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4.12 AVERAGE
4.12 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
dark
funny
inspiring
mysterious
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
I've loved all the Expanse novels, but this one couldn't squeeze all 5 stars out of me, I could only give 4 this time. Too many POV characters in this one, compared to the style of the previous 5 books. It was hard to feel really keyed in to just a few voices. But it almost seemed necessary, given all that has happened in this universe.
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
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
adventurous
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:
Complicated
I really enjoyed this one, but it was a lot slower than the previous five books, less action, more politics, which I still really liked. It felt almost like a duology, with Nemesis Games, there was nothing to do with the protomolecule. I loved how they resolved everything with the Free Navy, very clever.
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Babylon’s Ashes is the sixth book in The Expanse series and deals with the immediate aftermath of the Free Navy’s devastating terrorist attack on Earth.
Holden and the crew of the Rocinante are tasked with a special mission to take down a key Free Navy ship, aiming to prevent further attacks. Meanwhile, cracks begin to form within the Free Navy itself, as key figures—most notably Michio Pa—start to question its leadership and direction. This book serves as a crucial turning point, setting the stage for the final third of the series by maneuvering characters and plotlines into position for an epic conclusion.
However, much of Babylon’s Ashes felt like setup rather than action. In my opinion, it’s one of the weaker entries in the series so far. A significant factor in this was the shift in the book’s point-of-view structure. Instead of following a handful of key characters as in previous books, the authors expanded the POV to a much larger cast. While this approach provided a broader perspective on the unfolding conflict, it also diluted the depth of individual character arcs. One example is Fred Johnson—who, despite playing an important role, never gets a POV chapter, making his presence feel underdeveloped. This constant switching between perspectives left many storylines feeling rushed and less immersive.
Another notable departure from the series’ strengths was the lack of standout action sequences. There were only two major set pieces in the book, and neither delivered the level of excitement or tension seen in previous installments. For a series that has thrived on high-stakes, cinematic action, this was a bit of a letdown.
Overall, Babylon’s Ashes moves the larger story forward but lacks the tight character focus and thrilling action that made earlier books so engaging. It’s a necessary piece of the puzzle, but not the most memorable one.
Holden and the crew of the Rocinante are tasked with a special mission to take down a key Free Navy ship, aiming to prevent further attacks. Meanwhile, cracks begin to form within the Free Navy itself, as key figures—most notably Michio Pa—start to question its leadership and direction. This book serves as a crucial turning point, setting the stage for the final third of the series by maneuvering characters and plotlines into position for an epic conclusion.
However, much of Babylon’s Ashes felt like setup rather than action. In my opinion, it’s one of the weaker entries in the series so far. A significant factor in this was the shift in the book’s point-of-view structure. Instead of following a handful of key characters as in previous books, the authors expanded the POV to a much larger cast. While this approach provided a broader perspective on the unfolding conflict, it also diluted the depth of individual character arcs. One example is Fred Johnson—who, despite playing an important role, never gets a POV chapter, making his presence feel underdeveloped. This constant switching between perspectives left many storylines feeling rushed and less immersive.
Another notable departure from the series’ strengths was the lack of standout action sequences. There were only two major set pieces in the book, and neither delivered the level of excitement or tension seen in previous installments. For a series that has thrived on high-stakes, cinematic action, this was a bit of a letdown.
Overall, Babylon’s Ashes moves the larger story forward but lacks the tight character focus and thrilling action that made earlier books so engaging. It’s a necessary piece of the puzzle, but not the most memorable one.
4.5
“Do we have a plan?” “A couple,” Jim said. “Either of them good?” “Oh, no. Not at all. Just different flavors of terrible.”
As many have commented, this instalment felt like a straight continuation of the previous book. Nothing wrong with that mind you. On the contrary, I very much enjoyed it :O)
The authors bring back characters from all the previous novels in this narration, some only for a chapter or two, but all offering important points of view of the mess that is the Solar system: Earth is literally 'dying' and the consequent threat to the whole of humanity is growing at an alarming rate. All this due to the obtuseness and hunger for power of one man, and the blindness of many following him, believing they will make things better for themselves!!! Stupid and yet so human, sadly.
If some characters keep re-doing the same thing time and time again hoping for a different result (definition of madness), others do learn and move on. Holden, Pa, Filip, but I was particularly impressed by what Corey does with Clarissa Mao. I hated her in Abaddon's Gate and yet ended up warming up to her. Quite a feat! Avasarala was as brilliantly acidic as usual and Amos as 'adorable' as this quote clarifies - “Because he’s Amos. He’s like a pit bull. You know he could tear your throat out, but he’s loyal to a fault and you just want to hug him”. :O)
I do love this series and cannot wait for the next book.
“Do we have a plan?” “A couple,” Jim said. “Either of them good?” “Oh, no. Not at all. Just different flavors of terrible.”
As many have commented, this instalment felt like a straight continuation of the previous book. Nothing wrong with that mind you. On the contrary, I very much enjoyed it :O)
The authors bring back characters from all the previous novels in this narration, some only for a chapter or two, but all offering important points of view of the mess that is the Solar system: Earth is literally 'dying' and the consequent threat to the whole of humanity is growing at an alarming rate. All this due to the obtuseness and hunger for power of one man, and the blindness of many following him, believing they will make things better for themselves!!! Stupid and yet so human, sadly.
If some characters keep re-doing the same thing time and time again hoping for a different result (definition of madness), others do learn and move on. Holden, Pa, Filip, but I was particularly impressed by what Corey does with Clarissa Mao. I hated her in Abaddon's Gate and yet ended up warming up to her. Quite a feat! Avasarala was as brilliantly acidic as usual and Amos as 'adorable' as this quote clarifies - “Because he’s Amos. He’s like a pit bull. You know he could tear your throat out, but he’s loyal to a fault and you just want to hug him”. :O)
I do love this series and cannot wait for the next book.