I’m sad to report that we went from my favorite Expanse novel straigjt into my least favorite one (which is this one). This book just doesn’t feel like any of the previous ones. It is the first time that we get repeat POVs within the series and also that we have more than 4 major POVs throughout the story. I don’t think that was the issue though, I actually liked that we got some beloved POVs back. But on the other hand we also got the most obnoxious POV yet with Filip. That kid is really annoying! 

However I think the main issue here comes in terms of plot, or more like lack thereof. Just felt like there wasn’t really anything new or exciting here and just kind of repeating things we already know.It is more focussed on the political side of things but that side just absolutely lacked tension and just felt like being dragged out way too much.

I also always liked the humor in the series which certainly is a more subtle part but with this book I just wasn’t feeling it and in general the whole sense of camaraderie was the weakest it’s ever been. 

The resolution for the whole political plot also felt so anticlimactic. It already felt weird in the show and now experiencing it again has not at all elevated that to any greater levels.

There was other stuff I liked though which mainly came in the form of Michio Pa. Seeing her backstory and just getting general really good development for her character was thoroughly enjoyable (And it helped that in my head that was Camina Drummer from the TV show). Also seeing favorite characters like Bobbie and Avasarala taking on bigger roles again was delightful.

Overall this was still a decent-ish book but I am definitely leaning way more towards dislike especially considering how much I liked most of the other books in the series. Also now I am really ready to get back to space exploration / adventure!