Pros
- Book focuses more on plot development and expansion of mystery behind protomolecue
- More mystery and intrigue introduced through the missing ship phenomenon
- Some interesting events and discoveries that take place in this story
Cons
- Not as much action with regards to Holden in this story, so some parts of the book feel a little stagnant
- A bit of a slow start building up the story until the conclusion
I’ve been a fan of The Expanse series since I read the first book. It’s a unique science fiction space opera that eschews fancy laser space battles and warp speed and instead relies on more realistic elements of science.
Tiamat’s Wrath by James S. A. Corey continues to delight by progressing the story forward, solving some mysteries, and introducing still others. In a way, the book follows a natural path of discovery: one scientific discovery only leads to more questions.
Plot
James Holden is a prisoner on Laconia. The crew of the Rocinante work to resist the efforts of the Laconian empire and free Holden. Meanwhile, Elvi Okoye leads a research effort to study the protomolecule and makes an important discovery.
Characters
The same characters from the Rocinante return in this book, and Winston Duarte is the antagonist. Duarte prepares his daughter, Teresa, to take over the empire. Elvi Okoye is a scientist researching the protomolecule and artifacts.
Setting
A lot of the story takes place on Laconia and various points in the solar system, including the slow zone.
Tiamat’s Wrath Review
Tiamat’s Wrath by James S. A. Corey continues to provide hours of intrigue, wonder, and delight through the story of the crew of the Rocinante and the subsequent discoveries made possible by the protomolecule.
I quite enjoyed the pacing of the book. The writers did an excellent job providing just enough content for each character and perspective before switching to another. I admit that I found the constant changing of perspectives annoying at first, but after the first few books, I understood why such technique was necessary. With this latest iteration, the change in story made me even more eager to return to each character’s story.
Amos is a really interesting character, and his personality and character are further explored here, revealing a character is more complex than someone who is sometimes portrayed as a psychopath, or someone without much emotion or remorse.
Tiamat’s Wrath introduces a few new mysteries, and the story teases readers with the promise of more revealing information regarding the Ring Builders, their disappearance, and other mysterious disappearances of ships. The absence of information only leaves readers wanting more from the next story.
Unlike previous books that were filled with more action and suspense, this book moves a little slower throughout until the end. A large part of that is because of Holden’s imprisonment, and chapters regarding Holden seem almost like a break between the activities of Elvi or the Rocinante crew. There were times when I wanted to skip Holden’s sections, but his perspective provides some insight into Duarte and Teresa.
Some surprises take place in this story, and I’m not too happy with one of them. You’ll know what I’m talking about when you get to that point in the story. Other characters, like Elvi, are developed, and it appears they’ll take a more prominent role in future books.
The investment in the story, as with previous books in The Expanse, is well worth the payoff. The conclusion is exciting and promises an even more eventful and chaotic sequel. I’m excited for the television series to catch up and for the events that I hope will take place in the next book.
