I am 100% satisfied with the entire Expanse series and have already reserved the next novel (as an ebook because even the trade paperback got a bit heavy and awkward during long reading sessions.) This particular book moved the universe forward in important ways, but I didn't enjoy the characters or plot as much as the first 2 novels. As with any series there are ups and downs, and each reader likes certain books more than others.
This adventure has Earth, Mars, the OPA and the Rocinante heading out to the protomolecule-created ring out at the edge of the system. Holden continues to be a main character, and he's developing as a person, but he is far from my favorite. He is the focus of the plot though, an object of revenge for probably my least favorite character, Melba. Her character arc was a bit flat. The universe is so complex that Bull, a former military man and OPA buddy of Fred Johnson, may have been introduced before. Bull will keep his people, and all of humanity, physically safe. Anna is a minister on the Earth's political ship full of dignitaries, there to keep humanity psychologically safe and at peace. She was a bit overly sweet, but was contrasted by the loud wife of a rich businessman and the loud spiritual advisor to the UN secretary-general.
by James S.A. Corey
3 stars
I am 100% satisfied with the entire Expanse series and have already reserved the next novel (as an ebook because even the trade paperback got a bit heavy and awkward during long reading sessions.) This particular book moved the universe forward in important ways, but I didn't enjoy the characters or plot as much as the first 2 novels. As with any series there are ups and downs, and each reader likes certain books more than others.
This adventure has Earth, Mars, the OPA and the Rocinante heading out to the protomolecule-created ring out at the edge of the system. Holden continues to be a main character, and he's developing as a person, but he is far from my favorite. He is the focus of the plot though, an object of revenge for probably my least favorite character, Melba. Her character arc was a bit flat. The universe is so complex that Bull, a former military man and OPA buddy of Fred Johnson, may have been introduced before. Bull will keep his people, and all of humanity, physically safe. Anna is a minister on the Earth's political ship full of dignitaries, there to keep humanity psychologically safe and at peace. She was a bit overly sweet, but was contrasted by the loud wife of a rich businessman and the loud spiritual advisor to the UN secretary-general.