The beloved debut novel 'that will restore your faith in science fiction (specifically) and humanity (in general).' (Tor.com)
When Rosemary Harper joins the crew of the Wayfarer, she isn't expecting much. The Wayfarer, a patched-up ship that's seen better days, offers her everything she could possibly want: a small, quiet spot to call home for a while, adventure in far-off corners of the galaxy, and distance from her troubled past.
But Rosemary gets more than she bargained for with the Wayfarer. The crew is a mishmash of species and personalities, from Sissix, the friendly reptilian pilot, to Kizzy and Jenks, the constantly sparring engineers who keep the ship running. Life on board is chaotic, but more or less peaceful -- exactly what Rosemary wants.
Until the crew are offered the job of a lifetime: the chance to build a hyperspace tunnel to a distant planet. They'll earn enough money to live comfortably for years... if they survive the long trip through war-torn space without endangering any of the fragile alliances that keep the galaxy peaceful.
But Rosemary isn't the only person on board with secrets to hide, and the crew will soon discover that space may be vast, but spaceships are very small indeed.
Staff Choice: Renata
A delicious space opera that made me want to join the crew of the Wayfarer. The characters are so full of life, each with their own particularities and stories. Friendships, different species, relationships, trust, family, everything wrapped in a well-written story set in a future I hope we, as human species, will be able to reach.
Customer Review
Danger! Secrets! Inter-species sex! This is one science fiction novel that deserves all the hype around it, because of the excellent characterization. Each crew member aboard a space ship that tunnels between worm holes is a unique individual - even when they belong to a different species.
Staff Choice: Iris
I once read a review of this book in which it was described as "feelgood science fiction" and I'm happy to report that that's exactly what it is. Maybe not the best book to pick up if you're looking for something fast-paced and action-packed; if you're in need of a beautiful character-driven story, on the other hand, this is the book for you! Not to mention this is probably THE most open-minded, tolerant, accepting sci-fi story that is out there right now: different species of aliens all with their own societies and cultural norms will take care of that. (Side note: it's surprisingly refreshing to read about an interstellar community where humans are not top dog...)
Staff Choice: Isabelle
Becky Chambers' books were the first sci-fi novels I had ever read, and man did she set the bar high. This book was so full of warmth and comfort, I feel so attached to the characters and the world that Chambers created, that I'm not ready to say goodbye. Which is why I immediately bought the second book.
This book isn't centered around plot, although there is some, but the focus is on peeling the layers of each character and the evolution of vulnerability and intimacy amongst the crew members. Each character is full of depth, quirks and imperfections. I'd highly recommend this book if you're looking for a more wholesome approach to sci-fi or if your simply looking to try it out. This book is all about friendship, thoughtfulness, empathy and most of all finding your chosen family.
Customer Review
Science fiction isn't a genre I like reading, hence I did not notice this book until recently. The story focuses on character interaction and their personal story. While most science fiction are about the science and action. This book is a feel good book of a diverse group of characters set in a far away future. It's like a cozy version of Star Trek.
