We all by now know this series is deeply screwed up human dramas set against an impossible backdrop. I again state that I hope we aren't such selfish sociopathic bastards in the future that drift so far from diplomacy that its all politics, backstabbing, and terrorism, but hey.. it's believable and that's just frightening.

This tome isn't different from its predecessors but it is.

Each book prior, as you'll recall my hair pulling, "NOOOO DON'T OPEN THAT DOOR," set of reviews was very hectic on the reader. This one is too but theres a change in the pacing. It's like how a song finally finds its rhythm after a solid hook and you start to nod to it in time.

Here we have a moment in time where the fellowship of the Roci go to different compass points to resolve personal issues. They have a moment of reflection and the reader gets to as well. This is special. Each character shows their character, their depth, their own moralities and sensibilities. Not just Holden's, so it's refreshing to somewhat deep dive into a moment in the life of Amos, Naomi, Alex, Bobbi, and others.

I say this with a wry grin because... "OH CRAPTASTIC WTF BBQ!!111!!" is going on and I won't spoil a damn moment of it. It's horrifying, it's awesome, sadistic, and all that you've come to expect in radical moments of The Expanse series. The saving grace is at the moment they all seem terrestrial in origin. These are humans just messing with humans and that makes it copasetic? Wow I think I might have Stockholm syndrome, hahah!

The last chapter ends without real resolution. The arc of the book completes its circuit but there is a lot unsaid and it just clips over to a prologue. The allusion being strong, mean, and teasing. It's also unfair that once again I realize I've run out of runway in another series and now I wait... well you wait too.. hahaha :P

Also if you haven't read [b:The Vital Abyss|26170028|The Vital Abyss (Expanse, #3.5)|James S.A. Corey|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1440610192s/26170028.jpg|45335194] I think you'll want to. It's characters are coming up next and you'll want the backstory. I understand, and it worries me. 8)