Leviathan Wakes – The Expanse Series Book 1

Genre: Science Fiction

Sub Genre: Space Odyssey 

I first learned of this book series after having watched the first two seasons of the similarly named series “The Expanse” on the Syfy Channel. Having enjoyed the show thus far I was intrigued to read the original books, and having read the first, I have not been disappointed.

Leviathan Wakes follows two characters who begin in separate situations. The first is James Holden, the Executive Officer(XO) of a water freighter having just completed a run to the rings of Saturn whereas the other is Detective Miller, who is exactly what the name would imply. Holden is younger and more naïve, born on earth but working in the ‘Belt’, whereas Miller is an older cop working on Ceres for an Earth Security Force, who has seen too much. 

Both men find themselves in the middle of the largest war mankind has ever seen, while they each attempt to understand the bigger picture as to what is really happening. Holden bounces from place to place, unintentionally leaving chaos in his wake, all while he attempts to keep his crew alive and learn the truth. Miller is cautious and methodical, years of being a detective ingrained in everything he does, but he struggles to connect to those around him believing his humanity has died long ago. Holden is the optimist good guy in our story, whereas Miller is the realist bordering on constant depression and alcoholism. Between the first person perspectives of the two, you as the reader, get a clear sense of what they are seeing and why it matters. Personally I feel more of a relation to Miller than Holden, who I found to not be nearly as deep of a character, but I enjoy reading the perspectives of each. In addition to these, the supporting characters are not merely afterthoughts, with many have equally deep and intriguing backgrounds.

The author does an outstanding job of delving into the little details that make the story and setting rich. We understand clearly the interplanetary politics and physical differences. What resources matter most to who and why. Class and race differences are delved into at great depth without ever becoming preachy or being presented in a way similar to current conversations. The tech is advanced but not so much so that is it is difficult to grasp what is being described; it makes you believe this setting could actually be someday. The history of the solar system is deep with back stories for every colonized asteroid, the terraforming project on Mars, and the feuds with Earth; it does an excellent job getting you up to speed on what is happening and why, without being overwhelming overly obvious about it.

Overall I have very much enjoyed reading this first book and am eager to read the rest of the series. It is not a quick read which I enjoy, and gives much to ponder. As I mentioned above, I felt more could have been done to develop the Holden character, but perhaps that will happen in later books. I enjoyed the well-developed ‘world’ that this series has created thus far, and look forward to see how it is further developed.  A few moments of comedic relief are well timed and appreciated to offset much of the realistic grittiness that

I would recommend this this, but not if you are look for a quick, easy read. 

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Levithan Wakes