violetends's review against another edition
- 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
4.75
Overall, I am astounded that this is Becky Chambers' debut. The way in which she crafts the world with its advanced technology, complex social and political structures and numerous distinct species is so complex and well done. The plot is simultaneously wholesome and exciting. I thoroughly enjoyed this ride and I am a little sad to continue the second book away from the Wayfarer (if I understood correctly what the second book is about).
Graphic: Grief, Death, and Violence
Moderate: Terminal illness and War
sybersecurity's review against another edition
- 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
Minor: Drug use and Death
phillym00's review against another edition
- 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
3.75
Moderate: Death
weareinheritors's review against another edition
- 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
4.75
Graphic: Gun violence, Violence, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Death, Drug use, and Sexual content
latida94's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Death and Violence
withlivjones's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Terminal illness, War, and Violence
Moderate: Xenophobia, Blood, and Death
kristinrdub's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: War
Moderate: Gun violence
Minor: Death
julieyael's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
The plot is quite light and you should not expect too many twists, but the main focus of the book are the characters and the general atmosphere.
I would definitely pick it up again to be amongst this crew. The sci-fi aspect is very interesting too, with good reflections on life and humanity.
Becky Chambers was already an author I liked, as I read and loved To be Taught if Fortunate, but now she is definitely one of my favorites.
Graphic: Terminal illness, Injury/Injury detail, War, Grief, and Death
decie's review against another edition
5.0
Moderate: Death and Grief
Minor: War
a_kt's review against another edition
- 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
4.5
I have previously read Chambers' Monk and Robot series and found it be lovely, introspective, cozy sci-fi. I'm happy to say that Long Way follows a similar vein. There is definitely more at stake in this story, but at the end of the day, its a series of episodic character profiles that culminates in a mildly-tense conclusion where the crewmembers have to each use what they've learned or grown from along the journey. Chambers takes a very interesting look at the differences between species, cultures, and perspectives with each character and weaves them into very believable characters that each have their own stipulations and views about the universe and their place within it. Its progressive while still showing political and cultural strife, its wholesome while still being conflicted, and its optimistic while not shying away from the more difficult side of inter-species dynamics. If any of this sounds even remotely up your alley, I'd recommend giving it a try. While not as short as the Monk and Robot novellas, I was able to get through this book fairly quickly despite it not being what I would call a "page-turner". I do think I will try and read the rest of the books in the series but probably not concurrently, as I do feel like I need to read something with a bit more conflict after this.
Moderate: Sexual content and Death
Minor: Racism and Xenophobia