Reviews with content warning for Vomit - The Galaxy, and the Ground Within

I absolutely adored this book.

The final instalment in the Wayfarers series, this novel focuses on an unlikely group of aliens that are grounded at the intergalactic equivalent of a service station during a disaster that prevents them from returning to their ships.

The story is character-driven (my favourite!) and explores many topics including the complexity of family and parenthood, the lingering effects of colonialism, and the obstacles of cross-cultural communication and understanding. If I had to choose an overarching theme, however, I would say that this novel is, at its core, about home. It asks: what is home if you've been exiled from your planet, or if your species doesn't even have a planet anymore? What is home if the expectations of your culture are something you're no longer able to meet? Can a home be something you make, or somewhere you go, or people, or a time, or a memory?

Also at one point the aliens discuss the human fascination with cheese and it's hilarious.

Chambers is one of my top authors - I adore their work. Modern sci-fi fans, please make sure you check them out - especially if you appreciate casual queer rep!

Content Warnings

troisha's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful lighthearted 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? It's complicated

5.0

Content Warnings

sebrittainclark's review against another edition

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hopeful relaxing 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

I loved this book. With no humans at all, this was the best book into the Wayfarer series for getting a look into the different alien civilizations in this universe. The story takes place as 3 travelers are all temporarily trapped in an isolated waystation. The real journey is in how they interact and learn from each other.

Like all books in the series the world building is incredible, and the story incredible thoughtful. I loved every second of it.

Content Warnings

maisierosereads's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging hopeful reflective medium-paced

Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I first came across the Wayfarers series in 2017, and fell in love with it within minutes of starting the "The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet" audiobook. I've been following Becky Chambers' writing ever since, so I was really excited when this book was announced - even if part of me does wish this series wasn't coming to an end!

I was definitely not disappointed.

As always, Chambers' writing is beautiful. It has amazing worldbuilding, a cast of well-rounded characters, and expertly used humour alongside the more serious/emotional parts. I really liked the balance of plot vs character development vs ethical dilemmas in this one, and the pacing felt just right. All of the characters had their flaws, but I definitely liked them all anyway by the end and was rooting for them all to succeed in their individual goals.

I'll definitely be preordering a copy of The Galaxy and the Ground Within, and rereading the whole series in the runup to its release.

Thank you to Becky Chambers and Hodder & Stoughton for letting me read an eARC of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!

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