Science fiction · Fantasy · Adventure
Caliban's War
The second Expanse novel, in a solar system where Earth, Mars and the Belt are on the edge of open war. A crisis on a Jovian moon pulls in the crew of a ship led by a stubborn captain, plus a marine and a veteran politician.
Facts last checked 2026-10-16
- First published
- 2012
- Pace
- Fast
- Length
- Long
- Pages
- 597
- Format
- Book 2 of 9 in The Expanse
Read this if you like grounded, fast space opera with political tension and a strong ensemble.
Skip this if you haven't read the first book, which sets up the crew and the central conflict.
The feel
Content warnings
Quick answers about Caliban's War
- What is Caliban's War about?
- The second Expanse novel, in a solar system where Earth, Mars and the Belt are on the edge of open war. A crisis on a Jovian moon pulls in the crew of a ship led by a stubborn captain, plus a marine and a veteran politician.
- Who should read Caliban's War?
- Read it if you like grounded, fast space opera with political tension and a strong ensemble. Skip it if you haven't read the first book, which sets up the crew and the central conflict.
- How long and how fast is Caliban's War?
- It is a fast-paced, long read of about 597 pages, first published in 2012.
- Does Caliban's War have content warnings?
- Content we flag: Violence, Death, War.
- Can I borrow Caliban's War for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends Caliban's War; the borrow button above searches it for you.
- What should I read after Caliban's War?
- Readers who liked it often move on to Leviathan Wakes, Red Rising, The Martian.
Your shelf
Saved in this browser only. Open my shelf
Where to get it
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
| Amazon | Check price | Buy new from Amazon |
| Ebook | ||
| Kobo | Check price | Buy ebook from Kobo |
| Google Play Books | Check price | Buy ebook from Google Play Books |
| Audiobook | ||
| Audible | Check price | Buy audiobook from Audible |
Prices appear here as retailer feeds are connected. Where none is shown, check the store. Links open the store in a new tab.
Some store links, including Kobo, are affiliate links: we may earn a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you. Library links are never affiliate links. How this works
Share this pick
Because you might love it
If you loved Caliban's War
-
Leviathan Wakes
The first book in the same series, if you want to start with the ensemble and setup this one builds on.
-
Red Rising
Also mixes interplanetary class conflict with intense action and large stakes, though more stylised.
-
The Martian A friendlier, more hands-on take on survival in a hostile solar system, driven by science.
Science fiction
