Summary
Leviathan Wakes, published in 2011, is a groundbreaking work of science fiction marking the debut of James S. A. Corey’s The Expanse series. Set in a future complex universe where tensions between Earth, Mars, and the asteroid belt are on the brink of erupting into a full-scale war, this thrilling space opera combines elements of noir detective fiction and political intrigue with hard sci-fi concepts. At the heart of the story are two compelling protagonists—Jim Holden, an idealistic ship's officer, and Detective Joe Miller, a world-weary cop searching for a missing woman. Their paths intersect as they uncover a conspiracy that threatens the entire solar system.
Leviathan Wakes was nominated for the Hugo and Locus Awards. Its success led to a highly popular television adaptation, The Expanse, which premiered in 2015.
Plot
Leviathan Wakes opens with the destruction of the ice hauler Canterbury, which sets off a chain of events that threatens to plunge the solar system into war. James Holden, the ship's executive officer, and his small crew narrowly escape and find themselves in possession of dangerous information about the attack. Meanwhile on Ceres Station, Detective Joe Miller is tasked with finding Julie Mao, a missing heiress with ties to anti-Earth militants.
As tensions escalate between Earth, Mars, and the Outer Planets Alliance, Holden and his crew seek refuge with OPA leader Fred Johnson. Their investigation leads them to Eros Station, where they cross paths with Miller. There, they uncover a terrifying secret—a deadly alien “protomolecule” that transforms human hosts into something monstrous. The station becomes ground zero for an outbreak as the infection spreads rapidly among the population.
While managing to escape Eros with their team intact, Holden and Miller realize the protomolecule poses an existential threat to humanity. They trace its origins to Protogen, an Earth-based corporation conducting horrific experiments. With the OPA's help, they attack Protogen's secret base and capture lead scientist Antony Dresden. To prevent the scientist’s dangerous research from continuing, Miller executes Dresden, creating a rift with the idealistic Holden.
In a desperate bid to destroy the protomolecule, the OPA plans to crash Eros into the sun. To ensure the station’s destruction, Miller volunteers for a suicide mission. Despite this, the infected Eros demonstrates an impossible ability to evade incoming ships and changes course for Earth. Using his connection with the transformed Julie Mao, Miller convinces the protomolecule to redirect Eros to Venus instead. The novel ends with Eros crashing into Venus, presumably killing Miller, as a vast alien structure begins to form on the planet's surface.
Themes
Expansion of humanity into the solar system
Political tensions between Earth, Mars, and the asteroid belt
Mystery and conspiracy surrounding an alien technology
Unlikely partnerships in the face of system-wide threats
Ethics of scientific experimentation and progress
Class struggle and social inequality in space colonization
Individual heroism versus collective action
Setting
Leviathan Wakes takes place in a future where humanity has colonized much of the solar system. The story unfolds across various locations, including Earth, Mars, the asteroid belt, and beyond. While interstellar travel remains out of reach, advances like the Epstein Drive have enabled widespread exploration and settlement within our solar system. Specific places featured prominently include Ceres Station, a major hub in the asteroid belt, and Eros, another significant asteroid outpost. The novel also depicts life aboard various spaceships as characters traverse the vast distances between planets and settlements.
This future setting is characterized by tense political dynamics between Earth, Mars, and the outer planets. Earth and Mars act as competing superpowers, while inhabitants of the asteroid belt, known as “Belters,” face exploitation and marginalization. This sociopolitical backdrop provides the context for the unfolding mystery and escalating conflict at the heart of Leviathan Wakes.
Characters
James Holden: Executive officer of the ice hauler Canterbury. Holden is an idealistic and principled Earther who becomes embroiled in a system-wide conflict after broadcasting information about the Canterbury's destruction. He captains the Rocinante and works to uncover the truth behind the protomolecule conspiracy. Holden struggles with the consequences of his actions and grapples with what it means to do the right thing in difficult circumstances.
Joe Miller: Hardboiled detective on Ceres Station. Miller becomes obsessed with finding Julie Mao, which leads him to uncover the protomolecule plot. A cynical and world-weary Belter, Miller acts as a foil to Holden's idealism. His journey takes him from apathetic cop to someone willing to sacrifice everything to save humanity.
Naomi Nagata: Chief engineer of the Rocinante. Naomi is a highly skilled Belter engineer with a mysterious past. She serves as a voice of reason for the crew and develops a romantic relationship with Holden.
Amos Burton: Mechanic on the Rocinante. Amos is a skilled technician with a violent past and questionable morals. He is fiercely loyal to Naomi and the crew.
Alex Kamal: Pilot of the Rocinante. Alex is a former Martian navy pilot with exceptional flying skills. With his Mariner Valley drawl and easygoing personality, he brings levity to the crew.
Julie Mao: Missing OPA operative and daughter of wealthy Lunar magnate Jules-Pierre Mao. Julie's disappearance sets the plot in motion. She becomes infected with the protomolecule on Eros.
Fred Johnson: Leader of the OPA. Johnson is a former UN marine turned advocate for Belter rights. He allies with Holden's crew to investigate the protomolecule conspiracy.
Dresden: Lead scientist for Protogen. Dresden is the amoral mastermind behind the Eros experiment. He believes the protomolecule is humanity's key to galactic dominance.
Quick facts
Leviathan Wakes was written under the pen name James S. A. Corey, which is actually a collaboration between authors Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck.
Leviathan Wakes was nominated for both the Hugo Award and Locus Award for Best Science Fiction Novel in 2012.
Leviathan Wakes is the first book in The Expanse series, which currently consists of nine novels and several novellas.
The story is told from two main perspectives—James Holden and Detective Joe Miller—whose narratives eventually intersect.
The spaceship Rocinante is named after Don Quixote's horse, reflecting themes from Cervantes's classic novel.
The audiobook version, narrated by Jefferson Mays, was nominated for an Audie Award.
Leviathan Wakes was adapted into the first season and a half of the television series The Expanse.
Five short stories set in the same universe were published between 2011 and 2019 to complement the novel.
The “protomolecule” introduced in the book becomes a major plot element throughout the entire series.
Leviathan Wakes draws inspiration from noir detective fiction in Miller's storyline.
About the Author
James S. A. Corey is the pen name of collaborators Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck, renowned for their science fiction series The Expanse. Abraham, a fantasy author known for his critically acclaimed Long Price Quartet, joined forces with Franck, who had previously worked as George R. R. Martin's assistant. The duo began their partnership in 2011, crafting a space opera that would captivate readers worldwide.
Their debut novel, Leviathan Wakes, launched The Expanse series in 2011, earning nominations for both the Hugo and Locus Awards. The series's popularity soared, leading to multiple sequels, novellas, and a television adaptation. Their work has garnered critical acclaim, with Abaddon's Gate winning the Locus Award and the series itself claiming the Hugo Award for Best Series in 2020.
Beyond The Expanse, the collaborators behind James S. A. Corey have written a Star Wars novel, Honor Among Thieves, and contributed short stories to various anthologies. In 2024, they embarked on a new space opera trilogy, The Captive's War, with the first installment, The Mercy of Gods, becoming an instant New York Times bestseller.
Abraham and Franck's collaborative process is as intriguing as their narratives. They've opened up their writing journey to fans through Patreon, allowing readers to witness the creation of a novel in real-time. This innovative approach, inspired by Harlan Ellison's public writing experiments, showcases their commitment to engaging with their audience and demystifying the art of collaborative storytelling.
