How much more protomolecule storyline is in the later Expanse series?
February 7, 2023 8:51 AM Subscribe
I watched The Expanse TV show and I've just started reading the books. Honestly, I don't care much for the political storyline but I loved everything having to do with the protomolecule and it's origins and all. I was hoping to ask, for someone with my interests, how satisfying the remaining books (the final three) that were not covered by the TV series will be in terms of that content. I'm not necessarily interested in how much the story answers questions regarding this content (and honestly would probably enjoy it more if many things remained unanswered), just how much of the content will be about this and will continue to stir my interests. Thanks!
I just read the last book and it absolutely has plenty. I don’t remember how much was included in book 7 and eight but I have really enjoyed meeting various characters and I’m glad I read the whole thing.
posted by Bella Donna at 9:01 AM on February 7, 2023
posted by Bella Donna at 9:01 AM on February 7, 2023
Yep, the protomolecule becomes increasingly central to the plot in books 7 - 9. If you prefer protomolecule to politics, you'll find them steadily more appealing.
As to your second point, suffice to say that there are some answers and some questions. I found it to be a pretty satisfying mix.
posted by jedicus at 9:05 AM on February 7, 2023
As to your second point, suffice to say that there are some answers and some questions. I found it to be a pretty satisfying mix.
posted by jedicus at 9:05 AM on February 7, 2023
Yeah, it comes to in such a way that it has me re-reading the series with later information in mind.
I didn't find the last book to end up quite as obvious as the authors thought they were being; there's an excellent writeup on the Expanse subreddit that spells it out (obviously don't seek out until you're done!) but any hint of what I'm talking about would be spoilerrrific.
I think Persepolis Rising is more politics/adventure with a few moments that will pique your protomolecule interest; Tiamat's Wrath has it going on more towards the background of the main plot, and Leviathan Falls is heavily steeped in it.
Agree that "enough origin to satisfy, not so much as to wrap things up in too neat a bow."
posted by stevis23 at 9:07 AM on February 7, 2023
I didn't find the last book to end up quite as obvious as the authors thought they were being; there's an excellent writeup on the Expanse subreddit that spells it out (obviously don't seek out until you're done!) but any hint of what I'm talking about would be spoilerrrific.
I think Persepolis Rising is more politics/adventure with a few moments that will pique your protomolecule interest; Tiamat's Wrath has it going on more towards the background of the main plot, and Leviathan Falls is heavily steeped in it.
Agree that "enough origin to satisfy, not so much as to wrap things up in too neat a bow."
posted by stevis23 at 9:07 AM on February 7, 2023
I finished the series wanting more political content. I think you'll be happy with the protomolecule content of the later books!
Book-to-show spoiler:
posted by phunniemee at 9:21 AM on February 7, 2023
Book-to-show spoiler:
A character was killed off in the show because he is a sex pest in real life and they didn't want to deal with him. When you're waiting for him to die later in the books don't be confused.
posted by phunniemee at 9:21 AM on February 7, 2023
Lots and lots of protomolecule in the last trilogy.
posted by goodbyewaffles at 9:26 AM on February 7, 2023
posted by goodbyewaffles at 9:26 AM on February 7, 2023
I think the final books, and the final one especially, do a good job of answering a lot of protomolecule-type questions. You'll still have lots of questions left but it is able to explain a fair bit and yeah stevis23's summary of the amount of politics:protomolecule in the final books is pretty spot on.
That subreddit person went above and beyond as far as spelling out everything. I didn't get anywhere near that much out of my reading of it but I still got the idea well enough.
Also for those interested there will be a 12-issue comic book series coming out in April that will act as a "Season 7".
posted by any portmanteau in a storm at 11:42 AM on February 7, 2023 [1 favorite]
That subreddit person went above and beyond as far as spelling out everything. I didn't get anywhere near that much out of my reading of it but I still got the idea well enough.
Also for those interested there will be a 12-issue comic book series coming out in April that will act as a "Season 7".
posted by any portmanteau in a storm at 11:42 AM on February 7, 2023 [1 favorite]
oooh if someone could post a link to that subreddit thing, that would be great! (or if posting it is too spoilery, memail me?)
posted by 5_13_23_42_69_666 at 1:54 PM on February 7, 2023
posted by 5_13_23_42_69_666 at 1:54 PM on February 7, 2023
Don't click the links if you don't want to know everything:
The Roman Master Plan Theory
On the Natural History and Evolution of the Romans
Romans is the name they use for the protomolecule creators.
posted by any portmanteau in a storm at 2:03 PM on February 7, 2023 [6 favorites]
The Roman Master Plan Theory
On the Natural History and Evolution of the Romans
Romans is the name they use for the protomolecule creators.
posted by any portmanteau in a storm at 2:03 PM on February 7, 2023 [6 favorites]
I have friends who have listened to the whole set about three times, or they read the books to each other. The recordings are supposed to be great.
posted by Oyéah at 6:59 PM on February 7, 2023
posted by Oyéah at 6:59 PM on February 7, 2023
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posted by mskyle at 8:59 AM on February 7, 2023