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Leviathan Wakes

Three-Sentence Summary

"Leviathan Wakes" is a gripping science fiction novel that explores the political and social consequences of human colonization in our solar system, with a mystery at its core involving a missing girl and an alien protomolecule.
The book delves into the lives of two protagonists, Detective Miller and ship's officer Jim Holden, whose paths cross in their quest to uncover the truth behind the protomolecule and its potential to reshape life as they know it.
As tensions rise between Earth, Mars, and the Belt, the duo must navigate through conspiracy, betrayal, and war while confronting existential questions about humanity's future in space.

Extended Summary

"Leviathan Wakes" is the first book in 'The Expanse' series written by James S. A. Corey (pen name for authors Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck). Set hundreds of years in the future where humanity has colonized other planets and moons within our solar system, it introduces us to two main characters—Detective Joe Miller on Ceres Station in the Belt, and Jim Holden, an officer aboard the ice hauler Canterbury.

Miller is assigned to find Julie Mao, a missing girl from a wealthy family who has become involved with radical political activists. Simultaneously, Holden's peaceful existence is shattered when his ship responds to a distress call from a derelict ship—the Scopuli—and unwittingly stumbles upon a secret that could ignite interplanetary war.

Their paths intersect when they discover that both Julie Mao and the Scopuli are connected to an alien protomolecule capable of altering life forms fundamentally. This new entity threatens not only their lives but also poses existential questions for all humans across Earth, Mars and Outer Planets Alliance (OPA).

Throughout their journey to understand this entity, Miller and Holden face conspiracies, betrayals, political power plays, and escalating tensions leading to war. As they uncover the truth, they grapple with moral dilemmas and their perceptions of right and wrong.

"Leviathan Wakes" combines elements of space opera, detective noir, horror, and political thriller. The narrative is complex yet deeply human—exploring themes of survival, identity, morality, power dynamics, and the potential consequences of humanity's expansion into space.

Key Points

"Leviathan Wakes" explores a future where humanity has colonized the solar system but is divided by politics and resources.
The novel weaves a complex narrative involving a powerful alien entity that threatens human existence.
Themes of identity, morality and survival are explored against the backdrop of interplanetary politics.

Who Should Read

"Leviathan Wakes" is perfect for fans of science fiction who enjoy complex narratives with rich world-building. Readers who appreciate character-driven stories with elements of mystery, political intrigue and existential themes will find it engrossing. It's also ideal for those interested in speculative fiction exploring humanity's future in space.

About the Author

James S. A. Corey is a pen name used by collaborators Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck. Together they have written 'The Expanse' series which has garnered widespread acclaim for its intricate storytelling, engaging characters and exploration of political and social issues in a futuristic setting.