Scan barcode
rachaelbunny's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical content, Murder, Injury/Injury detail, War, Child abuse, Body horror, Child death, Cursing, Dementia, Colonisation, Confinement, Death of parent, and Death
Moderate: Gun violence and Grief
Minor: Eating disorder
kerttuli's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, War, Gun violence, Blood, and Child abuse
Moderate: Medical content, Child death, Injury/Injury detail, and Confinement
Minor: Cursing, Death of parent, and Eating disorder
caryndi's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
This may be my favorite book of The Expanse so far. Though it was tough to once again see the crew split up, it felt more organic this time. The way it was handled was emotional and spoke to the tight bonds between them all. And, of course, after the events of book 7, there was plenty of other hardship and sadness to go around. I had to stop reading for a second and text my friend who recommended the series to me when Amos died because it was so sudden and unexpected! I really really loved his friendship with Teresa; it reminded me of the way he was with Clarissa. Of course, the other big moment of sadness was Bobbie's death; it was a good one, but I did love Bobbie a lot and am sad she's gone.
I was happy to see Elvi back; I didn't foresee her returning to the series. I'm still kinda meh on Fayez, to be honest, and you can add that to this series' list of relationships that were very sudden and then once they started apparently 100% solid? It's not a huge deal overall, but one of the weaknesses of the series in general, in my opinion. Anyhow, science-wise, I enjoyed the continued exploration surrounding the protomolecule and the people who killed its creators; the genuine wtfery; and the idea that the enemy, who or whatever it is,targets species through their consciousness and was trying to figure out how human brains worked so it could disrupt them. (Honestly not sure if that one's a spoiler, but better safe than sorry.
I also liked Holden doing his best to influence anything by manipulating people around him. I noticed what he was doing but didn't really put the pieces together as to his final goal until we got the full explanation. I also really enjoyed Teresa. The way the prisoner's dilemma was used as a framing device for her story and education was clever. I appreciated it. She had a great character arc.
And then, of course, the ending! Obviously there was going to be something thatsaved Holden and Teresa from Ilich & co., and while I was hoping for Amos to come back, I didn't guess that twist before it happened. It's also convenient that he has knowledge of what's happening to guide everyone in book 9. Very excited to see how this series wraps up.
Recommend? Yes! It has a good balance of action, character/emotional arcs, and cool concepts.
I was happy to see Elvi back; I didn't foresee her returning to the series. I'm still kinda meh on Fayez, to be honest, and you can add that to this series' list of relationships that were very sudden and then once they started apparently 100% solid? It's not a huge deal overall, but one of the weaknesses of the series in general, in my opinion. Anyhow, science-wise, I enjoyed the continued exploration surrounding the protomolecule and the people who killed its creators; the genuine wtfery; and the idea that the enemy, who or whatever it is,
I also liked Holden doing his best to influence anything by manipulating people around him. I noticed what he was doing but didn't really put the pieces together as to his final goal until we got the full explanation. I also really enjoyed Teresa. The way the prisoner's dilemma was used as a framing device for her story and education was clever. I appreciated it. She had a great character arc.
And then, of course, the ending! Obviously there was going to be something that
Recommend? Yes! It has a good balance of action, character/emotional arcs, and cool concepts.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse and Gun violence
Moderate: Confinement, Death, and Medical content
More...