Science fiction
Leviathan Wakes
In a colonised solar system on the brink of war, a ship's officer survives a disaster that points to a vast conspiracy. Elsewhere a washed-up detective hunts for a missing heiress, and their stories collide.
Facts last checked 2026-10-16
- First published
- 2011
- Pace
- Fast
- Length
- Long
- Pages
- 592
- Format
- Book 1 of 9 in The Expanse
Read this if you like gritty, fast-paced space opera that mixes detective noir with big-scale politics.
Skip this if you dislike horror touches and grim violence, as some scenes are brutal and bleak.
The feel
Content warnings
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Quick answers about Leviathan Wakes
- What is Leviathan Wakes about?
- In a colonised solar system on the brink of war, a ship's officer survives a disaster that points to a vast conspiracy. Elsewhere a washed-up detective hunts for a missing heiress, and their stories collide.
- Who should read Leviathan Wakes?
- Read it if you like gritty, fast-paced space opera that mixes detective noir with big-scale politics. Skip it if you dislike horror touches and grim violence, as some scenes are brutal and bleak.
- How long and how fast is Leviathan Wakes?
- It is a fast-paced, long read of about 592 pages, first published in 2011.
- Does Leviathan Wakes have content warnings?
- Content we flag: Violence, Death, Gore.
- Can I borrow Leviathan Wakes for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends Leviathan Wakes; the borrow button above searches it for you.
- What should I read after Leviathan Wakes?
- Readers who liked it often move on to Red Rising, Altered Carbon.
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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 |
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