Reviews

The Butcher of Anderson Station, by James S.A. Corey

ferrisscottr's review against another edition

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4.0

Short story/novella that fits into The Expanse after reading Leviathan Wakes. Tells the story of what happens on Anderson Station and how Fred becomes "The Butcher of Anderson Station" and what follows in his life that changes him into the great character some of us know and love.

It's short (about 40 pages) and quick but well worth the time and gives some of the backstory we've been missing.

If you've read The Expanse series then this is highly recommended.
If you haven't read any of the series then don't read this because you won't appreciate it or understand most of it.

sapphicbookdragon's review against another edition

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4.0

Slow at the start but picks up real good (or "really well," if you prefer). By the end you'll be full of righteous indignation at corrupt authorities, too.

I'm interested in seeing how this character appears in the first novel. This is my first time reading any of the duo who go by the pseudonym of James S.A. Corey, and I've got to say, so far I like their stuff. Seeing a few episodes of the show (The Expanse) based on the books with a friend interested me in exploring this world.

swid's review

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adventurous tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated

5.0

amberfinnegan's review against another edition

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3.0

Decent, quick read. I enjoyed the story and the way it was written. It was interesting to see Fred’s account of what happened at Anderson station.

ronsos's review against another edition

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4.0

Of all of the Expanse novellas, this one is the most essential reading for the series. Don't miss it!

danburn's review against another edition

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3.0

A well written background story for the Expanse series, detailing the incident which shot Fred Johnson, an major character in the series, to notoriety.

amberacks12's review against another edition

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dark reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character

4.0

ria_mhrj's review against another edition

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4.0

Context is always useful, and in the shortest of stories, it successfully captures what drives relatively minor characters from Leviathan Wakes. Can't wait to read more of this world.

miocyon's review against another edition

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5.0

Read this and the Expanse short story “Drive”. Still the best sci-fi around, even in short form. In short stories you get the hard sci-if and character development that you get in the big tomes. These give you the background on Fred Johnson, and what really happened at Anderson Station, and the invention of the hyper-efficient drive that allows for quick travel around the solar system. Even the latter is told in a touching way as you learn about the inventor.

amanzel2's review against another edition

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adventurous dark tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5