Reviews

Record of a Spaceborn Few by Becky Chambers

malinuknow's review against another edition

3.0

This one took a while getting into and maybe I'm still hoping for a story similar to the first book in this series. But all in all, this is a great book, but i cant help but think that the characters was a bit uninteresting. I was gonna give it 4 star..but i think 3 stars are more fitting, honestly.

wakejyles's review against another edition

3.0

Out of the three books by Becky Chambers that I’ve read, this was my least favorite. I still enjoyed it though, there’s something comforting and easy about the characters and their interactions that I’ve consistently loved throughout all 3 of Chambers’ novels. If anything, this one just felt a little empty plot wise. It’s more a study of how tradition and culture evolve over time, which was what kept me interested.

roxyc's review against another edition

emotional hopeful medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

4.0

mmcpheet's review against another edition

emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix

4.5

I shed a single tear upon reading the last page so do with that what you will

rrgailey's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad slow-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

3.0

I picked up this book during a stressful time looking for some adventure and cozy comfort among a group of friends like the previous two books in this series. Instead I was met with tangentially related individual stories of people feeling lost and uncertain with their life paths. This book was not what I expected and not really what I was looking for in the moment. Maybe if I had read it at a different time, I would have enjoyed it more. I’ll stick with three stars since there is a feeling of hope at the end, but this book does feel different than the other two in the series. 

heliofoe's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted sad 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? No

4.5

Funny, hopeful story of what becomes of a people who's entire culture exists in a space colony fleet, and then they no longer need it.

steventheflamingo's review against another edition

hopeful lighthearted relaxing slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

beckporter's review against another edition

adventurous lighthearted

3.5

salad_town's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced

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

4.0

Another lovely read from Becky Chambers. I sometimes find her writing style a little simple, and I feel like sometimes there’s too much exposition from Characters about what the main themes of the book are when the plot points and character get these themes across just fine. Isabel’s several page long monologue at the end of the book really dragged for me and felt quite unnecessary. Trust your readers to understand the themes of the book a bit more!

But, these things are nitpicks and I always enjoy her books. I love the way she writes “Sci-Fi” with people at the focus, it’s very refreshing as the sci-fi genre can be quite plot heavy with very flat characters.

In this one she explores ideas of culture, identity, purpose, immigration etc. Weaving a rich setting, the Exodus Fleet, through the day-to-day lives of several characters. Really lush natural world-building and I found myself longing for a community like the one described!

As is normal with her books, the plot is very light, just enough to keep things moving and tie the characters together, but that’s not something I really mind.

A very enjoyable read, super easy and left me thinking for a while after.

markicha's review against another edition

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

4.0