I’ve read the print version of ‘A Prayer for the Crown-Shy’ and you can find that review here (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4633626262). I absolutely loved this audio version! Em Grosland has a clear voice that gives Sibling Dex a distinctive tone separate from the narration. And Mosscap! What a perfect Mosscap voice! I’ve said that this series feels like a science fictions fairytale and the narration really added to that feeling. I massively enjoyed listening. I’m definitely going to listen to more narration by Em Grosland.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A Prayer for the Crown-Shy is Becky Chambers’ followup to the marvelous A Psalm for the Well-Built, and this book is just such a delight. Crown-Shy relates the further adventures of Sibling Dex and Mosscap the robot as they visit various towns and villages of the planet Panga.

The developing relationship between the human tea monk and the robot is wondrous to behold. Mosscap is such a beautifully drawn character, who is wise beyond his years at times, but innocent in his delight at discovering the joys of the natural world. The author has created what to me are two of the most indelible characters I’ve ever met in a book.

The audiobook version is excellent. The narrator, Em Grosland, was an outstanding narrator, and such a pleasure to listen to.

Many thanks to Macmillan Audio and to Netgalley for providing an ALC of this wonderful novella.

This is the future the liberals want.

...I'm not even joking. Becky Chambers has envisioned a post-scarcity, environmentally-friendly, queer-embracing society, and I desperately want to live there.

Capitalism is gone. There is a sort of social bartering system, but if someone finds themselves unable to do some sort of work, they aren't shamed or denied things. People check in on them, help them figure out what place in the community will make them happy.

Sexuality and gender identity are purely personal decisions, and readily broadcast to the world. This is the first time I've seen someone referred to as Mx. in a book! And Dex, our human protagonist, has been they/them through the whole series. Also, Mosscap, our robot, prefers "it" for pronouns, and that is respected by everyone in the society.

Humans have such a reverence and care for the environment that they have basically inverted how we portion off and treat wilderness in our current world. Most of the world is wild, and humans keep themselves sequestered mostly in small towns, going so far as to have a taboo against leaving roads, because you will be impacting the natural world by walking there.

Now, the whole book isn't just utopia. There's problems that Dex and Mosscap must face, but they are primarily internal struggles. Questions of what they want from their existence, and how they wish to be in their world. I'd imagine philosophers go nuts over this series.

I'm sad to see the duology end, but I'll be thinking of the robot and the tea monk for a long time.

Advanced reader copy provided by the publisher.

A lovely follow up to A Psalm for the Wild-Built, this novella follows Sibling Dex and Mosscap as they travel through the villages. Like the previous book, it's quiet and meditative and so full of hope and kindness. There is very little in the way of a traditional plot, but the emotional journey these characters go on was so cathartic to me.

I love Mosscap and its sense of wonder as it learns about humans, and the discussions of mental health issues and the struggle to find happiness/fulfillment/purpose were so relatable. I also liked that we got to see more of how this society functions and learn more of its history and how it has evolved into a more sustainable version of humanity. The way Chambers is able to create so much depth to the world in such a short space is incredible.

I feel like at this point, most people who pick up Becky Chambers's work know that they're in for small plot with big vibes and this is no different. However, if you were unsure of continuing this series because you thought the first book stood well enough on it's own or you're worried that the sequel can't live up to it, I encourage you to pick this up anyway. In my opinion A Prayer for the Crown-Shy does everything A Psalm for the Wild-Built does and more. And if you haven't yet read A Psalm for the Wild-Built then go do that immediately!

I had read the first book physically, but will soon be buying this series in audio format because I loved Em Grosland's narration. They were able to put so much emotion into the performance that I found myself trying to tone down my reactions because I was in public. Also, I personally find this brand of cozy SFF best consumed via audio.

I LOVED this novella! These MCs are so good together!!

The author takes you through so many political, personal, financial situations from the POV of a child as the robot is new to everything human! Everything is important! You’re going to go fishing for dinner? Well how will the fish pass?

This book takes a look at the small things that we miss in everyday life & reminds us to appreciate them!

I also really enjoyed the dystopian world!! Loved the printer! Interesting world!!

Great book! Hope there’s another!

“You don’t have to have a reason to be tired. You don’t have to earn rest or comfort. You’re allowed to just be.”

Is there a more delightful, thought-provoking, and utterly healing series than Becky Chambers’ Monk and Robot books? I contend not. A PRAYER FOR THE CROWN-SHY is the second novella in this solarpunk universe that follows a nonbinary tea monk (Dex) and their inquisitive robot friend (Mosscap) from the wilds as they journey together and tackle one of humanity’s biggest questions: what do we need? In the first book, A PSALM FOR THE WILD-BUILT, these two discovered each other; in this second book, they travel into different populated areas together so that Mosscap can get to know humans and bring back information to their robot community, separated from people for several hundred years. I’m absolutely enamored with both of these characters and I loved that this book was more focused on their companionship and restorative bond. This series is so hopeful, beautiful, and authentic. It makes you want to flee into the woods and also be completely present wherever you are in your life, to dive into existential quandaries and also learn to be satisfied with just being, to seek deep & meaningful connection with others and also love your own company. Firing my therapist because Dex and Mosscap are all I need!! Thanks to Tordotcom and Macmillan Audio for the review copies; this book is out 7/12. Also, the audiobook, narrated by Em Grosland, is excellent!

(No content warnings that I noted.)