The crew is back, and there is a new enemy that is actually the same as always: humanity. But this time the enemy is coming from beyond the ring gates. They have closed themselves off for 30+ years, and now are coming back to rule all of the 1300 systems. I was a bit shocked to find that this book took place 30 years in the future from the last one. A lot of the characterization was the main actors, Holden, Naomi, Amos, Alex, Bobbie and Clarissa complaining about their various aches and pains as they struggle to be <<my age>>. It was funny, and realistic. James and Naomi decide that they want to retire and decide that Bobbie should be the new captain of the Roci. That is how the book starts. And then, like one would expect, it goes sideways.
There was an interesting handoff of characters from old to new. A lot of the older guard are out of play or pushed to the side, like Chrisjen Avasarala, who is still sharp but no longer a major player, and the main characters have to prove themselves a bit to the younger generation. I think my favorite character, in terms of how he was portrayed, was the incoming governor of Medina Station, Singh. He is young, inexperienced, and eager to be groomed to his position. His internal dialogues and external actions all speak to his nervousness, being over his head and beyond his station. The new threat is relying on protomolecule technology to have better weapons and armor, and they are bogged down by the iron fist rule of an empire being formed. In fact, the heroes are able to use the overconfidence of the oppressors to their advantage.
I enjoyed reading this incarnation. I still love the realism of the space travel, the reality of what long distance war would be like, and the human qualities of greed, respect, honor, hubris, all coming together. I’m rating this one a 5 out of 5 again, and the ending obviously set up the last 2 books of this trilogy. I was hooked and am ready to move on to #8. Will be sad to see this journey end… though I have only watched part of the first season of the show so I will get to relive the experiences soon!