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The Galaxy, and the Ground Within

Wayfarers 4

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The Galaxy, and the Ground Within

By: Becky Chambers
Narrated by: Patricia Rodriguez
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About this listen

 Sunday Times bestselling author Becky Chambers returns to the Galactic Commons in the final installment in her award-winning and critically acclaimed Wayfarers series.

With no water, no air, and no native life, the planet Gora is unremarkable. The only thing it has going for it is a chance proximity to more popular worlds, making it a decent stopover for ships traveling between the wormholes that keep the Galactic Commons connected. If deep space is a highway, Gora is just your average truck stop.

One of the many establishments present is the Five-Hop One-Stop, a place where long-haul spacers can stretch their legs (if they have legs, that is), and pick up fuel, transit permits, and assorted supplies. The Five-Hop is run by an enterprising alien and her occasionally helpful child, who both work hard to provide a little piece of home to everyone passing through.

When a freak technological failure halts traffic to and from Gora, three strangers are thrown together at the Five-Hop. Grounded, and with nothing to do but wait, the trio - an exiled artist with an appointment to keep, a cargo runner at a personal crossroads, and a mysterious individual doing her best to help those on the fringes - are compelled to confront where they've been, where they might go, and what they might be to each other.

(P) 2021 Hodder & Stoughton Ltd©2021 Becky Chambers Adventure Fiction Science Fiction Space Opera

Critic Reviews

*** Praise for Becky Chambers ***
[A] delightful, cozy novel. Devoted fans and newcomers alike will thrill with this imaginative sci-fi confection
Becky Chambers is a wonder, and I feel better for having her books in my life
In a word, brilliant
A quietly profound, humane tour de force
Chambers is simply an exceptional talent
Becky Chambers takes space opera in a whole new and unexpected direction
Terrific. . . a masterly exploration of characterisation and diversity wrapped in intensity, heartbreak and tension
An boundlessly imaginative and fantastical conclusion to a thrilling series of novels
A story filled with heart-warming characters and intriguing connections. Chambers once again creates an epic space setting with a detailed, personal view of some of its inhabitants. Humour and heartache weave through her insightful prose and diverse characters
For fans of character-driven science fiction who are interested in how differences can be a source of strength, not weakness
Becky Chambers writes aliens like no one else ... the only flaw in this series is you'll wish you could spend more time with all of them
All stars
Most relevant
Becky Chambers has reinvigorated and also in a way redefined sci-fi with her heartfelt, well imagined and diverse Wayfarer series. And this final novel is the perfect way to finish the series. What a joy to listen to this was.

And with these audiobooks Patricia Rodriguez has added a faultless narration. Once again she adds depth and life to Becky’s story. I’ve listened to hundreds of audiobooks over the years and have heard no better narrator than Patricia.

Some may find the story a little slow here and there but the final payoff is well worth the journey. This book and indeed the entire Wayfarer series are a breath of fresh air for sci-fi and not to be missed in this audiobook form.

Perfect Science Fiction for the 21C

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This is a feel good book and not much more. A world that we all might dream of living in but never will. The story has little of substance and contrived in the most obvious way. If you are looking for a serious read, then give this one a miss. However, if you need a pick me up, then listen to this one. The narrator is perfect.

A Feel Good Book

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i love this series. the books aren’t fast-paced, action thrillers full of derring-do like The Expanse, weighty political intrigue like A Memory Called Empire or a massive space opera like anything by Peter F Hamilton.
but they are good. Chambers focuses on people and feelings. she draws each character with sensitivity, empathy and humour. and i always come away from each book feeling like i’ve had a really lovely, nourishing, warm chicken soup for the soul.

chicken soup for the soul

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Becky Chambers has a beautiful way of writing about current and pressing issues within this complex and incredible universe. This book explores themes of colonialism, racism,
ablism, gender fluidity and bodily autonomy and leaves the reader thinking deeply about the world we live in. At times it felt like a warm hug, and other moments like my heart was being torn in two. The wonderful cast of diverse and interesting characters lead you through the story beautifully, and the reader Patrica Rodriguez pulls you straight into their world.

A truely gorgeous reading experience.

My favourite so far!

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As always, Becky Chambers has written a deeply compassionate book, and it's her best so far.

An Unforgettable Book

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