A review by bookwoods
The Galaxy, and the Ground Within by Becky Chambers

5.0

 The Wayfarers series by Becky Chambers has come to an end and it saddens me deeply. The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet is what kindled my love for science fiction, showing how much the genre has to offer beyond green slimy aliens. Indeed, the interconnected universe with dozens of Sapient species, each more imaginative than the last, with their unique customs, physiques and histories, has blown my mind more than perhaps anything in literature ever has. 

The books have all felt warm, hopeful and reflective, and the finale highlights all those qualities perfectly. The Galaxy, and the Ground Within (oh how I adore the titles), like the previous installments, focuses on a small cast of characters. This time, they are not part of a crew, but end up stuck together when an escalating satellite crash leaves them unable to leave a planet meant as a kind of ‘gas station’. Each is nervous for their own private reasons, but end up opening up to each other with kindness and openness that is delightful to observe. 

Beyond anything else, Chambers’ books make me happy, and none of them have disappointed me. Like I said, it’s sad to see this series end, but at the same time, I take comfort in knowing I can always reread, and I also can not wait to read anything she comes up with next! We already got a cover reveal for book two in the A Monk and Robot series, A Prayer for the Crown Shy, and it’s gorgeous. In general, it’s not just the content of these books, but the titles and designs as well that make them one of the most treasured parts of my book collection. <3