The Galaxy, and the Ground Within - (Wayfarers) by Becky Chambers (Paperback)

About the Book

"When a freak technological failure halts traffic to and from the planet Gora, three strangers are thrown together unexpectedly, with seemingly nothing to do but wait. Pei is a cargo runner at a personal crossroads, torn between her duty to her people, and her duty to herself. Roveg is an exiled artist, with a deeply urgent, and longed for, family appointment to keep. Speaker has never been far from her twin but now must endure the unendurable: separation. Under the care of Ouloo, an enterprising alien, and Tupo, her occasionally helpful child, the trio are compelled to confront where they've been, where they might go, and what they might be to one another. Together they will discover that even in the vastness of space, they're not alone."--

Book Synopsis

National Bestseller!

Return to the sprawling, Hugo Award-winning universe of the Galactic Commons to explore another corner of the cosmos--one often mentioned, but not yet explored--in this absorbing entry in the Wayfarers series, a work of character-driven science fiction that blends heart-warming characters and imaginative adventure.

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.

At the Five-Hop One-Stop, a bastion of cozy sci-fi comfort, long-haul spacers can stretch their legs (if they have legs, that is), and get fuel, transit permits, and assorted supplies. The Five-Hop is run by an enterprising alien and her sometimes helpful child, who work hard to provide a little piece of home to everyone passing through.

When a freak technological failure halts all traffic to and from Gora, three strangers--all different species with different aims--are thrown together at the Five-Hop. Grounded, 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 are, or could be, to each other.

Review Quotes

"Great fun!" - Anne Leckie, author of Ancillary Justice

"Chambers' books are celebrated for their warmth, compassion, and diverse characters, but it's also worth noting that her worldbuilding is top-notch; it's a delight to spend more time in this universe." - B&N Sci-fi and Fantasy Blog

"This is a superb work from one of the genre's rising stars." - Publishers Weekly (starred review) on Record of a Spaceborn Few

"I deeply appreciate Chambers' science fiction, and I really enjoyed this novel. Quiet, kind, character-driven books are wonderfully restful. Delightfully soothing." - Tor.com on Record of a Spaceborn Few

"Optimistic, feel-good, adventurous and fun . . . . As good, smart and satisfying as its predecessor." - The Book Smugglers on A Closed and Common Orbit

"A quietly profound, humane tour de force that tackles politics and gender issues with refreshing optimism." - The Guardian on The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet

"A heart-warming debut novel that will restore your faith in science fiction (specifically) and humanity (in general)." - Tor.com on The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet

"[A] delightful, cozy novel. Devoted fans and newcomers alike will thrill with this imaginative sci-fi confection." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"For fans of character-driven science fiction who are interested in how differences can be a source of strength, not weakness." - Booklist (starred review)

"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. Humor and heartache weave through her insightful prose and diverse characters." - Library Journal (starred review)