Book Focus - Record of a Spaceborn Few

Record of a Spaceborn Few - Wayfarers #3

by Becky Chambers

From the ground, we stand. From our ship, we live. By the stars, we hope

The incredible new novel by Becky Chambers, author of the beloved The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet.

Centuries after the last humans left Earth, the Exodus Fleet is a living relic, a place many are from but few outsiders have seen. Humanity has finally been accepted into the galactic community, but while this has opened doors for many, those who have not yet left for alien cities fear that their carefully cultivated way of life is under threat.

Tessa chose to stay home when her brother Ashby left for the stars, but has to question that decision when her position in the Fleet is threatened.

Kip, a reluctant young apprentice, itches for change but doesn't know where to find it.

Sawyer, a lost and lonely newcomer, is just looking for a place to belong.

When a disaster rocks this already fragile community, those Exodans who still call the Fleet their home can no longer avoid the inescapable question:

What is the purpose of a ship that has reached its destination?

Add to Goodreads

Category: Science Fiction

ISBN: 9781473647602

Publication date: June 14, 2018

Review - Songs About a Girl

Songs About a Girl #1 by Chris Russell

What they say: Charlie Bloom never wanted to be 'with the band'. She's happiest out of the spotlight, behind her camera, unseen and unnoticed. But when she's asked to take backstage photos for hot new boy band Fire&Lights, she can't pass up the chance. 

Catapulted into a world of paparazzi and backstage bickering, Charlie soon becomes caught between gorgeous but damaged frontman, Gabriel West, and his boy-next-door bandmate Olly Samson. Then, as the boys' rivalry threatens to tear the band apart, Charlie stumbles upon a mind-blowing secret, hidden in the lyrics of their songs...

Add to Goodreads

Buy links:

Amazon UK * Amazon US

I received a copy in exchange for an honest review!

What I say: Aww Songs About a Girl is as sweet as a coke float with a cherry on top, but tackles some pretty serious topics without ever feeling preachy. Okay hands up who would have loved to meet and hang out with their favourite boyband as a teenager?

Charlie is cute and quirky - I do love a gal who knows how to rock a beanie, but I did have a few 'Bella Swan' moments of wondering what everybody seemed to see in her. BUT I think she's purposefully ordinary so that readers can feel as though this could happen to them (who wouldn't want to meet teen idols). The trolling elements are realistic and a hard read. I felt so sorry for her - things seem to escalate quickly.

I wasn't initially entirely convinced by all the lyric related drama but as the story develops I did find myself more invested in discovering where they actually came from. Onto the love triangle: I do usually find them annoying but I'm not entirely sure I'd really label this as a triangle but I did have my favourite guy.

I had my own theory about Gabe pretty early on but I'm not sure Chris Russell would want to take the story down such a dark route so I'm sure there's a better explanation. I liked all of the members of the band as they all seemed to bring something different to the story and to Charlie's life - Olly always made me smile. The action and drama really increases as the story develops so be prepared for a cliffy...

4 Stars in my Sky!

Author links:
Website * Twitter