Reviews

Thoughtful, moving, no real plot to speak of. I love Chambers' world, especially how humanity interacts with different alien cultures, and how those cultures react to humans -- we are not the Most Special People in the universe, for once, and it's very refreshing. But most of the heavy lifting in that regard was done in the prior two books. These books are sort of a series, and sort of a set of linked standalones, and this particular novel wouldn't hold up great on its own, I think. It has very little internal momentum; it's a quiet book. This is both good and bad: it made for a relaxing experience, though not an especially engaging one.

The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet is still the most fun in the series; A Closed and Common Orbit is the most intelligent and original. This book was nice.

bassgirl456's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful 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

3.75

nanananabatman's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

this book was absolutely beautiful. the search for the meaning in life on a spaceship that's already served its purpose. this book struck home.

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