The Procrastinators Book Club discussion

Welcome to the Leviathan Wakes Buddy Read Discussion thread! This thread officially opens on May 6th and anyone can join at any time. Please keep in mind that spoilers are allowed in this thread but only up to the group's current reading place. Do not spoil the book if you've read further than the group. Any extra days can be used to catch up!

Each day we will be reading by chapters or page numbers. Page numbers are an approximation based on the hardcover or paperback that is the default on Goodreads. The suggested Buddy Read discussion schedule is as follows:

Week of 05/06
May 06: Chapters 1-3
May 07: Chapters 4-6

Week of 05/08
May 08: Chapters 7-9
May 09: Chapters 10-12
May 10: Chapters 13-15
May 11: Chapters 16-18
May 12: Chapters 19-21
May 13: Chapters 22-24
May 14: Chapters 25-27

Week of 05/15
May 15: Chapters 28-30
May 16: Chapters 31-33
May 17: Chapters 34-36
May 18: Chapters 37-39
May 19: Chapters 40-42
May 20: Chapters 43-45
May 21: Chapters 46-48

Week of 05/22
May 22: Chapters 49-51
May 23: Chapters 52-54
May 24: Chapters 55-57

PARTICIPANTS
~ Brianna
~ Jen
~ Melissa

Day 1: Prologue + Chapters 1 & 2

I was really looking forward to this book - it was one of the 12 recommended by friends for 2023. I don't read a lot of Sci-Fi and this is already reminding me of why. lol Although only a couple real chapters in, it feels like a "hard" sci-fi in that the science is a big portion. I'm still intrigued now that there are a couple people introduced and a couple threads that could tie everything together and I am looking forward to see how that all happens. If I approach it more as a mystery mentally instead of sci-fi, maybe it'll be a bit easier to get through. Another fun reason I'm looking forward to this one is that the author is technically two local to me authors!

I read through Chapter 3. Fun characters though maybe not my typical humor. I'm also intrigued on how the mystery will play out. I honestly don't worry much about the science in sci-fi and just enjoy how other options are possible in space.

Read the next section. While I suspected (view spoiler)[ that the little ship was a lure for the waiting big ship and not the little pod crew (hide spoiler)] I did not expect what happened nor the consequence. It was interesting to see how Holden's message landed. I'm intrigued to see how it continues to connect.

Chapters 7-12

I'm starting to get hooked. I prefer Miller's story to Holden's. Holden is just a bit too oblivious. I have no theory yet on who the 6 ships are following him but it looks like we may find out soon.

I like how Miller is processing and investigating. I'm assuming his unknown is the same as the ships. I hope Havelock stays safe. I wasn't surprised by (view spoiler)[ Shed not making it. He was the weak link. (hide spoiler)]

I am through day 2 so a little behind but should be able to get caught up before the end of the week - the science speak still confuses me a bit but I’m definitely getting hooked. I can’t believe that ship got nuked! I am intrigued to see how it all comes together. I think I’m starting to understand the differences of the people - like Belters and such.

The Belters vs Earth vs Martian is an interesting way to examine racism to the extreme. The ship blow up was so not good.

I got a bit ahead, maybe chapter 32. It seems like a good place to pause and read a different book while you catch up. I am enjoying. The last few chapters dragged out the drama a bit. I am super happy that (view spoiler)[ Naomi called out Holden's ridiculous decision that he is love with her as soon as she was the only woman around. His objectifying Ade and Naomi have been driving me nuts. Miller's obsession with Julie doesn't help but it isn't quite as annoying. (hide spoiler)]

I’m up through chapter 15 and still will get more done tonight. So far it feels like Holden’s story is more big picture war and Miller’s is more small picture/the effects of war in a normal place so to speak. I think I like Miller’s POV more as well. It’s definitely getting easier to follow and I’m less confused by the science bits. I’m intrigued to see what happens!

No rush!! I just struggle to stop sometimes but I officially have another book open in my Kindle now and get back on track.

Holden has been actively involved with the major events but he seems so oblivious as to the effect outside of himself and his crew. Which is fair as it is personal and serious trauma. Miller seems better at connecting all the pieces to understand the cause and effect.

I really dislike Holden and feel bad for Miller so there is some bias.

Through Chapter 36.

Very glad that Miller and Holden talked out the transparency vs consequences/ effects issue. The whole idea is pretty terrible. I'm not sure how it will work out.

Finished Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead this week which was so good but made it more difficult to read the not as great writing in this one.

I am about half way through Chapter 34 so almost completely caught up!

I agree that both guys having this weird fixation/attraction to Naomi/Julie is creepy. I really liked how Naomi shot Holden down - like you go girl!

I liked Miller more before he linked up with Holden and now I'm not sure I'm digging the vibe but I can see the changes making sense because of all the chaos/trauma that's going on.

I am SUPER interested in seeing who is behind this zombie vomit thing/starting war thing that's going on.

Jen K wrote: "Through Chapter 36.

Very glad that Miller and Holden talked out the transparency vs consequences/ effects issue. The whole idea is pretty terrible. I'm not sure how it will work out.

Finished [b..."

That's rough when you read a super good book while in the middle of a not as good book. That one looks super interesting and I have added it to my TBR!

Excellent work catching up! Naomi is great and also loved how she handled him.

Agreed on Miller/ Holden. Their interaction is awkward as they try to differentiate between them. I'm glad the stories merged but not necessary better for it.

I feel that it is dragging on unnecessarily but I am also anxious to see how it gets sorted out.

Brianna wrote: "Jen K wrote: "Through Chapter 36.

Very glad that Miller and Holden talked out the transparency vs consequences/ effects issue. The whole idea is pretty terrible. I'm not sure how it will work out...."

I hope you like it! I really enjoyed the writing and perspective.

I am through Chapter 48 so a little bit behind but school got the best of me for a few days. Once I started getting the flow of things I was really liking it but now - starting to like it a bit less. I don't like Miller's weird obsession with Julie and even though he keeps saying Holden is righteous - he seems like he's trying to be a bit righteous himself but in a different way.

It almost feels like they are trying to cram all these big things into this book so it's rushed but without many details that could make it more enjoyable (not sure if that makes sense).

Yes, it slogged down and got more annoying in the middle. The personalities and obsessions became extreme.

I think I get you. There is a ton in the book. Some of the action, personal angst and women obsessions could have been reduced to tackle some of the bigger, more interesting issues going on.

The ending made it slightly better in the end for me but I don't think I liked it enough to continue the series.

I hear that it was made into a TV show. Have you seen it? I wonder if it is better than the book with an option to edit.