A review by bestbedhead
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers

adventurous emotional funny 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

5.0

This is my kind of sci-fi story. As someone who loves sci-fi I always love when humanity is not alone nor is it even the most developed or powerful species. The alien species included in this first Wayfarer book was the first thing that got me truly excited as I started to read and that excitement never waned. I'm a sucker for a found family type story as well and this one well and truly delivers on the trope. What I appreciated most was the loving characterization of each member of the crew. They are real and grounded, each with their own unique perspective and Chambers gives each of them their own story. No one fades into the background as an after thought and I loved that so immensely. I adore this world she has built and all the aliens that inhabit it. I found myself more than intrigued with the roles of society and cultural customs weaved into the intergalactic fabric of the story. 

Chamber's writing was easy and fun and her character dialogue was fresh and natural. I found myself really engaging and connecting to her characters and I think it is large in part because of how like me they felt, despite most of them not even being human.