Book Review: Caliban's War

Leviathan Wakes is some of the best science fiction I’ve read in a long time. So, when I picked up Caliban’s War, I was prepared to be let down because nothing could compare to the wonderful book I’d just finished. Fortunately, I couldn’t have been more wrong.

Book 2 takes everything I loved about Book 1 and ramps it up a notch. Or three. Engaging science fiction, complex politics, rollercoaster relationships, a diverse crew with inner conflict, deep personalities, and their own not-so-rosy pasts. And monsters! Oh, the monsters.

In addition to the characters from book 1, book 2 introduces Bobbie, an enormous Martian space marine with personal issues enough for an entire platoon, and Prax, your stereotypical smart but bumbling scientist / father. Thankfully, Bobbie breaks (almost) enough stereotypes to make up for Prax. Point-of-view shifts between more than just 2 characters this time, rotating between Holden, Avasalara, Bobbie, and Prax. It was dizzying at first, but it quickly became apparent why all 4 perspectives were necessary, and fell into a natural rhythm with each chapter playing off the previous enough that didn’t adversely affect the pacing.

As for the content, can’t say much without spoilers, but I will say the ending made me excited to move on to book 3—which I will be doing very soon.