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The Expanse #7.5
Auberon
A novella set in the universe of James S. A. Corey’s NYT-bestselling Expanse series, Auberon explores a new and alien world and the age-old dangers that humanity has carried with it to the stars. Now a Prime Original series.
Auberon is one of the first and most important colony worlds in humanity’s reach, and the new conquering faction has come to claim it. Governor Rittenaur has come to bring civilization and order to the far outpost and guarantee the wealth and power of the Empire.
But Auberon already has its own history, a complex culture, and a criminal kingpin named Erich with very different plans. In a world of deceit, violence, and corruption, the greatest danger Rittenaur faces is love.
Auberon is one of the first and most important colony worlds in humanity’s reach, and the new conquering faction has come to claim it. Governor Rittenaur has come to bring civilization and order to the far outpost and guarantee the wealth and power of the Empire.
But Auberon already has its own history, a complex culture, and a criminal kingpin named Erich with very different plans. In a world of deceit, violence, and corruption, the greatest danger Rittenaur faces is love.
78 pages, ebook
First published November 12, 2019
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December 19, 2019
This latest novella in the The Expanse universe offers a look at one of the human colonies that is now supposed to be brought to heel by the Laconian Empire. Remember, Duarte has executed his plan brilliantly and therefore basically rules humanity. This means he also controls the ring gate(s) and the colony worlds.
Auberon is one such colony planet and Governor Rittenaur is sent there to bring law and order to the world. Moreover, his wife is there to ensure certain research can progress, thus advancing humanity even further.
The problem? Auberon already has a status quo, Mafia-style, and of course the kingpin isn't just gonna roll over and show his belly.
Funnily enough, we know the kingpin and it was really funny to see what has become of him. I understand the frustration of honest people in a corrupt system, but considering that they turned to Laconia for help, I was on "the old man"'s side. ;)
I liked how this story had a slow burn, establishing the status quo on the planet, showing the psychological and emotional impact of the Laconian structure on a human being like Rittenaur as well as on outsiders like the people on Auberon. Most of all, though, I liked the ending. BWAHAHAHAHAHA!
Yep, I was hoping we/he/they would go there and it was very satisfying.
I'm once again amazed at just how much the authors managed to pack into such a short story and how so much could happen while we raced through the events. Just goes to emphasize what seriously wonderful writers the two are.
Now all there's left is to see how this will impact the events of the ultimate novel - and it will. *smiles sardonically*
Auberon is one such colony planet and Governor Rittenaur is sent there to bring law and order to the world. Moreover, his wife is there to ensure certain research can progress, thus advancing humanity even further.
The problem? Auberon already has a status quo, Mafia-style, and of course the kingpin isn't just gonna roll over and show his belly.
Funnily enough, we know the kingpin and it was really funny to see what has become of him. I understand the frustration of honest people in a corrupt system, but considering that they turned to Laconia for help, I was on "the old man"'s side. ;)
I liked how this story had a slow burn, establishing the status quo on the planet, showing the psychological and emotional impact of the Laconian structure on a human being like Rittenaur as well as on outsiders like the people on Auberon. Most of all, though, I liked the ending. BWAHAHAHAHAHA!
Yep, I was hoping we/he/they would go there and it was very satisfying.
I'm once again amazed at just how much the authors managed to pack into such a short story and how so much could happen while we raced through the events. Just goes to emphasize what seriously wonderful writers the two are.
Now all there's left is to see how this will impact the events of the ultimate novel - and it will. *smiles sardonically*
December 19, 2019
I REALLY love the subtext in this novella.
It's not only a novel about the straight-laced Laconian government taking over a thoroughly integrated quasi-mob-based world of Auberon and the clash that arises.
It's also a fantastic commentary on America. With the rife corruption throughout all levels of government... not least with high cabinet members profiting on their positions by having billion-dollar deals in the very industry they should have been regulating... this novella lays out the problem of fixing it.
No ideological plan survives first-contact with an ideological enemy. lol
I can't wait to see how this gets folded into the final novel.
It's not only a novel about the straight-laced Laconian government taking over a thoroughly integrated quasi-mob-based world of Auberon and the clash that arises.
It's also a fantastic commentary on America. With the rife corruption throughout all levels of government... not least with high cabinet members profiting on their positions by having billion-dollar deals in the very industry they should have been regulating... this novella lays out the problem of fixing it.
No ideological plan survives first-contact with an ideological enemy. lol
I can't wait to see how this gets folded into the final novel.
December 1, 2019
I'm giving this novella the benefit of the doubt. Independently, it has more or less the same quality as some of the other Expanse novellas like The Butcher of Anderson Station.
Similar with Strange Dogs, we are given yet another insight to Laconian characters, one of which was briefly mentioned in Tiamat's Wrath. Naomi visited Auberon quite a while in that novel so we also got a considerable amount of information about this system.
The characters - a Laconian governor and his scientist wife - were quite interesting as we got inside their psyche and aware of their motivations. Ruling is not easy. Especially if you got an old, corrupt system that fights back, not to mention having to deal with the underworld. I think Ty and Daniel were trying (again) to paint Laconians as mere humans with hopes and fears. They succeeded even though the novella's plot was nothing special.
While there is no main character in this book, we did get a former friend (?) of one. He was the most interesting character in the novella for me.
Last but not least, I do hope Biryar and Mona return in the main novel since that would make reading this more worthwhile. Maybe Auberon will be the main stage for the last, ultimate battle? We shall see next year. Oh, the anticipation!
Similar with Strange Dogs, we are given yet another insight to Laconian characters, one of which was briefly mentioned in Tiamat's Wrath. Naomi visited Auberon quite a while in that novel so we also got a considerable amount of information about this system.
The characters - a Laconian governor and his scientist wife - were quite interesting as we got inside their psyche and aware of their motivations. Ruling is not easy. Especially if you got an old, corrupt system that fights back, not to mention having to deal with the underworld. I think Ty and Daniel were trying (again) to paint Laconians as mere humans with hopes and fears. They succeeded even though the novella's plot was nothing special.
While there is no main character in this book, we did get a former friend (?) of one. He was the most interesting character in the novella for me.
Last but not least, I do hope Biryar and Mona return in the main novel since that would make reading this more worthwhile. Maybe Auberon will be the main stage for the last, ultimate battle? We shall see next year. Oh, the anticipation!
August 12, 2021
Along with Strange Dogs, this is my favourite novella of the series. It's a great fit to read right after Persepolis Rising, as we get to see yet another Laconian governor attempt a soft takeover, this time of a well established colony world, following the clearly successful invasion of the Sol System.
And what a great story! It was fabulous to see Erich again, who of course hasn't lost any of his well-honed tactical senses and predatory patience.
And what a great story! It was fabulous to see Erich again, who of course hasn't lost any of his well-honed tactical senses and predatory patience.
December 29, 2019
One of the interesting things about the later Expanse books is the moral foundations behind them. If the earlier books are a warning about amoral greed and what a lack of empathy in powerful individuals can cause, then the post-Laconia universe shows that the opposite is true as well. Laconia is a militaristic society based on law and honor, but it's also absolutist. We've already seen in the series how that fails with ordinary humans (Santiago Singh from Persepolis Rising). This one basically rehashes Singh's story with a much better man, but with sadly predictable results.
December 6, 2019
Maybe not my favourite Expanse Novella but it had a certain weight. Once more, we get to see Laconian’s experience and behaviours in the face of the rest of the ‘verse, and it surprised me. Kingpin Erich is not what you expect, and nor is Governor Rittenaur. Their confrontation very much felt like a game of chess, which was fascinating. Veronica and Mona ended up being pawns, or better still, the Queen and the Bishop. I do wonder if these players will feature in the last novel... It would be interesting if they did.
February 11, 2020
[3.5/5 stars] A full review for a novella?! Only when it's from James S.A. Corey. These novellas usually focus on periphery characters, and I love how in-depth and meaningful the authors make them. The stories are always about the human connection and digging into what motivates us. Auberon took a few pages to warm up, but quickly built momentum. I was totally enthralled by the end. There's one scene in particular that about had me out of my seat in shock. And that ending! O_O
Auberon dives into the culture and struggles of an outpost colony. It presents some interesting dynamics regarding settlements that take on lives of their own, moving increasingly away from the entities that originally colonized them. It's seems, no matter the setting, humanity is self-serving when resources are scarce, dragging its corruptive ways to the edges of the universe. Then throw in a character (Gov. Rittenaur) who's supposed to show up and restore focus and order to this lot with absolutely no backing save his supposed "authority"... and you have a fascinating tale. And a stressful one.
And amidst all of those exterior dynamics, the story also provides an examination of personal vices and how they shape our behavioral patterns. I personally found Rittenaur's vice especially poignant: perfectionism. A need for things to go according to plan and a strong desire for structure. The story really immersed you into the internal struggles of these characters, and I also thought the authors did an especially good job at incorporating sensory detail.
I'm not usually one for novellas unless it's a series I'm super passionate about (The Expanse qualifies), and even then, I find they often don't add a whole lot to the main story. The Expanse novellas are the exception. They may not always have direct influence on the story, but they always immerse you into what it means to be human - the point of the whole series, IMO. Auberon was a glimpse into the lives of those on the fringes of society, and it was a heart-wrenching one at that. These authors are brilliant at making me care about even the most insignificant players, and I'm always holding my breath, wondering what choices they're going to make. People are beautiful, wretched, resourceful, loving, greedy, and always full of surprises, and this novella highlighted that variety for me.
Side note: apparently they incorporated a character from the Churn (another Expanse novella) but I read them so far apart I didn't make the connection (or even remember the character lol). I'm not sure how this story will play in the bigger picture (if at all), but it was a good teaser to keep me satiated until the final novel comes out (I can't wait!!).
Recommendations: The Expanse is one of the easiest series to recommend - it has a little bit of everything and is consistently good throughout the series (happily ignoring the tangent that was book 4). And the novellas are equally as good. If you haven't picked any up, now's a good time to start with the finale just around the corner...
Via The Obsessive Bookseller at www.NikiHawkes.com
Other books you might like:
Auberon dives into the culture and struggles of an outpost colony. It presents some interesting dynamics regarding settlements that take on lives of their own, moving increasingly away from the entities that originally colonized them. It's seems, no matter the setting, humanity is self-serving when resources are scarce, dragging its corruptive ways to the edges of the universe. Then throw in a character (Gov. Rittenaur) who's supposed to show up and restore focus and order to this lot with absolutely no backing save his supposed "authority"... and you have a fascinating tale. And a stressful one.
And amidst all of those exterior dynamics, the story also provides an examination of personal vices and how they shape our behavioral patterns. I personally found Rittenaur's vice especially poignant: perfectionism. A need for things to go according to plan and a strong desire for structure. The story really immersed you into the internal struggles of these characters, and I also thought the authors did an especially good job at incorporating sensory detail.
I'm not usually one for novellas unless it's a series I'm super passionate about (The Expanse qualifies), and even then, I find they often don't add a whole lot to the main story. The Expanse novellas are the exception. They may not always have direct influence on the story, but they always immerse you into what it means to be human - the point of the whole series, IMO. Auberon was a glimpse into the lives of those on the fringes of society, and it was a heart-wrenching one at that. These authors are brilliant at making me care about even the most insignificant players, and I'm always holding my breath, wondering what choices they're going to make. People are beautiful, wretched, resourceful, loving, greedy, and always full of surprises, and this novella highlighted that variety for me.
Side note: apparently they incorporated a character from the Churn (another Expanse novella) but I read them so far apart I didn't make the connection (or even remember the character lol). I'm not sure how this story will play in the bigger picture (if at all), but it was a good teaser to keep me satiated until the final novel comes out (I can't wait!!).
Recommendations: The Expanse is one of the easiest series to recommend - it has a little bit of everything and is consistently good throughout the series (happily ignoring the tangent that was book 4). And the novellas are equally as good. If you haven't picked any up, now's a good time to start with the finale just around the corner...
Via The Obsessive Bookseller at www.NikiHawkes.com
Other books you might like:
June 18, 2023
I’m glad I read this short story in The Expanse series!
I thought it added more world building to the colonies that came from the opening of the ring gates.
I liked getting more information about Auberon and who’s really in charge of the solar system there.
It’s a tale as old as time. Government corruption and deals on the sly. I wasn’t surprised by who the puppet master was and it made sense! 🤷🏼♀️😂🤣
I thought it added more world building to the colonies that came from the opening of the ring gates.
I liked getting more information about Auberon and who’s really in charge of the solar system there.
It’s a tale as old as time. Government corruption and deals on the sly. I wasn’t surprised by who the puppet master was and it made sense! 🤷🏼♀️😂🤣
June 22, 2024
Auberon gifts readers with a wonderful character study that would not be out of place in a literary classic. Fans of the series will also catch-up with an individual that I, for one, never expected to see again.
January 15, 2020
This is a short story that is part of a series. This is not a starting point as this takes place well into the series. In this one, we explore how Laconia's rule is affecting one of the new planets that humans have access to because of the ring.
Not much of a surprise here. Once again this series offers another quality offering and once again I am giving at least a four star rating to it. Seriously. How do these authors keep writing quality stories in this universe? This short story is not the most action packed offering and I was still enthralled by it. When governments change rules it isn't always a smooth transition and I liked the look into this. That is one of many things this book and series excels at it. Focusing on a plot that is set in the future but relates to today's world. The twist at the end totally caught me by surprise as I thought this was going in a different direction.
This short story was about politics and government and I was so interested in it. I don't think it affects the overall arc as it seems like this is a side story. Even if is just a side story it is a story that is worth reading because this series is so fantastic and all its offerings is so enjoyable.
Not much of a surprise here. Once again this series offers another quality offering and once again I am giving at least a four star rating to it. Seriously. How do these authors keep writing quality stories in this universe? This short story is not the most action packed offering and I was still enthralled by it. When governments change rules it isn't always a smooth transition and I liked the look into this. That is one of many things this book and series excels at it. Focusing on a plot that is set in the future but relates to today's world. The twist at the end totally caught me by surprise as I thought this was going in a different direction.
This short story was about politics and government and I was so interested in it. I don't think it affects the overall arc as it seems like this is a side story. Even if is just a side story it is a story that is worth reading because this series is so fantastic and all its offerings is so enjoyable.
November 15, 2019
Mmm. An oddity, not to mention a disappointment, coming straight off Tiamat's Wrath. Perhaps novellas like these would be more cohesive in a collection, giving insight into some of the quirkier corners of the Expanse, etc.
October 22, 2021
Fucking hell, that was brilliant.
January 5, 2026
Laconians. So straight-laced. So sure of themselves.
If you aren't aware, the Laconians are a planet full of people who have had no outside contact with the rest of the universe for a generation. While they've got superior firepower due to the protommolecule, they lack any real understanding of other cultures. So, this adventure into taking over the wider universe is akin to what happens when you send out homeschooled evangelical children to a university that is known for its party atmosphere.
Doing the right thing is almost never a black and white issue with only one correct answer and zero nuance. Cult-like rigidity works for a while, but eventually, the society eats itself.
This is the story of what happens to the new governor of Auberon, his wife, & their values, as they clash with the reality of how the world really works and what it takes to survive it.
One of the minor recurring characters shows up in this one, and he's a lot of fun. And now I want an arm that can catch a bullet.
Another great novella in The Expanse series.
Recommended for fans.
If you aren't aware, the Laconians are a planet full of people who have had no outside contact with the rest of the universe for a generation. While they've got superior firepower due to the protommolecule, they lack any real understanding of other cultures. So, this adventure into taking over the wider universe is akin to what happens when you send out homeschooled evangelical children to a university that is known for its party atmosphere.
Doing the right thing is almost never a black and white issue with only one correct answer and zero nuance. Cult-like rigidity works for a while, but eventually, the society eats itself.
This is the story of what happens to the new governor of Auberon, his wife, & their values, as they clash with the reality of how the world really works and what it takes to survive it.
One of the minor recurring characters shows up in this one, and he's a lot of fun. And now I want an arm that can catch a bullet.
Another great novella in The Expanse series.
Recommended for fans.
June 17, 2023
Another short novella in the The Expanse series of books. The shorts are optional reads which divert from the main story line and fill in interesting back story or tell stories which are tangential to the main series.
Auberon falls into the second category. It takes place after Laconia has conquered all of humanity and is establishing the Laconian Empire.
It tells the story of Biryar Rittenaur, sent by Winston Duarte, the High Consul of Laconia, to be the Governor of the planet Auberon. He’s accompanied by his beloved wife, Mona, a brilliant soils scientist. He’s a man who is slavishly devoted to Laconian ideals of duty.
They struggle to adapt to their new home, until a career criminal who seeks leverage over the governor teaches him a life lesson.
What started out as the story of a dull man evolves by its end into a fascinating psychological character study.
This is optional reading for Expanse fans, as it gives no backstory to the main story line and probably takes place after the end of the TV series. It does fill in the story of an interesting minor character who we’ve met elsewhere, though. Hint: it’s not Rittenaur or his wife.
Auberon falls into the second category. It takes place after Laconia has conquered all of humanity and is establishing the Laconian Empire.
It tells the story of Biryar Rittenaur, sent by Winston Duarte, the High Consul of Laconia, to be the Governor of the planet Auberon. He’s accompanied by his beloved wife, Mona, a brilliant soils scientist. He’s a man who is slavishly devoted to Laconian ideals of duty.
They struggle to adapt to their new home, until a career criminal who seeks leverage over the governor teaches him a life lesson.
What started out as the story of a dull man evolves by its end into a fascinating psychological character study.
This is optional reading for Expanse fans, as it gives no backstory to the main story line and probably takes place after the end of the TV series. It does fill in the story of an interesting minor character who we’ve met elsewhere, though. Hint: it’s not Rittenaur or his wife.
November 12, 2019
Auberon audio excerpt
3m 47s — posted by the publisher:
https://soundcloud.com/hachetteaudio/...
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The release date has been moved. It's NOVEMBER 12th now. :)
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Wonderful news. So far James S.A Corey Expanse novellas haven't disappointed me.
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Oh, Erich!
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Auberon is a planet accessible through the ring gates that has a lush biome that grows native and Terran crops. The planet has 12 cities, each being in the million but also has many towns, farms, and more scattered around the planet.
Reputedly has developed technology which converts material to substances that Terrian biology can use. It served as Naomi Nagata's base of operations as the head of the Underground after the Slow Zone devastation.
The planet's moon has a lunar base that transports its goods throughout the Auberon system.
It is one of the more successful colonies.
Drummer suspects the technology is not what they claim.
They have a trading relationship with Freehold.
3m 47s — posted by the publisher:
https://soundcloud.com/hachetteaudio/...
---
The release date has been moved. It's NOVEMBER 12th now. :)
---
Wonderful news. So far James S.A Corey Expanse novellas haven't disappointed me.
---
Oh, Erich!
---
Auberon is a planet accessible through the ring gates that has a lush biome that grows native and Terran crops. The planet has 12 cities, each being in the million but also has many towns, farms, and more scattered around the planet.
Reputedly has developed technology which converts material to substances that Terrian biology can use. It served as Naomi Nagata's base of operations as the head of the Underground after the Slow Zone devastation.
The planet's moon has a lunar base that transports its goods throughout the Auberon system.
It is one of the more successful colonies.
Drummer suspects the technology is not what they claim.
They have a trading relationship with Freehold.
February 19, 2020
3.5 Stars
An interesting side book for The Expanse series, mostly concerned with Laconia, Duarte and the human limits of any empire.
A fun read, but not nearly as revealing as most of the side books to date.
As usual with my reviews, please first read the publisher’s blurb/summary of the book. Thank you.
Full size image here
Only one quote --
Klinger knew nothing about him but what she'd been told by Laconia. She would have been just as solicitous to anyone who had come in his position. And if someone else had been in her role, he would have treated them the same way he did her. They weren't people to each other. They were roles. This was etiquette, and the inauthenticity of the situation oppressed
.
An interesting side book for The Expanse series, mostly concerned with Laconia, Duarte and the human limits of any empire.
A fun read, but not nearly as revealing as most of the side books to date.
As usual with my reviews, please first read the publisher’s blurb/summary of the book. Thank you.
Full size image here
Only one quote --
Klinger knew nothing about him but what she'd been told by Laconia. She would have been just as solicitous to anyone who had come in his position. And if someone else had been in her role, he would have treated them the same way he did her. They weren't people to each other. They were roles. This was etiquette, and the inauthenticity of the situation oppressed
.
February 29, 2020
"Ideological purity never survives contact with the enemy"
Maybe I'm mistaken, but I really think this should be considered #7.5 in the series rather than #8.5, based on the events as they unfold in the novels. Anyway, this is a brilliant story illustrating the immense difficulties encountered by the ideologically motivated and highly disciplined Laconian imperial forces as they take control of a vast number of colony worlds where varying degrees of corruption and informality have taken hold. The return of one of the more intriguing characters introduced in Nemesis Games was a brilliant addition.
Maybe I'm mistaken, but I really think this should be considered #7.5 in the series rather than #8.5, based on the events as they unfold in the novels. Anyway, this is a brilliant story illustrating the immense difficulties encountered by the ideologically motivated and highly disciplined Laconian imperial forces as they take control of a vast number of colony worlds where varying degrees of corruption and informality have taken hold. The return of one of the more intriguing characters introduced in Nemesis Games was a brilliant addition.
Read
November 27, 2019I quite enjoyed this novella. Nothing new or groundbreaking, but I could read little stories about the Laconians and the colony worlds all day long.
March 14, 2024
One of the best of these Expanse novellas in my view, a tightly wound morality play unconnected in any major way to our usual cast of players but set in the backdrop of the Laconian Conquest.
August 13, 2023
OOOOOOOH I really liked this story. This is probably my favorite of the Expanse short stories, honestly, though The Butcher of Anderson Station is right up there. This one features a character that played a pivotal role in the the life of one of the main series characters, AND highlights the rigidity of the Laconian ethos in brilliant detail.
I was happy to see where this character ended up, though their idea of success is a bit different from mine. But also, I really liked the conflict of wills and power between them and the new Laconian governor who was sent to rule. Said governor is another Santiago Singh type, if you recall from my Persepolis Rising review - raised in the rigid purity of obedience and authority to command, etc.
The way they (Singh and the new Auberon governor) differed in their paths was so fascinating to me, and really makes me wonder about the nature of love's influence on mindset and attitude. Had Singh's family been with him, would he have acted the same way he did? Would he have been more lenient, or more rigid? Had Rittenaur's wife NOT been with him, and caused the situation she did, he almost certainly would have been more in line with Singh's mindset - after all, they had the same exact one going into their assignments.
The way the situation played out here was really so interesting to me, and I really enjoyed it.
Oh, and before I go, I will say that I really, REALLY liked the commentary from one of the characters on body augmentation and disability/limb difference. I just really appreciated this perspective.
I was happy to see where this character ended up, though their idea of success is a bit different from mine. But also, I really liked the conflict of wills and power between them and the new Laconian governor who was sent to rule. Said governor is another Santiago Singh type, if you recall from my Persepolis Rising review - raised in the rigid purity of obedience and authority to command, etc.
The way they (Singh and the new Auberon governor) differed in their paths was so fascinating to me, and really makes me wonder about the nature of love's influence on mindset and attitude. Had Singh's family been with him, would he have acted the same way he did? Would he have been more lenient, or more rigid? Had Rittenaur's wife NOT been with him, and caused the situation she did, he almost certainly would have been more in line with Singh's mindset - after all, they had the same exact one going into their assignments.
The way the situation played out here was really so interesting to me, and I really enjoyed it.
Oh, and before I go, I will say that I really, REALLY liked the commentary from one of the characters on body augmentation and disability/limb difference. I just really appreciated this perspective.
February 18, 2020
He let his hand drop to the sofa, near his holster but motionless. It was dangerous to move forward, but he wasn't going to give up ground either. He imagined pulling the gun and firing. How quickly could he do that? How long could it take? The rest of his life, maybe.
4.5 stars very nearly rounded up, because this was just way up my alley, this exploration of Laconian culture and society slamming into another civilisation and struggling to adjust. It's the tale of these implacable Laconian conquerors coming out and installing their own governors in the colonies, but running into slippery local corruption and criminal elements that are highly resistant to accepting this new boot on their necks.
And yet it's not black-or-white either, because you get to know the new Governor Rittenaur and his wife, and grow to like them. The governor winds up trapped between a rock and a hard place. You get the impression of that intimidating, untouchable Laconian strength, but you're learning that there are chinks in the armour -- there's always a lever to make someone move, and you just have to find the lever.
Once you learn who the old man is, too, it's SUCH good payoff and I literally screeched a little from excitement, for how this ties into a previous Expanse short.
Love this series so much, as ever!! This novella nicely bridges the gap between past buildup and future developments, and so I'm excited to see where this is all gonna go.
January 23, 2022
I love that not only is this a 9 book chronological series of great depth, but that there are stand along novellas, like this one, to explore and expand on that universe. The Expanse novellas to this point have taken deeper looks at part of the universe and looked into certain characters backstories. They've created even more depth to an already quite deep story. In this one, as the title suggests, they focus on Auberon, one of the bigger colonies and on that came into focus in novel #8. It gives us more of a boots on the ground perspective of how these colonies are running prior to being taken over by the Laconian empire and how that transition takes place and is received. The point of view offered here in compelling and sheds some like on just how much resistance is out there beyond what we see in the series novels. I enjoyed this short novella and am almost saddened to now be heading into the final book of the series.
July 7, 2024
I didn't expect to like this during the initial chapters but this really won me over. And that's mostly a result of the surprise antagonist who is a bit of a blast from the past and a character's whose fate seemed very unknown circa book five. He has very much changed, and aged, but weirdly I kinda spotted who he was before the reveal. It was well done though. And I both liked that he was changed and unchanged from who we'd known him to be.
It was also interesting to see a very different take on how things on Medina could've gone with someone else in charge, too. Very cleverly done.
It was also interesting to see a very different take on how things on Medina could've gone with someone else in charge, too. Very cleverly done.
August 23, 2020
This is a novella set in the Expanse series. Like other novellas of the series it tells a sidestory and has none of the main characters. I read is as a part of the Expanse buddy read in August 2020 at Hugo & Nebula Awards: Best Novels group.
So, the humanity has new rulers. As depicted in detail in Persepolis Rising, now Laconia, which is largely based on the Greek territory with the same name, more known as Sparta, controls all systems and transportation between them.
One of the more successful planets is Auberon, its uniqueness is that the biosphere of Auberon barely interacted with the plants and animals of Earth, so it was the most hospitable (the problems other settlers face described in detail in Cibola Burn). This meant high inflow of migrants, high growth and development, wealth and therefore corruption.
Laconia sends its representatives with a small detachment of security personnel in all systems. Auberon gets one of their best – incorruptible and strict Biryar Rittenaur, who, using executions of his own troops for minor crimes, tries to show new ways to a corrupt society. The true crime boss laugh at him (after killing people, who tried to cross him):
“You see,” the old man said, not to the fallen thug but to Agnete, “this is the difference. A buy goes bad, and I need to send a message that that’s not okay. I could go the Laconian way, right? Kill you and send these fuckers home. Would that make any sense?”
“I guess not,” she said.
“Grandstanding,” the old man said, his false hand wrapping fingers around Bless You’s throat. “It’s immature, is what it is.”
The story is a bit more predictable than other novellas, but still well executed.
So, the humanity has new rulers. As depicted in detail in Persepolis Rising, now Laconia, which is largely based on the Greek territory with the same name, more known as Sparta, controls all systems and transportation between them.
One of the more successful planets is Auberon, its uniqueness is that the biosphere of Auberon barely interacted with the plants and animals of Earth, so it was the most hospitable (the problems other settlers face described in detail in Cibola Burn). This meant high inflow of migrants, high growth and development, wealth and therefore corruption.
Laconia sends its representatives with a small detachment of security personnel in all systems. Auberon gets one of their best – incorruptible and strict Biryar Rittenaur, who, using executions of his own troops for minor crimes, tries to show new ways to a corrupt society. The true crime boss laugh at him (after killing people, who tried to cross him):
“You see,” the old man said, not to the fallen thug but to Agnete, “this is the difference. A buy goes bad, and I need to send a message that that’s not okay. I could go the Laconian way, right? Kill you and send these fuckers home. Would that make any sense?”
“I guess not,” she said.
“Grandstanding,” the old man said, his false hand wrapping fingers around Bless You’s throat. “It’s immature, is what it is.”
The story is a bit more predictable than other novellas, but still well executed.
June 20, 2023
Not as exciting as some of the others, but certainly interesting. Fun to see an old character we’ve not seen in a while either. As I read it, I kept thinking that it would have fit better in between books 7 and 8 (although it’s ok here also) and then right there in the author’s comments at the end, they said it was originally intended to be between 7 and 8. Good stuff none the less!
November 28, 2019
“It’s the basic problem with religion, be it Jesus or Vishnu or God Emperors. Ideological purity never survives contact with the enemy.”
It's nice to take a look at what happens in places where the main novels haven't taken us. Here we've got yet another laconian governor trying not to be overwhelmed by the daunting task of ruling a conquered planet. He'll have to give up his silly ideological superiority and compromise with the local crimelord.
A great read as always when it comes to the Expanse universe.
It's nice to take a look at what happens in places where the main novels haven't taken us. Here we've got yet another laconian governor trying not to be overwhelmed by the daunting task of ruling a conquered planet. He'll have to give up his silly ideological superiority and compromise with the local crimelord.
A great read as always when it comes to the Expanse universe.
November 17, 2019
It is nice when your favorite authors throw a little bone out to you, the loyal readers.
January 5, 2020
Things we've learned from this book:
• No one is uncorruptable;
• Auberon really stinks;
That's about it. Still, it was a decent read and I'm happy as always to make at least a glance into the universe of "The Expanse".
• No one is uncorruptable;
• Auberon really stinks;
That's about it. Still, it was a decent read and I'm happy as always to make at least a glance into the universe of "The Expanse".
December 20, 2020
Probably the best novella in the series.
March 15, 2024
An excellent novella that follows a conflict between the Lawful Evil absolutist authority of Laconia versus the Chaotic Evil criminal cartels on a planet they've taken over. There's no actual alignment in the books but it gives you a sense of what is being fought over here. I really liked this story and those who know who the unnamed characters are will get a lot more out of it.
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