The Galaxy, and the Ground Within (Wayfarers Series #4)

by Becky Chambers Narrated by Rachel Dulude

Overview

Return to the sprawling, Hugo Award-winning universe of the Galactic Commons to explore another corner of the cosmos-one often mentioned, but not yet explored-in this absorbing entry in the Wayfarers series, which blends heart-warming characters and imaginative adventure.

With no water, no air, and no native life, the planet Gora is unremarkable. The only thing it has going for it is a chance proximity to more popular worlds, making it a decent stopover for ships traveling between the wormholes that keep the Galactic Commons connected. If deep space is a highway, Gora is just your average truck stop.

At the Five-Hop One-Stop, long-haul spacers can stretch their legs (if they have legs, that is), and get fuel, transit permits, and assorted supplies. The Five-Hop is run by an enterprising alien and her sometimes helpful child, who work hard to provide a little piece of home to everyone passing through.

When a freak technological failure halts all traffic to and from Gora, three strangers-all different species with different aims-are thrown together at the Five-Hop. Grounded, with nothing to do but wait, the trio-an exiled artist with an appointment to keep, a cargo runner at a personal crossroads, and a mysterious individual doing her best to help those on the fringes-are compelled to confront where they've been, where they might go, and what they are, or could be, to each other.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

“[A] delightful, cozy novel. Devoted fans and newcomers alike will thrill with this imaginative sci-fi confection.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“A story filled with heart-warming characters and intriguing connections. Chambers once again creates an epic space setting with a detailed, personal view of some of its inhabitants. Humor and heartache weave through her insightful prose and diverse characters.” — Library Journal (starred review)

"For fans of character-driven science fiction who are interested in how differences can be a source of strength, not weakness." — Booklist (starred review)

AudioFile

Narrator Rachel Dulude…moves between the robotic tones of a mechanical talk box, the bubbly excitement of a fluffy preteen quadruped, the clipped speech of an insectoid, and more…This cast of characters will fascinate listeners as Dulude shows her sci-fi expertise. Winner of the AudioFile Earphones Award.”

Booklist (starred review)

For fans of character-driven science fiction who are interested in how differences can be a source of strength, not weakness.”

Library Journal (starred review)

An epic space setting with a detailed, personal view of some of its inhabitants. Humor and heartache weave through her insightful prose and diverse characters.”

Publishers Weekly (starred review)

[An] imaginative sci-fi confection.”

Product Details

BN ID:	2940173028891
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	04/20/2021
Series:	Wayfarers Series , #4
Edition description:	Unabridged

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