I love reading science fiction, and everyone recommends The Expanse. I’m just starting book 6 (Babylon’s Ashes).
Something about this series just doesn’t do it for me. I think all the books are good (3.5-4 star range), but I am yet to be blown away. I think each book has had some moments that really draw me in, and then I usually feel somewhat let down. Other science fiction series (Red Rising, Dune, Remembrance of Earth’s Past) have had me hooked, staying up late to keep reading, but I have never reached that point with The Expanse. To be honest, I’m really only still going because of (a) how good the reviews are for books 8 and 9, (b) because someone gave me the last few books for Christmas, and (c) because I am simply in too deep at this point.
Am I alone?
by tveritzan
7 Comments
I loved them all, so can’t help you there, friendo.
I really loved the first book. The second book has been sitting at DNF at around maybe 15% of the book read because I’m struggling. And it’s because of the >!aliens. I hate anything zombie-like, and these things are ruining it for me.!< I would love to give it another chance. But right now, there’s so many other books I also want to read that it’s just going to sit there for a while, I think…
If you rate something 3.5-4 stars and it “doesnt do it for me” I hate to find out what you think of something you dont like
Yea i think i feel the same way. They’re definitely a decent read but they feel a little to ‘normal’ to be all that good in my opinion. Imo great sci-fi shows you different ways that technology influences how people live, but the expanse just feels like the modern world, but in space.
You are not alone …. It was kind of pulpy for me. Entertaining enough, but not top tier by any means.
I feel the same way as you. The tv show is excellent though with much better characters.
It was above average sci-fi for me (3.5-4), but nothing more. I’m more partial to space opera type narratives (Dune, Foundation, Horus Heresy, Etc.) though.
You might want to check out the 40kverse if you aren’t aware of it. They have a huge library of sci-fi books in the verse, which is heavily Dune influenced. The books are hit or miss, but the hits are some of my favorites. I wasn’t even someone who played the tabletop until the lore got its claws into me.