Leviathan Wakes Book Summary - Leviathan Wakes Book explained in key points

Leviathan Wakes summary

James S. A. Corey

Brief summary

Leviathan Wakes by James S. A. Corey is a gripping science fiction novel that follows the crew of an ice hauler and a detective as they unravel a conspiracy that could lead to war across the solar system.

Give Feedback
Table of Contents

    Leviathan Wakes
    Summary of key ideas

    Exploring the Solar System

    In Leviathan Wakes by James S. A. Corey, we are introduced to a future where humanity has colonized the solar system. The story begins with Jim Holden, the executive officer of an ice hauler, the Canterbury, who becomes embroiled in a dangerous conspiracy after his ship is destroyed. Holden and his crew are forced to investigate the incident, leading them to uncover a horrifying secret that could ignite a war between Earth, Mars, and the Belt.

    Meanwhile, on the asteroid colony of Ceres, we meet Detective Miller, a jaded cop hired to find a missing girl named Julie Mao. As Miller delves deeper into his investigation, he discovers a connection between Mao's disappearance and the destruction of the Canterbury. His search leads him to uncover a sinister plot involving a mysterious alien substance that could threaten all life in the solar system.

    Unraveling a Sinister Conspiracy

    As the story progresses, Holden and Miller's paths converge, and they realize that their separate investigations are linked. They team up to expose the conspiracy, discovering that a powerful corporation, Protogen, has been conducting illegal experiments with the alien substance, known as the protomolecule, in a bid to create a weapon of mass destruction.

    Holden and his crew, now joined by Miller, embark on a dangerous mission to Eros, an asteroid where Protogen has unleashed the protomolecule. They hope to prevent the corporation from using the substance to wipe out all life on Earth. However, their efforts are complicated by the protomolecule's terrifying abilities, which include the ability to infect and transform organic matter.

    A Race Against Time

    As the situation on Eros spirals out of control, Holden and his team find themselves in a desperate race against time. They must not only survive the deadly environment of the infected asteroid but also find a way to stop Protogen's plans before it's too late. Meanwhile, the protomolecule's true nature and purpose remain shrouded in mystery, adding to the sense of impending doom.

    Miller, who has become obsessed with Julie Mao, is driven by a personal mission to find and save her, even as the protomolecule's influence begins to affect his mind. His journey becomes a poignant exploration of loss, identity, and the human cost of the power struggles playing out in the solar system.

    The Aftermath and New Beginnings

    In the climactic conclusion of Leviathan Wakes, Holden and his crew manage to avert the immediate threat posed by the protomolecule, but not without significant losses. The aftermath of their harrowing experience leaves them forever changed, setting the stage for the subsequent books in the series.

    As the first installment of The Expanse series, Leviathan Wakes sets a high standard for epic space opera storytelling. It combines thrilling action, intricate world-building, and complex characters to create a gripping narrative that explores the human capacity for both heroism and folly in the face of overwhelming odds.

    Give Feedback
    How do we create content on this page?
    More knowledge in less time
    Read or listen
    Read or listen
    Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
    Find your next read
    Find your next read
    Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
    Shortcasts
    Shortcasts New
    We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.

    What is Leviathan Wakes about?

    Leviathan Wakes is a science fiction novel by James S. A. Corey that kicks off the thrilling Expanse series. Set in a future where humanity has colonized the solar system, the book intertwines the stories of a washed-up detective and a ship’s officer as they uncover a conspiracy that could lead to interplanetary war. With its blend of action, mystery, and thought-provoking themes, this novel is a must-read for sci-fi fans.

    Leviathan Wakes Review

    Leviathan Wakes (2011) is a gripping space opera that will keep you hooked until the very last page. Here's why this book is worth reading:

    • The complex and realistic characters add depth to the thrilling plot, making it impossible to put the book down.
    • Meticulously researched science and technology create a believable and immersive world that sci-fi enthusiasts will appreciate.
    • The blend of mystery, action, and political intrigue keeps the story dynamic and engaging, ensuring that boredom is never an option.

    Who should read Leviathan Wakes?

    • Science fiction enthusiasts who enjoy epic space operas
    • Readers who appreciate complex characters and intricate world-building
    • Those looking for a blend of thrilling action and thought-provoking social commentary

    About the Author

    James S. A. Corey is the pen name for the writing team of Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck. Together, they have created the popular science fiction series, The Expanse. The series, which begins with the book Leviathan Wakes, has received critical acclaim for its realistic portrayal of space exploration and its complex, multi-layered storytelling. With a background in both writing and science fiction, the duo has crafted a compelling and immersive universe that has captivated readers and inspired a successful television adaptation.

    Categories with Leviathan Wakes

    People ❤️ Blinkist 
    Sven O.

    It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.

    Thi Viet Quynh N.

    Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.

    Jonathan A.

    Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.

    Renee D.

    Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.

    4.7 Stars
    Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
    32 Million
    Downloads on all platforms
    10+ years
    Experience igniting personal growth
    Powerful ideas from top nonfiction

    Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.

    Start your free trial

    Leviathan Wakes FAQs 

    What is the main message of Leviathan Wakes?

    In Leviathan Wakes, the main message revolves around the mystery of a missing person in a future solar system.

    How long does it take to read Leviathan Wakes?

    The reading time for Leviathan Wakes varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in a matter of minutes.

    Is Leviathan Wakes a good book? Is it worth reading?

    Leviathan Wakes is definitely worth reading. It offers a gripping story, a complex plot, and well-developed characters that keep you engaged throughout.

    Who is the author of Leviathan Wakes?

    The author of Leviathan Wakes is James S. A. Corey.

    What to read after Leviathan Wakes?

    If you're wondering what to read next after Leviathan Wakes, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • Big Data by Viktor Mayer-Schönberger and Kenneth Cukier
    • Physics of the Future by Michio Kaku
    • On Intelligence by Jeff Hawkins and Sandra Blakeslee
    • Brave New War by John Robb
    • Abundance# by Peter H. Diamandis and Steven Kotler
    • The Signal and the Noise by Nate Silver
    • You Are Not a Gadget by Jaron Lanier
    • The Future of the Mind by Michio Kaku
    • The Second Machine Age by Erik Brynjolfsson and Andrew McAfee
    • Out of Control by Kevin Kelly