A Closed and Common Orbit

, #2

by

Audiobook

English language

Published Oct. 19, 2016 by Hodder & Stoughton.

ISBN:
978-1-4736-2146-6
Copied ISBN!
(8 reviews)

A Closed and Common Orbit is a 2016 science fiction novel by Becky Chambers, published by Hodder and Stoughton. It is a sequel to her 2014 novel The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet.

3 editions

reviewed A Closed and Common Orbit by Becky Chambers

The two main characters just weren't for me

Thoroughly enjoyed the worldbuilding and the story, but I felt like I had to do the work to relate to the characters. They both start off at points in their lives that are unique, interesting - and hard to wrap my head around. The author does a great job giving them distinct voices and letting them grow over time, but I just found them too far removed to really get into the book.

The secondary characters, however! I really loved reading about them from the perspectives of the protagonists, and as always, the interactions are wonderfully crafted.

reviewed A Closed and Common Orbit by Becky Chambers

made me cry more than once

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.

reviewed A Closed and Common Orbit by Becky Chambers

Review of 'A Closed and Common Orbit' on 'GoodReads'

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!

avatar for cincodenada@bookwyrm.social

rated it

avatar for tastytea@bookwyrm.social

rated it

avatar for cincodenada

rated it

Lists