Record of a Spaceborn Few - (Wayfarers) by Becky Chambers

About the Book

"Originally published in Great Britain in 2018 by Hodder & Stoughton, a Hachette UK Company"--Copyright page.

Book Synopsis

National Bestseller!

Winner of the Hugo Award for Best Series!

Brimming with Chambers' signature blend of heart-warming character relationships and dazzling adventure, Record of a Spaceborn few is the third standalone installment of the Wayfarers series, set in the sprawling universe of the Galactic Commons, and following a new motley crew on a journey to another corner corner of the cosmos--one often mentioned, but not yet explored.

Return to the sprawling universe of the Galactic Commons, as humans, artificial intelligence, aliens, and some beings yet undiscovered explore what it means to be a community in this exciting third adventure in the acclaimed and multi-award-nominated science fiction Wayfarers series, brimming with heartwarming characters and dazzling space adventure.

Hundreds of years ago, the last humans on Earth boarded the Exodus Fleet in search of a new home among the stars. After centuries spent wandering empty space, their descendants were eventually accepted by the well-established species that govern the Milky Way.

But that was long ago. Today, the Exodus Fleet is a living relic, the birthplace of many, yet a place few outsiders have ever visited. While the Exodans take great pride in their original community and traditions, their culture has been influenced by others beyond their bulkheads. As many Exodans leave for alien cities or terrestrial colonies, those who remain are left to ponder their own lives and futures: What is the purpose of a ship that has reached its destination? Why remain in space when there are habitable worlds available to live? What is the price of sustaining their carefully balanced way of life--and is it worth saving at all?

A young apprentice, a lifelong spacer with young children, a planet-raised traveler, an alien academic, a caretaker for the dead, and an Archivist whose mission is to ensure no one's story is forgotten, wrestle with these profound universal questions. The answers may seem small on the galactic scale, but to these individuals, it could mean everything.

From the Back Cover

Hundreds of years ago, the last humans left Earth. After centuries wandering empty space, humanity was welcomed--mostly--by the species that govern the Milky Way, and their generational journey came to an end.

But this is old history. Today the Exodus Fleet is a living relic, a place many are from but few outsiders have seen. When a disaster rocks this already fragile community, those Exodans who have not yet left for alien cities struggle to find their way in an uncertain future. Among them are a mother, a young apprentice, an alien academic, a caretaker for the dead, a man searching for a place to belong, and an archivist, who ensures no one's story is forgotten. Each has their own voice, but all seek answers to inescapable questions:

Why remain among the stars when there are habitable worlds within reach? And what is the purpose of a ship that has reached its destination?

Review Quotes

"Chambers uses her considerable talent to take a more focused and contained look at a gut-wrenching story of self-determination and personal autonomy [...] No matter what beautiful and strange world Chambers takes us to, we can count on her to lead with humor and heart." - RT Book Reviews (4 1/2 stars) on a Closed and Common Orbit
"Becky Chambers' debut novel . . . is probably the most fun that you'll have with a space opera novel this year. It's exciting, adventurous, and the cozy sort of space opera that seems to be in short supply lately. . . . Not to be missed." - iO9 on The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet
"Becky Chambers' debut is a joyous, optimistic space opera ... Although it isn't shy about tackling Big Questions, Planet is 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
"As with her amazing debut, the power of Chamber's second space opera is in her appealing characters [...] Her protagonists might not all be human, but they possess more humanity than most" - Library Journal (starred review) 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
"I deeply appreciate Chambers' science fiction, and I really enjoyed this novel. Quiet, kind, character-driven books are wonderfully restful. Delightfully soothing." - Tor.com
"This is a superb work from one of the genre's rising stars." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"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 & Fantasy Blog
"This series is a rare gem within the sci-fi genre [...] Chambers' writing pulls you in, making it impossible not to imagine living in her brilliantly crafted universe." - POMEmag