#abbadons gate

So i’m fairly new to Tumblr, and despite skimming through the How-To section of this website, I’m still not entirely sure how it works, and what the ins and outs are, so bear with me.

I spend a lot of time thinking about The Expanse as a series. Mostly this is because i work at a job where I’m given a lot of autonomy and minimal supervision, so i can repeatedly listen to the last three books (the only three my cheap ass has opened his wallet up for so far), but also because its just So Damn Good.

The pacing, the dialogue, the themes explored. I love it all. Sure, I could do with a few less times when they explain how the ships or stellar objects are not to scale on a display, and that they wouldn’t be visible to the naked eye if they were, but other than that, I’d say I’ve got no complaints. It’s also refreshing to read a sci-fi series written by white guys who (so far as I know) haven’t done anything racist, fascist, or what have you. It’s a lot easier to enjoy something when there’s no guilt involved.

So yeah, I’ll mostly be talking about The Expanse. Some observations about the news and other things will be included as well, so if that isn’t your cup of tea, I’m genuinely sorry. As the name spacekozak suggests, Ukraine will probably feature prominently in that. Which, while I’m on the subject, if you have a few spare dollars, consider giving them to Razom (https://www.razomforukraine.org/donate/). They are a good organization doing good work, and your money would be greatly appreciated.

My selection of books this summer happens to represent my personal genre staples, and I have been so highly entertained and enlightened by them that I thought I would share a few quick thoughts...

1. Science Fiction

Abbadon's Gate, the third book in James Corey's Expanse series, has been well worth the wait. I can't believe how far the crew of the Rocinante has come as the scope of their conflict has grown exponentially with each installment. If you are looking for some solid sci-fi, pick up the first book in the series, Leviathan Wakes, and let the author set the hook.

2. History

Bruce Catton's elegant, concise, nearly poetic summary of the Civil War's turning point has been the finest way for me to prepare for my upcoming trip to Gettysburg, PA. I have learned and retained ten times more than ever before thanks to his excellent writing. If you are at all curious about this singular event in U.S. history, I would whole-heartedly recommend this publication.

3. True Crime

Robert Graysmith sacrificed a great deal in his quest to learn the identity of the man who called himself the Zodiac. Perhaps his need for closure leaves him unwilling to accept any contradictory evidence that casts doubt on his favorite suspect, Arthur Leigh Allen. For that reason, the book feels somewhat biased, but not altogether unconvincing. I think this is a fascinating retelling of the facts, and a look back at one of the more unsettling unsolved cases in recent history.

4. Humor