The best book (so far?) in this fantastic series. ( )

I love this series! (And if you've seen other reviews I've written, you're probably aware that I generally tire of a series by about the 3rd book.) The characters keep getting richer and deeper, but without fundamentally changing who they are. That is good writing, my friend. I immediately bought and downloaded the next book, [b:Babylon's Ashes|25877663|Babylon's Ashes (The Expanse, #6)|James S.A. Corey|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1442247299s/25877663.jpg|45754030]. ( )

I read this after watching season 5 of The Expanse, so I'm always fascinated to see the differences between show and book. Show had to make changes due to the horrific actions of one of the cast, so plotlines were a little different but I do feel like the show streamlined the last third of the novel.

Splitting the party up let us get to know the Rocinante crew, and my favorite plot was probably Amos because it's always fascinating to get inside his head. I haven't read the short stories or novellas yet, but will probably try to do those soon.

One of the more striking differences is when Marco Inaros reveals being behind attacks throughout the system, and it feels stronger for him to be that charismatic leader earlier on rather than leaving everyone in confusion, as either way it's a decoy for whatever Mars is doing with the Laconia gate.

Looking forward to seeing where we go from here- more weird alien biology please. ( )

Originally posted at www.csdaley.com

It isn't always easy reviewing a fifth novel in a series. By now most people who are reading this series don't need to be convinced to keep reading it. They need only one thing. The confirmation that the series is still great and heading in the right direction. I can assure you that all things are wonderful in The Expanse universe. Well not for the characters but for us, the spoiled readers.

It is hard to maintain the momentum in long series. It is particularly hard to maintain it in long books in long series. I have given up on quite a few series that I was in love with early on but eventually wore me out with the feeling that I had been there before. This has not been a problem with The Expanse series. The first three books were brilliant and then at the end of the third book (Abaddon's Gate) Corey knocks us out with a twist that opens up hundreds of possibilities for new stories. So far the authors have not disappointed with those possibilities.

Nemesis Games is wonderful for a new reason though. While Holden has always been front and center in the series, this book dives into the other crew members' histories and gives some meaning and nuance to their story that wasn't there before. What I love the most about The Expanse series is how big the universe is but how intimate the story can be. How each book builds upon the last one and leaves you wanting more. How the plots are giant space operas filled with giant moments but you come back for your familiar friends.

As in every book before this one the plot is huge and full of future ramifications by the end of the book we have added some old characters to our crew and the story is barreling off in a direction that I did not see coming. James S.A. Corey seems to be writing these books in sets of three. This would make Nemesis Games the second book of the second arc. It spins the story into a new direction and leaves me waiting expectantly for the next book. Luckily, for all of us fans Corey has consistently put out a book a year. Of course, this still means I have to wait a year. I have said it before. The Expanse is the best thing going in science fiction right now. If you are not reading this series, you should be. ( )

TW/CW: Death, apocalyptic violence, kidnapping, scary situations

RATING: 5/5

REVIEW: Nemesis Games is the fifth book in James S.A. Corey’s Expanse series, and the last one that I had read before. From now on out they will all be new books for me!

Nemesis Games takes place a short bit of time after Cibola Burn when the crew temporarily goes their own way while the Rocinante is being repaired. Eventually all of these different paths come back together to face the new world formed by terrorism.

This is a powerful book and at times difficult to read. I really enjoyed a chance to see all the characters on their own, to get a sample of their lives away from the Rocinante and the rest of the crew. Even though this book is long, it’s fast paced and I found myself unable to stop reading, even late, late into the night.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys hard sci-fi or just a really good series. ( )