Persepolis Rising

The Expanse series is a science fiction series that takes place in a future where humanity has colonized the solar system. The series follows the crew of the Rocinante, a spaceship that becomes embroiled in a conspiracy that threatens the entire solar system. The series has been praised for its realistic portrayal of space travel and its complex characters.

Persepolis Rising takes place thirty years after the events of the previous book, Babylon’s Ashes. The book opens with the crew of the Rocinante, now led by James Holden, arriving at the planet Medina Station. Medina Station is a hub for interstellar travel and is controlled by the Laconian Empire, a new power that has emerged in the solar system.

The Laconian Empire is led by Winston Duarte, a former Martian naval officer who has seized control of Medina Station and is using it to expand his empire. Duarte has access to advanced technology that gives him a significant military advantage over the other factions in the solar system.

Holden and his crew are initially welcomed by Duarte, but tensions soon arise between the two groups. Holden is suspicious of Duarte’s intentions and is concerned about the threat that the Laconian Empire poses to the rest of the solar system.

As the book progresses, Holden and his crew become embroiled in a conflict with the Laconian Empire. The conflict escalates into a full-scale war that threatens to destroy the entire solar system.

One of the strengths of the audiobook version of Persepolis Rising is the narration by Jefferson Mays. Mays is an experienced audiobook narrator who has won multiple awards for his work. His narration of Persepolis Rising is engaging and brings the characters to life.

Mays does an excellent job of differentiating between the various characters in the book. Each character has a distinct voice and personality, which makes it easy for the listener to follow the story. Mays also does a great job of conveying the emotions of the characters, which adds depth to the story.

Another strength of the audiobook version of Persepolis Rising is the pacing. The book is a long one, but Mays keeps the story moving at a brisk pace. The action scenes are particularly well done, with Mays ramping up the tension and excitement.

The audiobook version of Persepolis Rising also benefits from the excellent writing of James S.A. Corey. Corey is a skilled writer who is able to create complex characters and intricate plots. The world-building in the Expanse series is also top-notch, with Corey creating a detailed and believable future for humanity.

Persepolis Rising is a particularly strong entry in the Expanse series. The book takes the series in a new direction, with the introduction of the Laconian Empire and the conflict between Holden and Duarte. The book also explores the theme of power and the corrupting influence it can have on individuals and societies.

One of the criticisms of Persepolis Rising is that it is a bit of a departure from the previous books in the series. The book takes place thirty years after the events of Babylon’s Ashes, and many of the characters from the previous books are either dead or have aged significantly. Some readers may find it difficult to connect with the new characters introduced in Persepolis Rising.

However, the audiobook version of Persepolis Rising does an excellent job of introducing the new characters and making them feel like a natural part of the story. Mays’ narration helps to bring the characters to life and make them feel like real people.

Overall, the audiobook version of Persepolis Rising is an excellent addition to the Expanse series. The narration by Jefferson Mays is engaging and brings the characters to life, while the writing of James S.A. Corey is top-notch. The book takes the series in a new direction and explores complex themes, making it a must-read for fans of science fiction.