A Closed and Common Orbit

I absolutely adored this book. I realise that part of this is that it was a perfect little escape while I was stuck at home with covid, but I do also think it's really wonderful.

It has some similar strengths to the first in the series, in that it's mostly about the relationships between a few outcast characters that become a chosen family and just happen to be in space. But if anything I think it's better written (I guess Chambers getting into her stride with book 2), and benefits from being a more focussed story of a smaller number of characters. And has some weightier things to say about embodiment, the tension between fitting in and freedom, and loyalty & reciprocity.

I am excited about the rest of the series.

Becky Chambers' approach to sci-fi has ruined me. No longer will I accept grungy and dystopian worlds that don't have redeeming character arcs filled with friendship, love, and care. This book is just so good.

"A Closed And Common Orbit" by Becky Chambers is set in the same universe as "The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet" but follows side characters from the first book.

It took me a while to adjust to the new cast (I was still in love with the old cast!) but once I took a little break and came back to it with a fresh pallet, I really enjoyed it. I particularly liked how much the characters tried to look after each other.

I found this much more emotional of a read than I expected. The questions about what makes a person a person, and a home a home, and a family a family, not to mention what is the relationship between ourselves and our physical bodies— it’s a lot to handle! And the book does is so gently even as it’s really fierce on valuing lives and loves. Anyway. She’s so good, Becky Chambers.

Sentience, a near-and-dear topic for me, as with the value of same. Absolutely lovely read, from characterization to world-building. Best thing I've read in ages.

I tore through the paperback in only two days as it combined two genres I really like: sci-fi and the upbringing of "feral" children. At first I was a bit disappointed that this book was not about the crew of the Wayfarer (or at least not all of them) but that quickly wore off because, like the first book, it was such an engaging read. It is told from two changing perspectives in two different times and still manages to keep up a steady pace and not get confusing. Again I was impressed by Chambers' skill in worldbuilding and character composition. And am looking forward to her next work, wherever it will take place!

A wonderful sequel

This book went an entirely different direction from the first in the series, yet it was just as enjoyable. My favorite part of the book was the structure in which the two stories were told in parallel, coming together into a great finish. Can't wait for the third one!

More focused than the opening book, still branches out where needed to build a solid perspective on the characters. It was really refreshing to go through a story where individuals are fundamentally good, where people are there for each other and try to be understanding.