roseybot's review against another edition
4.0
Found the old review on a different edition, just adding them together:
Dany and I basically loved this book.
___
So, I know I reviewed this before, but apparently it's not showing up. Weird, it's on Robots Read if anyone wants to check it out.
I remember loving this book, which is not an encouraging way to start a second review, but bear with me. Because I still really really like it. And I think it is important to note that I do in fact still like this book on a re-read.
Because I'm about to get a little down on it.
So, the thing is, when I read this book, the second one was already out, and I was feeling positive about Firefly still (cause we didn't know the deep dark hole of blackness that is Joss Whedon actually went even deeper), and so I thought, fairly reasonably, that the second book would be about the same characters. It was not.
And that changed the way I read the characters this time -- they aren't terribly three dimensional when you realize that she's not going to keep writing about them. I seem to have thought that there was going to be more, and was therefore willing to wait, but for a 508 page book, I feel like I knew the characters only barely by the end. And that's kind of sad.
But that was my only complaint. I still liked the characters, but they weren't totally all there. And I wish they had been.
Dany and I basically loved this book.
___
So, I know I reviewed this before, but apparently it's not showing up. Weird, it's on Robots Read if anyone wants to check it out.
I remember loving this book, which is not an encouraging way to start a second review, but bear with me. Because I still really really like it. And I think it is important to note that I do in fact still like this book on a re-read.
Because I'm about to get a little down on it.
So, the thing is, when I read this book, the second one was already out, and I was feeling positive about Firefly still (cause we didn't know the deep dark hole of blackness that is Joss Whedon actually went even deeper), and so I thought, fairly reasonably, that the second book would be about the same characters. It was not.
And that changed the way I read the characters this time -- they aren't terribly three dimensional when you realize that she's not going to keep writing about them. I seem to have thought that there was going to be more, and was therefore willing to wait, but for a 508 page book, I feel like I knew the characters only barely by the end. And that's kind of sad.
But that was my only complaint. I still liked the characters, but they weren't totally all there. And I wish they had been.
bookishlyem's review against another edition
5.0
I went into this book feeing really apprehensive. Sci-Fi has never been my thing despite my interest in it. But this book seriously changed my mind about Sci-Fi! I absolutely adored this book. I adored the characters, the writing, the tie back to the title, all of it.
The book is mainly character driven but the call backs to the plot are seamless. I believe the point of the book is to, yes--tell the story of how the Wayfarer gets to said small, angry planet, but more importantly describe a dysfunctionally functional found family. Each crew member has a chance to narrate the journey from their point of view, so I suppose if I had to categorize the point of view this book is in, it would have to be third-person limited x9. (Forgive me if there is an actual name for a multitude of third-person limiteds, I'm still learning all of the correct names for different aspects of literature.) If I could name one or two of my favorite characters, I would. But the truth is I loved almost all of the characters.
I found the history of the GC and the general occupation of space to be extremely interesting. There are humans and then there are actual alien species. The way Chambers goes about writing all of the different species throughout the story is truly masterful. There is history, anthropology, geology, race-relations, and so much more Chambers covers both explicitly and implicitly. Because of how intricate this future way of living is written, the world building felt very real and harmonious. The details that Chambers brought to life in this book are ridiculously cool! Vocal, food, locations, tech...the works!
Personally, I found Chambers' writing to be extremely easy to read, understand, and absorb. The way she weaves in small details that end up being pivotal to the whole story is amazing. The way she introduces new characters, planets and such things is incredibly captivating. As the story progressed, I didn't find myself tripping up or getting super confused with the world building--I grew into it pretty quick which is great. Another aspect of her writing that I found great was how she didn't reveal much about each character until necessary. Even though she didn't reveal much, Chambers revealed a lot implicitly about each character. There are small nuances about each character that Chambers wrote in that seems to reveal a lot about the characters and the world around them.
The circle back to the title is really important in my opinion. Because the book is very character centric, it can be hard for many writers to flawlessly reintroduce the plot/keep the plot at the front of their readers' minds. I've read character-driven books where the plot had absolutely no correlation or no importance whatsoever, or books where there wasn't even a plot when there should've been. But I think that because of the fact that the title literally describes the plot/a significant part of the plot, Chambers was given a constant reminder of its importance. It's because of the plot that these characters are learning so much about each other and going through so much development. Chambers could've easily named this novel something like "The Wayfarer" or whatever, but "The Long Way To A Small, Angry Planet" is perfect. So much has happened on this journey and I'm so glad I was there for the ride. I enjoyed the plot itself, giving us the chance and a reason to learn so much about the galaxy.
Overall, I am really impressed with this novel and I am immensely looking forward to reading the other books in the Wayfarer series as well as Chambers' other works!
The book is mainly character driven but the call backs to the plot are seamless. I believe the point of the book is to, yes--tell the story of how the Wayfarer gets to said small, angry planet, but more importantly describe a dysfunctionally functional found family. Each crew member has a chance to narrate the journey from their point of view, so I suppose if I had to categorize the point of view this book is in, it would have to be third-person limited x9. (Forgive me if there is an actual name for a multitude of third-person limiteds, I'm still learning all of the correct names for different aspects of literature.) If I could name one or two of my favorite characters, I would. But the truth is I loved almost all of the characters.
I found the history of the GC and the general occupation of space to be extremely interesting. There are humans and then there are actual alien species. The way Chambers goes about writing all of the different species throughout the story is truly masterful. There is history, anthropology, geology, race-relations, and so much more Chambers covers both explicitly and implicitly. Because of how intricate this future way of living is written, the world building felt very real and harmonious. The details that Chambers brought to life in this book are ridiculously cool! Vocal, food, locations, tech...the works!
Personally, I found Chambers' writing to be extremely easy to read, understand, and absorb. The way she weaves in small details that end up being pivotal to the whole story is amazing. The way she introduces new characters, planets and such things is incredibly captivating. As the story progressed, I didn't find myself tripping up or getting super confused with the world building--I grew into it pretty quick which is great. Another aspect of her writing that I found great was how she didn't reveal much about each character until necessary. Even though she didn't reveal much, Chambers revealed a lot implicitly about each character. There are small nuances about each character that Chambers wrote in that seems to reveal a lot about the characters and the world around them.
The circle back to the title is really important in my opinion. Because the book is very character centric, it can be hard for many writers to flawlessly reintroduce the plot/keep the plot at the front of their readers' minds. I've read character-driven books where the plot had absolutely no correlation or no importance whatsoever, or books where there wasn't even a plot when there should've been. But I think that because of the fact that the title literally describes the plot/a significant part of the plot, Chambers was given a constant reminder of its importance. It's because of the plot that these characters are learning so much about each other and going through so much development. Chambers could've easily named this novel something like "The Wayfarer" or whatever, but "The Long Way To A Small, Angry Planet" is perfect. So much has happened on this journey and I'm so glad I was there for the ride. I enjoyed the plot itself, giving us the chance and a reason to learn so much about the galaxy.
Overall, I am really impressed with this novel and I am immensely looking forward to reading the other books in the Wayfarer series as well as Chambers' other works!
sybersecurity's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Drug use and Death
1morepaige's review against another edition
5.0
I really really was into this one!! Firstly, I thought the story and characters were great! I loved everyone and I’m a sucker for found-family stories. I laughed out loud at parts and cried through others. All the characters grow and change and make choices that will affect themselves and each other—sometimes forever. I really appreciated the fact that Chambers never overexplained to me. The characters choices were never made out to be a simple black and white right or wrong. It felt strangely like actual real life that way—I was always allowed to look at things myself without anyone telling me how to feel about it. Part of that was due to the perspective changes (which were artfully deployed at the right moments) but I think part of it is just how Becky Chambers writes!! Speaking of...
Secondly, I really liked the writing style. I read a few reviews from people for whom the writing didn’t work, but I felt just the opposite.
It struck me while I was reading that the whole book is written in a way that felt episodic. There’s overarching plotlines, but also smaller self-contained sections, and the overall effect of that was so rad. It felt just like bingeing a really good show and knowing I was getting closer to the season finale.
I really hope the other books are written in just this way. It’s smart, it’s fresh, it felt really good to read—like a special treat. I want to binge-read the next one ASAP.
Secondly, I really liked the writing style. I read a few reviews from people for whom the writing didn’t work, but I felt just the opposite.
It struck me while I was reading that the whole book is written in a way that felt episodic. There’s overarching plotlines, but also smaller self-contained sections, and the overall effect of that was so rad. It felt just like bingeing a really good show and knowing I was getting closer to the season finale.
I really hope the other books are written in just this way. It’s smart, it’s fresh, it felt really good to read—like a special treat. I want to binge-read the next one ASAP.
lovetlr's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
enbyglitch's review against another edition
5.0
I love this book so much! Queerness, incredible alien societies, tangible and intoxicating characters dealing with and reflecting on both trivial and galaxy-endangering problems.
Kizzy reminded me in the best way of Kaylee from Firefly; can't pinpoint anyone else right now but really enjoyed each crew member having a part of their backstory explored and dealt with!
Such a fun ride. Will look forward to returning to this book and checking out the others!
Kizzy reminded me in the best way of Kaylee from Firefly; can't pinpoint anyone else right now but really enjoyed each crew member having a part of their backstory explored and dealt with!
Such a fun ride. Will look forward to returning to this book and checking out the others!
keurimjanee's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
pogue's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
jlkirby's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-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
pattonesque's review against another edition
5.0
4.5
I devoured this book. I loved the characters, the rich world Chambers created and the imagination with which she fleshed it out. The story was maybe not quite as strong as others but it was satisfying.
I devoured this book. I loved the characters, the rich world Chambers created and the imagination with which she fleshed it out. The story was maybe not quite as strong as others but it was satisfying.