LEVIATHAN WAKES by JAMES S.A. COREY (The Expanse #1) | Sci-Fi Book Review

Here's my review for the Leviathan Wakes, the first book in The Expanse Series. Is the book as good as its cover?

[@Johnny2Cellos]

Damn man you're cranking out content! I've been meaning to start reading this series, I bought the first book

[@WordsinTime]

Haha too many sci-fi books, not enough time! I hope you enjoy Leviathan Wakes, and if not, at least it looks good on the shelf!

[@librarianists]

The TV show is absolutely worth watching, for several reasons: Ty Franck and Daniel Abraham are both involved, and the whole thing benefits from having a focused narrative to follow. At the same time, the show writers aren't afraid to change things around when something different will work better in a visual (and time-compressed) medium. Several secondary characters are left out or are melded into one, and the show is amazingly well cast-with one minor exception. That's one reason to read more of the books first: you may never be able to divorce the person you read on the page from the actor playing them! Interestingly, I read Leviathan Wakes ages ago and liked it, but didn't keep going (or watch the show) for a few years. When I finally tried the show, I stopped during the second episode; most people recommend watching at least the first four as it's incredibly methodical in its world-building-i.e. slow. Having now watched through and loving all of the existing seasons, I'm going back and reading all of the novel (and one of the short stories) before season six starts. I figure that it'll be a novel experience to read the books first for a change...

[@WordsinTime]

Wow, thanks for all the info! From one Jonathan to another, this is an epic comment! It’s good to hear the authors are involved in the show. I’m definitely excited to try it. I have read the first 2 books, and I think I’ll read the 3rd, then start the show!

[@susansprague7304]

I am very curious to hear who you think was mis-cast! I was impressed with the cast but I admit to being biased as most of the supporting actors are Canadian (since the show was shot in Toronto). Aside from my affection for both show and books, I find it fascinating to compare them - it's practically a uni level course in the differences in the two story-telling media.

[@librarianists]

@@susansprague7304 The character I had in mind when I wrote my original comment was Arjun, Avasarala's husband. He was perfectly cast in season 1, but unfortunately the actor took another job after the show got cancelled. They went in a totally different direction when recasting him, such that multiple reactors didn't realize it was supposed to be him. In deference to the actor, I think he did a good enough job with what he was given. It was just a tough situation all around since Brian George wasn't available. (And I admit that my nostalgia for Mr. George from Seinfeld and Star Trek may have biased me toward him.) There were also a few people in season six who didn't quite do it for me, but I attribute that mostly to the relatively short season leaving less time for character work.

[@theicaruscollective6811]

Expanse tv show is very good, well worth watching. Recommemd reading book 2 before starting the series because there's one major character from book 2 that gets pulled forward into season 1. The adaptation of book 1 runs through S2E5, then coverage of book 2 runs through S3E6. The adaptation of book 3 is condensed into the back half of season 3, and thereafter books 4 and 5 correspond to seasons 4 and 5. Season 6 will be coming out probably in December or January, and will cover book 6. They plan to end the show there, at least for the time being, and possibly later go back to adapt books 7-9 in one form or another, perhaps as movies, or maybe additional seasons or something. They'll definitely be taking a break for a while, though. And it's a good breaking point, as books 7-9 are kind of their own thing. Most seasons are 10 episodes, with seasons 2 and 3 being 13 episodes long. Seasons 1-3 have standard tv-length episodes of about 43 minutes each; episodes in seasons 4-5 sometimes run longer, with the move to streaming on Amazon. Hopefully this gives you enough data to decide how/when/whether to watch the show. Enjoy!

[@theicaruscollective6811]

Oh, and book 9 comes out this November, concluding the book series.

[@WordsinTime]

Wow, this is amazing! Thanks so much for the detailed info! I have read the first 2 books and (minor spoiler for my Caliban's War review) I didn't like the second one quite as much. I think I will try Abaddon's Gate and then decide whether to keep going or take a break. That sounds like it might also be a good point to start the show as I will have 3 seasons before I catch up to the storyline in the books. I'm glad to hear you enjoy the show! Thanks again!

[@susansprague7304]

This is the first time I have heard this series compared to Firefly ... I have heard one of the authors say that each book is based on a different genre - Leviathan Wakes = dectective noir, Caliban's War = haunted house story ... that's as far as I remember and I can't find the quote again. Am enjoying your content!

[@WordsinTime]

I haven’t heard that quote but that’s an interesting concept! I am up to Nemesis Games and there are commonalities but also differences in each book. I wonder what other genres they will incorporate. Thanks for the kind words, I’m glad you’re enjoying the content!

[@susansprague7304]

Hmm, interesting. I have heard that opinion before. I think I preferred the second Arjun, but that might have been because I spent most of a season hoping forlornly that he survived Earth's devastation. Thanks for the thoughtful answer.

[@cindywingetbooks]

Unfortunately this book didn't work for me. I love the idea and the plot but I feel like the execution was lacking. Poor character development and poor world building and cartoonish dialogue and felt no kind of emotional attachment to anything.

[@WordsinTime]

No worries! I agree that it is somewhat popcorn sci-fi, which might not work for everyone.