A Closed and Common Orbit

A Closed and Common Orbit is a 2016 science fiction novel by Becky [Chambers (author)|Becky Chambers], published by Hodder and Stoughton. It is a sequel to her 2014 novel The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet.

Synopsis

In the aftermath of the events in The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet, Lovelace the artificial intelligence illegally loads herself into an android body and leaves the starship Wayfarer to pursue an independent existence in the company of Pepper, a technician. A parallel narrative strand explores the early years in the life of a genetically modified child slave.

Reception

A Closed and Common Orbit was a finalist for the 2017 Hugo Award for Best Novel.
At The Guardian, Adam Roberts noted that, although the novel is a sequel, it "works as a standalone story"; he also observed that it shares the first book's strengths and weaknesses. Publishers Weekly called it "worthy", with a "friendly, soothing atmosphere" and "beautiful pacing and structure".
Strange Horizons lauded Chambers both for her "delightful world-building", and for her skillful presentation thereof. The A.V. Club considered it to be "more intimate than its predecessor", while James Nicoll described it as "more focused more effective".