The Galaxy, and the Ground Within: A Novel (Wayfarers, 4)
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.
In the fourth installment of Becky Chambers' beloved Wayfarers series, "The Galaxy, and the Ground Within," we embark on an extraordinary journey that delves into the depths of human connection and the resilience of life in the face of adversity.
Set in the vast expanse of the Galactic Commons, this novel follows the story of a group of characters whose lives intertwine in unexpected and profound ways. At the heart of the narrative is Pei, a space station medic who finds herself questioning her purpose and yearning for a deeper connection with the universe.
As Pei's path intersects with a variety of individuals, including a runaway AI, an alien artifact, and a group of pilgrims on a spiritual quest, she discovers that the threads of their stories are intricately woven together. Each character grapples with their own struggles and triumphs, from identity and loss to love and belonging.
With her signature blend of warmth, humor, and thought-provoking insights, Becky Chambers explores the complexities of human relationships and the power of empathy in a universe teeming with diversity. "The Galaxy, and the Ground Within" is a captivating and deeply moving tale that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative nature of connection.
Immerse yourself in the wonder and beauty of Becky Chambers' storytelling as you journey through the pages of "The Galaxy, and the Ground Within." Experience the transformative power of connection, the resilience of life, and the boundless possibilities that lie within the vast expanse of the cosmos.
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