Book 4 of the Expanse (now a major TV series on Netflix)

I loved the microbiology! As crazy as that sounds... And the colonization of an alien planet still coming down to an almost wild west type of behavior when the big corporation comes to invade the dusty town already there. Then the defense of the planet is mind blowing as well as how the Roci and her crew rescue the space ships in orbit. I will say no more, read for yourself.

The past Expanse books had political implications with each of the actions of CAPT Holden and his crew. This time each of the actions and reactions by the crew had much more personal consequences. Other reviewers felt this was a "filler" novel that didn't fall in line with the previous books in the series. Not the case, just a different level of danger to be handled by the crew. I was disappointed there was no real closure with Elvi however.

Cibola Burn, the first instalment in the second saga of the expanse. While maintaining elements of the space opera format that established the first three books, this books scale and sequence is far simpler. While this may represent the weakest book in the expanse line up to date, this does not make it a bad book. Fans of sci fi and the Expanse series are still recommended to read this, even if for more time with everyone's favourite character; Amos.

This novel is the story of the exploration and settlement of Earth's first extrasolar planetary colony. Unfortunately, the alien machine behind the protomolecule and the reanimated detective Miller is also on the planet making life difficult for both the refugees and the corporation.

Different pace than the others in a different venue with a different blend of characters. A necessary exploration of what would happen in the first colony of the ring. Not as focused, but that didn't ruin it for me.

Worst book in the series so far... The only reason I finished reading it
<spolier>
is to find out more about alien technology and origin.
</spolier>

The whole conflict with the main villain was very artificial and could have been ended many many times during the book by Holden from previous books, but no... it was stretch through the book.
Very disappointing​.

Great series for fans of Battlestar Galactica (the TV series). Each book starts a little slowly, but pay attention! Each character/setting/experience is important and may come back later as a 'carrot' for those who were paying attention. Much better than the TV show, but the show is pretty good.

Different pace than the others in a different venue with a different blend of characters. A necessary exploration of what would happen in the first colony of the ring. Not as focused, but that didn't ruin it for me.

Worst book in the series so far... The only reason I finished reading it
<spolier>
is to find out more about alien technology and origin.
</spolier>

The whole conflict with the main villain was very artificial and could have been ended many many times during the book by Holden from previous books, but no... it was stretch through the book.
Very disappointing​.

Great series for fans of Battlestar Galactica (the TV series). Each book starts a little slowly, but pay attention! Each character/setting/experience is important and may come back later as a 'carrot' for those who were paying attention. Much better than the TV show, but the show is pretty good.

Agree with the tenor of the other reviews. This is a good read and expands on the themes of the other three books. Holden and company are true heroes dealing with the frustrations of human nature holding the species back even as new worlds are handed to humanity on a silver platter. Perhaps a few slow spots during the read, but it always picks up the pace. Looking forward to Book 5.

Another amazing addition to a fantastic series! SO, SO, SOOOOO looking forward to the next book. This book is completely different but in a lot of great ways and I enjoyed revisiting characters that I hadn't seen in a while. This series is really well done, and continues to keep my attention. :)

For SciFi lovers, this series is OUTSTANDING ! The science is conceivable and the character development isn't 2 dimensional. They are completely filled out and believable. I truly love and understand each of them. Can't wait for book 6 to come out this summer!

Yes science fiction is a showcase for nifty extrapolation and social commentary but storytelling and plots are illuminated by characters, and this series draws you in to the action through the emotional life of the characters. Good space opera balances the touchy-feely stuff with the gee-whizz ideas and this series is a fine example.

The story unfolding in the expanse series manages to get better and larger in scope with each book. Excellent characters and writing style coupled with great scientific concepts and nail biting tension.

To be both successful and respected, you have to know when to quit. The writing team known as James S. A. Corey had a difficult time sustaining the last of the okay trilogy they originally planned, breathing in new life and hope as the third volume's plot line appeared to close in on an ancient alien civilization. Then it all went to Hell with this fourth, apparently unplanned, offering, a trite story with every trite character type and plot point known to thousands of failed TV and story writers who hit the wall before their work winds its way through desperation to a dissatisfying--but merciful--conclusion. This protracted space opera, a boring fiasco, does no credit to the once-promising writing duo that fabricated it from old set pieces.

Like the books before it, this one is fast-paced, easy to read, hard to put down, and full of memorable characters. That having been said, I'm kind of over the whole disembodied Miller character, and I could've done without the weird little "Interlude" chapters throughout this book talking about the alien protomolecule conscience (or whatever it was supposed to be). I'm hopeful that future books will take Holden and crew on new journeys without Miller there to "magic" them out of trouble.

Another great read. Starts out a little slow but as always the attention to detail astounds. Love the very realistic character growth and I just adore how Miller keeps popping up.
Can’t wait to read the rest of the series.

As is typical with The Expanse novels our heroes get into more trouble than seems possible They way that happens and how they extricate themselves is what makes "Cibola Burn" a worthy addition to the series. The only warning is FIRST READ THE EARLIER NOVELS IN ORDER. There's too much in this story tbat relies on events previously described.

After the last few books taking place mostly in space it was fun to read about a new settlement on the new frontier of colonizable planets.

I enjoyed this book and thought it kept the series fresh and was a great set up for the next phase in the expanse series.

Looking forward to the ScyFy TV program based on the Expanse book series. Cibola Burn continues the exploits of ship captain Jim Holden and his crew as they endeavor to survive the danger and intrigue of the first alien exposure to our solar system. Those of you that enjoy corporate and political spins on your scifi will get a kick out of this series.

One of the best epic space operas in years continues to deliver. Complex characters, plots, and thoughtful explorations of the human condition wrapped in crazy disasters, alien technologies, and space battles... On to the next!

As the Expanse book series has continued--at least for me--they have been come increasingly confusing. The characters in the book are so wonderful I would hate to see the end of the Expanse series, but honestly, when you have to keep a spreadsheet its getting kind of gamesofthroneish.

Although banging perhaps a bit heavy on the "some humans are just awful" drum, Cibola Burn picks up the pace while the crew of the Rocinante are forced to play peacemakers between civilian squatters and corporate interests on the first human-settled world on the other side of the Ring network.

The expanse series is one of those story arcs that continues to entertain as well as engage the reader on multiple levels. The story continues to get complex which allows for more growth of the characters. You feel like you start to know them and that sometimes they don't react how they have been.

Holden is this great hero who, against incredible odds, rallies those around him to heroics. I love the author's character development and story lines. The author is one of my top five ever and I have read a lot of hard sci-fi. Loved this installment and can hardly wait for the next.

The previous books in the series are brilliant but have their flaws. Cibola Burn uses the characters created in the previous books wisely, introduces interesting new ones and then plays out a clever plot of politics, drama, good old science fiction, action and imagination. A Michelin star meal in a satisfying piece of chewing gum.

A good continuation of the Expanse series and a good setup for the concluding book, presumably when Captain Holden and the crew of the Rocinante will encounter what caused the disappearance of an advanced race that built a galaxy-spanning wormhole transportation network. Many questions and storylines will no doubt be addressed.