The Expanse | FAQ & 13 Books Like It

The Expanse | FAQ & 13 Books Like It

March 31, 2024
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Written by: the NextBook team
Hey there! Looking for an epic science fiction series that will transport you to the far reaches of space? Well, look no further than The Expanse! As a passionate fan of this gripping saga, I'm here to give you a quick overview and answer some frequently asked questions so that you can dive into this incredible universe with confidence. First things first, what is The Expanse all about? Set in a future where humanity has colonized the solar system, tensions between Earth, Mars, and the Belt are simmering. The story kicks off with a missing person's case that snowballs into a mind-boggling conspiracy with the potential to ignite interplanetary conflict. With its thrilling blend of political intrigue, gritty space travel, and high-stakes action, The Expanse offers a breathtaking ride from start to finish. Now, you might be wondering, who are the main characters and what makes this series so special? Well, you'll meet James Holden, a reluctant hero and ship captain, along with a diverse cast of characters including a brilliant engineer, a charismatic pilot, and a cunning UN politician. The world-building in The Expanse is impeccable, with an attention to scientific detail that makes the universe feel remarkably real. If you're craving a space opera that's equal parts smart and thrilling, then this series is tailor-made for you. And here's the best part: If you find yourself captivated by The Expanse, we've got you covered! We'll be sharing a curated list of similar books that we think you'll love just as much. So get ready to embark on an exhilarating journey through space and time, where political tensions collide, and the fate of humanity hangs in the balance. Stay tuned to discover more incredible reads in the style of The Expanse!
The Book Cover Image for The Expanse
The Book Cover Image for The Expanse
Mystery
Space Opera

Leviathan Wakes

Leviathan Wakes is an engrossing space opera that follows a hardened detective and a rogue spaceship captain as they uncover a conspiracy that could lead to interplanetary war. Set in a captivating future, this thrilling novel intertwines high-stakes politics, intense action, and intriguing mystery to create an immersive reading experience.
Author
James S.A. Corey
Year Written
2011
Leviathan Wakes
Science Fiction
Environmentalism
Space Opera

Red Mars

Red Mars is an engrossing novel by Kim Stanley Robinson that takes readers on an unforgettable journey to the red planet, exploring the triumphs and hurdles faced by a group of scientists and their struggle to transform Mars into a habitable world. It combines intricate scientific detail with captivating storytelling, delving into the social and political implications of colonizing a new frontier in space.
Author
Kim Stanley Robinson.
Year Written
1992
Red Mars
Science Fiction
Russian folklore
Intrigue

2312

2312 is an awe-inspiring science fiction novel by Kim Stanley Robinson, exploring a future where humanity has proliferated throughout the solar system, following the enthralling journey of Swan Er Hong as she unravels a complex conspiracy and grapples with the profound ramifications it holds for humankind's destiny.
Author
Kim Stanley Robinson
Year Written
2012
2312
Science Fiction
Military
Adventure

Old Man's War

Old Man's War, written by John Scalzi, is an intriguing and action-packed sci-fi adventure where senior citizens enlist in the interstellar military, gaining new bodies and an extraordinary chance at life to protect humanity's interests in the vastness of space. It explores themes of rejuvenation, loyalty, and the price of war in a captivating narrative that keeps readers hooked till the very end.
Author
John Scalzi.
Year Written
2005
Old Man's War
Science Fiction
Young Adult
Military

Ender's Game

"Ender's Game" is a gripping science fiction novel that follows the story of Andrew "Ender" Wiggin, a young boy enlisted in an advanced military school in order to prepare for an impending alien invasion. As Ender navigates intense training, complex interpersonal relationships, and ethical dilemmas, the book explores themes of leadership, morality, and the effects of war on youth.
Author
Orson Scott Card.
Year Written
1985
Ender's Game
Science Fiction
Fantasy
Adventure

Dune

"Dune" is a sweeping science fiction epic set in a distant future where interstellar politics, religion, and ecology collide on the desert planet of Arrakis. It follows the journey of Paul Atreides as he navigates treacherous power struggles and seeks to fulfill his destiny as the messiah figure of a desert-dwelling faction.
Author
Frank Herbert
Year Written
1965
Dune
Science Fiction
Epic
Adventure

Hyperion

"Hyperion" is a science fiction epic that follows a group of pilgrims on an interstellar journey to the mysterious planet of Hyperion. It weaves together tales of each character's past, present, and future, creating a rich and captivating narrative filled with suspense, mystery, and philosophical musings.
Author
Dan Simmons
Year Written
1989
Hyperion
Science Fiction
Space Opera
Extraterrestrial

Pandora's Star

Pandora's Star, written by Peter F. Hamilton, is an expansive space opera set in a future where humanity has unlocked the secrets of interstellar travel. As a mysterious alien artifact is discovered, it triggers a series of events that could endanger the entire human race.
Author
Peter F. Hamilton
Year Written
2004
Pandora's Star
Space Opera
Science Fiction
Extraterrestrial

Revelation Space

Revelation Space, written by Alastair Reynolds, is a captivating science fiction novel that delves into an intricate and expansive universe where ancient secrets, complex characters, and advanced technology intertwine in a thrilling exploration of the unknown. With its intricate plot and richly imagined world, it combines mystery, intrigue, and scientific wonders to create an engrossing reading experience.
Author
Alastair Reynolds
Year Written
2000
Revelation Space
Space Opera
Science Fiction
Artificial Intelligence

Ancillary Justice

Ancillary Justice is a captivating space opera where a former AI starship seeks vengeance and grapples with questions of identity and morality in a far-reaching interstellar empire.
Author
Ann Leckie
Year Written
2013
Ancillary Justice
Cyberpunk
Science Fiction
Dystopian

Neuromancer

"Neuromancer" is a mind-bending science fiction masterpiece that takes readers on a thrilling journey through a gritty and technologically advanced dystopia. With its vivid descriptions and captivating characters, it explores themes of artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and the blurred boundaries between humanity and technology.
Author
William Gibson
Year Written
1984
Neuromancer
Dystopian
Epic
Science Fiction

Foundation

"Foundation" is a science fiction classic that explores the decline and fall of a galactic empire through the eyes of a group of scholars. With the power of psychohistory, they try to ensure the survival of human knowledge and civilization amidst political turmoil.
Author
Isaac Asimov
Year Written
1951
Foundation
Science Fiction
Military
Futuristic

The Forever War

"The Forever War" is a gripping science fiction tale that chronicles the experiences of soldier William Mandella as he is drafted into an interstellar war against an enigmatic alien race. As Mandella contends with the devastating effects of time dilation and the profound changes both in himself and society, he wrestles with the question of what it truly means to be human.
Author
Joe Haldeman
Year Written
1974
The Forever War

FAQ

Overview

The Expanse is a gripping science fiction series that will take you on a wild ride through space. Set hundreds of years in the future, humanity has colonized the solar system, but tensions between Earth, Mars, and the Belt, a region beyond Mars, are at an all-time high. The story starts with a missing person's case that unravels into a conspiracy that could spark a war and change the fate of the entire solar system. With a diverse cast of characters, including a detective, a ship captain, and a politician, The Expanse delves into political intrigue, interplanetary conflicts, and the timeless themes of power and survival. What sets this series apart is its attention to scientific detail and world-building. The authors, James S.A. Corey (a pseudonym for the writing duo Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck), expertly blend hard science fiction with a thrilling and action-packed narrative. They explore the consequences of living in space, from the physical strains on the human body to the cultural differences that arise from growing up on different planets. If you're a fan of space operas like Firefly or Battlestar Galactica, The Expanse will have you hooked from the very first page, promising a thrilling and immersive journey through the vastness of space.

Length of Read

4h7m

Main Characters

- James Holden: The reluctant hero and ship captain who becomes entangled in a dangerous conspiracy, known for his unwavering sense of justice and determination to do what's right, even in the face of overwhelming odds. - Naomi Nagata: A brilliant engineer and Holden's second-in-command, she brings a level-headedness and resourcefulness to the crew, with a mysterious past that becomes crucial to the story's unfolding events. - Alex Kamal: The charismatic pilot of the crew's ship, known for his quick wit and piloting skills, he adds a dose of humor and camaraderie to the group, but also harbors a haunted past. - Amos Burton: The enigmatic and intimidating mechanic, Amos has a dark and troubled history that contrasts with his unwavering loyalty to his crewmates, making him an intriguing and complex character. - Chrisjen Avasarala: A shrewd and cunning UN politician, Avasarala plays a pivotal role in the political intrigue that unfolds, using her intelligence and wit to navigate the treacherous waters of interplanetary diplomacy. These characters, each with their own distinct personalities and backgrounds, form the heart of The Expanse, as they face danger, make difficult choices, and ultimately shape the course of events in this thrilling space opera.

Ending & Meaning

**Spoiler Warning: The following paragraphs contain details about the ending of The Expanse series.** In the epic conclusion of The Expanse, the series wraps up with a powerful and thought-provoking ending. After a tumultuous journey filled with interplanetary conflicts, conspiracies, and existential threats, humanity finds itself facing a new and unexpected challenge. The ancient alien protomolecule, which has been the catalyst for much of the chaos throughout the series, reveals its true nature and purpose. It turns out that it is a tool created by a highly advanced civilization to help civilizations evolve and transcend their limitations. With this revelation, humanity is forced to confront its own flaws and prejudices, realizing that unity and understanding are crucial for survival and progress. The ending of The Expanse is not just a resolution to the storylines and character arcs, but it also delves into deeper themes and meaning. It explores the concept of humanity's place in the universe, our capacity for growth and change, and the importance of cooperation and empathy. The series suggests that in the face of existential threats, it is our ability to overcome our differences and work together that will ultimately lead to our survival and evolution. The Expanse reminds us that our actions have consequences, and that the choices we make as individuals and as a society can shape our future. It is a poignant reminder of the power of unity and the potential for humanity to transcend its limitations.
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