An enjoyable continuation of the story of the tea monk and the robot, with a stop for sex along the way. Generally more talky and overtly philosophical than the previous story, and probably not a standalone, but an interesting read, recommend.

The second volume of a (hopefully) longer series. I enjoyed this world which is both post apocalyptic and hopepunk and the ways that both the Monk and Robot of the series title have to deal with the society and other people now that they re-entered the world after their travels together. If you liked Becky Chambers' previous work, you will probably like this series as well. For those who enjoyed the more hopeful aspects of recent shows like Station Eleven, which also dealt with both the apocalypse and the aftermath.

Gah, I love this little book so much. I loved it as much as I loved the first one. It feels like a short yoga practice and it leaves you with that same post savasana feeling, which is definitely wonderful.

This book is fantastic and I cannot wait for everyone to continue with Monk and Robot's story.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

Motherforking shirtballs. This slim book is everything. It's a perfect book for those of us who feel that living in late-stage capitalism has robbed us of something. Has changed our lives for the worse. It's an utterly devastating balm for the soul. It's everything.

Thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for the ARC.

Becky Chambers has done it again. A Prayer for the Crown-Shy is exactly the gentle, thought-provoking, neo-anthropological continuation of the Monk & Robot series I hoped it would be. Chambers continues to be an author you can count on to soothe and inspire hope in readers who are just trying to survive in this turbulent, violent moment of human history.

Chambers continues the Monk & Robot series with this lovely novella, bringing Sibling Dex and Mosscap back to the villages where both are still searching for answers. Philosophical, fascinating and to echo my comments on Psalm for the Wild-Built—it soothes like a warm cup of tea. I hope for more to come. I enjoy visiting with this pair and enjoy being challenged by their questions.

Mosscap had come out of the wilderness to ask questions. There was no better place for that purpose than this.
ARC provided by the publisher Tordotcom and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A Prayer for the Crown-Shy is the reflective and comforting sci-fi novella that will leave you feeling cozy and teary from all the warmth this book emanates.

Inhale and exhale the spring air people because I am excited for the upcoming release of Becky Chambers’ sequel to their famously heart warming Monk & Robot series A Prayer for the Crown-Shy. Finishing this novella yesterday has had me teary and reeling from the assault of warm emotions that has spread within me after reading an ARC of this book as part of my ‘mARCh Madness’ challenge. It was an easy decision to pick this book up because when I finished reading A Psalm for the Wild-Built last year I could not stop thinking about the sequel. It is just a treat to be blessed by the ARC gods that I get to read the sequel in advance. Before I dive into this review I want to shout out the artist Feifei Ruan and design by Christine Foltzer for yet again creating such a beautiful cover. I like that the cover gives readers a teaser about the premise of this sequel and looking at it now with knowledge of what happened in the sequel the warm colours and the city scape in the background encapsulates the book really well.

A Prayer for the Crown-Shy is Becky Chambers second book to the Monk & Robot series following up the tremendous success of the first book A Psalm for the Wild Built. Becky Chambers is widely known for their ability to write comforting sci-fi books with critically renown series such as The Wayfarers. In this second book Chambers continues Mosscap and Sibling Dex’s journey as they venture into civilization to start their tour around the villages to finally reach the city. Mosscap tasked with the questions from the robots to find out what humans need and Sibling Dex now chaperone both find themselves being the center of attention. Throughout their journey they will find new friends, discover and learn new concepts, all the while slowly reflecting on the future.

“But whatever it is we’re doing, it’s the first thing in a long time I’ve been sure about.” They swallowed. “Most days, you’re the only thing that makes sense.”

Becky Chambers writing style emanates a certain feeling that can only be described as healing, gentle, and nourishing. There is a neutral tone that Chambers adopted to convey ideas and concepts through their characters that facilitates a safe space for minds to wander. There is love and understanding contained within the pages of this book that will make you reflect on life and the pleasures to see it from a slightly different perspective. The themes that are rooted deeply in the characters gives readers a medium to project themselves into the characters to be offered a chance to reflect. This book is a science fiction novella but the values and thinking within it can be applicable to every day life. In the first book A Psalm for the Wild-Built I picked up on the importance of resting and to forgive oneself for taking the necessary step to rethink their life. Continuing on this notion Chambers takes it up a notch and makes their characters to not just reflect but to face the unknown possibilities of the future and to find it within themselves to face it without fear.

The world building in this novella is lush, brilliant, and an explosion of nature that thrived overcoming the disaster it had experienced during the factory age. Chambers takes readers on a journey pass beautiful sceneries, lush forests, and vibrant villages with their own charms of welcoming the duo into the space. These villages also have their own lifestyle choices that is distinct and unique for readers to explore. Mosscap and Sibling Dex will find new and old friends to connect with on their journey. While in the previous book the focus was mostly on Mosscap and Sibling Dex, I like that in this sequel we get to see the two characters interact with other characters that prompts discussion between them to find answers on their route to discovery. Their amicable character development in this second book has exceeded my expectations. Their charms and flaws come to light in the most heart warming way as I found pieces of me within each character as they develop throughout their journey. They offer each other a hand during their harshest times as they also check on each other to face the difficulties in life but also offering the safe space to confront it. Mosscap and Sibling Dex’s relationship have truly blossomed into a wonderful friendship and I am honoured to have been able to witness it.

Robots didn’t hold hands with each other, Dex knew, but humans did, and by the way Mosscap squeezed its metal fingers in response, it was clear it understood the gesture.

Final thoughts, A Prayer for the Crown-Shy is the sci-fi comfort blanket that will heal, destress, and distract your mind from the world to offer a healing hand for the soul without the pressure. It is the book that has brought me immense joy this month. Becky Chambers has become one of my most favorite writers in SFF as I will likely read every book in their repertoire. I highly recommend for all readers to read A Psalm for the Wild-Built if you haven’t and then continue on by reader A Prayer for the Crown-Shy after it releases as it is a novella that is versatile and can be perfect for readers that only want easy to consume sci-fi that isn’t too long and too hard to understand. It is also a good book to recommend to friends and other readers alike that have never read sci-fi that want to start reading it.

The quotes in this review were taken from an ARC and are subject to change upon publication.

Mosscap had come out of the wilderness to ask questions. There was no better place for that purpose than this.

ARC provided by the publisher Tordotcom and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A Prayer for the Crown-Shy is the reflective and comforting sci-fi novella that will leave you feeling cozy and teary from all the warmth this book emanates.

Inhale and exhale the spring air people because I am excited for the upcoming release of Becky Chambers’ sequel to their famously heart warming Monk & Robot series A Prayer for the Crown-Shy. Finishing this novella yesterday has had me teary and reeling from the assault of warm emotions that has spread within me after reading an ARC of this book as part of my ‘mARCh Madness’ challenge. It was an easy decision to pick this book up because when I finished reading A Psalm for the Wild-Built last year I could not stop thinking about the sequel. It is just a treat to be blessed by the ARC gods that I get to read the sequel in advance. Before I dive into this review I want to shout out the artist Feifei Ruan and design by Christine Foltzer for yet again creating such a beautiful cover. I like that the cover gives readers a teaser about the premise of this sequel and looking at it now with knowledge of what happened in the sequel the warm colours and the city scape in the background encapsulates the book really well.

A Prayer for the Crown-Shy is Becky Chambers second book to the Monk & Robot series following up the tremendous success of the first book A Psalm for the Wild Built. Becky Chambers is widely known for their ability to write comforting sci-fi books with critically renown series such as The Wayfarers. In this second book Chambers continues Mosscap and Sibling Dex’s journey as they venture into civilization to start their tour around the villages to finally reach the city. Mosscap tasked with the questions from the robots to find out what humans need and Sibling Dex now chaperone both find themselves being the center of attention. Throughout their journey they will find new friends, discover and learn new concepts, all the while slowly reflecting on the future.

“But whatever it is we’re doing, it’s the first thing in a long time I’ve been sure about.” They swallowed. “Most days, you’re the only thing that makes sense.”

Becky Chambers writing style emanates a certain feeling that can only be described as healing, gentle, and nourishing. There is a neutral tone that Chambers adopted to convey ideas and concepts through their characters that facilitates a safe space for minds to wander. There is love and understanding contained within the pages of this book that will make you reflect on life and the pleasures to see it from a slightly different perspective. The themes that are rooted deeply in the characters gives readers a medium to project themselves into the characters to be offered a chance to reflect. This book is a science fiction novella but the values and thinking within it can be applicable to every day life. In the first book A Psalm for the Wild-Built I picked up on the importance of resting and to forgive oneself for taking the necessary step to rethink their life. Continuing on this notion Chambers takes it up a notch and makes their characters to not just reflect but to face the unknown possibilities of the future and to find it within themselves to face it without fear.

The world building in this novella is lush, brilliant, and an explosion of nature that thrived overcoming the disaster it had experienced during the factory age. Chambers takes readers on a journey pass beautiful sceneries, lush forests, and vibrant villages with their own charms of welcoming the duo into the space. These villages also have their own lifestyle choices that is distinct and unique for readers to explore. Mosscap and Sibling Dex will find new and old friends to connect with on their journey. While in the previous book the focus was mostly on Mosscap and Sibling Dex, I like that in this sequel we get to see the two characters interact with other characters that prompts discussion between them to find answers on their route to discovery. Their amicable character development in this second book has exceeded my expectations. Their charms and flaws come to light in the most heart warming way as I found pieces of me within each character as they develop throughout their journey. They offer each other a hand during their harshest times as they also check on each other to face the difficulties in life but also offering the safe space to confront it. Mosscap and Sibling Dex’s relationship have truly blossomed into a wonderful friendship and I am honoured to have been able to witness it.

Robots didn’t hold hands with each other, Dex knew, but humans did, and by the way Mosscap squeezed its metal fingers in response, it was clear it understood the gesture.

Final thoughts, A Prayer for the Crown-Shy is the sci-fi comfort blanket that will heal, destress, and distract your mind from the world to offer a healing hand for the soul without the pressure. It is the book that has brought me immense joy this month. Becky Chambers has become one of my most favorite writers in SFF as I will likely read every book in their repertoire. I highly recommend for all readers to read A Psalm for the Wild-Built if you haven’t and then continue on by reader A Prayer for the Crown-Shy after it releases as it is a novella that is versatile and can be perfect for readers that only want easy to consume sci-fi that isn’t too long and too hard to understand. It is also a good book to recommend to friends and other readers alike that have never read sci-fi that want to start reading it.

The quotes in this review were taken from an ARC and are subject to change upon publication.

In our second Monk & Robot book, Mosscap begins it's mission in earnest to figure out what humans need by traveling around with Sibling Dex to ask people in villages all over Panga. Unsurprisingly, the answer is not simple, and the reader ambles along with our two protagonists as they travel the land together as near celebrities meeting people, having conversation, observing the world around them, finding new experiences and seeking meaning together. Mosscap has many new experiences as part of human society which are truly delightful and had me smiling and laughing as I read, but I will not elaborate here so as not to spoil them. Chambers also has a way of simply, and gently incorporating seemingly big themes into her work in small ways, and I found myself gently guided to think about what my own answer to Mosscap's question would be.

All that to say, this book is just as delightful as the first one. I'm not sure what it says about me that two books essentially about going off-grid and skipping out on one's responsibilities when they get overwhelming have been so incredibly soothing, but my burnout is not the point of this book. . . or maybe it sort of is? Like the first, this book felt like a place to rest my mind for a bit. And while it is restful, Dex & Mosscap's conversations also present plenty of gently thought-provoking moments, and in addition to rest, the reader finds a place to observe, consider and just maybe find the permission to choose something new.

In addition to recommending this for anyone who just feels generally weary, I'd also suggest it for those who find wonder in observing the world around them, and for fans of philosophical science fiction and discussions on artificial intelligence.

Becky Chambers does it again! This book is such a hopeful installment in her Monk and Robot series, which examines humanity, personhood, and faith in stark detail. As Sibling Dex and Mosscap travel together, they interact with people who have varying reactions to the advanced but defunct technology that is Mosscap. Mosscap seeks to know what humans need as it tries to also figure out what it needs.

This is such a lovely series of books. I couldn't wait to read the second one. It is exactly what the world needs in these times--Mosscap and Dex give me hope for humanity. The books are a beautiful meditation on life and all its beauty and possibility. I will definitely be reading the next installment.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publisher and author for this ARC!
This was SO GOOD. Even better than the first in the series. This was so beautifully written, and just gorgeous. I LOVE Dex and Mosscap. I love their relationship. I love the gentle probing and considering of what it means to be human. What we want and why. Is it worth it? What makes us restless? Why do we sometimes not want to do what we are supposed to do? What is an equitable and just way to have an economy? All of this, plus magic in this one slim little book. Becky Chambers is already one of my very favorite authors, and with each book this becomes even more true.

I read the first Monk and Robot in a single sitting and was completely obsessed, so when I discovered the second book was in line to be published, I had to request it. I was nervous-- when the first book in a series is so perfect, you wonder how a sequel can ever live up to it. Here's one way: exceed the first book.

It's not an easy feat, but Chambers has done it. Not only is M&R2 just as beautiful and uplifting, but it also addresses gender, relationships (of ALL sorts), intimacy, and exploration. I cannot say enough about this series-- I can't wait to see what Becky Chambers does next.

Another great Monk and Robot adventure. I love these characters so much! In this book the friendship between the Robot and Dex, the nonbinary travelling tea-monk grows as they visit different parts of Panga, meeting different people (including Dex's own family).

This book poses essential philosophical questions but at its heart is the love and respect for the natural world, a community in balance, in which everyone looks out for all of its members' needs and the abiding, necessity of companionship above all things. I can't wait for more!! Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my advance review copy! This book is perfect for fans of The alchemist by Paulo Coelho.

I am 100% here for the continuation of the Monk and Robot series. Not only is A Prayer for the Crown-Shy just as gentle and poignant as the first book, but it even finds it's own little self-discovery journey while keeping with the question "What do you need?"

We pick up right where Sibling Dex and Mosscap leave off, and we get to travel to other parts of the land. We see how people with opposing beliefs can still be kind to one another, we see the dilemma of what makes a person who they are, and we also see Sibling Dex get some (not graphically, but dang they've got game.)

I picked this book on NetGalley before even reading the first one, and I am so glad to have stumbled into the Monk and Robot universe. There is absolutely no going back now.

A beautiful follow-up to A Psalm for the Wild-Built, This book is definitely thought-provoking and a comforting read.

I loved this book even more than the first one. I do wish it had been longer… it was over so quickly! The world that Chambers has created is wonderful, and Mosscap is the most lovable robot ever. The world feels very complete and the religion-philosophy is beautiful. Dex is a perfectly flawed and angsty main character, illustrating the limits and potential of the human mind and heart even within a utopia. I sure hope there will be more in this series!

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan-Tor/Forge for sending me a free ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

It’s no secret that I adore Becky Chambers’ books: they are a blend of hope and comfort that feel like a hug while reading. A Prayer for the Crown-Shy is no exception. Dex and Mosscap are so much fun to follow around as they continue their journey and search for meaning and answers to their questions. I especially love Chambers’ world building in these novellas and I eagerly anticipate reading more.

My heart is so full after finishing this book and I’m already looking forward to rereading it. Thank you again to NetGalley and Macmillan-Tor/Forge for the opportunity to review an ARC.

Another wonderfully comforting installment of Monk and Robot. It's like a travelogue of fantastical locations grounded in the mundane elements of everyday life. I nearly cried when I got to the end.

The second installment in the Monk and Robot series is just as cozy and kind as the first. Chambers does this amazing thing with sci-fi where she doesn't just build new worlds for your exploration - she makes you look around and appreciate the world you already have. Nature, humanity, consciousness, even the esoteric become more precious after reading this series. What do you need? And must a need be unmet in order to take note of it?

So happy to read more of these books.