tankfurter 's review for:

Caliban's War by James S.A. Corey

4.75

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

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Book two of The Expanse series, was a significant leap forward compared to the first installment. While I enjoyed Leviathan Wakes for laying essential groundwork and introducing both characters and storyline, it was in Caliban's War that I truly found myself immersed in the complexities of its world and the lives of its inhabitants.

In this sequel, the characters evolved from basic outlines into vividly realized individuals whose emotional depth resonated deeply with me. This growth allowed me to genuinely connect with their struggles and relationships. The narrative structure—featuring a main group, a secondary group, and an outsider perspective—was particularly compelling, demonstrating how different characters interpret the same events in diverse yet interconnected ways. Often, multiple points of view can feel forced or disruptive, but here, they greatly enhanced the storytelling, weaving distinct narratives into a cohesive and engaging experience.

The character dynamics stood out significantly. The interactions within the primary group conveyed an authentic, playful, and family-like bond. These relationships felt genuine, not only through dialogue but also in their shared actions and experiences, significantly deepening my emotional investment.

The new characters introduced were especially noteworthy. It can often be challenging for sequels to introduce new characters as compelling as the original cast, but Bobbie Draper stands out as uniquely remarkable. She quickly became a favorite of mine, bringing a fresh perspective and depth to the narrative. I'm eager to see more of her as the series progresses.

I have forgotten how good a deep rich space opera can be, It encapsulates everything I appreciate in a great space opera.