The Vital Abyss

An Expanse Novella

By: James S. A. Corey

Narrated by: Jefferson Mays

Length: 2 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's summary

Hugo Award Winner for Best Series

A novella set in the hard-scrabble world of James S. A. Corey's NYT best-selling Expanse series, The Vital Abyss is the secret history of the cataclysmic events that occurred on Eros station, and the revelation of what came after...Now a Prime Original series.

Somewhere in the vast expanse of space, a group of prisoners lives in permanent captivity.

The only company they have is each other and the Belters who guard them. The only stories they know are the triumphs and crimes that brought them there. The only future they see is an empty life in an enormous room.

And then the man from Mars came along...

The Expanse

• Leviathan Wakes
• Caliban's War
• Abaddon's Gate
• Cibola Burn
• Nemesis Games
• Babylon's Ashes
• Persepolis Rising
• Tiamat's Wrath
• ​Leviathan Falls
• Memory's Legion

The Expanse Short Fiction

• Drive
• The Butcher of Anderson Station
• Gods of Risk
• The Churn
• The Vital Abyss
• Strange Dogs
• Auberon
• The Sins of Our Fathers

©2015 James S.A. Corey (P)2015 Hachette Audio

short, compelling, smart

Surprisingly tense psychological thriller set behind the events of the first Expanse novel. Grim and well paced despite very little action.

it's just too good.

I like it better then any other books in the expanse series. even if it is just a side story.

sweet. Jefferson Mayes

jefferson Mayes is way better than that other guy. i enjoyed this as much as the churn

juicy mini installment

Where does The Vital Abyss rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I love the "insert" stories. This one is really good!!

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Vital Abyss?

For me, **Spoiler** hearing Dresdan speaking to whats-his-name, the main character about the ethics of animal testing. I liked that and was surprised it came from Dresdan.

Which scene was your favorite?

Finding out what they did to the Martians.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I wanted to listen to the whole thing in one sitting, yes. That's not always possible though.

Good book about the science crew that set up the Eros tests

This book (mini) was quite interesting about the “Research” group that set up The Eros Experiment and the “Martian” involvement that leads up to Laconia. Entertaining... worth a few bucks or Earth Credits.

A bit of Churn

Loved how author fills in some gaps in mainline story. while not crucial to main story, it's excellent b material.

Mr. Mayes continues to made this series. maybe they are other, better voice performers, but he's is owning the Expanse.

happy with story, but truth be told I still find myself b refecting on "The Churn".

fills in more backstory

this novella is aimed at the more serious fan who has read the books and wants to know more about some of those dark patches as to how exactly certain key characters found their way into the larger series. my recommendation is not to read this one until you've at least completed the first three books of the series.

Read after Anaddon's Gate

This novella adds important context to the saga up to this point. Worth the read.

James S.A. Corey and Jefferson Mays!

I could listen to Jefferson Mays read these authors' writing anytime. I wish he would re-record the other stories that Erik Davies narrated.
The Story itself is a good expanse side story with a little different background on the protomolecule.

Interesting

Interesting to have the sociopathic perspective. Glad they brought back the main narrator for this one.