Author: Becky Chambers
Genre: Science Fiction
Source: Hachette via NetGalley
Goodreads
From the ground, we stand. From our ship, we live. By the stars, we hopeReview by Nara
The incredible new novel by Becky Chambers, author of the belovedThe Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet.
Centuries after the last humans left Earth, the Exodus Fleet is a living relic, a place many are from but few outsiders have seen. Humanity has finally been accepted into the galactic community, but while this has opened doors for many, those who have not yet left for alien cities fear that their carefully cultivated way of life is under threat.
Tessa chose to stay home when her brother Ashby left for the stars, but has to question that decision when her position in the Fleet is threatened.
Kip, a reluctant young apprentice, itches for change but doesn't know where to find it.
Sawyer, a lost and lonely newcomer, is just looking for a place to belong.
When a disaster rocks this already fragile community, those Exodans who still call the Fleet their home can no longer avoid the inescapable question:
What is the purpose of a ship that has reached its destination?
One of the things I find incredible about Becky Chambers' writing is how effortlessly her world building unfolds. You start off knowing nothing about the alien worlds and species in the novel, and there's a point while you're reading where you suddenly realise you have a very clear picture of the fictional universe and its inhabitants. I think one of the factors that helps this is that her writing has an accessibility which is often found lacking in science fiction novels.
Despite the many points of view, it's very easy to keep track of the characters and stories that eventually intertwine. I'm not sure I'd say any of them were particularly stand-out to me, I thought that they just weaved together very well and I enjoyed them all equally.
I would highly recommend reading all three novels in this series both if you're a scifi lover and if you're new to the genre and looking for somewhere to start.
Really liked it
RatingsOverall: 8/10
Plot: 4/5
Writing: 4/5
World Building: 5/5
Characters: 4/5
Cover: 4/5
