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Leviathan Wakes cover art

Leviathan Wakes

By: James S. A. Corey
Narrated by: Jefferson Mays
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Editor reviews

A colossal and staggering take on the future of mankind, James S. A. Corey brings his latest and arguably his best, Leviathan Wakes: The Expanse, Book 1 as a full and unabridged audiobook, narrated by the brilliant Jefferson Mays. This series depicts a populated solar system and the demise of Earth’s resources. Planetary unrest is brimming between the colonies, human and alien alike. With the fateful discovery of a deeply-rooted secret, a full-fledged war could be the ultimate ending of it all. This is utterly spellbinding. Available now from Audible.

Summary

Humanity has colonized the planets - interstellar travel is still beyond our reach, but the solar system has become a dense network of colonies. But there are tensions - the mineral-rich outer planets resent their dependence on Earth and Mars and the political and military clout they wield over the Belt and beyond. 

Now, when Captain Jim Holden's ice miner stumbles across a derelict, abandoned ship, he uncovers a secret that threatens to throw the entire system into war. Attacked by a stealth ship belonging to the Mars fleet, Holden must find a way to uncover the motives behind the attack, stop a war and find the truth behind a vast conspiracy that threatens the entire human race.

©2011 James S. A. Corey (P)2014 Hachette Audio UK

Critic reviews

"It's been too long since we've had a really kickass space opera. Leviathan Wakes is interplanetary adventure the way it ought to be written, the kind of SF that made me fall in love with the genre way back when, seasoned with a dollop of horror and a dash of noir. Jimmy Corey writes with the energy of a brash newcomer and the polish of a seasoned pro" (George R. R. Martin)
"A winning blend of old-school space opera and modern sensibility... Corey combines no-nonsense storytelling with hard-boiled dialogue as the novel races to a truly cosmic ending. An excellent start to a promising new series" ( The Telegraph)
"Corey... has created a refreshingly blue-collar tale, with well-drawn characters and a compelling narrative sweep. Roll on Book Two." ( Financial Times)
"If you love tales packed with worldbuildy details like how humans cored asteroids, pumped them full of atmosphere, and spun them up for gravity's sake, then you'll love this novel to pieces" ( io9)

What listeners say about Leviathan Wakes

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Even better than the TV show

I am a fan of the TV show and was curious as to how the book would be different..As usual there is a real serperation between the two mediums but were as the tv has to deal with multiple characters to make to more of an opera, the book centres on Holden and Miller as the driving force of the story. Absolutely absorb me for the duration. Definitely recommend. Looking forward to the next in the series.

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24 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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  • RG
  • 24-01-15

Great Work

Loved this book. Realistic characters, realist setting, excellent story and great performance from the narrator. If you want a real sci-fi story with real people in it then this one is for you. Looking forward to the follow on books.

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22 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

brilliant

Absolutely amazing, gripping, extremely entertaining, gritty, funny in parts and believable !!! can't wait to read the next one! if u feel the same, give the tv show the expance a try x

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18 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    2 out of 5 stars

Written like it was stage directions

If this book wasn’t for you, who do you think might enjoy it more?

The book was written as if to be picked up by a lazy screenwriter and copy and pasted into a script. The story has mismatched components, inaccuracies though is interesting. The voice acting is drier than an oven baked Ritz cracker and lacks any pleasing distinctions between characters making it harder to follow the rather corny story.

Has Leviathan Wakes put you off other books in this genre?

I love sci-fi and I hate the fact at the minute the field is strewn with such poor examples of the craft. I see that the Sy-Fi channel are making this book into a series. It might be interesting then, but to listen to it is not too good.

Who might you have cast as narrator instead of Jefferson Mays?

Peter Kenny, the narrator of Iain Banks books would have been an ideal choice. Ari Fliakos would also have been another good option, both are versatile actors with a good measured voice and good range of characters.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Disappointment, I had high hopes for this story.

Any additional comments?

This book scores slightly higher in my estimation than the Atlantis Gene which I thought was shockingly bad.

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17 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Detailed, rich and excellently paced

If you could sum up Leviathan Wakes in three words, what would they be?

Excellent Space Opera

What was one of the most memorable moments of Leviathan Wakes?

Who needs inertia anyway?

Have you listened to any of Jefferson Mays’s other performances? How does this one compare?

All three in this series, all were well restrained and avoided any over the top stupidity. Characters were subtly different and the story was easy to follow and engaging. Still listening at 3AM on a wednesday morning? Oops...didn't want to be up for work on time anyway.....

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I felt pride for the main characters achievements a few times, sad at others.

Any additional comments?

The story was excellent with multiple sub-plots all adding to an overarching story which leads through the series. Bought and listened to all three that are currently available, back-to-back without a break. As well written as any Iain M Banks novel which i love. More please, money waiting!

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16 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

A Pleasant Romp Through the Galaxy

Believable characters, spaceship, proto-molecules, space zombies, asteroids, battles in space plus lots more! A great mix and a great start to the Expanse series. Looking forward to Caliban's War.

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13 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Loved it

Excellent sci-fi with a great narrator, what more can one ask?

Must have listened to it almost non stop.

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10 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic.

One of the best space operas ever to be conceived. A definite must listen if you like space, mystery and a great thought out world.

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9 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    2 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

meh

Big fan of the TV series so thought I would enjoy the books, unfortunately not so much. The narration has left much wanting. Imo, when you buy an audio book, you are expecting a performance, not a lecturer reading off his slides.

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8 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

excellent

excellent story, good characters, can't wait to read more. also comparing it to the tv show.

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8 people found this helpful