he wasn't going to give up ground either. He imagined pulling the gun and firing. How quickly could he do that? How long could it take? The rest of his life, maybe.
4.5 stars very nearly rounded up, because this was just way up my alley, this exploration of Laconian culture and society slamming into another civilisation and struggling to adjust. It's the tale of these implacable Laconian conqu ...more
This is a novella set in the Expanse series. Like other novellas of the series it tells a sidestory and has none of the main characters. I read is as a part of the Expanse buddy read in August 2020 at Hugo & Nebula Awards: Best Novels group.
So, the humanity has new rulers. As depicted in detail in Persepolis Rising, now Laconia, which is largely based on the Greek territory with the same name, more known as Sparta, controls all systems and transportation between them.
One of the more successful p ...more
So, the humanity has new rulers. As depicted in detail in Persepolis Rising, now Laconia, which is largely based on the Greek territory with the same name, more known as Sparta, controls all systems and transportation between them.
One of the more successful p ...more
“It’s the basic problem with religion, be it Jesus or Vishnu or God Emperors. Ideological purity never survives contact with the enemy.”
It's nice to take a look at what happens in places where the main novels haven't taken us. Here we've got yet another laconian governor trying not to be overwhelmed by the daunting task of ruling a conquered planet. He'll have to give up his silly ideological superiority and compromise with the local crimelord.
A great read as always when it comes to the Expanse ...more
It's nice to take a look at what happens in places where the main novels haven't taken us. Here we've got yet another laconian governor trying not to be overwhelmed by the daunting task of ruling a conquered planet. He'll have to give up his silly ideological superiority and compromise with the local crimelord.
A great read as always when it comes to the Expanse ...more
It is nice when your favorite authors throw a little bone out to you, the loyal readers.
Things we've learned from this book:
• No one is uncorruptable;
• Auberon really stinks;
That's about it. Still, it was a decent read and I'm happy as always to make at least a glance into the universe of "The Expanse". ...more
• No one is uncorruptable;
• Auberon really stinks;
That's about it. Still, it was a decent read and I'm happy as always to make at least a glance into the universe of "The Expanse". ...more
Nice novella to keep y expanse needs met while waiting for the final book to come out. Recommended
As with all of these Expanse novellas, I had a bit of a hard time getting into it (new characters, new setting, very discombobulating), but it had me by the end.
Auberon was published after the eighth book, but it takes place right after book seven, when Duarte's empire is just getting started. The Laconians have installed a brand new Governor on Auberon, one of the many colonized worlds of the gate system that will be instrumental in feeding the empire, and he's our main POV here. But Auberon w ...more
Auberon was published after the eighth book, but it takes place right after book seven, when Duarte's empire is just getting started. The Laconians have installed a brand new Governor on Auberon, one of the many colonized worlds of the gate system that will be instrumental in feeding the empire, and he's our main POV here. But Auberon w ...more
A new novella from the Expanse Universe. The story is set before Tiamat's Wrath (the most recent full length novel) as the Laconian Empire sets about consolidating it's power over the rest of humanities settlements, and follows a newly appointed Governor to Auberon, an important colony world.
This is one of the best Expanse novellas I have read. It isn't particularly like the main set of novels but is a lovely character study of colonialism and conquerors, and how the conqueror is as changed by t ...more
This is one of the best Expanse novellas I have read. It isn't particularly like the main set of novels but is a lovely character study of colonialism and conquerors, and how the conqueror is as changed by t ...more
***4.5/5 Stars***
An intriguing and mysterious story, full of brilliant plot twists and unexpected deaths… Felt like a mafia story, really liked how strongly the sense of fear comes out, I definitely felt it! Really enjoyable read! And Erich is a real mastermind! 😊
Can't wait for the last book in this great series!!! :) ...more
An intriguing and mysterious story, full of brilliant plot twists and unexpected deaths… Felt like a mafia story, really liked how strongly the sense of fear comes out, I definitely felt it! Really enjoyable read! And Erich is a real mastermind! 😊
Can't wait for the last book in this great series!!! :) ...more
Probably the best novella in the series.
Hmmmm.... true confession. I stared at the book cover on Goodreads for a long time trying to remember what this was about.
I failed. I ended up reading the synopsis. Then the bells started ringing. I remember now. I also remember that I liked it. Nowhere near as much as the previous novella I read, which was super-awesome. This one was merely really good.
Part of the difference is that the last one I read, Strange Dogs, was more up my alley. It had kids in peril. Check. It had a big ‘ol mystery. ...more
I failed. I ended up reading the synopsis. Then the bells started ringing. I remember now. I also remember that I liked it. Nowhere near as much as the previous novella I read, which was super-awesome. This one was merely really good.
Part of the difference is that the last one I read, Strange Dogs, was more up my alley. It had kids in peril. Check. It had a big ‘ol mystery. ...more
4.5. Another good Expanse novella :O I feel bad for Overstreet at the end :( It was good to see Erich again too. I am glad I am getting through these novellas before Leviathan Falls (I have The Vital Abyss on my Overdrive account and will read it soon). But soon I won't have anymore Expanse stories to read :( :( :( :(
...more
Notes:
2.5 Stars Round Up for Good Narration
This short had a nice setup, but I didn't care for the rest. It's a good example of what I don't like in the series or short stories. ...more
2.5 Stars Round Up for Good Narration
This short had a nice setup, but I didn't care for the rest. It's a good example of what I don't like in the series or short stories. ...more
This novella, set in the world of The Expanse, fits within the wider story of the series. With its context of interplanetary war and domination, it's a science fiction story -- but it's also a look on a larger scale at morality, corruption, ideology, and compromise. It's very good and very compelling -- plus, there's a return of a familiar character from earlier in the series who's quite disconcerting to see again in this new context. A must-read for anyone who's made it this far in the series.
...more
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“It’s the basic problem with religion, be it Jesus or Vishnu or God Emperors. Ideological purity never survives contact with the enemy.”
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