Review: Leviathan Falls

Leviathan Falls by James S.A. Corey
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The entire plot of this book is to very slowly hang a 'Sorry, We're Closed" sign on the universe. Because (spoiler I guess?) that's pretty much what happens. There really isn't that much of an overall plot that doesn't directly involve ending the series. And I don't mean a plot that drives us to an ending, but rather an ending that drives the plot. This is particularly true in the latter half where it feels like the book is looking at the plot and wordlessly taps its watch in a passive-aggressive way to tell it to hurry up we got to go.

Honestly, I was just disappointed in the book overall. The aliens that killed off the ring builders had always been left as super vague and I was hoping for at least something in the way of explaining who, what, and why. Vagueness can be used to generate intrigue but it can also be a symptom of lacking in creativity or simple laziness. It feels more like the latter in this case. Add in a slow plot that mostly involves hacking Amos's dreams in a series that flaunts white-knuckle space battles, and we have a book that isn't 'bad' but just kind of a loose letdown.

Since endings, especially to long-running series, can make or break one's emotions on it, I'll skip over more nuanced critiques and focus mainly on that. Bottom line: It's okay. It's one of those endings that looks great in a one-page synopsis or outline. As it plays out, however, it feels trope and more of a purposeful ending than a genuine one. Or maybe it's just because everyone feels surprisingly chill about what is going on that it prevents the narrative from selling it. The ending feels more correct than it does good.

I think that sums up my feelings on this particular book. I want to write up an overall review of the series, but I have one more novella to get through. Also, I have to find the time for it. The two people who follow my blog might skim it but that doesn't mean I don't have thoughts on the subject. I also watched the TV series and might have thoughts on comparing that as well. We'll see.

I know this kind of ended on me just talking about my blog plans, but it was still a more genuine ending than to the Expanse.

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