A rollicking, big-hearted, constantly surprising space opera set in a future that feels good. This friendly and soothing sci fi story features the patched-together ship Wayfarer and its motley crew, who take on a mission so lucrative they’ll be set for years, should they succeed, but so dangerous they might die trying. The mission drives the story, but is almost beside the point in a book widely beloved not for exciting intergalactic exploits but for its seamless worldbuilding and palpable feeling of love and community. Like so many great science fiction writers, Chambers builds her story on big themes—friendship and love, gender and politics, mortality and prejudice—making the story every bit as smart as it is kind. This book kicks off the Hugo Award-winning Wayfarers series; the whole series is inclusive, diverse, and barrels of fun.

Our team is packed with passionate Becky Chambers fans, thanks to the impeccable world-building, memorable characters, and feel-good vibe. In this novella, astronaut Ariadne and her fellow crewmates have a different way of doing things. They subtly transform themselves so they can study other planets and send their findings back to Earth. Each place they visit is an experience all its own and they’re not all welcoming. Still, the crew carries on with their mission, focused on their relationships with each other and what they might learn.

Members of the Modern Mrs Darcy team rejoiced over this brand new novella from one of our favorite sci-fi authors. With her knack for combining quirky characters with surprising science fiction plots, Chambers helps us step outside the “real world” to examine modern society with fresh eyes. In the first installment of her next series, a tea monk dedicates their life to comforting humans in times of need, until they meet a robot friend with an important question. Endearing and delightful, this novella isn’t just for sci-fi lovers. In fact, Chambers dedicates it to “anybody who could use a break.”

Shannan says: Published in 2016, this is the second book and my favorite of the Wayfarer series. Lovelace, the artificial intelligence of the spaceship from the previous book, awakes to find herself in a body (which is illegal) and must now navigate the universe with the help of her new friend, Pepper. Pepper is an engineer who was raised on a ship by an AI after devastating circumstances. I loved this one because of the way Chambers helped me examine some of my predetermined notions and judgements about artificial intelligence and what makes us human.

Shannan says: Chambers’ long-awaited, most recent release comes out this month. This follows Signy, a botanist in an insufficiently resourced planet who uses her skill to help others despite her work putting her in danger. Signy assists Cora, a pilot of a massive living ship via a mind connection. The connection is making Signy sick. This story is a nice blend of the Wayfarer series’ world-building and community and Monk & Robot’s quiet emotional resonance. This is the first in a duology and you should know that going in. I didn’t and when it ended, I was left bereft.