Richly imagined (and very long) series with memorable, compelling characters. The large scale political, cultural, and economic elements work well for the solar system spanning setting, but the personal/human mysteries and connections are the real driving force of the series.
It's hard not to consider Holden, Naomi, Amos, Alex, and Bobbie a permanent fixture in my literary history. Moral support during the darkest days of quarantine.
I have yet to read a series capable of combining deep psychological investigation with kick-ass worldbuilding, all while tangling a close-knit family of characters firmly into my heartstrings. Overwhelmed at the diverse scope of this imagined future and excited for the final installment.
Which HAS to come out this November, sa sa ke? Don't Rothfuss this, guys. I'm counting on you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Not hard sci-fi, not Space Opera but really a great distillation of what's best about both. Futuristic vision of humanity our struggle as a species, encountering new life with unforgettable characters & plenty of gripping drama. Well worth the time.
I enjoyed reading the first few hundred pages but just got bogged down by all the minutiae. Definitely a me problem. I may try another episode at some point.
This is a masterful work of science fiction. I chose to read this in parallel with watching the Expanse series, first reading the books, then watching the series. The TV series adds in nice visuals and plot twists that keep you guessing, I enjoyed both immensely. The world is well conceived, and while stargates have been done previously, Expanse builds on that and expands it in interesting directions. Each of the characters I grew to love in their own way. This is realistic, not too distant future SF which sticks closely with realistic science.
This is a great series. One of the most compelling things about this series is the accuracy of human nature. That given the chance to expand and better humankind, they instead become divided. The Earth-Mars-Belter politics I find fascinating, and very realistic of what could happen in the future. Only about halfway through the whole series right now, but excited to see what happens next.
I've read them twice now and watched the series of the first 5.5 books. Humanity has colonized the solar system and of course we have bought our hate and oppression with us. War, corporations, classicism and heros.
The Expanse TV series is a treat...but (no surprise) the books provide even more depth and insight. In particular quite the experience to privy to Avrasarala's thoughts.
Exceptional series - hard science and action/adventure. I'm also reading the novellas that flesh out the story a bit more. I'll be sorry to finish the last story.