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Salvage Crew #2
Pilgrim Machines
Humanity has spread to the stars...
For the first time in thousands of years, we have also discovered the Other. The alien. A being so unimaginably complex that it makes us all look like children.
The PCS Blue Cherry Blossom, a long range interstellar freighter, is tasked with the ultimate voyage. What lies at the heart of the galaxy? Who and what is out there? Is it even possible to survive?
Against a backdrop of relentless political and corporate maneuvering, a new crew sets out, prepared to risk their lives and their deaths to set forth into the void and look for answers. To go where no human has ever gone before.
And thus begins a new space odyssey.
Set in the world of the Salvage Crew by award winning writer Yudhanjaya Wijeratne, Pilgrim Machines is perfect for fans of We Are Legion, Battlestar Galactica, Murderbot, Blindsight and Star Maker.
For the first time in thousands of years, we have also discovered the Other. The alien. A being so unimaginably complex that it makes us all look like children.
The PCS Blue Cherry Blossom, a long range interstellar freighter, is tasked with the ultimate voyage. What lies at the heart of the galaxy? Who and what is out there? Is it even possible to survive?
Against a backdrop of relentless political and corporate maneuvering, a new crew sets out, prepared to risk their lives and their deaths to set forth into the void and look for answers. To go where no human has ever gone before.
And thus begins a new space odyssey.
Set in the world of the Salvage Crew by award winning writer Yudhanjaya Wijeratne, Pilgrim Machines is perfect for fans of We Are Legion, Battlestar Galactica, Murderbot, Blindsight and Star Maker.
- GenresScience Fiction
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 17, 2024
60 people are currently reading
191 people want to read
About the author
Yudhanjaya Wijeratne
29 books235 followersYudhanjaya Wijeratne is a Nebula-nominated science fiction author and data scientist from Colombo, Sri Lanka. By day he is a senior researcher with the Data, Algorithms and Policy team at LIRNEasia, working at the intersection of technology and government policy.
He is the co-founder of Watchdog, a fact-checking organization that sprung up in the wake of the April 2019 bombings in Sri Lanka. He built and operates @osunpoet, an experimental Instagram poet using OpenAI technology to test a human+AI collaboration in art - a thesis currently being explored in an entirely separate trilogy of novels.
Yudhanjaya blogs at Yudhanjaya.com, and has written for Slate, Foreign Policy and more besides.
He is the co-founder of Watchdog, a fact-checking organization that sprung up in the wake of the April 2019 bombings in Sri Lanka. He built and operates @osunpoet, an experimental Instagram poet using OpenAI technology to test a human+AI collaboration in art - a thesis currently being explored in an entirely separate trilogy of novels.
Yudhanjaya blogs at Yudhanjaya.com, and has written for Slate, Foreign Policy and more besides.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 1, 2024
Pilgrim Machines - A Sci-Fi Masterpiece That Transcends the Genre
“Pilgrim Machines” by Yudhanjaya Wijeratne is not just a book; it’s an experience. From the first chapter, I was hooked by the author’s ability to craft an interstellar journey that is both intimate and epic in scope. Set aboard the PCS Blue Cherry Blossom, a freighter tasked with a daring expedition to the edge of the galaxy, the story is steeped in mystery, suspense, and profound philosophical musings.
At its core, “Pilgrim Machines” explores what it means to be human when faced with the unknown—an alien entity of staggering intelligence and sophistication. The narrative poses questions about consciousness, the nature of life, and humanity’s place in the cosmos, all without losing its thrilling sci-fi edge. Wijeratne’s prose is poetic yet grounded, blending complex scientific concepts with vivid, emotionally resonant storytelling.
The audiobook, narrated by Peter Berkrot, takes the experience to another level. Berkrot’s performance is a revelation; his voice perfectly conveys the tension, wonder, and emotional depth of the story. Every character feels alive, and the pacing of the narration keeps you engaged from start to finish.
One of the standout aspects of this novel is its balance. It’s intellectual without being inaccessible, emotional without being overwrought, and action-packed without losing its contemplative undertones. Fans of hard science fiction, as well as those who appreciate stories with philosophical depth, will find this a compelling listen.
“Pilgrim Machines” is a testament to Yudhanjaya Wijeratne’s talent as a storyteller and world-builder. Whether you’re a long-time sci-fi fan or new to the genre, this book will leave you thinking long after the final chapter. Highly recommended—a solid 5-star experience!
“Pilgrim Machines” by Yudhanjaya Wijeratne is not just a book; it’s an experience. From the first chapter, I was hooked by the author’s ability to craft an interstellar journey that is both intimate and epic in scope. Set aboard the PCS Blue Cherry Blossom, a freighter tasked with a daring expedition to the edge of the galaxy, the story is steeped in mystery, suspense, and profound philosophical musings.
At its core, “Pilgrim Machines” explores what it means to be human when faced with the unknown—an alien entity of staggering intelligence and sophistication. The narrative poses questions about consciousness, the nature of life, and humanity’s place in the cosmos, all without losing its thrilling sci-fi edge. Wijeratne’s prose is poetic yet grounded, blending complex scientific concepts with vivid, emotionally resonant storytelling.
The audiobook, narrated by Peter Berkrot, takes the experience to another level. Berkrot’s performance is a revelation; his voice perfectly conveys the tension, wonder, and emotional depth of the story. Every character feels alive, and the pacing of the narration keeps you engaged from start to finish.
One of the standout aspects of this novel is its balance. It’s intellectual without being inaccessible, emotional without being overwrought, and action-packed without losing its contemplative undertones. Fans of hard science fiction, as well as those who appreciate stories with philosophical depth, will find this a compelling listen.
“Pilgrim Machines” is a testament to Yudhanjaya Wijeratne’s talent as a storyteller and world-builder. Whether you’re a long-time sci-fi fan or new to the genre, this book will leave you thinking long after the final chapter. Highly recommended—a solid 5-star experience!
January 7, 2025
A stunning piece of SF exploring the power of the journey, filled with spectacle and wonder and a unique main character - a post human AI starship Mind - strongly recommended
Full review - https://www.runalongtheshelves.net/bl...
Full review - https://www.runalongtheshelves.net/bl...
October 17, 2024
Pilgrim Machines - not your usual space adventure
'Pilgrim Machines' by Yudhanjaya Wijeratne is some of the most creative writing I have read since Clive Barker's 'Imajica'. 'Pilgrim Machines' takes the reader on an epic voyage via the thoughts and conversations of humans who have now 'willingly' been repurposed for deep space missions. (Is it possible that these machines just thought they were once human? I'll have to think about that.) The intelligence of the machines and their human traits of desire for adventure, immortality, and as Maslow professed, self-actualization certainly lends more toward the belief that these machines were, indeed, once living, breathing organic beings.
The reality of deep space exploration, even not so deep space, will require some technology far beyond what most could imagine except Asimov and this author, Wijeratne.
This was a delightful read that kept me engaged as I transverse the universe as an unnoticed passenger. I must give credit to the wonderful oral presentation of Peter Berkrot, who expertly captured the mood and emotions of the travelers on their quest. - Mr.Bill
'Pilgrim Machines' by Yudhanjaya Wijeratne is some of the most creative writing I have read since Clive Barker's 'Imajica'. 'Pilgrim Machines' takes the reader on an epic voyage via the thoughts and conversations of humans who have now 'willingly' been repurposed for deep space missions. (Is it possible that these machines just thought they were once human? I'll have to think about that.) The intelligence of the machines and their human traits of desire for adventure, immortality, and as Maslow professed, self-actualization certainly lends more toward the belief that these machines were, indeed, once living, breathing organic beings.
The reality of deep space exploration, even not so deep space, will require some technology far beyond what most could imagine except Asimov and this author, Wijeratne.
This was a delightful read that kept me engaged as I transverse the universe as an unnoticed passenger. I must give credit to the wonderful oral presentation of Peter Berkrot, who expertly captured the mood and emotions of the travelers on their quest. - Mr.Bill
September 23, 2024
Heavy going hard sci-fi in places but this is balanced out by the narrative voice which is erudite, sarcastic, playful… AI narrated novels are pretty much a subgenre of their own now, but this is a unique spin on it.
If you mixed the intellectual heft and inquisition of Arthur C Clarke with a slightly boozy raconteur on a Friday night, albeit one armed with the fountain of all human (or otherwise) knowledge, it would probably sound something like Pilgrim Machines.
If you mixed the intellectual heft and inquisition of Arthur C Clarke with a slightly boozy raconteur on a Friday night, albeit one armed with the fountain of all human (or otherwise) knowledge, it would probably sound something like Pilgrim Machines.
March 17, 2025
I had read the first book by the author some time ago. My notes state is was fun, with a snarky AI. I needed a distraction book, so I picked up the 2nd book in the series. I found it better than the first book. It is also very different in setup.
This book is focused on the AI Blue Cherry Blossom, a ship of PCS. BCB is a ship that is nominally a cargo ship, but really its a multi-use vessel. This time it gets the mission to try out a new interstellar drive that promises to be FTL, though still within the bounds of general relativity.
What progresses is a journey through our galaxy, one of wonder & delight. The crew doesn’t fully grasp what they have gotten themselves into. They have become explorers, seekers of knowledge. BCB and her crew struggle to comprehend what they experience & how much they have changed things back home.
One fun aspect is their meeting of The Stranger. It is an entity on a pilgrimage to various places, seeking wonder & stories. Through the Stranger they also meet other entities that are even older and maybe wiser. The crew eventually becomes driven to seek out answers from the older entities as to the mysteries of the universe. The answers are profound, though may not sit well with us small minded humans.
It was wonderful to read a science fiction book about exploration instead of dominance. The further BCB went, the less they were bound by the rules and structure of the society they came from. Who cares about setting up a business to salvage the wrecks at a star system when the rest of the galaxy is waiting to be explored. Commercialism falls away and the pure joy of seeing something for the first time comes to dominate. I sure wish something like that could be done today.
This book is focused on the AI Blue Cherry Blossom, a ship of PCS. BCB is a ship that is nominally a cargo ship, but really its a multi-use vessel. This time it gets the mission to try out a new interstellar drive that promises to be FTL, though still within the bounds of general relativity.
What progresses is a journey through our galaxy, one of wonder & delight. The crew doesn’t fully grasp what they have gotten themselves into. They have become explorers, seekers of knowledge. BCB and her crew struggle to comprehend what they experience & how much they have changed things back home.
One fun aspect is their meeting of The Stranger. It is an entity on a pilgrimage to various places, seeking wonder & stories. Through the Stranger they also meet other entities that are even older and maybe wiser. The crew eventually becomes driven to seek out answers from the older entities as to the mysteries of the universe. The answers are profound, though may not sit well with us small minded humans.
It was wonderful to read a science fiction book about exploration instead of dominance. The further BCB went, the less they were bound by the rules and structure of the society they came from. Who cares about setting up a business to salvage the wrecks at a star system when the rest of the galaxy is waiting to be explored. Commercialism falls away and the pure joy of seeing something for the first time comes to dominate. I sure wish something like that could be done today.
November 24, 2025
It was a great read - compared to the first book, it was less Rimworld but deeper and more engaging. I especially loved the journey (or pilgrimage) farther and farther from home towards the centre of the galaxy and the sights that the travellers saw along the way. The first part of the book started rough, but it got a lot better, and given the author's note at the end it was likely due to the unfortunate repeated loss of drafts that had to be rewritten.
The worldbuilding was excellent. It's been a while since I've read something that delves into that wonder of those vast distances in space and time, where the sheer scale of it cuts travellers off from everything they know and casts them into a poignant existence of their own; but instead of the typical fascination of how big space is and how much more there is to discover and know, it was a unique angle to have that evoke a sense of meaninglessness - and the corresponding search for meaning.
The worldbuilding was excellent. It's been a while since I've read something that delves into that wonder of those vast distances in space and time, where the sheer scale of it cuts travellers off from everything they know and casts them into a poignant existence of their own; but instead of the typical fascination of how big space is and how much more there is to discover and know, it was a unique angle to have that evoke a sense of meaninglessness - and the corresponding search for meaning.
January 3, 2025
This is a great sequel! I enjoyed it. At first, I wasn't sure since Nathan Fillion read the first book, and I was hoping for a significantly fun ride. This does not disappoint. I will need to listen again as a lot of subtle text gets missed if you are even slightly distracted while listening.
I hope Yuhanjaya releases a third installation of this thread.
I hope Yuhanjaya releases a third installation of this thread.
March 22, 2025
a thoughtful take on exploring the galaxy. very into buddhism. interesting takes on what a more expressive alien language might be like.
September 27, 2024
Thoughtful, provoking and playing with words and thoughts
A storyline that, through words envokes pictures, places and ideas that you would only imagine but with the tag of life attached. Told from anothers prospective, from a being we do not yet have. A thought provoking journey.
A storyline that, through words envokes pictures, places and ideas that you would only imagine but with the tag of life attached. Told from anothers prospective, from a being we do not yet have. A thought provoking journey.
September 25, 2024
Thought-provoking
This story was enjoyable, with vast distances traveled and questions asked of gods. Liked the Iain Banks references for timelines.
This story was enjoyable, with vast distances traveled and questions asked of gods. Liked the Iain Banks references for timelines.
October 1, 2024
Beautifully written book. A great mixture of hard sci fi, philosophy and sociology. Very good and appropriate ending. There is definitely scope for a sequel.
November 13, 2024
Big concept sci-fi - well written, thought provoking and sometimes humorous - a riveting read.
November 16, 2024
A literary leap forward from the first — already quite good - book. This is not a pulpy popcorn read. It is poetic, moving, and thought provoking.
February 15, 2025
Wow
An opera of a book. A look at a possible future. A hopeful future. Where we are not alone. I really liked it!
An opera of a book. A look at a possible future. A hopeful future. Where we are not alone. I really liked it!
February 27, 2025
Was a great follow up to The Salvage Crew. Love the style of writing and the story line. Been a very different take from the run of the mill Space Opera. Looking forward to a 3rd
April 17, 2025
Powerful. Compelling. Engaging. Awe-Inspiring.
July 26, 2025
Philosophical AIs or robots. Some space travel, Minimal w.b.
November 4, 2025
Pilgrims Machines is a rhapsody about exploration. Blue Cherry Blossom, our narrator, is a heavy cargo liner for Planetary Crusade Services. PCS is one wobbly leg of the human political system, an AI-controlled shipping concern that navigates between the staid bureaucrats of the UN and the the near-anarchists of the Outer Reaches Colonial Authority. PCS moves supplies and people between scattered human systems on years-long sublight journeys.
So when Beacon, an immense alien probe that likes human poetry and tolerates human science, gifts PCS with an interstellar jump drive, Blue Cherry Blossom and its crew take off on a run far far past where any human being has gone before, into a universe far wilder and weirder than we can imagine. There is a long journey with the Stranger, a member of an interstellar civilization of shipminds perennially moving between stars, and encounters with the Grave Yard Keeper, and other old old entities.
This book begins with political intrigue, but quickly transitions into one of the most wonderful meditations on journeys, explorations, and what it means to be a very small being in a very large universe that I've read in a long long time.
This is book 2 in a trilogy. It made sense without reading book one, with optimism you'll learn what you need to know in the first few chapter. It's definitely sold me on the rest of the series.
So when Beacon, an immense alien probe that likes human poetry and tolerates human science, gifts PCS with an interstellar jump drive, Blue Cherry Blossom and its crew take off on a run far far past where any human being has gone before, into a universe far wilder and weirder than we can imagine. There is a long journey with the Stranger, a member of an interstellar civilization of shipminds perennially moving between stars, and encounters with the Grave Yard Keeper, and other old old entities.
This book begins with political intrigue, but quickly transitions into one of the most wonderful meditations on journeys, explorations, and what it means to be a very small being in a very large universe that I've read in a long long time.
This is book 2 in a trilogy. It made sense without reading book one, with optimism you'll learn what you need to know in the first few chapter. It's definitely sold me on the rest of the series.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews