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4.19 AVERAGE
4.19 AVERAGE
Not my favorite so far in this series but still a readable, enjoyable story...and while the characters were, in my opinion, less memorable than those in the first 2 books, they were likable. The story itself, giving a history of the Exodans and their new and old rituals and traditions was a bit dry and lacked some depth. That said, overall I find this series a fresh, positive and life affirming light sci-fi adventure that is approachable and appealing.
Actual rating 3.5 stars.
Becky Chambers returns to the Wayfarers franchise with a tale of the last remnants of the human race’s cultural centre break down… but are we getting erased from history or merely evolving into a different form in a galactic perspective? I executed a little fangirly dance at reading the blurb and could not wait to start reading…
This has got to be the most underwhelming tale of the series for me. It still has all those hallmarks that we expect from a Becky Chambers novel: science fiction, asks the hard questions about identity, purpose, what it means to be human; which are great themes to explore in science fiction, but there wasn’t the tension and action that I’ve experienced in the other novels. ‘Record of a Spaceborn Few’ is a quiet novel that takes place over a long period of time examining the last strong hold of humanity after they abandoned a failing Earth in search of life in the stars.
I kept putting this book down because it was difficult to get dragged into the story because with each chapter we followed a different POV. Tessa, Isabel, Eyas, Kip, Sawyer, and alien Ghuh’loloan; each have short chapters, maybe a page or two, so it was hard to get established with one character before jumping to another. It took me two-thirds of the way through the book before I found any of it somewhat interesting. This felt like a long-winded observation of the human condition. I wish there was some action, adventure, or comedy intertwined through the plot to lift the tone. When you’re discussing mortality, and the dying out of the human race and judging whether or not it’s relevant anymore, it’s quite the confronting and depressing topic. I was literally squirming in my seat because I was a little bored, a little alarmed, and a little let down.
In the previous novels set in this universe the characters really drive the story forward, and we explore their alien-ness, there impressions of humans, and look as concepts like identity, sexuality, gender, community, family, in such a pleasant way that you get drawn into the story and really get invested in the characters journey – I did not get such a strong connection like that in ‘Record of a Spaceborn Few.’
Becky Chambers has such a lovely writing style, but it didn’t shine for me given the difficulty I was having with the story and pacing. Usually I devour her books, and revel in their unique perspectives. I wasn’t even able to predict much of what was to unfold, because I was unclear of what was happening, what direction the story was going. I feel this story is more philosophical and existential than the others set in the same universe. Which some readers may absolutely love, but it’s not to my reading tastes.
I’m on the fence about recommending this one, it’s a bit of a departure in tone from her previous novels, but then again, she has a strong fan base, and they may appreciate her take on the big questions of humanity’s future in the universe...
Becky Chambers returns to the Wayfarers franchise with a tale of the last remnants of the human race’s cultural centre break down… but are we getting erased from history or merely evolving into a different form in a galactic perspective? I executed a little fangirly dance at reading the blurb and could not wait to start reading…
This has got to be the most underwhelming tale of the series for me. It still has all those hallmarks that we expect from a Becky Chambers novel: science fiction, asks the hard questions about identity, purpose, what it means to be human; which are great themes to explore in science fiction, but there wasn’t the tension and action that I’ve experienced in the other novels. ‘Record of a Spaceborn Few’ is a quiet novel that takes place over a long period of time examining the last strong hold of humanity after they abandoned a failing Earth in search of life in the stars.
I kept putting this book down because it was difficult to get dragged into the story because with each chapter we followed a different POV. Tessa, Isabel, Eyas, Kip, Sawyer, and alien Ghuh’loloan; each have short chapters, maybe a page or two, so it was hard to get established with one character before jumping to another. It took me two-thirds of the way through the book before I found any of it somewhat interesting. This felt like a long-winded observation of the human condition. I wish there was some action, adventure, or comedy intertwined through the plot to lift the tone. When you’re discussing mortality, and the dying out of the human race and judging whether or not it’s relevant anymore, it’s quite the confronting and depressing topic. I was literally squirming in my seat because I was a little bored, a little alarmed, and a little let down.
In the previous novels set in this universe the characters really drive the story forward, and we explore their alien-ness, there impressions of humans, and look as concepts like identity, sexuality, gender, community, family, in such a pleasant way that you get drawn into the story and really get invested in the characters journey – I did not get such a strong connection like that in ‘Record of a Spaceborn Few.’
Becky Chambers has such a lovely writing style, but it didn’t shine for me given the difficulty I was having with the story and pacing. Usually I devour her books, and revel in their unique perspectives. I wasn’t even able to predict much of what was to unfold, because I was unclear of what was happening, what direction the story was going. I feel this story is more philosophical and existential than the others set in the same universe. Which some readers may absolutely love, but it’s not to my reading tastes.
I’m on the fence about recommending this one, it’s a bit of a departure in tone from her previous novels, but then again, she has a strong fan base, and they may appreciate her take on the big questions of humanity’s future in the universe...
Sentimental, romantic sci-fi.
Stars, I was a bit disappointed through the first half or 2/3 of this book… A lot of depressing stuff. But the last third or so it was a beautiful redemption. Becky Chambers is really a sentimental romantic, and I love that.
Stars, I was a bit disappointed through the first half or 2/3 of this book… A lot of depressing stuff. But the last third or so it was a beautiful redemption. Becky Chambers is really a sentimental romantic, and I love that.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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
Perhaps the weakest book of the series IMO but it did grow on me the farther I read. Occurring somewhat simultaneously as the second book, this one picks up almost immediately after the events of the first book and examines (among other things) the ripple effects that the attack in book 1 had on other corners of society.
The numerous POVs in this one make it a little more difficult to follow but I loved the way several of the new characters in this book connected back to some beloved favorites from book 1, giving us more context for their life.
A few things that I think really shined in this book: positive representation of sex work as vital community care, eco friendly/self sustaining lifestyle to the max, questioning/reevaluating your daily routines and dreams and goals, the importance of memory keeping and history.
The numerous POVs in this one make it a little more difficult to follow but I loved the way several of the new characters in this book connected back to some beloved favorites from book 1, giving us more context for their life.
A few things that I think really shined in this book: positive representation of sex work as vital community care, eco friendly/self sustaining lifestyle to the max
Spoiler
including funeral practices
I really enjoy the author's writing. And I like a world that is not so different from our own... except for the aliens and the fact that earth is destroyed and computers are sentient beings and... lol. I guess what I mean is that her people (of all beings) are just people. Hers are not epic stories of unrelatable heroes and villains. Her stories are just about regular people. They love and fear and grow and change, just like all of us. And even though the setting is so different from my own, I can relate to the characters. Well done.
How is everything Becky Chambers writes so good? This is a great character study/science-nerd out and I loved all of it. I was so sad when I came to the end so quickly!
I started out unsure with this particular volume of Wayfarer's due to mixed reviews however it wasn't long that I grew to love every single character that Becky Chambers introduces to us. (She is frighteningly good at making me feel these things!)
I loved the way that this book examines in exquisite detail, the lives of the Exodans. It wasn't clear to me how our protags might cross paths early in the book and I was frankly, shocked to discover how they do. This pivotal moment sets in motion a series of questions, leading them to examine important questions in life which we all must face.
As per usual, practically a treasure trove of diverse representation, sci-fi and real astrophysical nuance.
I loved the way that this book examines in exquisite detail, the lives of the Exodans. It wasn't clear to me how our protags might cross paths early in the book and I was frankly, shocked to discover how they do. This pivotal moment sets in motion a series of questions, leading them to examine important questions in life which we all must face.
As per usual, practically a treasure trove of diverse representation, sci-fi and real astrophysical nuance.