"Corey deftly weaves multiple points of view to create a dense and colorful tapestry of political intrigue, personal relationships, and sophisticated technology that bursts with action but also delivers an introspective view of the characters as they age and reflect on their purpose and the value of their lives."—Booklist (starred review)
"As Corey wraps up their epic space opera series, they're running on all cylinders, playing with epic consequences for humanity, and showing that none of their long-running characters are safe from what could come. But they also put together a story that seems all-too-relevant in this day and age: a warning of the dangers that fascism and totalitarianism bring."—Polygon
"A standout tale of violence, intrigue, ambition, and hope. ... Corey cranks up the tension relentlessly in this fast-paced story of heroes and rebels fighting for freedom. With enough thrills and intrigue for three Hollywood blockbusters, the novel stands alone nicely, making it easy for new readers as well as diehard series fans to dive right in."
—Publishers Weekly on Nemesis Games
"The science fictional equivalent of A Song of Ice and Fire...only with fewer beheadings and way more spaceships."
—NPR Books on Cibola Burn
"Combining an exploration of real human frailties with big SF ideas and exciting thriller action, Corey cements the series as must-read space opera."
—Library Journal (starred review) on Cibola Burn
"The Expanse series is the best space opera series running at full tilt right now, and Cibola Burn continues that streak of excellence."
—io9 on Cibola Burn
"Corey's splendid fourth Expanse novel blends adventure with uncommon decency."
—Publishers Weekly (starred review) on Cibola Burn
"A politically complex and pulse-pounding page-turner.... Corey perfectly balances character development with action... series fans will find this installment the best yet."
—Publishers Weekly on Abaddon's Gate
"It's been too long since we've had a really kickass space opera. Leviathan Wakes is interplanetary adventure the way it ought to be written, the kind of SF that made me fall in love with the genre way back when, seasoned with a dollop of horror and a dash of noir. Jimmy Corey writes with the energy of a brash newcomer and the polish of a seasoned pro. So where's the second book?"
—George R. R. Martin on Leviathan Wakes
"An excellent space operatic debut in the grand tradition of Peter F. Hamilton."
—Charles Stross on Leviathan Wakes
"High adventure equaling the best space opera has to offer, cutting-edge technology, and a group of unforgettable characters bring the third installment of Corey's epic space drama (after Caliban's War and Leviathan Wakes) to an action-filled close while leaving room for more stories to unfold. Perhaps one of the best tales the genre has yet to produce, this superb collaboration between fantasy authors Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck should reawaken an interest in old-fashioned storytelling and cinematic pacing. Highly recommended."
—Library Journal (starred review) on Abaddon's Gate
"Literary space opera at its absolute best."
—io9 on Abaddon's Gate
"[T]he authors are superb with the exciting bits: Shipboard coups and battles are a thrill to follow."
—Washington Post on Abaddon's Gate
"Riveting interplanetary thriller."—Publishers Weekly on Leviathan Wakes
2019-01-21
Volume eight (of, reportedly, nine) of The Expanse (Persepolis Rising, 2017, etc.), Corey's (aka Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck) sprawling alien-contact space opera.
Fashioned by an alien life form, the protomolecule opened an interstellar portal to thousands of other planets. As humans began to spread into the galaxy, civil wars flared across the solar system. But the protomolecule also proved the key to unlocking a highly advanced alien science. Thirty years ago, Martian dissidents fled through a portal and founded an aggressive, technologically sophisticated empire, Laconia, ruled by immortal dictator Winston Duarte. In the previous book, the Laconians returned to the solar system, effortlessly conquering it and capturing iconic ship's captain Jim Holden, who's managed to survive since the inaugural volume. He now languishes on Laconia, talking with Duarte's young daughter, Teresa, whom the dictator is training as his successor. Back in the solar system, a few freedom fighters—inspired by Holden's ex Naomi Nagata and space marine Bobbie Draper—continue the resistance, but even they are faltering against Laconia's protomolecule science-powered superiority. The empire, meanwhile, has its own problems. Millions of years ago, enigmatic but even more advanced aliens wiped out the protomolecule's builders and have already reacted with horrific violence to Laconia's attempts to reactivate ancient protomolecular artifacts. But rather than delicately investigate these aliens, Duarte recklessly orders his chief scientist, Elvi Okoye, to provoke them. The Expanse has always been, well, expansive, but recent developments have exponentially amplified it in scope. As an intriguing side effect, where previously the solar system yawned unfathomably vast, on a galactic scale it feels almost claustrophobic. So, what with the plentiful palace intrigue, freedom fighters battling desperately, an existential alien menace, and characters both familiar and fresh, the stage is set for another churning, relentlessly gripping, mind-boggling episode. The well-received TV series tie-in will help.
With only one installment to come, the tension and excitement show no sign of flagging.
