In Tiamat’s Wrath, the penultimate volume of James S. A. Corey’s sweeping Expanse saga, the fragile human race confronts both the terrifying forces of alien civilizations and the ruthless ambitions of its own leaders. The novel continues the story of humanity’s expansion through the ring gates into thousands of new worlds, even as those same alien technologies awaken dangers beyond comprehension. At the heart of the conflict is the Laconian Empire, led by High Consul Winston Duarte, who has seized control of the ring network and imposed his authoritarian rule across the settled systems. The novel opens in the aftermath of Duarte’s coup, with Earth, Mars, and the Outer Planets Alliance forced to bend to Laconia’s overwhelming military superiority. The empire’s flagship, equipped with alien-derived technologies, is virtually invincible, and Duarte’s vision of a unified humanity under his hand leaves little room for dissent. But resistance does exist—most notably in the underground movements led by former Rocinante crew members and their allies, who refuse to accept a future of tyranny. Naomi Nagata, hardened by loss and sacrifice, coordinates the rebellion from the shadows, using her brilliance in systems and communications to keep resistance cells alive. Her struggle is not only against Laconia’s forces but also against despair itself, as victories are small and losses immense. Alex Kamal and Amos Burton continue the fight in their own ways, navigating a war in which open confrontation is nearly impossible against the empire’s technological might. Each of them must weigh loyalty, survival, and the costs of continued resistance. At the same time, Elvi Okoye, now working as a scientist under Laconian authority, delves deeper into the mysteries of the protomolecule and the enigmatic alien “builders” who created the ring network. Her research reveals unsettling truths: the ancient civilization that once ruled the galaxy was annihilated by an unknown enemy, and the remnants of that war still linger. As Elvi uncovers more, it becomes clear that Duarte’s attempt to harness alien technology may provoke forces far beyond human understanding. The fate of not just humanity, but existence itself, hangs in the balance. Throughout the novel, the personal and political intertwine. The Rocinante’s fractured crew wrestles with grief, aging, and the weight of their long struggle, even as they refuse to give up hope. Duarte’s transformation—driven by his obsession with transcending human limitations—echoes the dangers of unchecked ambition. And in the shadows of the universe, something alien stirs, threatening to extinguish everything humanity has built. Tiamat’s Wrath balances moments of intense action—sabotage missions, space battles, daring escapes—with quiet, human moments of resilience, love, and loyalty. It is both a war story and a meditation on what it means to keep fighting when victory seems impossible. As the series nears its conclusion, the stakes are higher than ever: freedom versus empire, survival versus annihilation, and humanity’s future against forces older and far more powerful than itself. With its blend of political intrigue, scientific wonder, and unforgettable characters, Tiamat’s Wrath delivers a gripping continuation that sets the stage for the final confrontation in The Expanse saga.
Average Rating
Informations
About the author
James S. A. Corey
Author
James S. A. Corey is the pen name used by collaborators Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck, authors of the science fiction series The Expanse. The first and last name are taken from Abraham's and Franck's middle names, respectively, and S. A. are the initials of Abraham's daughter. The name is also meant to emulate many of the space opera writers of the 1970s. In Germany, their books are published under the name James Corey with the middle initials omitted.
Tiamat's Wrath
by James S. A. Corey
Books Like Tiamat's Wrath
If you're looking for books similar to Tiamat's Wrath, here are some recommendations based on themes, tone, and narrative style.
Leviathan Wakes
James S. A. Corey
The first book in The Expanse series that introduces the complex solar system politics and characters. Follows Jim Holden and detective Miller as they uncover a conspiracy threatening human civilization. Blends hard science fiction with political intrigue and space exploration. Offers a gritty, realistic approach to interstellar conflict and human expansion. Establishes the epic narrative framework for the entire series.
Ancillary Justice
Ann Leckie
A revolutionary space opera exploring identity, consciousness, and political systems. Follows an AI protagonist seeking revenge in a complex interstellar empire. Challenges traditional narrative perspectives with innovative storytelling. Presents sophisticated political intrigue and technological speculation. Shares The Expanse's interest in complex power dynamics and human potential.
Hyperion
Dan Simmons
A complex science fiction epic exploring multiple perspectives in a future human civilization. Features intricate world-building and philosophical themes about humanity's future. Combines space opera elements with deep character studies and mysterious technological threats. Presents a rich, multilayered narrative similar to The Expanse's approach. Offers profound insights into human nature and potential galactic conflicts.
Seveneves
Neal Stephenson
An epic science fiction novel about human survival and technological adaptation. Follows humanity's efforts to preserve civilization after a global catastrophe. Presents detailed scientific speculation and large-scale narrative scope. Offers complex technological and social transformation scenarios. Shares The Expanse's interest in human resilience and technological innovation.
Children of Time
Adrian Tchaikovsky
An ambitious science fiction novel exploring evolutionary processes and alien intelligence. Follows the last remnants of humanity seeking a new home. Presents a unique perspective on species development and survival. Offers complex scientific speculation and philosophical insights. Shares The Expanse's interest in human adaptation and cosmic challenges.
Revelation Space
Alastair Reynolds
A hard science fiction novel exploring mysterious alien civilizations and technological evolution. Presents a dark, complex universe with intricate scientific speculation. Follows multiple characters investigating ancient cosmic mysteries. Features advanced technological concepts and potential existential threats. Shares The Expanse's interest in large-scale cosmic narratives.
Rendezvous with Rama
Arthur C. Clarke
A classic science fiction novel exploring mysterious alien technology. Follows human explorers investigating a massive cylindrical spacecraft. Presents methodical scientific exploration and cosmic wonder. Offers a sense of mystery and technological speculation. Shares The Expanse's interest in unknown cosmic phenomena.
Blindsight
Peter Watts
A hard science fiction novel exploring first contact and consciousness. Follows a space mission investigating a mysterious alien signal. Presents complex scientific and philosophical concepts about intelligence. Offers a dark, realistic approach to potential alien encounters. Shares The Expanse's interest in technological and existential challenges.
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet
Becky Chambers
A character-driven space opera exploring diverse crew dynamics. Follows a spaceship crew on an interstellar journey. Presents a more optimistic approach to space exploration and human relationships. Offers rich character development and cultural complexity. Shares The Expanse's interest in human interactions in space.
Red Rising
Pierce Brown
A science fiction revolution story set in a stratified solar system society. Follows a low-born protagonist fighting against a oppressive hierarchical system. Features intense action, political maneuvering, and social transformation. Explores themes of rebellion and systemic change similar to The Expanse. Offers a gritty, realistic approach to interplanetary conflict.
No account connected — sign in to comment.