I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
A Prayer for the Crown Shy by Becky Chambers Series: Monk & Robot #2
Published by Tordotcom on July 12 2022
Genres: Adult, Science fiction
Pages: 160
Format: ARC
Source: Publisher
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The nitty-gritty: Dex and Mosscap contemplate life while traveling the countryside in this lovely follow-up to A Psalm for the Wild-Built.
A Prayer for the Crown-Shy continues the feel-good adventures of Sibling Dex and his robot companion Mosscap. The story picks up right after the events of A Psalm for the Wild-Built, so I encourage you to read that book first, especially since it’s very, very good. Becky Chambers’ series is a quiet, introspective experience that doesn’t rely on action or even much conflict, but it’s such a nice change of pace, especially in today’s chaotic world.
After spending time deep in the forest, Dex and Mosscap are on the move. Their ultimate goal is to reach the City, where Dex is eager to show Mosscap all the wondrous things the City has to offer. But along the way they plan to stop at small villages, whose residents have never seen a robot before. Mosscap still wants to know “What do humans need?”, the original question that spurred them to leave the wilderness and make contact with humans. And as their journey continues, Dex attempts to answer the question for Mosscap.
But the question turns out to be tricky, and the more discoveries the two make together, the more complex Dex’s answers become. And when someone turns the question back on Mosscap and asks what robots want, it begins to see things in a completely different way.
A Prayer for the Crown-Shy is a lovely fable that focuses on doing good and treating others and the environment with respect. It’s the sort of book you don’t see very often, but I loved stepping back from my usual fast-paced, drama-filled books and breathing a sigh of relief. True, conflict is virtually non-existent in this story, but Chambers gives her characters inner conflict instead. Dex is torn by their decision to be a tea monk, traveling the land and offering advice and hot cups of tea to people who need someone to talk to. They’re constantly pondering Mosscap’s question and having a hard time coming up with a meaningful answer to “What do humans want?”
Just like the road they are traveling, the story takes a few twists and turns. At one point Mosscap realizes one of its internal parts has broken, and there is a wonderful exchange among several of the characters about the best way to fix it. It’s moments like this that make the story so special, because the reader is forced to think differently. I love when an author nudges me to step back and see another side to a problem, one that I would never contemplate on my own.
My favorite part of the story is near the end, as Dex and Mosscap come to a particular decision. It isn’t life changing in any sense, but it was a magical moment that gave me a warm glow inside. I’m hoping there is at least one more adventure in store for Dex and Mosscap, since they never quite make it to their intended destination.
Big thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy.
It’s so very true what you wrote about Chambers’ stories, that there is hardly any interpersonal conflict, while the characters’ inner conflict often drives the story. This series sounds quite different from Wayfarers, but still I plan to get there one of these days… Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Maddalena@spaceandsorcery recently posted…TOUCHSTONES: A COLLECTION, by Stephanie Burgis
And I must get to Wayfarers one of these days:-)
It sounds like a lovely story in a good series. Thanks for posting your review, Tammy!
Priscilla Bettis recently posted…The Western
It was lovely! And I don’t get to say that very often about the books I read;-)
I haven’t had the pleasure of this particular Becky Chambers series – but it’s one I intend to track down. Thank you for a lovely review and reminding me of a delightful read I need to get to, Tammy:).
I think it’s perfect for you right now:-)
Glad you enjoyed it.
Thanks Stormi:-)
I always feel better for reading a Becky Chambers book. I’m happy you liked this one.
Me too!
Great review, Tammy. Seems like an unusual book but judging from your review seems like you had a really good time reading it.
It made me think and I love when books can do that:-)
Glad to hear this is similar to the first book, which I really enjoyed. Great review.
mervih recently posted…Aliette de Bodard: Fireheart Tiger
Thanks! I hope you get to read it:-)
I’ve still only read one Becky Chambers book but I’m very much looking forward to reading more.
And I need to read her other books:-)
I just got my copy. I’ve been contemplating rereading book 1, but I think I’ll probably just read A Prayer for the Crown-Shy and then maybe reread them both. lol
Sounds like a good plan:-)
This sounds really good! I’m going to see if you reviewed the first volume
Emma @ Words And Peace recently posted…Sunday Post #62 – 7/17/2022
It’s nice to read something positive and happy for a change:-)
Chambers’ books are like an oasis lol in this chaotic world and this sounds fabulous. I’m sure I’m gonna like it.
Yes, an oasis is a great comparison:-)
A quiet slice of life story, I still don’t know if I’m digging these books completely, but I do love her writing!
I really need to start this series. I’m partway through her Wayfarers series and love how she writes her characters.
That’s one of my favorite reasons to read- gaining perspectives and insights. I have been wanting to try this author. She sounds like just my style. Fab review, Tammy.
She’s a lovely author indeed but I decided to let these pass me by as shorter style stories don’t usually work out for me. Happy to see you enjoyed it.
Lynn 😀