Each of these four books is a different story, though they all take place in the same universe, and are remotely connected. While the stories each stand alone, I wanted to review them together--not despite the differences in the stories, but because of the similarities and qualities they all share.

First, the main characters in each, whether human or otherwise, are completely relatable. In Becky Chambers' reality, many beings share similar desires, drives, and emotions, down at their core level. The drives that fuel the actions of an Aandrisk, or an Aeluon, or a Quelin are fully understandable to me, a human. I had no trouble getting behind their challenges, trials, joys, sorrows, and fears. And these characters are well crafted, fully formed, and three-dimensional. Even when they were doing things I didn't agree with, I could see why they did it.

Second, the diversity in all these stories (and in everything else I've read by this author) is off-the-charts superb. Characters come in every size, shape, form, and color imaginable. Sexuality and gender as displayed among and between the many species is so far beyond binary that I think the characters would be dumbfounded by the old human ways of male vs female, with nothing outside those two choices. I loved the way Chambers introduced these details, even showed them in action. And I especially loved how all the other characters simply took these differences in stride. For them--as it should be for us--it was not only acceptable, but *normal* to have all these various ways of just being.

Third, characters in a Becky Chambers novel (at least the ones I've read) are compassionate. Don't get me wrong; Chambers' worlds have antagonism, cruelty, dispassion, and exclusionism. But the *main* characters are not part of that mindset. Instead, Chambers uses the relationships between characters in her novels in a way that demonstrates a kinder, more sensitive way to live. To support one another. To at least try and reach understanding, if not respect, for each other. She's not preachy. She just lets these scenarios play out for the reader in such a way that they appeal. Each one (not just these four, but her Monk and Robot series, too) left me wishing for a world where we treated one another that way.

I wouldn't call these books hard sci-fi. Instead, I'd call them ... space opera. Or soft sci-fi. Or even science fantasy, to some degree. But each Wayfarers book definitely has an otherworldly feel, as in the events are not taking place on the Earth. The worlds that are depicted are well fleshed out, even the third book, which takes place aboard ships in the fleet. There was never a moment when I did not feel grounded (per se) in the setting, or feel like I couldn't see the world the author had created. And oh, the feels! Every single BC novel I've read has moved me to tears--not because they're sad, but because they are heartwarming, evocative. The characters actually learn and grow, and that's enough to give me hope for my own species.

There are four books in the Wayfarer series, and you'll want to read them all: Book 1, A Long Way to a Small Angry Planet; Book 2, A Closed and Common Orbin; Book 3, Record of a Spaceborn Few; and Book 4, The Galaxy and the Ground Within. Even though the books can all stand alone (mostly), you'll want to read them in order since the events from book 2 flow from those in book 1, and so on.

If you love a good "human" interest story, one that will touch your heart, this series is for you. Most highly recommended. ( )