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dustinpedigo's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
gisl's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Good book! I feel like a lot of plot threads were left hanging in the end though. I’m not sure if this is part of a series but the ending felt pretty abrupt and a lot of character arcs didn’t feel fully realized. Aside from that, it was a nice, relaxing read with really good worldbuilding.
ryon's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I’m not a sci-fi person but this book is probably one of my new favorites forever? It’s not a “save the entire universe” plot but closer to a slice of life on a spaceship. The world-building is extremely in depth and balances introducing you to it without info-dumping in huge blocks or leaving you feel like an outsider to the world because you don’t know what any of the nouns are like some others in the genre. I also love the diverse characters in not only physical descriptions but beliefs, personalities, and queer representation (space gays!). Super excited to continue reading the series!
jordansvt's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
slawler's review against another edition
5.0
Cozy sci-fi. Found family. Interesting alien species and very diplomatic relationships between them.
I love that Becky Chambers tackles some of the big, existential themes that are common in sci fi, but extends kindness and compassion to her characters and her readers.
An absolute joy to read.
I love that Becky Chambers tackles some of the big, existential themes that are common in sci fi, but extends kindness and compassion to her characters and her readers.
An absolute joy to read.
cosmic_griffin's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I LOVED this whole series.
The characters had depth, and the interactions and relationships between different species was approached so well. It was inclusive and accommodating.
A lot of the issues that we face in the world around discrimination against minority groups, POC, people with disabilities or neurodiversity is addressed in this through the way that different sapients (alien species) interact with each other and think about each other.
Each of the books in this series dives into the minds of a few individuals with their own unique history and challenges.
Their cultures vary wildly in their traditions, reproduction, physiological needs and limitations, yet there is a respect for each other and their differences.
So, we get a glimpse into a world that understands there can be a wide range of family structures, sexualities, genders, relationship dynamics, and accepts it as it is.
I also loved the idea that language learning wasn't limited to words but that it extended to body language and other types of communication specific to each species.
I especially related to the inner thoughts of the characters when they consciously read body language of other species, or had sensory overwhelm in certain environments.
It felt so warm and cosy to read, and I will absolutely read anything else she writes.
The characters had depth, and the interactions and relationships between different species was approached so well. It was inclusive and accommodating.
A lot of the issues that we face in the world around discrimination against minority groups, POC, people with disabilities or neurodiversity is addressed in this through the way that different sapients (alien species) interact with each other and think about each other.
Each of the books in this series dives into the minds of a few individuals with their own unique history and challenges.
Their cultures vary wildly in their traditions, reproduction, physiological needs and limitations, yet there is a respect for each other and their differences.
So, we get a glimpse into a world that understands there can be a wide range of family structures, sexualities, genders, relationship dynamics, and accepts it as it is.
I also loved the idea that language learning wasn't limited to words but that it extended to body language and other types of communication specific to each species.
I especially related to the inner thoughts of the characters when they consciously read body language of other species, or had sensory overwhelm in certain environments.
It felt so warm and cosy to read, and I will absolutely read anything else she writes.
sarah_mitra's review against another edition
4.0
This started out strong for me - I loved the world building, species descriptions and interactions between them. But the story never seemed to take off. Just lots of little episodes with no real arc. I felt like so many scenes were skipped or briefly mentioned. I couldn't connect with any of them because of all the hopping around.
Update: I put the book down halfway through but couldn't stop thinking about the characters. I realized it wasn't meant to be an action sci-fi but a piece about relationships and beautiful new worlds (with a little bit of great action at the end). I'm glad I stuck with it and will definitely read the rest of the series.
Update: I put the book down halfway through but couldn't stop thinking about the characters. I realized it wasn't meant to be an action sci-fi but a piece about relationships and beautiful new worlds (with a little bit of great action at the end). I'm glad I stuck with it and will definitely read the rest of the series.
lilravio's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
neektay's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0