"The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet" by Becky Chambers is a heartwarming and thought-provoking space opera that explores the vastness of the universe and the depths of human connection. The novel follows the diverse crew of the spaceship Wayfarer as they embark on a dangerous and lucrative mission to create a hyperspace tunnel to the titular planet. Chambers' world-building is exceptional, creating a rich and diverse universe filled with fascinating alien species and cultures. The characters are well-developed and relatable, each with their own unique backgrounds and motivations. The story is told from multiple perspectives, allowing the reader to fully immerse themselves in the lives of the crew members and understand their thoughts and emotions. One of the novel's greatest strengths is its focus on character development and relationships. The crew of the Wayfarer is a found family, and their interactions and dynamics are a joy to read. The novel explores themes of acceptance, understanding, and the power of community, making it a refreshing and uplifting read in a genre that often focuses on action and adventure. Despite its gentle tone, "The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet" does not shy away from tackling complex issues. The novel touches on topics such as colonialism, xenophobia, and the ethics of artificial intelligence, inviting readers to consider their own beliefs and values. Overall, "The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet" is a beautifully written and deeply moving novel that will appeal to fans of character-driven science fiction. Its engaging plot, memorable characters, and thought-provoking themes make it a standout addition to the genre.
Ann Leckie
Ancillary Justice
Winner of the 2014 Hugo Award, Ancillary Justice is a space opera that explores themes of identity, consciousness, and artificial intelligence. The protagonist, Breq, is the last surviving part of a starship's AI, which used to control a vast network of ancillary soldiers. Fans of The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet will enjoy this book's exploration of diverse characters, complex relationships, and intricate world-building.
Learn MoreMary Doria Russell
The Sparrow
The Sparrow tells the story of a Jesuit mission to another planet, which results in tragedy and soul-searching. This novel combines elements of science fiction, mystery, and spirituality, and it features a diverse cast of characters. Readers who appreciated the character-driven focus and sense of wonder in The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet will find much to enjoy in The Sparrow.
Learn MoreMary Robinette Kowal
The Calculating Stars
The Calculating Stars is an alternate history novel that imagines a world in which a meteorite hits Earth in 1952, sparking a space race to save humanity. The novel features a mathematician and pilot named Elma York, who fights for her place in the astronaut corps. Fans of The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet will appreciate the diverse cast of characters, the detailed world-building, and the exploration of themes like identity, community, and perseverance.
Learn MoreUrsula K. Le Guin
The Left Hand of Darkness
The Left Hand of Darkness is a groundbreaking science fiction novel that explores gender, sexuality, and culture on a planet where inhabitants can choose their gender. The novel follows the story of a human envoy who travels to this planet to seek alliance. Readers who enjoyed the thoughtful exploration of identity and community in The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet will find much to appreciate in The Left Hand of Darkness.
Learn MoreOctavia Butler
Kindred
Kindred is a powerful and disturbing time-travel novel that explores the legacy of slavery in America. The protagonist, Dana, is a modern Black woman who is transported back in time to save the life of her white ancestor. Fans of The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet will appreciate the complex characters, the exploration of power dynamics, and the thoughtful examination of history and its impact on the present.
Learn MoreChina Miéville
The City & the City
The City & The City is a unique and mind-bending novel that explores the concept of dual realities. The novel takes place in two cities that occupy the same physical space but are perceived differently by their inhabitants. Readers who enjoyed the imaginative world-building and complex themes in The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet will find much to appreciate in The City & The City.
Learn MoreKatherine Addison
The Goblin Emperor
The Goblin Emperor is a fantasy novel that explores themes of identity, power, and belonging. The protagonist, Maia, is a half-goblin prince who becomes emperor after his family is killed in a suspicious accident. Fans of The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet will appreciate the diverse cast of characters, the intricate world-building, and the exploration of themes like community, loyalty, and self-discovery.
Learn MoreDouglas Adams
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is a humorous and irreverent science fiction novel that follows the misadventures of Arthur Dent, an ordinary man who escapes Earth just before it is destroyed to make way for a hyperspace bypass. Fans of The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet will appreciate the witty banter, the imaginative world-building, and the exploration of themes like identity, community, and the meaning of life.
Learn MoreUrsula K. Le Guin
The Dispossessed
The Dispossessed is a science fiction novel that explores themes of politics, philosophy, and identity. The novel follows the story of Shevek, a physicist who travels between two planets with very different societies. Fans of The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet will appreciate the complex characters, the imaginative world-building, and the thoughtful examination of community, loyalty, and the nature of society.
Learn MoreN.K. Jemisin
The Fifth Season
The Fifth Season is a fantasy novel that explores themes of power, identity, and survival. The novel takes place in a world where natural disasters are a constant threat, and society is divided along racial and social lines. Fans of The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet will appreciate the diverse cast of characters, the intricate world-building, and the exploration of themes like community, resilience, and the struggle for justice.
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