Reviews

Війна Калібана by James S.A. Corey

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jfaberrit's review against another edition

4.0

4.5 Stars is probably more fair than 4, since it is a really good chapter in the Expanse series, working well as a well-defined entry within a larger series. Without rehashing the plot, the clear strengths here are the female characters, particularly Avasarala, whose TV incarnation has been rightfully held up as perhaps the finest example of applied foreign policy/poli sci on TV today. In the book, her character is a little more straightforward and a lot more foul-mouthed, but the authors do an admirable job of trying to show a broader political context for what might otherwise be a spaceship and laser battle story. Draper is fantastic here as well, as are Amos and Alex in supporting roles and frequent comic relief. To the extent there are weaknesses, it's a little unclear how Holden and gang keep ending up directly in the middle of everything, the Jim-Naomi personality thing is a little flat at times, and Prax is kind of a wet blanket whose sections I sometimes wanted to get through to get back to Draper or Avasarala. Still, it was exciting, more thoughtful than one might have expected unless you've seen season 2 on SyFy, and a fun read overall. On to book 3.

baileygrinter's review against another edition

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adventurous funny medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

seph5040's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

wan_log's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

Caliban’s War was more of a political drama than Leviathan Wakes. It was slow paced up until the last 200 pages where it really picked up. Despite it being slow for 2/3 of the book it was still quite interesting and made you want to read. The characters are interesting but I didn’t find I loved any of them. The ending sets up book three nicely and leaves you questioning what could possibly be going on. It does make you want to read the next book, but the cliffhanger doesnt leave your jaw on the floor.