I'll admit that I didn't look too hard into what this was about (though that's not too much of a surprise as I'm #TeamNoBlurb) but I was definitely hoping this would be more in line with To Be Taught, If Fortunate, than the author's Wayfarers series. Alas it wasn't; but it wasn't bad, either.

"<i>I figured you'd be all numbers and logic. Structured. Strick, y'know?</i>"
"<b>What a curious notion.</b>"
"<i>Is it? Like you said, you're a machine.[..] And machines only work <b>because of</b> numbers and logic.</i>"
"<b>That's how we <i>function</i>, not how we <i>perceive</i>.</b>"

I think this was a little more philosophical and cerebral, definitely existential, than I expected it to be. But in hindsight, a series about a robot and a monk? How didn't I see this coming. That's on me.

"<i>I made made of metal and numbers; you are made of water and genes. But we are each <b>something more</b> than that. And we can't define what that <b>something more</b> is simply by our raw components</i>."

This is definitely a gentle, wholesome, thoughtful, novella, not unlike we are to expect from this author, that simultaneously makes you think while also taking you out of your head a bit -- as the dedication goes, this is for all of us who need a break (boy do we ever). Much like the art of choosing a tea and savouring it, there was something meditative about this, and, as a side effect, made me a little sleepy.

This won't be a favourite but I'm definitely curious as to where this series is going.

"Everybody needed a cup of tea sometimes."

A Psalm for the Wild-Built had me bookmarking so many pages in such a little book. It's a great story for those who love uplifting stories and for those who feel lost. I wish I had a tea monk, though reading this is the next best thing. I'm excited to see where else Becky Chambers goes considering how different this felt from the Wayfarers series. Though I loved both stories, this one was more impactful.

Once again, Becky Chambers strikes gold with her wonderful and insightful science fiction novella, Psalm for the Wild-Built. The start of a new series, this book presents the reader with a philosophical and thoughtful tale of friendship and finding your purpose.

A Psalm for the Wild-Built is a quiet and lovely story, continuing Chambers' streak as the queen of cosy science fiction. This book takes place on a world called Panga, a world that seems to have some similarities to our own, that is in a truly post-industrial age. We follow Sibling Dex as they take up a new vocation as a tea monk -- a member of their religious order who travels around the human settlements, bringing hot tea and a shoulder to lean on. However, Dex feels like there is something missing from their life, prompting the main themes of the book. What do humans need? How do they achieve it within their limited lifespan? How do we find happiness and satisfaction within our world?

A major theme of the book is sustainability. Chambers uses the split of robots from humankind and the way people have adjusted their lives to be more sustainable as a launching point for her signature take on a better humankind. However, one of the reasons I love her writing so much is that she doesn't create utopian societies. Despite living in a seemingly wonderful and beautiful place, Dex feels out of place and unfulfilled. In this way, her worlds and her characters always feel so incredibly relatable.

I really loved the use of tea and tea rituals to anchor us to this world and way of life. Tea, of course, has a long-standing culture of comfort and sharing and I loved the way that she wove this into the book. Dex is almost like your friendly neighbourhood bartender, always happy to provide you with the drink you need and a place to escape your problems for a little while. They take on the burdens of passers-by and provides a moment of peace, even if only for a short time. In fact, I would have happily read more about their journey across the countryside, serving up comfort to those who need it.

The cast of this book is a small one -- we really only follow Mosscap and Dex. While Dex took me a moment to warm to, I immediately fell in love with the wandering robot Mosscap. I am a sucker for cheerful robots trying to understand the complexities of human nature, and Mosscap was no exception. Their chipper and upbeat nature, as well as their differing takes on Dex's questions and problems, was just wonderful. I did come to appreciate Dex and their somewhat bumbling and chaotic nature and really enjoyed watching their character grow as they interacted with Mosscap and faced their problems head-on. The friendship at the core of this book is just so lovely.

A Psalm for the Wild-Built was a big hit for me. I really loved what Chambers was trying to do with this book and the ideas she presented, especially sustainability and satisfaction. Much like a hot cuppa after a stressful day, A Psalm for the Wild-Built wraps the reader in warmth and sense of calm, all while making you think.

4.5 out of 5 stars

Nothing really happens in this book about an agender monk pedaling an oxcart through the wilderness. There are cups of tea, scrumptious meals, and conversations about existentialism with a forest-dwelling robot. At times it gets a little boring, but overall it is a thoroughly cozy and relaxing read and I got major Redwall vibes at the start. A Psalm for the Wild-Built is just the kind of thing you want to read a year into a pandemic, especially if you're a frontline worker exhausted with the evils of capitalism. The dedication says this novella is "for anybody who could use a break." That about sums it up. Bonus points if you're snowed in and are getting the first real break you've had in 12 months.

Amazing world-building, interesting philosophical ideas. Not a lot of characters, but they were likeable. I wanted more to the story, it felt a bit like the plot ended at the 3/4 mark. It has a very soothing, pastoral feel to it, so that's definitely a bonus. Four stars compared to some of Becky Chambers' other books, five compared to the other stuff out there.
I would probably buy it for our library because of the pastoral aspect, as a contrast to the usual kinds of fiction. It's not overly literary and pretentious, or depressing, or thrilling, or full of good guys and bad guys and action, or tied up with interpersonal drama or relationships. It can be just what you need when all the rest sounds like too much.

A wonderfully hopeful solarpunk novella about a monk and a moss-covered robot who become the unlikeliest of friends as they search for purpose and what it is exactly that humanity needs. I loved this book with every fiber of my being. It features Becky Chambers' worldbuilding at its finest with in a future that has overcome its own environmental disaster and found sustainability at the other end. I loved the casual philosophy at the center of the story and the gentle optimism weaved throughout. This book left me feeling hopeful and introspective, and honestly what more can you ask for? An important--and uplifting--read for our times.

A monk and a robot go for a wander in the woods(ish)…

This novella was a great, pleasant surprise. It’s quite a small story, but one that takes a look at some pretty big questions. Its two main characters are fantastic, and is a breath of fresh air in today’s rather bleak times. I really enjoyed this.

A Psalm for the Wild Built begins with Sibling Dex’s sudden shift in vocation. It’s a radical departure from what they were up to before, as they drop everything to become a wandering tea monk. The tea monk travels from settlement to settlement, sharing stories and hearing other’s woes; easing anxiety and helping with a myriad of different tea infusions. In a way, they are the travelling barmen, to whom all will unburden themselves. Dex doesn’t know what they’re doing, to begin with, and sets out to become the best at the job. It’s a steep learning curve, and Dex’s first encounters with patrons are a rude awakening.

Someone approached. Dex sat up straight. “Hello!” they said, a touch too congenially. “What’s on your mind today?” The someone was a woman carrying a workbag and looking like she hadn’t slept. “My cat died last night,” she said, right before bursting into tears. Dex realized with a stomach-souring thud that they were standing on the wrong side of the vast gulf between having read about doing a thing and doing the thing.

The story jumps forward a bit, to when Dex feels more established and confident in the role. They embark on a personal journey, off the beaten paths, and into the half of the moon that was given to the robots after they gained their freedom. Shortly after setting out on this journey, Splendid Speckled Mosscap walks into their life. It’s a startling moment for Dex, who is used to the robots keeping away from humans. Mosscap is an emissary, of sorts, for the robots, who have decided that maybe it’s time to see what the humans have been up to. What starts as an uneasy acceptance of Mosscap’s presence evolves into a quite tender, supportive friendship.

As Dex and Mosscap get to know each other, we learn a lot about the history of this world. How the robots gained their independence, what they demanded (and received) from their human creators. We also learn about how their society (for want of a better word) functions, the quirks that keep them so very different to the humans, and also their position on life and death. We also learn how robots see themselves, how they keep themselves busy, now that they’re not stuck working for humans — turns out, they can be very, very curious about things: “It’s very hard to keep track of robots. We get so caught up in things.” They also have endless patience to indulge this curiosity (oh, to have that freedom!).

“You see, this is my problem. Most of my kind have a focus… they have an area of expertise, at least. Whereas I . . . I like everything. Everything is interesting. I know about a lot of things, but only a little in each regard.” Mosscap’s posture changed at this. They hunched a bit, lowered their gaze. “It’s not a very studious way to be.”
“I can think of a bunch of monks who’d disagree with you on that,” Dex said. “You study Bosh’s domain, it sounds like. In a very big, top-down kind of way. You’re a generalist. That’s a focus.”
Mosscap’s eyes widened. “Thank you, Sibling Dex,” it said after a moment. “I hadn’t thought of it that way.”

It’s very well-written story. Dex’s probing, sometimes clumsy or indelicate questions offer an opportunity to examine the ways in which we encounter and engage with cultures not our own — it also offers a lesson in how generous one can be, when helping others navigate certain new, uncomfortable, or difficult topics. Mosscap has a good sense of humour about Dex’s clumsy questions, and dismisses their fears easily and kindly (if also a bit playfully, at times).

The novella is packed with great moments. It’s an introspective story, without being self-indulgent. It’s a story of bridging cultural and racial divides. It’s also a tender story of friendship and support. It seems strange to highlight this, but it’s a very pleasant, gentle read — at a time when so very much SFF is rather gritty, often battle-/action-packed, it was a breath of fresh air to read a story that was predominantly made up of two characters talking about the world, life, religion, and just bonding on a human-robot level. It also certainly helps that Chambers is an excellent writer, and there are plenty of great passages that I could (but won’t) quote.


A very enjoyable read. Definitely recommended.

4.75 stars

A Psalm for the Wild-Built is a beautiful, poignant novella exploring what it feels like to lose you purpose and the search to find it again. Set in a solar-punk world where many years ago robots disappeared from the world into the wilds after gaining sentience, and humans have had to take drastic action after realising their way of living is unsustainable.

We follow Sibling Dex, a monk who at the start of the book is feeling unfufilled in their life, despite having a seemingly perfect life on the outside. They decide to become a tea monk, someone who travels round offering cups of tea and a chance to talk to those who are feeling weary of the world or even just tired/stressed. At first Dex struggles to adjust to a new role, but soon becomes the 'best tea monk in Panga'. However again after a couple of years of doing this Dex is feeling disillusioned with life once again and decides to embark into the wilderness in search of an ancient pilgrimage site. Along the way they meet Mosscap, a robot in search of what humans feel they need to survive, a concept which is explored beautifuly throughout the book.

I loved the exploration of compassion and caring for others in this book, not just other humans but also other species and plant life. The subtle ecological themes that were woven in throughout the book were done masterfully, the whole book felt like being submerged in a beautiful forest of growth and exploration. I also liked how the idea of people (or any animal) will always priortise their comfort and relieving fear over any long term ecological consequences, and how this leads to situations like we have in our world today with climate change etc. This novella feels like a hope for the future of our world, where humans live in harmony with the enviroment and respect it's natural boundaries. All the lush descriptions of plants and the ecology of the world was fantastic to read about, it created such a vivid enviroment and my little gay plant loving heart was so happy!!

I liked how Sibling Dex was non-binary, and how this was just accepted in the world. It was so such a joy to see the interactions between Dex and Mosscap, their differing views on the world and constructive philosophical discussions. Mosscap was such a sweetie and I loved how they defied the typical 'robot' role in a book.

I also really liked the concept of the tea sharing, tea has such a meaningful place is so many cultures around the world and the idea of having someone craft the perfect tea for you whilst listening to your struggles was such a lovely idea, and I wish we had something like this in our world. I say this about all her books but I truly believe the world would be a better place if more people read this book and took to heart it's messages.

Becky Chambers writing is always stunning and has such a comforting quality about it, this book is no exception. I also love the charm and humour she adds to this book, Dex likes to swear and is pretty chaotic and some moments almost had me laughing out loud, followed by moments where I was nearly tearing up because they resonated so deeply with the struggles I think everyone faces about finding their place in life.

In her dedication Becky Chambers says this book is for everyone who needs a rest from life, and that is truly what this book is, a couple of hours escape into a wonderful world with a charming protagonist and will make you feel like you just had a therapy session. True nourishment for the soul.

[Content warnings: insects, blood, discussion of death]

This is so cute and it makes me so happy! Sibling Dex (29, agender, they/them) and Splendid Speckled Mosscap (agender, it/its) are the only travel duo I need, aka the burnt-out cleric and the impossibly inquisitive robot.

This novella reads like a prequel as we are introduced to the world Panga, a moon of planet Motan, as well as the human religion Sacred Six (Parent Gods: Bosh, God of the Cycle, Grylon, God of the Inanimate, Trikilli, God of the Threads; Child Gods: Samafar, Chal, Allalae). Chambers’ writing is very descriptive, and the world comes to life as Sibling Dex starts out as a garden monk, switches vocation to a tea monk, and decides to take a break altogether and embark on a journey to Hart’s Brow Mountain outside of human settlement.

Set after Transition, which was when people redivided the land use of the moon, the robots were given freedom to leave the humans, and since the signing of the Parting Promise, there were no contact between the two. Until Mosscap finds Dex in the middle of nowhere in their wagon.

Both Dex and Mosscap are incredibly relatable. Dex, a cleric who drinks, has sex, curses, and consumes meat, is trying to find the meaning of life, and Mosscap, a seven-foot-tall robot with a boxy head, wants to learn everything about humans, finding every tiny detail fascinating. The two started off as opposites, one dispassionate and the other passionate about life, and kept each other company during the trek in the wilderness while learning about their different world views. I adore Mosscap; it oozes curiosity and energy in every sentence, and I imagine it as a giant, perpetually wide-eyed metallic robot. I especially love that Mosscap signs, isn’t all logic, and loves the wonders in the world.

Chambers’ dedication line, “For anybody who could use a break,” ties to the story. A Psalm for the Wild-Built made me happy and satisfied, and even though there weren’t a lot of things going on, I am excited to see how the rest of the series go.

Both Chambers’ A Closed and Common Orbit, one of my favorite books I read in 2020, and A Psalm for the Wild-Built are focused on the interaction between human and robot/AI. I love seeing the conversations that brings us out of the human experience to see things from the outside; maybe the interest stems from me being an electrical engineer. This book is joyous and fun, without the intense sci-fi world building in the Wayfarer series. It is a short and light read that put a smile on my face, along with several chuckles along the way. This will be a go-to reread for me the next time I feel as unmotivated as Dex did.

(I was provided an e-ARC via NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)

An excellent meditation on the desire to find the purpose of our lives, as explored through the conversations and explorations of a robot and a tea monk on a distant moon. In some ways, the most fantastical element of the story is a branch of humanity actively choosing to limit their own growth and expansion to only half of their world, and embracing sustainable living.

Even in that balanced and sustainable society, people still have bad days and unfulfilling jobs. The tea monk works to comfort them, but still feels unsatisfied. On a whim, they head out into the wilderness to try to find a locally extinct cricket. They quickly meet the robot, who aides them on their quest.

It's just a really lovely book, and I can't wait 'til my kids are old enough to read it. And I can't wait to read the next one.

I made a vlog of when I was reading the book with my live reactions together with some other books, as well as an individual review that I will post on the release date of the book.