Caliban's War

I was so excited to read this book, and even with the great pedestal I placed it on, it was as good as it could be! I had high expectations, and they were fulfilled.

This second book in the Expanse series adds 3 new perspectives with only 1 perspective continuing from the first book. And 2 of these perspectives are women! Yay! I love that a book written by 2 dudes passes the Bechdel test. I don't think the first did so much, but this one definitely does, and both of the women kick ass, one literally so. The other is a powerful women in the UN who also happens to cuss like a pirate. Her name is Avasarala and she's my favorite perspective character.

The story is great – feels like a second book in the series for sure, but I think that's to be expected. The story picks up not too long after the first. Venus is a terrifying mess, and a new military monster is attacking a base. The UN on Earth gets involved in the politics of Mars and the outer solar system as well. There's a lot more Political Intrigue and less Action, but the suspense is still very much there. It also doesn't have that almost noir feeling the first one did, but this one isn't so much a detective novel. Although there is a crime (kidnapping) and some detecting, it's not the major story.

No vomit zombies in this one either.

I flew through this book just like its predecessor, and I am eagerly, eagerly, EAGERLY awaiting the third in the series.