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Available
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Series
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Publication
Orbit (2013), Edition: First Edition, 576 pages
Description
Fiction. Science Fiction. HTML:The third book in the NYT bestselling Expanse series, Abaddon's Gate opens the door to the ruins of an alien gate network, and the crew of the Rocinante may hold the key to unlocking its secrets. Now a Prime Original series. HUGO AWARD WINNER FOR BEST SERIES For generations, the solar system �?? Mars, the Moon, the Asteroid Belt �?? was humanity's great frontier. Until now. The alien artifact working through its program under the clouds of Venus has appeared in Uranus's orbit, where it has built a massive gate that leads to a starless dark. Jim Holden and the crew of the Rocinante are part of a vast flotilla of scientific and military ships going out to examine the artifact. But behind the scenes, a complex plot is unfolding, with the destruction of Holden at its core. As the emissaries of the human race try to find whether the gate is an opportunity or a threat, the greatest danger is the one they brought with them. Abaddon's Gate is a breakneck science fiction adventure following the critically acclaimed Caliban's War. The Expanse Leviathan Wakes Caliban's War Abaddon's Gate Cibola Burn Nemesis Games Babylon's Ashes Persepolis Rising Tiamat's Wrath �??Leviathan Falls Memory's Legion The Expanse Short Fiction Drive The Butcher of Anderson Station Gods of Risk The Churn The Vital Abyss Strange Dogs Auberon The Sins of Our Fat… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member stefferoo
Ever since I read Leviathan Wakes, I've become a fan and follower of the team behind the pseudonym James S.A. Corey -- authors Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck. The Expanse series is the most fun I've had with a space opera in a long time, and from what I heard there may be more novels and short
Anyway, coming back to my thoughts on Abaddon's Gate, this book is the third installment of Expanse, so as a caveat there may be mild spoilers in this review for the first two books in the series. The story continues with the adventures (and misadventures) of the crew of the Rocinante; things are never boring for Jim Holden and his team.
The mysterious proto-molecule that had been uncovered and released into the solar system has somehow created a massive ring structure just outside the orbit of Uranus. It appears to be a gate leading to a dark void on the other side, and the Rocinante finds itself joining a vast flotilla of science and military ships venturing out to study it. However, Holden's involvement is no accident. Unseen forces and players have been pulling the strings behind the scenes to get him and his crew right where they're supposed to be.
Admittedly, I thought Abaddon's Gate was quite slow to start, but so far I'm finding that to be the pattern for all the books in this series. I likened the pacing of the first couple of books to a ride on a really tall roller coaster, where you spend a lot of time doing a slow climb to the apex before the excitement and thrills can truly begin in earnest. Using this metaphor, I would say that this book was about 75% chugging up the lift hill -- the first three-quarters of it did not wow me at all, and at times even annoyed or frustrated me, but I recognized it all as the necessary story and character build-up.
The remainder of the book, however, was all good stuff -- the roller coaster's loops, dips, corkscrews, etc. so to speak. I could not put it down. I think I stayed up late and burned through the rest of the novel in an hour and a half at this point, when reading everything that came before probably took me three days. The last 25% was just so damn good, it warranted a rating bump by one whole star from me because of it.
One other comment I'd like to make pertains to the characters. The stories in these books are told through the points-of-view of multiple characters, each chapter focusing on the perspective of one person and alternative or cycling through the players. The names of these key players have changed up throughout the course of the series, with the exception of Holden, whose POV has remained a constant perspective in all three books. In spite of this, however, I can't say that his character has ever truly grown on me; instead, my interest has always been bolstered by my enjoyment for the other POVs. For example, in Leviathan Wakes, it was Miller. He wasn't in the next book, Caliban's War, but there I had Chrisjen Avasarala, my favorite potty-mouthed UN politician.
In Abaddon's Gate, however, I didn't develop that kind of liking or connection for any one on the new players. Melba/Clarissa? Her character and story was kind of whacky, and felt a little forced and rushed. Bull? His POV was slightly better, but only because his character really stepped up during the book's climax and final showdown. And Anna? I could not stand her self-righteous moralizing and idealistic naivete at all. Of course, all the characters are the way they are because they have their own roles to play; I understood that, but the lack of a good character for me to really get excited for was still mildly disappointing.
I want to end this review on a positive note, though, and the good news is that for anyone who has been following this series, Abaddon's Gate as a sequel is definitely worth picking up. It continues the mysterious plot of the protomolecule and answers some questions while posing more others. The ending to this leaves so much potential. Whatever happens, I really hope we won't have long to wait to find out.
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stories to come set in this universe. I sure hope so, and there's also apparently a couple Star Wars novel projects by them in the works, which makes me fantastically excited. Anyway, coming back to my thoughts on Abaddon's Gate, this book is the third installment of Expanse, so as a caveat there may be mild spoilers in this review for the first two books in the series. The story continues with the adventures (and misadventures) of the crew of the Rocinante; things are never boring for Jim Holden and his team.
The mysterious proto-molecule that had been uncovered and released into the solar system has somehow created a massive ring structure just outside the orbit of Uranus. It appears to be a gate leading to a dark void on the other side, and the Rocinante finds itself joining a vast flotilla of science and military ships venturing out to study it. However, Holden's involvement is no accident. Unseen forces and players have been pulling the strings behind the scenes to get him and his crew right where they're supposed to be.
Admittedly, I thought Abaddon's Gate was quite slow to start, but so far I'm finding that to be the pattern for all the books in this series. I likened the pacing of the first couple of books to a ride on a really tall roller coaster, where you spend a lot of time doing a slow climb to the apex before the excitement and thrills can truly begin in earnest. Using this metaphor, I would say that this book was about 75% chugging up the lift hill -- the first three-quarters of it did not wow me at all, and at times even annoyed or frustrated me, but I recognized it all as the necessary story and character build-up.
The remainder of the book, however, was all good stuff -- the roller coaster's loops, dips, corkscrews, etc. so to speak. I could not put it down. I think I stayed up late and burned through the rest of the novel in an hour and a half at this point, when reading everything that came before probably took me three days. The last 25% was just so damn good, it warranted a rating bump by one whole star from me because of it.
One other comment I'd like to make pertains to the characters. The stories in these books are told through the points-of-view of multiple characters, each chapter focusing on the perspective of one person and alternative or cycling through the players. The names of these key players have changed up throughout the course of the series, with the exception of Holden, whose POV has remained a constant perspective in all three books. In spite of this, however, I can't say that his character has ever truly grown on me; instead, my interest has always been bolstered by my enjoyment for the other POVs. For example, in Leviathan Wakes, it was Miller. He wasn't in the next book, Caliban's War, but there I had Chrisjen Avasarala, my favorite potty-mouthed UN politician.
In Abaddon's Gate, however, I didn't develop that kind of liking or connection for any one on the new players. Melba/Clarissa? Her character and story was kind of whacky, and felt a little forced and rushed. Bull? His POV was slightly better, but only because his character really stepped up during the book's climax and final showdown. And Anna? I could not stand her self-righteous moralizing and idealistic naivete at all. Of course, all the characters are the way they are because they have their own roles to play; I understood that, but the lack of a good character for me to really get excited for was still mildly disappointing.
I want to end this review on a positive note, though, and the good news is that for anyone who has been following this series, Abaddon's Gate as a sequel is definitely worth picking up. It continues the mysterious plot of the protomolecule and answers some questions while posing more others. The ending to this leaves so much potential. Whatever happens, I really hope we won't have long to wait to find out.
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LibraryThing member Cataloger623
In the bible Abaddon belongs to the realm of the mysterious. Only God understands it (Job 26:6; Proverbs 15:11). It is the world of the dead in its utterly dismal, destructive, dreadful aspect, not in those more cheerful aspects in which activities are conceived of as in progress there. In Abaddon
A priest is constantly raising the question "Can someone who has done evil acts be forgiven and redeemed?" In what context can a beings actions be interpreted as evil? A predator chases kills and eats its prey evil or just the circle of life? A victim stalks and manipulates circumstances to get justice for perceived wrong, justice or evil? These are the big questions that are a behind the motivations that prompt actions in this book. It is this major subplot that makes this book worth reading.
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there are no declarations of God's lovingkindness (Psalms 88:11). Entering the gates to hell is the major theme of Abaddons Gate. In that context this book delivers what its title promised. Each character in the book faces their individual version of hell. Yet the book has a quiet theme of redemption that runs parallel to the utter despair that pervades the story.A priest is constantly raising the question "Can someone who has done evil acts be forgiven and redeemed?" In what context can a beings actions be interpreted as evil? A predator chases kills and eats its prey evil or just the circle of life? A victim stalks and manipulates circumstances to get justice for perceived wrong, justice or evil? These are the big questions that are a behind the motivations that prompt actions in this book. It is this major subplot that makes this book worth reading.
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LibraryThing member Charrlygirl
So many people have already reviewed this, so there's nothing new I can add.
I enjoyed it, but not as much as the first two volumes. This still rated 4 stars with me, so I will be continuing on with the series.
*I downloaded this audio FREE from my local library system. Libraries RULE!
I enjoyed it, but not as much as the first two volumes. This still rated 4 stars with me, so I will be continuing on with the series.
*I downloaded this audio FREE from my local library system. Libraries RULE!
LibraryThing member cissa
This is the third book in this intense, compelling SF series (apparently 6 books long). They're all definitely space opera, but some of the most intelligent space opera I've read. If you are reading either Stirling's "Change" series, or Weber's "Safehold" series- this is the series that these try
ALL the characters- good and bad- are so complex and coherent that it's hard to tag them with the Good Guy or Bad Guy labels. Allies have differing priorities, and who is allied with whom changes in the face of circumstances. All the characters are nuanced, and range from naive through savvy political creatures, and from pretty sane and sensible through pretty nutso... but all are comprehensible and in their own ways sympathetic. These books have some of the best-drawn characters I've read in space opera.
The plots of the novels vary, as the situation started in the first book evolves, and humans' understanding evolves as well. Meanwhile, even faced with an Alien Menace, the various humans engage in political infighting and bigotry, some of which we grow beyond.
I was disappointed that the amazing Chrisjen Avasarala did not appear in this book, except in one brief mention, but am hoping she will be in subsequent ones. Meanwhile the Methodist minister Anna brings compassion and good sense to some very complex and hair-raising situations. And then Clarissa/Melba is on an arc of revenge, unfortunately not aimed at Avasarala who is the one who mostly deserved it, if it were deserved at all...
The plotting is, again, intricate and suspenseful, and is an intelligent mix of Big Events and the small ones that guide people's actions and reactions.
I strongly recommend this series for anyone who likes smart sf/space opera, or just tight plotting and memorable characters.
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to be but are failing at!ALL the characters- good and bad- are so complex and coherent that it's hard to tag them with the Good Guy or Bad Guy labels. Allies have differing priorities, and who is allied with whom changes in the face of circumstances. All the characters are nuanced, and range from naive through savvy political creatures, and from pretty sane and sensible through pretty nutso... but all are comprehensible and in their own ways sympathetic. These books have some of the best-drawn characters I've read in space opera.
The plots of the novels vary, as the situation started in the first book evolves, and humans' understanding evolves as well. Meanwhile, even faced with an Alien Menace, the various humans engage in political infighting and bigotry, some of which we grow beyond.
I was disappointed that the amazing Chrisjen Avasarala did not appear in this book, except in one brief mention, but am hoping she will be in subsequent ones. Meanwhile the Methodist minister Anna brings compassion and good sense to some very complex and hair-raising situations. And then Clarissa/Melba is on an arc of revenge, unfortunately not aimed at Avasarala who is the one who mostly deserved it, if it were deserved at all...
The plotting is, again, intricate and suspenseful, and is an intelligent mix of Big Events and the small ones that guide people's actions and reactions.
I strongly recommend this series for anyone who likes smart sf/space opera, or just tight plotting and memorable characters.
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LibraryThing member TheCrow2
In this book of the Expanse series the stakes are getting even higher. After it turns out (partially) what this protomolecule is good for, and after some unfortunate decisions the question is the survival of the human race not less.. Of course the crew of Roci is always in the middle of the
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happenings. The biggest strength of the book and the whole series the realistic political and scientific background of the story. My only worry if they will be able to keep this high quality in the following volumes. Show Less
LibraryThing member superant
I enjoyed the ride of the space opera. As the third book in a series it continues and ties up an ongoing story. It uses a changing POV to tell the story. One is Jim Holden who is in charge of the Rocinante, a stolen Martian warship.
This book spends a great deal of time on religious questions. One
The last quarter of the book involves an intense battle for control of the giant spaceship, Behemoth. This small unit fighting involves almost all characters in the story. The lead up involved the steps that all the characters took to bring them to the same spot in space.
I think this book would appeal to fans of space opera and readers who enjoy military fiction and alien invasion stories. I think it best to read the three books in order.
This book spends a great deal of time on religious questions. One
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POV is Anna, a minister who travels into space. A major plot of this story, like the previous two, involves the challenge of the protomolecule and the struggle between the three great powers. Earth, Mars and the outer planets are in a power struggle and the protomolecule is one pole of the struggle.The last quarter of the book involves an intense battle for control of the giant spaceship, Behemoth. This small unit fighting involves almost all characters in the story. The lead up involved the steps that all the characters took to bring them to the same spot in space.
I think this book would appeal to fans of space opera and readers who enjoy military fiction and alien invasion stories. I think it best to read the three books in order.
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LibraryThing member halkeye
Enjoyed the 3rd book in the series. I've heard rumours that there might be more, I'm actually liking where this ended off, so I hope they don't.
That being said, I love the characters and the setting and would gladly keep reading more.
If it wasn't for Bobbie in the second book, this would have
That being said, I love the characters and the setting and would gladly keep reading more.
If it wasn't for Bobbie in the second book, this would have
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probably been my favourite one. So many awesome characters. Show Less
LibraryThing member kevbayer
Another great entry in The Expanse series (and now we pretty well know why it's called that, I'm guessing). The authors really know how to put the characters through the ringer, both physically and emotionally, and many don't make it through.
If you're a fan of space adventures, read this series!
If you're a fan of space adventures, read this series!
LibraryThing member rivkat
Easy-to-get-sucked in space adventure. This book, the third in the series, features Captain James Holden, still too stubborn for his own good but also seeing the ghost of his dead not-really-friend who is the instantiation of the alien protomolecule that killed a bunch of people. It also features
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some new characters, including a minister with a preternatural ability to forgive that you’ll either love or hate. Mars, Earth, and the Outer Planets all rush to the new structure created outside the orbit of Uranus by the protomolecule, nearly killing each other because why let possible alien invasion get in the way of politics? Meanwhile Clarissa Mao is seeking revenge against Holden for getting her father put in jail just because he killed a couple of moons’ worth of people by trying to weaponize the protomolecule, and her revenge leads to a truly inspired bit of plotting where Holden makes a perfectly understandable mistake with big consequences. It’s got microgravity, religious and ethnic diversity, new varieties of racism (people from the Belt have big heads), and generally I find myself happy with the series. Show Less
LibraryThing member EmScape
**Caution: Contains SPOILERS for earlier books in this series**
The protomolecule has shown its hand (so to speak) and situated a ring at the edge of the solar system. When a foolish Belter teen launches himself through the ring and disappears, the separate (and still kinda warring) forces of Earth,
Finding out what was in there was fascinating. The space-opera-y battle for control of the situation was less so andfeatured a lot more death than I thought necessary, and not just red shirts, either
I'm still interested enough to finish this series.
The protomolecule has shown its hand (so to speak) and situated a ring at the edge of the solar system. When a foolish Belter teen launches himself through the ring and disappears, the separate (and still kinda warring) forces of Earth,
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Mars and the Belt crowd around the ring trying to figure out what to do. Their hands are forced by an enraged young lady with a vendetta against our good friend Captain Jim Holden, causing everyone to rush headlong into the ring and the world(s) beyond. Finding out what was in there was fascinating. The space-opera-y battle for control of the situation was less so and
I'm still interested enough to finish this series.
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LibraryThing member gregandlarry
Jim Holden and crew are at it again.
LibraryThing member Gwendydd
I don't have anything to say about this book that I haven't already said about the other books in the series. This continues to be a fun and entertaining series.
LibraryThing member heradas
Strongly character focused, huge concepts, and game changing for the series.
LibraryThing member majkia
Addictive addition to an addictive series.
Third Book in The Expanse Series. I just love this series and find the books nearly unputdownable.
James Holden, the guy who always seems to find himself in the middle of a major mess, mostly not of his own accord, is such a great character. He's far from
This time round, Holden is determined to avoid the mysterious object deep in space that has Mars, Earth and the Belters scrambling to reach it and control it. He wants nothing whatever to do with it. But then he finds himself and his ship and crew maneuvered into having to go precisely there.
He blames the protovirus which seems to have some weird control over him for this and hates his being controlled by it.
And from there, things go pear-shaped.
Third Book in The Expanse Series. I just love this series and find the books nearly unputdownable.
James Holden, the guy who always seems to find himself in the middle of a major mess, mostly not of his own accord, is such a great character. He's far from
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perfect, and knows it. He doesn't see himself a a mover and a shaker, more a poor guy who keeps stepping into it, and can't quite understand why that is. At the same time, when he finds himself faced with unbelievable odds or incredible aliens, for that matter, tries his hardest to do what he thinks is right, regardless of whether anyone else sees things his way. He just hopes his crew, at least, will come around to his way of thinking. This time round, Holden is determined to avoid the mysterious object deep in space that has Mars, Earth and the Belters scrambling to reach it and control it. He wants nothing whatever to do with it. But then he finds himself and his ship and crew maneuvered into having to go precisely there.
He blames the protovirus which seems to have some weird control over him for this and hates his being controlled by it.
And from there, things go pear-shaped.
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LibraryThing member Karlstar
I liked this book quite a bit better than the previous. For once, this felt like actual grown up science fiction. Not that it all made sense and was presented in a scientific way or that it made a lot of sense, but at least it felt more like it. The same cast of characters, mostly, returns to find
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out what the alien proto-virus is going to do next. What the 'alien' does is a lot more like something from Poul Anderson or Arthur C. Clarke than the previous books. Not bad, but not great either. Show Less
LibraryThing member DLMorrese
There's a bit of a spoiler here, but not much more than a book jacket blurb offers. If that bothers you, consider yourself warned to stop reading this review.
I thought this series started out all right. It's far from great literature, but the pacing is good, the plots aren't bad, and some of the
Like the others, the culture depicted by the authors seems almost archaic, and the worldviews of its inhabitants are like something from previous centuries rather than from an unspecified time in the future. It's not just paper files, booze, and cigarettes. Other writers, especially those in the middle of the last century, projected things like these into the future. The characters have tastes and worldviews from the 1950s, but they also have spaceships and asteroid colonies. Stories like that can be campy and fun. The technology in them has progressed, but the culture hasn't. This one commits the same type of unlikely extrapolations, but without any of the charm.
The thing that had me scratching my head the most was a central component of the plot. A huge, alien fabrication has taken position somewhere just this side of the Kuiper belt. No one is quite sure what it is, but many think it's a star gate of some kind, and they suspect it's there to provide a shortcut for invading aliens. So, the three governments of the Solar System—Earth, Mars, and the Outer Planets Alliance—send ships to keep an eye on it (and on each other). Now who would you put on them if you were running things? Your top scientists? Your best engineers? Theoretical physicists, math geniuses, maybe even a few promising grad students? Nope. Earth loads a ship full of poets, artists, philosophers, and priests.
If this were a fantasy book and the setting was medieval, I could see that this might make sense from their perspective. Or if it was absurdist science fiction, posing ridiculous scenarios as a kind of social satire, it could be good for a laugh. But this book is neither. It's a straight space opera. in this setting, it makes no sense at all.
Maybe the authors intended this to be subtly satirical and I'm just not perceptive enough to see it. That's possible, and maybe the following books will make that clear. Right now, though, I doubt I'll read them. The first two books were entertaining enough to read the third, but I found the third insufficiently likable to read the fourth.
I thought this series started out all right. It's far from great literature, but the pacing is good, the plots aren't bad, and some of the
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characters are just likable enough to care about. The series provides light entertainment despite the heavy page counts of each installment. Whereas this third book shares these things, there are simply too many that-don't-make-sense moments. I wanted to like this book, but it bent my capacity to suspend disbelief beyond its breaking point. Some of the problems are with the characters (too stupid or too nuts), some are in the setting (this is the future, huh?), but biggest was a particular aspect of the plot.Like the others, the culture depicted by the authors seems almost archaic, and the worldviews of its inhabitants are like something from previous centuries rather than from an unspecified time in the future. It's not just paper files, booze, and cigarettes. Other writers, especially those in the middle of the last century, projected things like these into the future. The characters have tastes and worldviews from the 1950s, but they also have spaceships and asteroid colonies. Stories like that can be campy and fun. The technology in them has progressed, but the culture hasn't. This one commits the same type of unlikely extrapolations, but without any of the charm.
The thing that had me scratching my head the most was a central component of the plot. A huge, alien fabrication has taken position somewhere just this side of the Kuiper belt. No one is quite sure what it is, but many think it's a star gate of some kind, and they suspect it's there to provide a shortcut for invading aliens. So, the three governments of the Solar System—Earth, Mars, and the Outer Planets Alliance—send ships to keep an eye on it (and on each other). Now who would you put on them if you were running things? Your top scientists? Your best engineers? Theoretical physicists, math geniuses, maybe even a few promising grad students? Nope. Earth loads a ship full of poets, artists, philosophers, and priests.
If this were a fantasy book and the setting was medieval, I could see that this might make sense from their perspective. Or if it was absurdist science fiction, posing ridiculous scenarios as a kind of social satire, it could be good for a laugh. But this book is neither. It's a straight space opera. in this setting, it makes no sense at all.
Maybe the authors intended this to be subtly satirical and I'm just not perceptive enough to see it. That's possible, and maybe the following books will make that clear. Right now, though, I doubt I'll read them. The first two books were entertaining enough to read the third, but I found the third insufficiently likable to read the fourth.
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LibraryThing member Shrike58
In writing these comments I'm assuming that you've read the first two books. This installment in the "Expanse" series does take some time to spool up, as the authors introduce several new point-of-view characters including Carlos "Bull" de Baca (an officer of the nascent Outer Planets Association
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military force), Clarissa Mao (who seeks revenge on Jim Holden for destroying her family's reputation) and the Rev. Anna Volovodov (a minister participating in a great Human cultural congress). Bringing them all together is the effort to understand and control the "Ring" that has emerged from the atmosphere of Venus after the lethal alien tech called the Protomolecule was cast down there. In this conflict it's not giving anything away to say that Humanity remains its own worst enemy and I heartily recommend this series to see how matters play out. Show Less
LibraryThing member keithkv
The third in an action-packed, imaginative, and yet plausible vision of the mid-future. Mankind hasn't yet left the solar system, but it's getting close. I'd rate the third book behind the first two primarily because of a rather glaring plot loophole that occurred just prior to the climax and kind
**POSSIBLE SPOILER**
When the speed-limit slows for the second time (to the maximum speed of a 'well-thrown fastball'), how in the heck can they still have a gunfight? I know this makes for more fast-paced action, but it totally ignores the whole "physics" of the alien space station thing. I know this isn't hard sci-fi, but to not even mention it (or at least throw some sort of half-assed explanation at it) seems like a fairly major oversight on the part of the authors.
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of jarred me out of the pacing (which is really gripping and otherwise compelling). Despite the somewhat inconsistent feel of the plot, the characters are still complex and engaging, the plot is furiously driving, and the whole vision of humanity's future fills me with wonder and possibility.**POSSIBLE SPOILER**
When the speed-limit slows for the second time (to the maximum speed of a 'well-thrown fastball'), how in the heck can they still have a gunfight? I know this makes for more fast-paced action, but it totally ignores the whole "physics" of the alien space station thing. I know this isn't hard sci-fi, but to not even mention it (or at least throw some sort of half-assed explanation at it) seems like a fairly major oversight on the part of the authors.
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LibraryThing member Stevil2001
I continue to enjoy reading The Expanse. It might not have the literary complexity of, say, the Ancillary series, but Corey's prose is effectively straightforward, the story is interesting and moves in unexpected directions, the characters are (mostly) well drawn, and the themes are more complex
Parts of Abaddon's Gate also make it the weakest Expanse novel yet: the crew of the Rocinante, aside from Holden, are sidelined for much of the book. That's not necessarily a fault of the book, but of my expectations; they're the main characters of the tv show, but they were never the main characters in the novels. It's interesting how the point-of-view characters rotate. Book one gave us Holden and Miller; book two Holden, Avasarala, Draper, and Meng; and now book three Holden, Bull, Rachel, and Melba. Holden is the constant but everyone else changes. But Naomi, Amos, and Alex are never among the point-of-view characters; it's not them who have the emotional arcs, so why would I see a lot of them? Still, I want to, and I hope book four uses them more than this book did. The other thing that bothered me is that Bull is interesting at first, but kind of fades in interest as the novel proceeds; he felt like he was selected as a POV character for plot reasons, not because the character himself was intrinsically interesting. (Also, isn't it odd that most of the "good" OPA characters are not native Belters? It feels very "white savior" in an allegorical sense.)
So, altogether a quick read despite its length that kept me interested and also has me interested for the next book. Good twists and turns, and interesting challenges.
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than a book of this type arguably requires. Do you like book about interesting, mostly well-meaning, people doing things in space? Then this is the book for you, and it's definitely the book for me. Parts of Abaddon's Gate make it the strongest Expanse novel yet: a real sense of scale and the unknown, and the complexity of the characters of Rachel and Melba. I liked Rachel a lot; she's in an action series, but her power as person doesn't come from her combat abilities, but her ability to talk to others empathetically. It's very well done, and I hope she pops up again in future installments.Parts of Abaddon's Gate also make it the weakest Expanse novel yet: the crew of the Rocinante, aside from Holden, are sidelined for much of the book. That's not necessarily a fault of the book, but of my expectations; they're the main characters of the tv show, but they were never the main characters in the novels. It's interesting how the point-of-view characters rotate. Book one gave us Holden and Miller; book two Holden, Avasarala, Draper, and Meng; and now book three Holden, Bull, Rachel, and Melba. Holden is the constant but everyone else changes. But Naomi, Amos, and Alex are never among the point-of-view characters; it's not them who have the emotional arcs, so why would I see a lot of them? Still, I want to, and I hope book four uses them more than this book did. The other thing that bothered me is that Bull is interesting at first, but kind of fades in interest as the novel proceeds; he felt like he was selected as a POV character for plot reasons, not because the character himself was intrinsically interesting. (Also, isn't it odd that most of the "good" OPA characters are not native Belters? It feels very "white savior" in an allegorical sense.)
So, altogether a quick read despite its length that kept me interested and also has me interested for the next book. Good twists and turns, and interesting challenges.
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LibraryThing member Gkarlives
Another great addition to the Expanse series. As usually, the story is gripping and draws you in with twists that will turn everything on its head. The ending is well worth the wait and changes the direction of the series from here on. Once again, the political struggles that face a solar system
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dealing with unprecedented challenges from the universe at large are chaotic and destructive. Many lives are lost and viewpoints damaged along the way to a very uncertain future. Show Less
LibraryThing member anissaannalise
I had to read one more in the series before I get my 2017 reading on to other genres and I wasn't disappointed. The story takes us along for the ride with an assassin on the hunt for Holden, while he & the rest of the Roci crew, along with a flotilla of other ships from all three factions, head out
I missed Bobbie and really felt that my favorites of the Roci crew, Amos, Naomi & Alex were almost tertiarily used in the story for most of it (but they were used to good effect when they were more closely featured. Holden's still doing the GaryStu thing but I've accepted it. His well timed quips and exchanges with the embodiment of Miller helped. A lot. I do wish there were more instances of grey going on in these stories. There's a bit too much simply defined right/wrong and there's sadly never any dissension between the Roci crew on... anything so there's no struggle and you just know they'll all fall in to do whatever the proscribed "right" thing is and will succeed and so there's no chance that they'll really surprise you. I hope they're challenged more in subsequent books for a more satisfying read.
I'd definitely recommend this to fans of the series. Flaws and all, it's an addictive page-turner.
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to the Gate. There wasn't as much politics in this one, so I missed Chrisjen & Fred and a close look in on their machinations. This gave another point of view on the fallout and continued evolution of the protomolecule through the eyes of some religious who've come along for the trip. Anna was a great character to read about again and I thought she was a good choice to utilize the most. As much as I wanted not to enjoy Melba/Clarissa, I did and that made for good reading. I missed Bobbie and really felt that my favorites of the Roci crew, Amos, Naomi & Alex were almost tertiarily used in the story for most of it (but they were used to good effect when they were more closely featured. Holden's still doing the GaryStu thing but I've accepted it. His well timed quips and exchanges with the embodiment of Miller helped. A lot. I do wish there were more instances of grey going on in these stories. There's a bit too much simply defined right/wrong and there's sadly never any dissension between the Roci crew on... anything so there's no struggle and you just know they'll all fall in to do whatever the proscribed "right" thing is and will succeed and so there's no chance that they'll really surprise you. I hope they're challenged more in subsequent books for a more satisfying read.
I'd definitely recommend this to fans of the series. Flaws and all, it's an addictive page-turner.
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LibraryThing member Vinjii
My thoughts summed up: Humanity sucks, and I had a lot of fun with this one.
I think I'm finally warming to Holden, which means a lot considering I almost stopped reading this series because of how much I wanted to smack his cocky little head. I enjoyed the new POV characters that were introduced,
I think I'm finally warming to Holden, which means a lot considering I almost stopped reading this series because of how much I wanted to smack his cocky little head. I enjoyed the new POV characters that were introduced,
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especially Melba and Anna. They're great additions to the cast. (I did miss Avasarala quite a bit.) The writing is nothing special and the story is a fun space romp. The latter half of this book opened up a lot of possibilities for this series and I'm excited to see where the authors take it. Show Less
LibraryThing member AHS-Wolfy
With the threat of the seizure of the Rocinante by Mars who've begun legal action to reclaim it, Jim Holden and his crew are forced to accept the only mission that will release their prized asset from impound. Unfortunately this will put them on a heading exactly to the one place they didn't want
This third instalment in the Expanse series like its predecessors is a very easy to read exciting story with the action kicking off almost immediately after the introduction of the new viewpoint and secondary characters. Quick alternating chapters between the four viewpoints keep the pace of the story rattling by and makes the 500+ pages fly by. It's been nice to see the development of Holden's character and he is much more rounded now after the experiences of his previous adventures and the introduction of new people for the other storylines and perspectives keep tale fresh. Another very good entry into what is proving to be a very good space opera series that I will be looking forward to continuing with.
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to go. Right where the Earth, Mars & OPA forces are converging to study the artefact that looks to be a gate to another part of space. It seems like the ghost of Miller also wants Holden there. Meanwhile Clarissa Mao has plans of her own for Holden. Julie's sister wants to firstly destroy his reputation and then kill him so as to possibly discredit what he has done to ruin her family and perhaps free her father from the prison cell he currently occupies. A couple of other viewpoints are also supplied in the shape of Annushka (Anna) Volovodov, who's a pastor within the humanitarian committee for the United Nations, and Carlos (Bull) de Baca, personally selected by Fred Johnson to be security officer on the Behemoth, the OPA representation at the gate. With this many potential flashpoints gathered in one spot then things are not going to go smoothly are they?This third instalment in the Expanse series like its predecessors is a very easy to read exciting story with the action kicking off almost immediately after the introduction of the new viewpoint and secondary characters. Quick alternating chapters between the four viewpoints keep the pace of the story rattling by and makes the 500+ pages fly by. It's been nice to see the development of Holden's character and he is much more rounded now after the experiences of his previous adventures and the introduction of new people for the other storylines and perspectives keep tale fresh. Another very good entry into what is proving to be a very good space opera series that I will be looking forward to continuing with.
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LibraryThing member ConalO
This series continues to evolve and get better with each entry. Great action scenes throughout the book and several new characters introduced. I do hope the next book in the series brings back Bobbie and Avasarala but this was was certainly one of the best of 2016 so far.
5 Stars for a truly
5 Stars for a truly
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entertaining read. Show Less
LibraryThing member jdifelice
3.5/5 stars
I didn't like this book as much as I liked the first two books. I enjoyed the story and plot and how it was told. This world is super cool - I liked how we get more existential with the Ring, and religion was tied into the plot. I just didn't like some of the POVs. Melba kinda sucked,
I enjoyed the conversation of religion in this novel. Anna's POV was great, and I enjoyed how the authors integrated this. They don't create religion as an entity, or vilify it. They create a safe space for both religious and non religious people within the novel. It was really well done in my opinion.
The Miller plot line continues to be weird, but definitely important and well done as well.
Overall, the plot was great and I like how the bigger picture is progressing. I just didn't like some of the POVs.
I didn't like this book as much as I liked the first two books. I enjoyed the story and plot and how it was told. This world is super cool - I liked how we get more existential with the Ring, and religion was tied into the plot. I just didn't like some of the POVs. Melba kinda sucked,
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and I just didn't really like her POV. Her story just didn't intrigue me. I also was not the biggest fan of Bull's POV either...he was an integral part of the story, but I just didn't like his voice. I didn't connect with him. I missed Avasrala. I enjoyed the conversation of religion in this novel. Anna's POV was great, and I enjoyed how the authors integrated this. They don't create religion as an entity, or vilify it. They create a safe space for both religious and non religious people within the novel. It was really well done in my opinion.
The Miller plot line continues to be weird, but definitely important and well done as well.
Overall, the plot was great and I like how the bigger picture is progressing. I just didn't like some of the POVs.
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Awards
Locus Award (Finalist — Science Fiction Novel — 2014)
RUSA CODES Reading List (Shortlist — Science Fiction — 2014)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2013-06-04
Physical description
9.25 inches
ISBN
0316129070 / 9780316129077