Heavy on world building and characterization, the motley crew of the Wayfarer won me over quite quickly. I’ve often seen people describe it as “plotless”, but I thought it was solid on that front. They get a job near the start, creating a new tunnel (a very cool concept for a ship and crew) in a nearly forged alliance space, and a “hot zone”. At the same time a new crew member is introduced and we spend much of the time learning about them, as many are different, imaginative and creative species—not at all the standard scifi affair—and seeing their personal arcs play out. It is really well done, compulsively readable and manages to hit emotional highs without feeling manipulative.

The only real complaint I have is that it does feel slightly overwritten in some parts where it is clear what’s happening and what will happen, dragging the pace of the scene down. Some of the diction and structure feel unironed as well. But it is something easily acclimated to. Especially with the immersive shifts in perspective happening and integration of some mixed media. It never gets stale.