This follows directly from A Psalm for the Wild-Built, so readers who enjoyed that book are sure to enjoy this one as well. This book continues to follow Dex and Mosscap as they travel from town to town so Mosscap can ask people what they need. Dex has stopped making tea for people and is conflicted about it. Both Dex and Mosscap ask a lot of questions and think a lot of deep thoughts. As with the first book, not much happens in terms of plot, so if you would be bored reading about a robot and human asking various philosophical questions, this is probably not the book for you, but if you might find that a comforting, soothing read, this book may be exactly what you're looking for.

I’m having a lot of big feelings right now, and honestly have no idea what they are or how to express them. Somehow, this little book taps into vast and indescribable places, a gentle, meandering soul-searching that rearranges and resettles things, and still doesn’t provide any answers. But maybe that is ok. Whatever it was doing, it did it absolutely right.

Becky Chambers is the ultimate sci-fi comfort read. A recommended first purchase for collections where SF and her previous titles are popular.

Readers of A Psalm for the Wild-Built will love the glimpses and hints of the greater universe; the world-building is both sparse and slow, so this series is recommended for readers who enjoy alternate storytelling styles-- traditional sci-fi readers may have a learning curve.

This is short, continuing immediately after the end of the first book. For readers who haven't yet started the series, I suggest waiting until the series is complete and then reading all books together, for continuity and just because they're so very short. The ending of this part leaves room for more to the story.

Recommended for readers who liked The Cybernetic Tea Shop and who in general like slower-paced speculative fiction. Excellent for "I don't like sci-fi" readers who read philosophy or nature.

Sometimes you get a book that makes you skip the [number redacted] ARCs in your queue to read immediately, and when Becky Chamber’s A Prayer for the Crown-Shy landed in my inbox, you bet your tea wagon I dropped everything to give it a read. With a less linear focus than A Psalm for the Wild-Built, fans of the series will enjoy seeing protagonists Dex and Mosscap interact with several different communities and locales together, all while tackling topics big and small about what we need to live a fulfilled existence—human or otherwise.

Leisurely, lovely, comforting, and thought-provoking, the soft and restorative vibes continue in this second entry of the Monk and Robot series. Highly, enthusiastically recommended and definitely a personal favourite of the year.

Thank you to Tordotcom and NetGalley for an advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.

Like the previous book in the series, this one is such a comforting read. I love how it addresses various topics you may have never even considered. For example, we're shown how the economy in this futuristic world works—one that doesn't work on capitalist ideals. Or why some people associate certain animals with negative metaphors. Plot-wise, this is simply a robot and a tea monk traveling together, learning about the world around them, and learning about themselves. It does a brilliant job of letting you just enjoy the ride or making you stop and think if you feel inclined. It doesn't force your hand; it waits for you to make a decision instead. And it will wait all night by the fire at the beach with you.

This book was perfect. The settings are so cozy, the perfect antidote to modern society’s noise and turmoil. The relationship between Dex and Mosscap is similarly comforting. I love how carefully they explore the boundaries of their evolving relationship with each other and the world, just like the crown-shy trees instinctively know how much to grow and when to stop to maximize the forest’s potential. Although so much of the appeal for me stems from escapism, the book is far from frivolous. In fact, it tackles some of life’s heaviest questions, including, “What do you need?” I loved everything about this book.

Honestly, Chambers is a genuis and I will read anything she writes. This is just as lovely, as meditative, as kind, as complicated as Psalm for the Wild-Built. It did not disappoint the incredibly high expectations I had set for it. I don't know what to say other than "Read this book."

I have been a fan of Becky Chambers' writing ever since I got my hands on the Wayfarer series. While I miss that series a lot, I am really enjoying the Monk and Robot series. There is something comforting about the relationship between Mosscap and Sibling Dex. If there is an utopia, the world they live in may be it. Reading this series feels like a healing session for my soul.

This was masterful. I would read an infinite number of books in this series.

Chambers has a writing style that is beautiful and captivating. The characters shine. Mosscap and Sibling Dex are such complex and wonderful characters, and I love their perspectives. Spot on pacing in my opinion. It was slow and whimsical but never dragged.

This world is amazing. The different ways of living and interacting with the world are so unique and I love the depth it adds. The overall message and takeaway from this was so good and really made me think and reflect but didn’t feel cheesy!!

These books are so cozy and comfortable but they make me think and appreciate the world around me. I read the first one days ago and immediately requested the sequel… and these have become an instant favorite and comfort read.

This was an amazing combo of funny, wholesome, thought-provoking, and interesting.

The only bad thing? I have to wait for the next installment. I’ve already preordered the hardcover and have started bothering my friends about getting ahold of this book.

Beloved characters Dex and Mosscap head towards civilization, where Mosscap gets right to work asking humans what they need-- a challenging question on a small, post-scarcity moon where most needs are met. Their travels prompt the monk and robot to turn the question inward, trading philosophies and sharing both confusion and joy. A Prayer for the Crown-Shy is a beacon for the lost-feeling and a gentle invitation to explore your own purpose.

This follow-up to A Psalm for the Wild Built was such a joy to read and felt way too short! This series is like a warm hug in the form of a book, which is a lovely departure from all of things going on in the real world. I have drawn so much comfort from this world that Chambers has created and the dynamic between Dex and Mosscap makes me feel warm and fuzzy. What I love most about this series is the way Chambers allows her characters to explore existential questions -- it's okay if you don't know what you want in life and it's okay to just be you. I'm really looking forward to more adventures with Dex and Mosscap!

I read this within hour of downloading it from Netgalley. To say Chambers books are a hug is an understatement. This little gem of a book is everything I needed and more right now. Sibling Dex and Mosscap are freaking adorable and deep and frustrating so bitingly human. I would've loved these no matter when they came out, but reading them in the pandemic has been bright spots of happiness and comfort during all the awfulness going on. A optimistic wonderful read that feels like coming home.