Abaddon’s Gate by James S.A. Corey
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Another riveting book in the Expanse series! Only pick these books up when you’ve got some time to read, because otherwise you’ll stay up too late to read “just one more page.”
Abaddon’s Gate follows in the footsteps of Caliban’s War, dealing with the ongoing repercussions of the discovery of the protomolecule by Capt. James Holden and his crew.
And, as is now typical, things get bad fast—the mysterious molecule has constructed a large portal. To where?
For what purpose? Is something coming…or are humans being called?
We’re introduced to a new set of characters for this group, including a no-nonsense security chief, an annoying socialite along for the ride, and a minister who just can’t stop helping people, even when it means putting her life at risk. Through these characters–particularly Pastor Anna–Abaddon’s Gate reaches out to try to explore some of the greater mysteries of life: what is our purpose? How should we interact with each other? Is there a God in all the great expanse of the universe? If there are hyper-intelligent alien species, what does it mean for Earth and for religion?
Sidenote: I love that a character is gay with a family and that it is absolutely no big deal at all. Hurrah for a more inclusive future!
It’s an interesting book, if a little more philosophical and yet action-oriented than the prior two. While I still very much enjoyed it and would recommend it to sci-fi fans, this story just didn’t resonate with me quite as much as the first two. I even found a handful of glaring editing mistakes, adding to my feeling that this one was a smidge rushed. I miss some of the characters we’ve met before (though they do get notable mentions). Some parts were a little far-out, which is hard to believe when we’re dealing with hyper-advanced space-zombie-making molecules.
It’s still absolutely worth the read, but I’m hoping the next book in the series “gels” a little better.
M.E. Kinkade 