Leviathan Falls is the last chapter in James S.A. Corey’s Expanse series. Before I go any further into this review, let me provide a quick synopsis of what the Expanse series is about.
A billion years ago, an alien species with an advanced civilization. This ancient civilization was able to build stargates by using a proto-molecule to highjack organic compounds on planets in far-flung solar systems.
The proto-molecule that was supposed to build a gate in our solar system was thrown off course, and instead of landing on Earth it ended up on Jupiter’s moon Ganymede. There it lay undisturbed for untold eons, until human explorers discovered it.
Not fully understanding the proto-molecule’s purpose, various human factions try to harness its potential with devastating results. Eventually, the proto-molecule escapes, and finding an alternate source of materials, is finally at long last able to build the stargate it was programmed to build. Humanity now has access to over 1300 alien solar systems, many of which hold planets that can support human life.
However, there are no signs of the original builders. Investigations suggests that another advanced civilization might have completely exterminated the stargate builders. And it appears they have returned to do the same thing to humans.
The Expanse novels follow the exploits of the crew of the spaceship Rocinante: Captain James Holden, reluctant leader of his little crew, is friendly and self-depreciating man who is often riddled by self-doubt. He also has a compulsive need to tell the world the truth about what those in power are up to. His wife, Naomi, who grew up in the outer worlds of Earth’s solar system. Because of desperation and attrition, she eventually becomes the leader of the underground.
There’s also Alex, formerly of Mars navy, the ace helmsman of the Rocinante and big fan of old noir entertainment. And Amos, the mechanic, a large and seemingly friendly man who grew up in the slums on Earth and is extremely dangerous when needed. He is also something of a psychological chameleon.
I’ve stated before that I think the Expanse series is second only to the original Dune trilogy in breadth and enjoyment in the science fiction genre. If you like science fiction, I highly encourage you to check this series out.
Leviathan Falls is a satisfying conclusion to the saga. I had a pretty good idea how the series was going to end by the halfway point in the novel, so the ending wasn’t a shock to me. I will say that this is not the best book in the series, and there are several loose threads that are not tied up. Still, for all that, it was an entertaining read and a very good send off for the crew of the Rocinante.
Other literary tidbits
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There is no release date as of yet for the fourth book in Larry Correia’s Saga of the Forgotten Warrior series, but Simon and Schuster has confirmed that books 4 & 5 are in the works.
Edward Shames, the last ‘Band of Brothers’ surviving officer from ‘Easy’ company, passed away this month. There aren’t too many WWII vets left. This might be a good time to read (or re-read) Stephen Ambrose’s ‘Citizen Soldiers’ and ‘Band of Brothers’. His books were the source material for the ‘Band of Brothers’ mini-series. Both of these books are outstanding.
