- Science-Fiction
- Friendship
- Love
- Character-Driven
- Alien Cultures
A Long Way to a Small Angry Planet is a fun, immersive science-fiction novel and the first in a tetralogy. We follow Rosemary Harper as she joins the crew of the Wayfarer, a tunnelling ship responsible for creating shortcuts through space.
What really stands out in this novel is its rich cast of characters. Each crew member comes from a different planet, bringing their own culture, perspective, and personal story. Rather than focusing heavily on action, this is very much a character-driven sci-fi, and that’s where it shines. Every individual feels important, and this diverse, sometimes unusual mix of personalities is not only lovable but also realistic and deeply memorable.
The world-building is vast, as you would expect from a space-faring story, spanning interstellar travel, distant solar systems, and the complexities of life beyond Earth. However, it never feels overwhelming because it is always grounded in the crew’s relationships.
One aspect I found particularly interesting was the thoughtful exploration of gender. The use of multi-gendered pronouns reflects the idea that not all species experience or define gender in the same way, including those who change gender throughout their lives. It is handled naturally and adds another layer of depth to the universe.
If I had one criticism, it is that the pacing can feel a little slow at times. There is action, but it is not the driving force of the story, which may not appeal to readers looking for something more fast-paced or plot-heavy.
The novel explores themes such as personal identity, religion, xenophilia, and most importantly, the power of compassion, friendship, and love over conflict.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story. It kept me engaged throughout, always wanting to pick it back up and spend more time with the crew.
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