LEVIATHAN WAKES (UK | US | ANZ), the explosive space-opera from James S. A. Corey, received some huge praise before it was even released. In the words of genre heavyweight, George R. R. Martin:

It’s been too long since we’ve had a really kickass space opera. LEVIATHAN WAKES is interplanetary adventure the way it ought to be written, the kind of SF that made me fall in love with the genre way back when, seasoned with a dollop of horror and a dash of noir. Jimmy Corey writes with the energy of a brash newcomer and the polish of a seasoned pro.

High praise indeed, yet much more was to follow. The critical reaction to LEVIATHAN WAKES, two months on from release, has been stunning.

Here’s what readers have been saying about the first novel in a series that promises to become a classic of science fiction.

‘LEVIATHAN WAKES is an amazing book. In fact, there is not a single negative thing I can say about the novel, which delivers in all phases including setting, characterization, story, pacing, prose, and from a purely entertainment standpoint. Simply put, LEVIATHAN WAKES is the best novel I’ve read in 2011—so far—and arguably the best thing Daniel Abraham has ever written, while introducing a remarkable new talent in Ty Franck’ – FANTASY BOOK CRITIC

‘The world building, hands down, is some of the best that I’ve seen for a space opera novel, with a good cast of characters and story that go along with it . . . This novel feels like a breath of fresh air, trading in the galaxy for our solar system, but retaining an sense of the epic’ – SF SIGNAL

‘If you love tales packed with worldbuildy details like how humans cored asteroids, pumped them full of atmosphere, and spun them up for gravity’s sake, then you’ll love this novel to pieces’ – i09

‘LEVIATHAN WAKES is space opera for the masses—it asks for little from its readers other than that they show up and enjoy the ride, no doctorate in quantum mechanics necessary. The classic juxtaposition of Miller’s hard-edged noir narrative and Holden’s idealistic adventure are perfectly suited for one another and together they form the most enjoyable novel I’ve read so far in 2011. It’s fast, it’s fun and it’s escapist science fiction in the purest sense of the term. One can only hope that The Expanse is expansive, indeed’ – A DRIBBLE OF INK

‘One of the best opening volumes to an SF series in recent memory, one of the most entertaining novels I’ve read in 2011 and a novel that only has me hungry for more in the series. This is a Space Opera I want to see more of on the shelves’ – SFF WORLD

‘A ridiculously entertaining space opera . . . A relentless, page-turning novel with some great character-building’ – THE WERTZONE

‘So far as cinematic sci-fi goes, LEVIATHAN WAKES is as entertaining and summer-blockbuster as you can get with a 600 page book’ – BOOK SMUGGLERS

‘LEVIATHAN WAKES has it all and I defy you to come away from this book empty handed when I’m talking about things like the death of a battle cruiser, alien infestations on a space station and gunfights in seedy space port hotels . . . If you read one science fiction novel this year I’d seriously consider making it this one. Essential space opera reading that bodes very well for future books in the series’ – GRAEME’S FANTASY BOOK REVIEW

‘This new science fiction series begins with an incredible story, complex and well-executed. With an intriguing storyline, vivid characters, and even vomiting zombies, this was highly enjoyable from start to finish. Blending suspense, horror, space opera, and mystery – this first installment is one no science fiction fan will want to miss’ – SCIFI CHICK

‘If you’re looking for some Space Opera Noir SF goodness, then read this one, people. It’s sure to please. It certainly did good things for me’ – ELITIST BOOK REVIEWS

‘LEVIATHAN WAKES is a big novel full of movie worthy space battles, hand-to-hand combat, near death experiences, a couple of love stories, and a big bad evil to be fought and conquered . . . Approachable, easy-to-read, and entertaining’ – GRASPING FOR THE WIND

If you’re still somehow unconvinced, you can check out a free excerpt here. There are also wallpapers of the fabulous artwork available  here. Finally, author James S. A. Corey talks about some of the ideas behind LEVIATHAN WAKES here.

The second book in the Expanse series, CALIBAN’S WAR, is due for release in June 2012.