A review by mwaltos
A Closed and Common Orbit by Becky Chambers

adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective tense fast-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

5.0

Just like the first book in the series, I finished A Closed and Common Orbit at 2am in morning, unable to go to sleep as I neared the conclusion. Following the stories of Pepper and Sidra, the AI formerly known as Lovelace, was just as compelling to me as following the crew of the Wayfarer through space in the last book–which pleasantly surprised me. I think it’s important to note that this story does not integrate the Wayfarer characters at all, so don’t hold your breath for them to show up in the narrative in any substantial way. Structurally, the book is divided into chapters that alternate between the perspectives of Sidra in the present and Pepper during the latter’s youth on her dystopian home planet. Chambers maintains a gripping pace throughout the novel by expertly timing the switches between character POVs. 

 

As a lover of stories about non-human consciousness and self-discovery, this book satisfied on so many levels. Sidra’s struggle to find purpose, break free of the restrictions of her predetermined protocols, and fit in all resonate to a human audience–without negating the fact that she truly is not human. The backdrop for these mostly invisible internal challenges is Port Coriol, the tidally locked trade outpost planet. This multicultural, multispecies environment is just as fascinating as it was in the first book in the series and provides Sidra with bountiful exciting experiences to try for the first time. Pepper’s POV focuses more on the importance of perseverance and the negative effects of dehumanizing sapient creatures. Pepper’s experience as a dispensable worker clone mirrors the way sapient AIs are mistreated in this world, which gives the novel (and their relationship) a nice sense of symmetry and cohesion. 

 

While I missed the crew of the Wayfarer, I would not have traded a moment of this book for anything, even for more time with Rosemary and the gang. The incredible world building of the first novel is just as strong in this book, and yet I feel like there is so much more to explore about the Galactic Commons in the subsequent books. Pepper and Sidra’s relationship felt nuanced and realistic to me, while at the same time inspiring me with their loyalty and relatively open communication. They fight; they hide things from each other. But in the end, they listen to each other and try to always act with compassion. 

 I am absolutely in love with both the way Becky Chambers writes and the world she has created, so I am so grateful that there are still more books in this series. I trust this anthology format without a doubt after reading A Closed and Common Orbit, and I find myself so impressed with Chamber’s character creating abilities. If you loved the first book, then you are doing yourself a disservice if you don’t read this one!