Abaddon's Gate wonderfully continues the Opera that is the Expanse. It gives us new characters, finishes other character loops, and brings more depth to our old favorites.
I finished reading this a few weeks ago, and I'm already struggling to remember much about it. It didn't annoy me, but nothing really stood out about it. It's the third in a series and I guess by this stage, you know whether it's the sort of thing you'll enjoy or not.
4.5 stars. This was the first Expanse book that really grabbed me, feeling like the real story is going to happen now. The two previous books feel like setup now,setting all the wheels in motion for the action in Abbadon's Gate.
The various factions of the solar system set out to explore the mysterious Ring, the gate that the protomolecule has built. James Holden and his crew are there of course, and are forced to cross through the gate, with all other ships of the Ring flotilla following, learning more about the aliens who built this...
In long parts this book reminded me of one of those disaster movies from the 70s that I loved so much as a kid. Disaster surely strikes, and the aftermath is tense and exciting. Add to that a full cast of exciting new characters with interesting PoVs, and Holden finally not annoying me much …
4.5 stars. This was the first Expanse book that really grabbed me, feeling like the real story is going to happen now. The two previous books feel like setup now,setting all the wheels in motion for the action in Abbadon's Gate.
The various factions of the solar system set out to explore the mysterious Ring, the gate that the protomolecule has built. James Holden and his crew are there of course, and are forced to cross through the gate, with all other ships of the Ring flotilla following, learning more about the aliens who built this...
In long parts this book reminded me of one of those disaster movies from the 70s that I loved so much as a kid. Disaster surely strikes, and the aftermath is tense and exciting. Add to that a full cast of exciting new characters with interesting PoVs, and Holden finally not annoying me much anymore. The second half of the book is a nail biter that doesn't shy away from character deaths.
My big complaint is that the pace continues to be glacial and long-winded, like in the previous books. It always takes a touch too long for things to actually happen.
I'll be curious to see where this goes, now that the universe is open for exploration.
Abaddon's Gate slowed to a crawl after the halfway point, to a degree that I asked myself if it was the book's fault or mine that I was losing interest. But then things came back online and the book was engrossing again. Unfortunately I never felt as attached to the new POV characters as I did with those in Caliban's War. I'm hoping to see Bobbie and Avasarala again, but won't be too sad to never hear from this book's additions again.
Overall, I feel this was a great next step in the series. Recommended!
Review of "Abaddon's Gate (The Expanse, #3)" on 'Goodreads'
4 stars
Another solid addition to the series. Everyone aspiring author should learn from these guys. You have a great stand alone story with a complete plot arc, but it doesn't mean that the series is over. There's still so much (and much more than before this story) you can do. Bravo, gentlemen!