My Experience with A Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers

One of Sci-Fi’s rising stars, Becky Chambers has taken the market by storm, and when an author gets recommended to me from three different sources, I can’t help but be curious, especially when I hear the word “firefly” thrown about.

So what makes A Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet standout (other than its name)?

The first installment of the Wayfarers series follows Rosemary, Ashby, and a crew of delightful characters on an aging starship called the Wayfarer. Ashby has a new contract. And it’s a big one: drill a wormhole to Hedra Ka. It’s a long and dangerous job, but it pays well, and the crew really needs a win. Meanwhile, Rosemary—an assumed identity after bribing an official to change her files—is the Wayfarer’s newest recruit. She tries to acclimate to her new job while also hiding the dark secrets of her past.

The story’s cast, themes, and settings are the driving forces of this story. There isn't a lot of “plot,” but the characters and how they interact make it worth the read. I didn't want to put it down because of how much wonder there was in just how characters of different species interact and understand each other. I’d be in a tough spot if forced to pick a favorite character.

This is a great Sci-Fi if you’re looking for something that mirrors and explores social issues in our own world. While Chambers refuses to preach to her readers, she insists on showing the humanity in even the most outlandish of alien and human cultures and lifestyles, imploring the reader to re-evaluate their assumptions.

I can’t recommend A Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet enough if you’re looking for a character-driven space opera. Chambers has earned a spot on my bookshelf, and I’ll continue to read her stories going forward. Oh. And if you’re a crier, watch out. This one might getcha.