A review by purplepenning
A Prayer for the Crown-Shy by Becky Chambers

challenging hopeful lighthearted reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.75

Full of small comforts and big ideas, the Monk and Robot adventure continues to be a joy. Sibling Dex and robot Mosscap are back from the wilderness and are embarking on Mosscap's mission to check in on humanity and ask people what they need. Visiting villages and stopping by Dex's family farm on their way to the big city, they enjoy each other's company, contemplate simple and complex philosophies of being and community, and discover more truths about themselves and what they need. I would probably read ten more of these thoughtful, hopeful, cozy science-fantasy tales! 

Some favorite quotes:

“You know how it is; sometimes you just want to have a moment between yourself and a turtle and no one else.” —Robot Mosscap

"That's the nice thing about trees. They're not going anywhere. You can take all the time you need to get to know them."  —Mosscap 

"'Oh, that's lovely,' Mosscap said ... 'Crown shyness is so striking, don't you think?' ... Every tree was lush and full, bursting with green life. Yet somehow, in the absence of contact, they knew exactly where to stop growing outward so that they might give their neighbors space to thrive."


Expand filter menu Content Warnings