Record of a Spaceborn Few
Hugo Award nominee 2019, Locus Award nominee 2019.
Hundreds of years ago, the last humans left Earth aboard the Exodus Fleet. After centuries spent wandering empty space, humanity was welcomed - mostly - by the well-established species that govern the Milky Way. Their generational journey came to an end.
But this is old history. Today, the Exodus Fleet is a living relic, a place many are from but outsiders have seldom seen. Exodans take great pride in their community and traditions, but the cultures from beyond their bulkheads have profoundly influenced their own. Those who have not yet left for alien cities and terrestrial colonies are left grappling with questions: What is the purpose of a ship that has reached its destination? Why remain among the stars when there are habitable worlds within reach? How can they maintain their carefully balanced way of life - and is it worth saving at all?
Record of a Spaceborn Few unravels this complicated reality through a cast of new voices: A young apprentice unsure of his future. A lifelong spacer who wonders if her children might be better suited for the ground. A planet-raised traveller. An alien academic. A caretaker for the dead. And of course, the Archivist, who ensures no one's story is forgotten.
Set in the sprawling universe of the Galactic Commons, this third standalone instalment of the Wayfarers series travels to another corner of the cosmos - one often mentioned, but not yet explored.
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Becky Chambers
Becky Chambers has carved out a distinctive niche in the science fiction world with her thoughtful, character-driven narratives and imaginative world-building. Known for her Wayfarers series, Chambers takes readers to the far reaches of space, but not for battles or intergalactic wars. Instead, her stories explore the quiet moments of humanity (and alien species alike), offering a vision of the future where empathy, connection, and understanding are at the heart of exploration.
Wayfarers
Wayfarers consists of four books — considered a complete series. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.
