The fourth (and final?) book in the Wayfarers series was one of my favorite reads in the series, second only to the opener, A Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet. Like the previous books, this story brings together a diverse cast of characters from a variety of species and subtly tackles relevant societal issues.

We get to really delve into the characters, learning their quirks, likes, fears, hopes, and beliefs. And find out that while there are some major differences in their physiology, and in some cases their ideology, they have more in common than not.

Five individuals, who under normal circumstances would never have met, come to bond and form ties to each other. Ultimately, they all have lasting a impact on each other; even after the disaster is resolved and they all go their separate ways.

I loved the characters, and went on an emotional roller coaster with them throughout the journey.

Ouloo is a natural caretaker and is perfectly suited to her position as host. And her child, Tupo, is a riot! They are so earnest, inquisitive, and full of life. They are easily my favorite character.

Speaker is kind of the odd one out. Her species doesn’t interact with the others generally due to major physiological differences. She and her sister Tracker (who is not confined to the bubble, but orbiting the planet) are incredibly close and both worry and look out for each other.

We actually meet Pei in the first book, as she is Ashby’s significant other, but we get to look deeper at her motivations for her career, her feelings for Ashby, the expectations of her species, and her motivations. She bonds with Ouloo a bit more than with the others.

Finally is Roveg. Aside from Tupo, he is my other favorite character. He is used to being alone, but is the first to really connect with the others, especially Speaker and Tupo. He goes out of his way to learn about the others, is incredibly tolerant of Tupo’s inquisitiveness, and stands by his beliefs.

All in all, this was a fun, heartfelt read.

Disclaimer: I received a DRC through Net Galley on behalf of the publisher for review consideration. All thoughts and opinions are my own.