Becky Chambers - Shastrix Books

Becky Chambers

Recently reviewed

Record of a Spaceborn Few

Record of a Spaceborn Few

Becky Chambers

3rd April 2023

Becky Chambers’ third Wayfarers novel takes us to the Exodus Fleet, where we meet a variety of characters at different stages of their lives aboard this now-parked generational voyage.

It is, beautifully, a character driven piece where the plot is almost incidental to just getting to know the people and their lives, as they make a variety of choices about their futures or reflect on their pasts.

I have found these books incredibly relaxing to read, and to allow myself to fall into the worlds Chambers builds up in such an accessible way.

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A Closed and Common Orbit

A Closed and Common Orbit

Becky Chambers

27th November 2022

The second Wayfarers novel loosely continues from the end of the first. While I don’t think it’s necessary to read the first novel to read this one, this probably does carry spoilers from some events from the first novel, so it likely makes sense to read them in order.

This then is a novel about relationships, romantic, friendly, family, and parent-child. It’s a galaxy where these particular examples are outliers though, due to some of the participants in each being seen as undesirable by the current civilisation. And these relationships we experience serve to underline the absurdity of considering some of the characters as lesser members of society.

What I love about this series is that the stories are totally about the characters. There’s no big epic arc going on that means it’s a plot driven saga. There’s no focus on the technology and the sci-fi elements to drive the narrative. The sci-fi setting is just that - a setting in which it’s possible to tell the story of the lives of this small group of characters, and how they weave together.

I’m really happy to have found these novels, and already have the next two lined up ready to read soon.

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The Long Way To A Small Angry Planet

The Long Way To A Small Angry Planet

Becky Chambers

29th December 2021

I’ve seen this series mentioned in a lot of places, and so when I saw this first book for sale I had to grab it (along with one of the later entries).

It’s a book about some characters, and building their world. The plot is there, but definitely secondary, and that’s perfect for me.

Chambers has constructed a crew who are fascinating to learn about and live with, and a galaxy that’s got lots going on, but not to an extent that learning feels like a chore.

I loved everything about this book, and will definitely be reading the sequels.

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Unreviewed books

The Galaxy and the Ground Within

Top books

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  2. The Long Way To A Small Angry Planet
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  4. Record of a Spaceborn Few
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  6. A Closed and Common Orbit