- Science-Fiction
- Fiction
- Expanse
- In-depth
- Politcal
- Adventurous
Leviathan Wakes is an expansive science fiction novel written by two authors under the pen name James S.A. Corey. The story follows two distinct perspectives: Jim Holden, the executive officer of an ice-hauling ship transporting water from Saturn’s rings to the Asteroid Belt, and Detective Miller, who works for Star Helix Security on Ceres Station. Their separate paths gradually intersect as they become entangled in the mystery of a missing girl, an unknown alien substance, and a disappearing stealth ship, all while walking a fine line between preventing a war and potentially igniting one between Earth, Mars, and the Belters.
The setting is classic large-scale science fiction, sprawling across the solar system with a very cinematic, blockbuster feel.
I had already watched The Expanse TV series before reading the book, so I went in with a strong understanding of the story. That said, I’ve always wanted to read the books, and one thing I really enjoyed was how closely the series follows the novel. One notable difference is the portrayal of the alien substance. In the book, it is far more grotesque, slimy, intrusive, and unsettling, compared to the TV series’ more visually beautiful, blue, gem-like interpretation.
The political tension and unrest throughout the book are especially compelling. The way political conflict is woven into the narrative adds depth to the story and keeps it engaging from the very first page. The constant balancing act between Earth, Mars, and the Belt adds a layer of realism to the science fiction setting.
I expected this to be a great read, and I wasn’t disappointed. While nothing truly surprised me due to my familiarity with the TV series, it was still an enjoyable experience that often felt like revisiting the story in greater detail. What I’m most excited about is continuing the series beyond where the TV show ends, where the story will be completely new to me.
My only real criticism is that there is a lot going on at once. While I was able to follow it, I can see how the multiple plot threads, factions, and political dynamics could be confusing for some readers.
The characters themselves are a real strength. They feel believable and distinct, with personalities shaped by their environments, whether they come from Earth, Mars, or the Belt. The social and political dynamics between these groups add further complexity and realism to the world-building.
It’s also interesting that this book is written by two authors, as their writing style feels seamless. If you didn’t know it was a collaboration, you’d easily assume it was written by a single author. It’s safe to assume that each writer focused on specific character viewpoints, which helps make the dual perspectives feel natural and well-balanced.
I would recommend Leviathan Wakes to anyone who enjoys classic science fiction in books, films, or TV series. I’d also highly recommend The Expanse TV series alongside the books, as they complement each other extremely well, at least so far.
Leave a Reply