The Expanse (Book Series) – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The Expanse (Book Series)

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2023

82%

WISE Score

4.8

Amazon

Nine-book space opera that's basically Game of Thrones meets hard sci-fi—politics, war, and humanity's messy expansion across the solar system.

The Expanse (Book Series)

book

2023

82%

WISE Score

4.8

Amazon

Nine-book space opera that's basically Game of Thrones meets hard sci-fi—politics, war, and humanity's messy expansion across the solar system.

4.8

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4.8

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Where to Read

Amazon

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Screenwise Verdict

This is the real deal for sci-fi readers. The Expanse delivers what hard sci-fi promises: a believable, physics-respecting vision of humanity's future with genuine political complexity and moral weight. It's not sanitized YA space adventure—people die, politics get ugly, and the universe doesn't care about fairness.

The writing is accessible without being simplistic, which is the sweet spot. Readers consistently call it the best sci-fi series they've read, and that 4.8 Amazon rating across nine books tells you something. The world-building is meticulous, the character work is strong, and the themes about class, colonialism, and human nature resonate.

For older teens ready for adult fiction, this is an excellent bridge—challenging ideas wrapped in propulsive space opera. Just know what you're getting: this is Game of Thrones in space, not Star Wars. Mature content throughout, but earned rather than gratuitous.

Age Fit

Best for ages 15+ who can handle adult themes and complex political narratives. The realistic violence and moral complexity make this inappropriate for younger teens, but older high schoolers who love sci-fi will find it deeply engaging. Adults dominate the fanbase for good reason—this is sophisticated storytelling.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Adult space opera with mature themes including war, political intrigue, and human conflict. Characters display loyalty and cooperation, but the tone is gritty and realistic rather than uplifting. Violence and moral complexity are present throughout, though handled thoughtfully rather than gratuitously.

Imaginative

Exceptional world-building across a colonized solar system with realistic physics, diverse cultures, and intricate political systems. The series explores humanity's expansion into space with creative alien technology, complex faction dynamics, and thought-provoking scenarios about human nature at scale. Reddit and review consensus praise the cohesive universe and inventive storytelling.

Safe

Contains significant adult content including violence, warfare, death, political manipulation, and some sexual content. Not graphic or gratuitous, but definitely not appropriate for younger readers to encounter unexpectedly. The series maintains a realistic military sci-fi tone that includes casualties and morally complex situations.

Enriching

Thematically rich exploration of politics, religion, culture, class warfare, and colonialism. The series examines humanity's collective behavior, resource conflicts, and ethical dilemmas in space expansion. Strong character development and 'pulpy but intelligent' storytelling make complex ideas accessible. High Amazon rating (4.8/5) and enthusiastic reader reviews indicate meaningful engagement.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Realistic physics and world-building that makes space feel tangible and believable
Complex political intrigue exploring class warfare, colonialism, and resource conflicts across Earth, Mars, and the Belt
Character-driven storytelling with deep exploration of humanity's collective behavior and individual choices
Accessible 'pulpy' writing style that makes hard sci-fi concepts digestible without dumbing them down
Complete nine-book arc with thematic depth covering religion, culture, and ethics in space

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What to Watch For

Mature content including warfare, violence, death, and some sexual situations—definitely not for middle schoolers
Political complexity and moral ambiguity may be challenging for younger teens
Nine books is a serious commitment (though readers say it's worth it)
Gritty, realistic tone rather than optimistic Star Trek-style sci-fi

Conversation Starters

"How would you handle the resource conflicts between Earth, Mars, and the Belt? Who has the better claim?"
"The series explores what happens when humanity encounters something truly alien. How do you think we'd actually respond?"
"What political systems would work best for space colonies? Would democracy survive?"
"The characters face impossible moral choices in war. When is violence justified to protect your people?"

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