THE EXPANSE ~Breakdown~

Let's breakdown #theexpanse
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[@SouravUldyssian]

Daniel, now that you have finished reading the series, PLEASE give the TV series a try. There are rare instances where a television adaptation of a favorite cult novel series is so universally acclaimed and loved by all fans.

[@npckse8508]

I really, other than the Kamal stuff, find I have no issues with the TV adaptation. I mean some of the characters were left out and certainly Drummer was given a huge boost, but overall it was excellent, with Season 4 being just a perfect representation of book 4. I wish they had found the opportunity to finish the series.

[@FelixM86]

yes, the show was fantastic. even better then the books in some instances. I'd say the show came as close to a perfect adaptation as its possible. They stayed true to the overall story, themes and characters, expanded where it needed expansion for the adaptation, and knew what to leave out/shorten very well. still hoping the last 3 books get adapted in the future.

[@kvikram19]

I’ve only read four books, but I would say that the show is actually quite better in some areas. The pacing is a lot better, especially in books/seasons 3 and 4.

[@NutjobChuck]

I cannot express how much I hate the TV show. The end of the first season was alright, but the rest is just so melodramatic and cheap and poorly acted. I literally cringe when I watch it because of how melodramatic and dull the dialogue is. The production design is so stingy and lacking vision. I’ve only finished the first three seasons though. Do people love the later seasons or…?

[@Jtrent]

it's SO good

[@valarya]

My friends tried to get me to watch the Expanse for years, and for some reason I was just resistant to it. And then I finally watched it and oh my god, it's science fiction done right. It's so utterly fucking fantastic and one of the (imo) BEST sci-fi shows to ever exist and I'm gutted it's over.

[@mikouf9691]

I agree completely. I read all the books, short stories and novellas (except for the RPG one) but I can't bring myself to watch the final season because then it will be over. 😞

[@Egeslean]

The books are better. They altered the characters, their backstories (somewhat, some more than others), personalities, they altered the pacing, the story, etc. If you read the books (or listen to them like I did), just be prepared for differences.

[@Trymeplays]

Same here, I felt for Drummer so much in S5 and S6

[@danlupo4665]

Most of the short stories and novellas are compiled in a single book and released under the name “Memory’s Legion” I highly recommend them - especially if you like feeling wistful and sad

[@jeyfromnowhere]

All but one which remained exclusive to the Expanse RPG core book.

[@mikouf9691]

And Memory's Legion also includes a novella (or long short story?) that wasn't published elsewhere. It features a couple of characters whose storylines ended in earlier books.

[@jeyfromnowhere]

@@mikouf9691 Yeah, it's essentially the epilogue to wrap up the entire series.

[@tanakoskyler-thetabletopsh377]

Also it helps to point out is the reason for the delay for the last 2-3 books compared to it pushing out a yearly release was because both members of James SA Corey were writing for the show as well.

[@yashsolanki589]

I really wish they bring back the show. It was one of the few sci-fi/fantasy adaptations that I really liked

[@feral_orc]

i'm sure it'll be back in a few years. Timeskip + guerilla marketing could make it hype

[@jamesmalik3355]

I'd be fine with it coming back in 5 years or so, maybe there'll be nostalgia for it as well and a well placed timeskip

[@MrKandlejack]

@@jamesmalik3355 I dont think they can. They made a massive change from the books at the end of the show season. Its a big spoiler, but a very key character needs to be a part of what happens in the last 3 books.

[@wellendowedplatypus9024]

@@MrKandlejack It would certainly change dynamics and stuff but that character isn't really essential to the story (as in all important events that happen can easily happen without them). Still, I must say that I didn't really like the post-time-jump books and after reading them I am glad the series ended where it did.

[@HaJassar]

the show was the best modern sifi ever, great writing, great music, great production, great acting, and not to mention diversity done right. I wish it lasted more and more.

[@quiett6191]

Amen.

[@panagiotispapadopoulos2594]

This must be fate... I finished the TV series and was contemplating whether i should get the books, and Daniel just had to release this MERE minutes later... my wallet is going to hate me for this....

[@thelemmiebee]

The show is amazing but the books are incredible and the Roci crew feels like your family by the time you get a few books in. It’s a 9 book series but it seriously doesn’t feel like it. I highly recommend also reading the short stories alongside the main novels as it ties everything together more.

[@quiett6191]

😂 The Universe is definitely trying to tell you something.

[@adamrivers3250]

One of the non-story related things I liked about these books is the short and consistent length of the chapters, around 10 or so pages. I’m someone who hates pausing mid chapter and it’s so much simpler to decide if I want to read one more when I have a good idea generally how long it will be.

[@campbell9825]

Another nice thing is that each chapter manages to (for the most part) tell its own concise story. Almost all chapters tend to present a problem to the POV character which either gets resolved by the end of the chapter or it ends in a cliffhanger to keep you invested. A great example of this is Anderson dawes' kingmaker chapter in book 6. For me each chapter is memorable because they tell their own story while progressing the main plot

[@adamrivers3250]

@@campbell9825 great point.

[@derekwillerton]

It also was adapted into one of the best sci-fi tv shows of all time

[@redgyrados2000]

For other things to include in breakdowns, I think including mentions of adaptations would be nice, especially when they're as popular and well-received as The Expanse show. But honestly, I'd even like to hear about the weird obscure adaptations; for example, a breakdown of the Witcher series could mention the original Polish TV show

[@Thanatology101]

I dig this format. No spoilers, just enough info to snare my brain meats, plus a seasoning of trademark Goblin Chaos(tm). Def gonna look into the Expanse; been mighty hungry for a good sci-fi. And now I have a horror channel to sink my fangs into!

[@Freya407]

Being a data nerd, I love this series 😄 For sections to add, maybe a brief rundown of the author(s) numbers? When they first published, how many other books or other works they’ve written, that kind of thing.

[@cthomas72208]

Season 3 of the show is one of my favorite seasons of science fiction ever made.

[@eli68w]

The Expanse brought me back in to the world of literature. Forever thankful.

[@Ak1193]

The Expanse audiobooks are also amazing! Jefferson Mays does a fantastic job.

[@Wilipeidia]

With regards to the covers Ty has on his podcast Ty and That Guy stated that there has been cases where they specified what they wanted as the cover art. The artist then painted something else, the authors looked at it and went "that's so much cooler, lets use that" and frankly I agree. Both the pen name and the covers hark back to the classic age of sci-fi and I ADORE it

[@deanryanmartin]

I am feeling proud at how this series evolve from a Hardy-Boys-like formulaic story (Books 1 to 4) to a mature political masterpiece in the outer space (Books 5 to 8). I have the finale book already and will read it with gusto.

[@hresvelgr7193]

I found your note about the authors not making fans wait especially funny because both authors have worked with GRRM, the man whose fans have been waiting 11 years and counting for the next ASOIAF book. Now they need go help George finish his shit

[@Smurffies]

Also all the .5 books they have that expand the characters and universe itself are very interesting an fun

[@Ibelieveinmagic]

The time is impeccable. I just started the books and here you are with the breakdown. Thanks for the content Daniel

[@boyfromoz7]

Enjoy man... it's REALLY good.

[@LezbiNerdy]

Thoughts for what to include in the breakdown -- I know as a woman, I'm just personally tired of reading books where there are no women (Hello Asimov!) , so knowing the gender breakdown of characters might be something to add cause that would be information that could point me towards/away from a book or series

[@emmanuelboakye1124]

Great point👍

[@Conorp77]

Expanse has some of the best female characters in the genre!

[@allenvikramchochinov5940]

Female representation in the expanse definitely gets better as the series goes on.

[@bigbadwolfeinc]

Didn't the 2nd foundation book have a central female character? From what I remember she was the pov character recounting the exploits of the mule? Don't have much to say with the third book as I didn't read it yet.

[@movia8945]

The Expanse is pretty much the best sci-fi I've ever read (so far) when it comes to variety, number, and quality of kick-ass female characters. Not that evident in the first one but is from the second book going forward.

[@OttawaOldFart]

This is the fastest series I have ever read. To give you context, it took me two and a half years to read Wheel of Time. I got this done in just over 10 months. One book I read in three weeks it was that good.

[@yaakovcaroline5928]

Lol, I read Tiamat’s Wrath in a weekend.

[@OttawaOldFart]

@@yaakovcaroline5928 I'm slow and it does not bother me at all. I like to feel every moment, not saying your not but I prefer my way.

[@Dazza_119]

Bro I'm 60 pages From Finishing leviathan falls and it's one of the best Sci fi books I've ever read. I watched the series a year ago but its long enough ago that I can read the books and enjoy them. I struggle reading Asoiaf because I've watched GOT too much. Once again thank you for being the reason I feel in love with reading again. It was mistborn for me after watching your videos a year ago

[@stevenbridges5981]

How is it that this series has only won one award throughout its run. I'm about 3/4 through Caliban's War and it's the best in anything science fiction that I've read in ages.

[@johncampbell2123]

To me I’ve never compared The Expanse to Star Trek. To me, it’s always been much closer to Mass Effect in my mind even if it’s miss all of the aliens.

[@doxiedomian]

They share solo many plot points *spoilers* Mass effect relays vs the ring gates The "builders" and the dark ones vs the protheans and the reapers Shepard and Holdens visions Probably more

[@MusicFillsTheQuiet]

I just finished the books last month after loving the show. Omg, what an ending. Not the "BEST. ENDING. EVER!" but still, wow. I think it stuck the landing.

[@NoThanks-qp2ej]

James Corry is also the name of the Main Character of the Twilight Zone episode "The Lonely" which is about a prisoner exiled to a penal colony on an asteroid.

[@losgann]

They released a collected version of all the short stories and novellas (plus a new one) in one volume called Memory's Legion. I'm not really a short story person usually but it was fantastic.

[@andrewreising4541]

You kept bringing the Hugos back up and how they weren't nominating the series anymore, but The Expanse was nominated for Best Series in 2017 and won Best Series in 2020. Usually, the deeper you are into a series, the more likely it is to get a Best Series nomination rather than a Best Novel nomination for the most recent book for the Hugos.

[@riptide772]

Just finished the series this week. Great series, loved the pacing in all the books and the over arching story was very good.

[@thowle]

Time to interview the authors, that would awesome

[@huntersmith9806]

Hey, I'm really liking this series! I was wondering if you could put some information about the audiobooks in too? I mostly listen to books, and knowing the length of the audio book is more relevant to me than the page count.

[@boyfromoz7]

I loved the audible series. Most are 19-20hrs long. There is a bunch of novellas you can buy for 2 bucks which are all around 2 and a half hours. or can by bundled together in "Memory Legion"

[@Osyrous]

memory’s legion is such a good book, highly recommended. Just read the first chapter “drive” and you will know what to expect.

[@jasonthedave6140]

Currently reading Leviathan Wakes based on your earlier recommendation. So far it's great! For the breakdowns, maybe add a short synopsis of the first book.

[@suzi8145]

Yes, yes, yes! I actually started out watching the show...twice, and even that wasn't enough, so now I'm listening to the audiobooks. Even when I knew what was going to happen, Leviathan Wakes gave me CHILLS!

[@mostlyvoid.partiallystars]

Omg ditto. Like I knew what was coming with the Cant and yet I seriously got goosebumps during the audiobook.

[@ajandu_marvel]

I know you have a busy schedule making quality content but a spoiler filled dissection of the expanse series would be great! Honestly my favourite series of all time

[@Twiska]

Maybe include the audiobook info in future breakdowns, such as publisher, narration and length. As I'm dyslexic, all the books I "read" I actually listen to. So audiobook info is essential to me when deciding to start a new series, such as "are all the entries on the same service?" "Are they all read by the same narrator?" And "is it the full prose or an abridged/audio-play version?"

[@OnefortheBooks]

I was surprised you didn't mention the TV series in the breakdown. The show is FANTASTIC - like literally best sci fi show I've ever watched. It's what inspired me to read the books! I have read the first four already and plan to finish the series before the end of this year. I'm going to do my own Book vs. Show breakdown on my channel in the future. 😊

[@dimitrijekulak4874]

You should probably read The Legend of the Galactic Heroes if you like the Sci-Fi genre. TLOTGH is like A Song of Ice and Fire, but in space. I personally prefer TLOTGH. It's a good read

[@nvwest]

You mean watch?

[@carlosdanielcalderonmontoy3723]

TLOTGH came first so it would be the other way around xD but anyway, or he could watch the anime

[@dimitrijekulak4874]

@NvWest both are great

[@bookishimpala5764]

I discovered this series through Daniel and its now one of my favorite series of all time. Also the data nerd in me is very happy with these videos

[@annaysebie7783]

I think sales for book 1, adeptations (what types how many seasons/movies/games), some nice special editions and also short stories within series would be a nice addition to the breakdown. Maybe even your faverite book in the series.

[@RDillonD]

As a primary audiobook listener I’d say you should include the length of that! The numbers are never accurate cause like everyone else I speed up my audiobooks, but it’s fun to look at the big number before some of the books I start

[@Impromptwo]

Love this series! I do think adding any adaptation information/news could be valuable. If not for the show, I wouldn't have caught on to The Expanse as early as I did. And I know there are others who enjoy reading books in tandem with watching an adaptation.

[@JAAAY62]

Thanks for the breakdown! I didn't know anything about the Expanse series. K owing it's over makes me more interested in trying it out. Some suggestions I would like to see for other Breakdown videos: 1. Maybe include more of a detailed pitch at the beginning? This was a huge string of numbers and awards. Why should I read it though? 2. I think including the shirt stories would be a great addition so that people can know exactly how much stuff they got to reading if they decide to get into it.

[@wokjock]

I appreciate these breakdown videos, thank you!

[@pjfloodecology]

Really enjoying the Breakdown so far and can't wait to see more of these! They're perfect for deciding if a series is for you and I'll be recommending these to friends thinking about various series!

[@michaelgunn8752]

This series got me back into reading like I used to be, the fast pace kept me constantly intrigued and I was able to take that energy to other books.

[@NotSoNoob19]

This is actually pretty helpful since I picked up books 1,2,4,5,6 and 7 in a charity shop recently for £2 each

[@stephenschwartzwauffe]

Agreed with many comments above, Daniel you need to watch the show, it was a great adaptation, they did make some changes and combined a couple characters, but it kept the heart and feel of the books.

[@theblindingone5975]

I might have to pick this up now... I haven't read sci-fi I ever I think, and this might be a good place to start. I mean with a title like 'Leviathan Wakes', how could I possibly say no? Also I would love to see a breakdown of The Realm of Elderlings.

[@bookdmb]

I’m one of those people who feels every Expanse entry is excellent! (also really feelin’ the humour in this vid)

[@fatir_9923]

Hey Editor, i see you and appreciate the amount if effort you put in, great job.

[@ThomasSisson251]

I can't get over how much I love these "Breakdowns." I'd even take one on the Encyclopedia Britainica.

[@nomar5spaulding]

Daniel Greene taking about The Expanse OMG sign me the fuck up!

[@johnvosicky2228]

I absolutely love the tv adaption. In fact, I like it a bit more than I like the books. I will say, though, that the final sentence of Persepolis Rising is the greatest final sentence of a book I’ve ever read. I sent only that final sentence to my big nerdy friend group and got almost all of them to start reading the books for that one sentence.

[@boyfromoz7]

Remind me what the last sentence was "I don't want to download the Audible again". I truly do not recall.

[@johnvosicky2228]

@@boyfromoz7 “when you fight gods, you storm heaven.”

[@doxiedomian]

​@@johnvosicky2228that was Duarte, right? I've never waited on the edge of my seat so excitedly for an antagonist. He's endlessly interesting

[@Glokta4]

My 2nd favorite type of videos, just below your individual book reviews. One thing I may have missed on this video that you have mentioned on previous breakdowns is if you listened to the audiobook(s) and how the performance was. That really helps me determine if I'm going to listen to or read a series.

[@ranjaxwolf9725]

I'm disappointed that you basically skipped the novellas, they're some of my favourite parts of the series.

[@heavyraines17]

"The Churn" novella is probably the best Expanse story (novel or novella) of all.

[@karlfranzemperorofmandefil5547]

I prefer the drive.

[@doxiedomian]

The Churn is my favorite (Amos bias for sure), but Strange Dogs gave me the biggest chills with its ending

[@billyrandell]

This is such a fun and thought provoking series

[@esteban280889]

Ah just the video I need as looking into getting into this series

[@kimhannan4892]

I had been teetering on whether to read the books. I watched a little of the series and found myself lost quickly; I thought reading the books may help with that. I am definitely going to dive in!!! Thanks!!!

[@nightlightoasis]

Thanks for this! It’s quite helpful. This is one of the series I want to finally start. I think it would also be helpful to display a tier system of the series for how you enjoyed each of the books. This might help prepare readers where any possible slogs might be.

[@nathandavis6061]

Loving these breakdown videos, can’t wait for the next one !!

[@Znatnhos]

Man, I really need to finish that series. So good...

[@samuelleask1132]

Dude, I’m loving these breakdowns so much! Keep up the good work Dishevelled Goblin 🙃

[@dddunlap86]

I'm glad you finally did this!!!

[@jaimemj2]

I think my favourite breakdown so far was "The first law", but I want to see how it evolves

[@tompadfoot3065]

HELL YEAH A DEAD MEAT SHOUT OUT! James and Chelsea bust their asses on that channel, they deserve all of the love The books are absolutely incredible, I burned through the series last summer after finishing the show. Which, btw, is *hands down* the best book to television adaptation of any series in any genre. The casting is stellar, the visuals are gorgeous, and plot follows the books almost beat for beat.

[@yone.8728]

quick video idea: short description of sci-fi/fantasy awards and recent winners?

[@ThatOneGuyOverThere]

I wanna see Daniel do one for:Dresden, Poppy war, and that is all I can think of right now as I type this

[@ImpatientTurtle]

Just finished WoT and Kingkillers duo. Time for a change of scenery I think, loved the TV show.

[@greencertifiedweb]

I recently finished the TV series and liked a lot in it. The Alex character was way too much fun! One of my favorite parts was the side story of the guy who invented their new drive system that allows them to travel at ever increasing speed. Just started the books and wouldn't you know, the Novella "Drive" is the first recommended and it is that story. The book was not disappointing and I was surprised at how the TV show stayed true to the book. I'm looking forward to the rest of this reading journey.

[@drummertp12]

I just bought the short story collection so I can start with the books. Looking forward to that because the Show was so gooood. You could maybe include the chronological reading order by series that have shortstories and stuff so people can see the whole arc of the story. Great video💪

[@katkag.1799]

Agreed, this is an amazing book series as well as amazing TV show, with great cast, visuals and score.

[@toddJM1015]

While I absolutely agree that you should read the novels in order, I do love that the authors sort of set up mini arcs that almost tell compete stories on their own. Books 1-4 deal with the protomolecule/gates; 5-6 are almost a contained dulogy; and 7-9 is just an epic final trilogy that wraps everything up. I say this cause twice in ther series I got to the end of a book (book 4 and book 6) and thought I could see it ending here. There would still be way too many questions left answered but those books respectfully feel like satisfying season finales.

[@destro6971]

Love these books and it’s one where there TV adaptation is spectacular as well.

[@theawesomeman9821]

Hey Daniel, you should cover the science-fiction show The Orval. Though made by comedian Seth MacFarlane, the show is actually well grounded in terms of lore and story telling. And is the most sober of MacFarlane's works. According to MacFarlane its his love letter for Star Trek, which it takes inspiration from. Its only two seasons but worth watching.

[@MrDjmeves]

Also: Discworld mega breakdown pls

[@Luchiop]

We love the expanse at home and miss it

[@hbb5613]

I can't with your shirt is just marvelous 😅😎

[@f0rth3l0v30fchr15t]

Statistic suggestion - number of 10 point Scrabble letters per book, and number of proper nouns with more than one apostrophe. Not that that particular trope bugs me or anything in fantasy/scifi or anything.

[@ryand5509]

Really great new series. Loving it so far

[@mischarowe]

I don't read much sci-fi but the show for The Expanse made me put it on my TBR. The show if fking amazing. I hope you give it a chance one day. :)

[@boyfromoz7]

One of my favorite sci-fi / fantasy series of all time. The audiobooks are incredible also for this one. And one of the best TV shows adaptions as well. Both authors have many writing credits for the show and Franck was a producer that was very hands on in the later seasons. Due to some of the political nature of the story I've heard it be called "Game of Thone's in Space" which I tend to agree with. The world building here is second to none and came about as this was a RPG setting created by Franck with the characters started off as actual players. Abraham was a more experienced writer at the time and pitched taking Franck world and making them a novel/ series. Thought that was a good origin story.

[@colereeder5653]

Daniel please watch the show all the way through. PLEASE

[@whoacarh]

As a book to screen reader/watcher, the screen is leagues better than the books. As in, I'll never read the books again, but I rewatch the show every year. Multiple times.

[@fourcornersofthepage8374]

Daniel, if you didn't continue with the Three Body Trilogy after book 1, please do! Book two will melt your brain. Could be worth a 'mini-breakdown' episode

[@Davegibson94]

Man I loved that series.

[@erikcarp9359]

He said at one point that he would not be supporting those books due to controversy around the author. For the record though, they are phenomenal and I absolutely loved them

[@MrDjmeves]

@@erikcarp9359 controversy? Didn’t know there was one

[@FelipeKana1]

To me, best books are the first, the fourth, and the eighth. Maybe the 4th gets top pick. I really love the whole New Terra plot.

[@jonathanflores7499]

Love the breakdown format.

[@stonelane1827]

Love The Expanse series. All the Short Stories where released in one book Memory's Legion back in March this year.

[@yone.8728]

i quite liked the short opinions on each book - maybe as a small separate section near the end?

[@jacekciesiokiewicz7582]

Thanks for the video 🙂

[@bakulshah4367]

Daniel, please cover some classic sci FI and fantasy shows. Like: Babylon 5 Stargate SG-1 X Files Angel - I mention this since I believe you did a video on Buffy previously Farscape Hercules Xena Lexx Futurama Sliders Quantum Leap Btw all these shows aired at one time or another during the 90's to mid 00's. Which imo was the true golden age for sci fi and fantasy TV shows.

[@MrVivisexy]

I'd be interested to hear the authors' thoughts on the different entries of the series. It's interesting to see how they view their own work or what they feel their biggest challenges for each entry were, etc.

[@tmntaddict]

Excellent choice of shirt. 👌👌

[@kingarron9297]

For the breakdown, you should include some information about an adaptation like if there was one, how long it it, and what the reception to it is.

[@keepperspective]

Yay!!!! One of the great series of our lives. Also a splendid TV adaptation. And what maniac would suggest not needing to read book one before book 2?! Seriously? Read book one, it’s great!

[@Lycan3303]

The show on prime video is 10/10

[@KennethHensel]

I LOVE that shirt!

[@adamchism8697]

I just finished book 3 and I loved it. Might be my favorite so far. Looking forward to 4!