The Galaxy, and the Ground Within: A Novel (Wayfarers #4) [J0334]

2021 PB in nice clean condition. Return to the sprawling, Hugo Award-winning universe of the Galactic Commons to explore another corner of the cosmos--one often mentioned, but not yet explored--in this absorbing entry in the Wayfarers series, which blends heart-warming characters and imaginative adventure. With no water, no air, and no native life, the planet Gora is unremarkable. The only thing it has going for it is a chance proximity to more popular worlds, making it a decent stopover for ships traveling between the wormholes that keep the Galactic Commons connected. If deep space is a highway, Gora is just your average truck stop. At the Five-Hop One-Stop, long-haul spacers can stretch their legs (if they have legs, that is), and get fuel, transit permits, and assorted supplies. The Five-Hop is run by an enterprising alien and her sometimes helpful child, who work hard to provide a little piece of home to everyone passing through. When a freak technological failure halts all traffic to and from Gora, three strangers--all different species with different aims--are thrown together at the Five-Hop. Grounded, with nothing to do but wait, the trio--an exiled artist with an appointment to keep, a cargo runner at a personal crossroads, and a mysterious individual doing her best to help those on the fringes--are compelled to confront where they've been, where they might go, and what they are, or could be, to each other.

From recent Amazon/GoodReads reviews: "I love this world and these characters so much. This was an excellent book, I stretched it out over so many days so I could enjoy it for as long as possible. For me it was the best of the series."; "The most interesting thing about this one is that Chambers' POV characters are all non-humans, which is a major departure from the last novel and the rest of the series. It was executed really well and I loved learning more about Laru, Akarak and Quelin cultures. I hope Chambers revisits this world, because it still feels ripe for more stories."; "An amazing end to a cozy space opera. I loved the diverse set of characters and how we got to know so much about their species throughout the book so naturally."