The Expanse is one of the best sci-fi series around and it is sad to see it end. For 9 books, and a handful of novellas, a gritty, believable future has acted as a backdrop for a likable set of characters that have become old friends. The crew of the Rocinante, who we first met back in Leviathan Wakes, is at the center of the storm with humanity's future on the line. Elvi Okoye is desperately trying to uncover who the gate builders were, and what destroyed them; however, she is running out of time as their ancient enemy is now awake. Unless she comes up with a better option, it looks like Winston Duarte's dream of evolving humanity through the proto-molecule may be the only way to withstand them. James Holden is certainly not ok with it and Naomi is still leading the resistance against the Laconians, but the conflict is a giant distraction from the existential threat of the awoken ancient enemy. Can we get our act together to ensure the survival of our species or are we doomed to go the way of the gate builders? 

James S. A. Corey delivers another masterful story that finds a way to make human relationships meaningful in a universe full of unimaginably large threats. Human conflict and self serving decisions constantly show why the universe might be better off if our species was wiped out, yet at the same time moments of human kindness and sacrifice provide a glimmer of hope in the face of immeasurable odds. If you are a fan of ths series there is no reason to hesitate picking this up for one final voyage aboard the Rocinante. It's a great story that builds up to an ending where the future of everything is on the line, and in the middle of it all is James f***ing Holden. This one does not disappoint.

Jefferson Mays delivers another solid performance with the audiobook version so listening is a great option. Of course there is still the TV series, which is now on Amazon Prime, but it too is coming to an end - for now. Rumors are that there will be some follow on movies, and perhaps even another series, and I can only hope that is true because I need to spend more times with my old friends. I miss them already.