After how much I enjoyed the first two books in the Wayfarer series by Becky Chambers, I didn’t even read the blurb for the third book. I just jumped into it, waiting to see where Chambers would take me this time.

Record of a Spaceborn Few explores the Exodan Fleet. They were the last people to leave dying Earth, they had planned to be on their ships for generations until they reached a new planet to call home. Instead, they have chosen to remain on their ships, giant cylinders, cities and keeping their history and traditions alive that way.

Through a number of story threads that brush against each other and intertwine, Chambers delivers another powerful and moving tale that examines family, parenting, our influence on one another, and the need to leave to find home, which could lead you back again.

Tessa Santoso, who was briefly introduced in the first book, as the sister of of Ashby, the captain of the Wayfarer, is one of the main characters, and I love her portion of the book.

We also meet Kip, a young man trying to find his way, Sawyer a man who wants to see what the Fleet is all about, Eyas, a Caretaker, Isabel an archivist, and a Harmagian doing a deep dive on Exodan culture.

Once again Chambers invites us into the Galactic Commons and delivers a human and compassionate tale that despite it’s spatial backdrop serves us an examination of what makes us who we are, how we become that, how we are seen by others, and how we strive and grow and hope.

Chambers over the course of these three books has found her way onto my list of favorite writers. She writes beautifully, and her characters and the worlds they inhabit feel real, relatable, and the reader finds themselves considering these people friends.

Despite the space opera settings, her stories are intimate and beautifully crafted. I love how she deals with the characters, genders, sex, acceptance, and revels in the diversity of the universe she has created.

And I love that humans are trying to find their place in it.

Poignant, powerful, humorous, and smart, Chambers Wayfarer series is nothing short of beautiful and moving, and while I’ve already started book four, I’m sad that I will be leaving the GC behind. But I can guarantee I will be reading everything I can get my hands on by Becky Chambers.

I can’t recommend this series enough. Don’t get hung up on the science fiction if that’s not your bag, it’s the characters and their stories that make this book, this series, so moving. Please read them, share them, talk about them.

Hope, family, love, friendship, these are powerfully positive things and Chambers reminds us of who we can be.

Love these books.