I’m gonna keep it short, but here’s what I liked about the book:

- Bits of philosophy.
- The stories can be read in one sitting.
- Touching, even to cynical, rather unemotional me.

Overall, I’d definitely recommend this book.

How could I not love this book. Becky Chamber's writing paired with these two totally unique and interesting stories made this the perfect reflective read! I adored it an will continue to recommend to others!

I first read the Monk & Robot books as the individual novellas when they came out, and absolutely fell in love with them. The gentle hopefulness of an imagined future, and the meandering conversation about nature, life, meaning and everything along the way were so healing and charming. I gave copies of those books to so many friends, and recommended them right and left. They are a couple of my all-time favorites.

So I was thrilled when they packaged the two novellas together in this lovely paperback edition! It makes them more affordable, and even easier to gift.

Set in a world where, in the pre-story, AI became sentient and humanity actually did the decent thing by setting them free, in book 1 we follow a tea monk named Dex as they travel around visiting different communities, until they eventually feel pulled to try something a little different. In learning more about the world, and meeting some new characters along the way, we discover a lush world that feels very real. It's built on mistakes made, lessons learned, and continuing to do better. I found it incredibly hopeful.

The second book, like the first, 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 short, I think all fans of hopeful scifi or cozy fantasy need a little Monk & Robot on their shelves.

MONK AND ROBOT by Becky Chambers is FANTASTIC; she has won the Hugo Award for her Wayfarer series. I am really pleased to see this new publication which contains both of her earlier works, A Psalm for the Wild-Built and A Prayer for the Crown-Shy. This new paperback edition would make a wonderful high school or college graduation present as the characters search for meaning and purpose. As the cover indicates, these stories are about the adventures of, interactions between, and reflections from a Monk named Sibling Dex and a Robot called Splendid Speckled Mosscap. They live in the time after the Factories and after the Transition when robots gained self-awareness and left to explore life on their own and when humans sought to rejuvenate their planet. It has been roughly two hundred years since any interaction and both Dex and Mosscap have much to learn about each other and themselves. **Highly Recommended.**

Another book I won't be able to stop thinking about. I loved Dex and Mosscap. I loved their dynamic and the evolution of their relationship. I loved the representation of LGBTQ+ and non-binary characters and the complete and total acceptance of these individuals in society. I loved the way everyone had a level of curiosity about each other's world views and how no one's contribution to the community is diminished or unappreciated. This is a society I would LOVE to be a part of. This is a world I want to live in. It was a truly beautiful story. And yes, it was cozy and fun ❤️

Thanks to Tor and #netgalley for the gifted advanced copy/ies of this book!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for both novellas
Genre: cozy fantasy novellas

✨ Review ✨ A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers

The book follows Dex, a tea monk, as they adopt a new craft and search for meaning in their life. Eventually, they decide to set off and explore the wilderness, which has been largely left to grow wild since some past dystopian crisis. Dex encounters a robot named Mosscap who's seeking to learn more about humans -- the robots retreated into the wild after said crisis and the two types of beings do not interact. As they adventure, they learn about each other and what people need and want...and what does Dex need and want.

This is cozy fantasy at its best -- deep reflection, peak coziness with tea and gentle living, a dystopian world that's largely happy and at peace, and a quest that's quiet. The book also very much normalizes queer identity in this world and it adds to the overall loveliness of this book. Highly recommend!

✨ Review ✨ A Prayer for the Crown-Shy by Becky Chambers

Dex, the monk, and Mosscap, the robot, are back again in the novella sequel to A Psalm for the Wild-Built. This time they re-enter the small towns of Dex’s world, introducing Mosscap to the humans that inhabit these spaces. They travel to different biomes as Mosscap continues its quest to learn about humans and their desires and needs. Dex continues to search for what they want next in this world, and that maybe it's just rest and living in the moment with their very unconventional friend.

This series just feels lovely, and brings positive energy my way. I loved that this reflected on our need for rest and consideration of how humans create a community that serves each other. Dex's love for their family, but feeling of overwhelm around the chaos was also so relatable and I really appreciated this.

Kudos to Chambers on a truly incredible, gentle duology.

Read these if you like:
⭕️ cozy fantasy
⭕️ reflection on rest and restoration
⭕️ two species coming together on a quet
⭕️ plants and nature
⭕️ tea

A philosophical but light and cozy work. Well done putting the two novellas together as the first is really incomplete without the sequel. Not a lot happens and some big questions are asked but no risk. It is a very ideal society and no stakes involved. This is also a con but can appeal to readers in the right mood. Very modern book

Book 1-
I re-read this to jump into the second book finally. I loved this just as much as the first time. I haven’t read any of Chamber’s other work (yet), and I adored this. I do think it takes a certain mood to appreciate. It’s a short read/listen and about questioning life. Dex is lost and doesn’t understand why. He decides that he wants to travel and serve tea. He interacts with others and hopes to figure out what he needs to feel fulfilled. Then he runs into the urban legend, a robot. The robot is here to find the answer to “What do people need?” This question would differ from person to person, situation to situation. Regardless, Dex and the Robot start up conversations while traveling together. Of course, this bloom of friendship happens naturally.

This book is the perfect read/listen when you need something nice and cozy. It’s the perfect book to break up heavier reads. It could also teach a lesson or two. 😉

Book 2-
I finally read this!! It’s been on my TBR for so long. I don’t know why it took so long to get to because I loved the first book! I enjoyed this one as much as the first!

We have (Monk) Dex and Mosscap (Robot) heading to Dex’s home. Dex has given the town a heads-up, and it’s a big deal when they arrive. Everyone gives them celebrity treatment. Dex then starts questioning why it feels off that he’s getting all these things for free. He feels like there’s an imbalance without giving anything back. Mosscap is pretty much on the same journey without realizing it. We got more world-building, and it was interesting to learn about the pebs. The intention is admirable, but it feels like the same barter system. I love how Mosscap is questioning that!

I think the point is that humans need to treat each other better. There needs to be more acceptance and learning to give freely. Helping others without expecting anything in return is something people could learn. Chambers has a way of making you feel all warm and cozy but taking in a big morality lesson.

I really hope we get more from Monk and Dex. It’s the perfect time because we definitely need it!

Thank you, Tor and Netgalley, for the e-ARC to the new combo book!

Thank you, Tor and NetGalley for the advanced reading copy of the first two Monk and Robot stories. These books are cozy sci-fi at its finest and evoke a wide range of emotions. Dex and Mosscap are row of my favourite characters, brought to vivid life by Becky Chambers. The conversations between the two, and all the characters they came into contact with, are so heartwarming and meaningful. I cannot recommend these books enough.

MONK AND ROBOT by Becky Chambers
Publication: 5/06/2025 by Tor Publishing
Page Count: 320



Thank you Tor Publishing for combining Chambers’ two marvelous novellas into one omnibus edition. Both “A Psalm for the Wild-Built” and “A Prayer for the Crown-Sky” are delightful narratives that necessitates the readers serious reflection or one’s self and the nature of society. Chambers effectively uses the literary device found in the film genre of a “road movie.” The main characters are a tea monk and a robot. Their quest takes them on unbeaten paths to religious sites in a long abandoned region of a distant planet, Panga. Sibling Dex, is a non-binary monk, and feels unfulfilled in his job in the gardens. He feels anxious and switches his vocation to a tea monk. He gradually becomes an accomplished tea monk. People come to his wagon with their problems…. He listens attentively and brews and offers them an appropriate mixture of ingredients to a cup of tea. Thereby offering them a comfortable respite form the stress of urban life. Dex continues to be plagued by a feeling of unrest and feels that there must be more meaningful things to fulfill his life. He decides to take a different path and goes off into a quest of a mountain hermitage in the wilderness. To his surprise and dismay he comes upon a robot… which has never seen in his lifetime. Robots left the Factories and society when they attained consciousness. … the Awakening … thereby ending the Factory Age. The Robot community vowed to leave humanity alone, but left a parting promise that they would eventually return on their own terms. The robot calls himself Moscap and states he volunteered to re-connect with humanity for the purpose of seeing how society is doing without their presence, and now is asking What humanity is in need of? How can they help? Moscap would like Dex to be his guide through the cities and towns. Along their journey they gradually fall into a fellowship and discuss many, far reaching thoughts, emotions and principles germane to society and the individual.
Chambers through her amazing world building skills, forges a complex narrative that sheds light on many existential issues of society and individuality . Through the delightful and engaging conversation of robot and tea monk many themes are considered … self-development, self-improvement, over whelming anxiety and even the meaning and worth of of an individual in the cosmos. Thanks to NetGalley and Tor Publishing for making these two novellas available in one place… for all to enjoy! An Uncorrected proof was provided in exchange for an honest review

Tor is rereleasing A Psalm for the Wild-Built and A Prayer for the Crown-Shy into one edition and all I can say is - go read this!

I want to live in this world honestly, everything feels cozy and right and Dex and Mosscap are so adorable. It’s such a fun read to witness humanity through a robot’s eyes. This is about finding yourself and unlikely friendship and it is such a joy to read.

Also, for once it was so nice to have a story set in the future where humanity kinda fixes itself and heals the planet. We can dream - right?

I wasn’t sure this was going to be for me, but it ended up being one of the most quietly moving things I’ve read in a while. Both novellas are soft, thoughtful, and a little weird in the best way. There’s not much in the way of plot. The real movement is emotional. It’s slow and deliberate, but it sticks.

Dex and Mosscap are a joy to spend time with. Their relationship builds in such a grounded, believable way, and I was more invested in their quiet conversations than I’ve been in some books with huge stakes. It’s a rare kind of story that makes you feel both lighter and more grounded by the end.

I’m really glad I read both together. The second book brings a kind of closure that makes the whole thing land in a deeper way.

4.5 stars rounded up.

The quintessential odd couple on a sci-fi road-trip that is endearing, delightful, funny, touching, sweet, and cozy. If you feel depression closing in, this duology will give you a much needed hit of serotonin. Essential reading.

4.5 stars! Thank you to NetGalley, Tor.com, and Tor Publishing Group for this advanced copy! You can pick up Monk and Robot on May 6, 2025.

This story healed something in me. As someone who's also feeling burnt out but grateful for the opportunities I've been afforded, it's hard to quantify that restless feeling inside telling you something needs to change. And I think Sibling Dex's journey sums up that feeling perfectly.

Dex, a monk of Child God Allale, has honed their craft as a tea monk for over two years. They've made a name for themselves, found something they're good and get paid to do for other people. But they can't help feeling like something's missing in their life. So, they pack up their wagon and go into the wilds, the closed off part of the world where humans rarely go because they don't want to disturb the tranquil peace established there.

And who does he encounter but a sentient, empathetic, constantly curious robot named Mosscap.

Mosscamp is one of my favorite characters I've read. It has a charming balance of cluelessness about the way humans live and deeply insightful perspective on how the world works away from human influence. I found the robot community's adaption of nature incredibly interesting, as, similar to Dex, I questioned how a man-made machine could be so in touch with the natural world. But Mosscamp proved me wrong time and again.

Their friendship was one of the sweetest things I've ever read, and I almost wanted to cry at all the ways they supported each other throughout the two books, Dex may think they're the wrong person to introduce Mosscamp to humanity, but that couldn't be further from the truth. Dex understands what it's like to want answers to a long-awaited question, and they're also incredibly compassionate to Mosscamp and its needs.

All in all, if you need a feel-good book to make you cry and hope for humanity, this is your book.

I have loved these books for a long time and I am really glad that they are getting put together a single volume. Monk and Robot is an adventure unlike anything I'd seen the Sci-fi genre. Monk and robot imagines a "Do No Harm" world that seems almost utopian. The world of Monk and Robot reminds me a bit of reading Le Guin and I am here for it.

Ultimately this is a story about cultures colliding . The world of people and the world of robots have been tangential for a very long time, but when a curious robot and a wandering monk cross paths they begin a journey to bring their two sides together.

This is a great cover and I can't wait to see what the final product looks like.

What a delight to have A Psalm for the Wild Built and A Prayer for the Crown-Shy wrapped into one volume.

Monk and Robot is a beautiful collectoin of tow of my favorite stories. I love the cozy world that Chamber has created and these stories bring such a large impact to the reader. Full of hope, love, and finding yourself the Monk and Robot books are a serious must read!

I devoured A Psalm For The Wild-Built by Becky Chambers and immediately gifted it to a friend. The premise is relatively simple— and it’s super short! But, wow, what a deep book. I definitely shed a few tears! Sibling Dex is a monk in search of vocational fulfillment— they leave their home monastery and become a tea monk, where they offer a personally chosen cup of tea and a listening ear to any who need to sit and talk. And while things seem to be going really well for Sibling Dex, they still occasionally feel a twinge of something like existential angst or malaise. One day a robot comes across Dex’s path and asks “What do humans need?” Oh! There are sentient robots in this world! They woke up and left their factories and haven’t been seen for hundreds of years, nbd. Our dear robot, Mosscap, spends time with Sibling Dex trying to understand how humanity has evolved since the great robot exodus, and to check-in to see what humans might need now. The conversations that unfold are heartfelt, charming, and deeply spiritual. They ask questions about life, vocation, identity, and purpose. And the whole story hums with joy. 5 stars.

The first time I read the first half of this book, I wasn’t overly impressed by it. In my second reading, I found it was much more enjoyable, and I am glad I gave it another try. I am glad this was offered in Netgalley as a soon-to-be-released version combining both stories into one. I don't think I would have bothered reading the second story if it weren't for this new version. I found the story very interesting and was able to connect with the characters. The first story stood out for me as a better read, and I probably could have stopped with that one. Unlike Chambers' other series, where you longed for more time with the crew and their adventures, these stories did not leave me craving more.

Just absolutely delightful.

I didn’t get around to reading the two novellas in Becky Chambers’ Monk and Robot -- A Psalm for the Wild-Built and A Prayer for the Crown-Shy when they first came out, but with the upcoming release of the two in a bundled paperback, I was thrilled to dive in. Both are special in their own way and are perfect if you are ever needing a hug in the form of a book.

Even as a combined work, Monk and Robot isn’t a long read, but it’s definitely one that a reader might choose to drag out and spend some time contemplating life while pouring over Chambers’ words. I found myself loving our two main characters and how each of them add a necessary element to each other's lives.

In the first book, we meet Dex, a non-binary monk living on the fantasy world of Panga, which shares a lot of DNA with our own -- there is a church of sorts and humans evolved to the point of creating robots. That’s where our histories diverged, however. The church provides a religion to the people, but there isn’t the rigorous dogma that is associated with the Church throughout our own history. And robots developed sentience in Dex’s world, causing humanity to release the robots from the bondage of their labor. By the time the book starts and we meet Dex for the first time, humanity is aware of the robots, but it is practically ancient history for them.

Dex, meanwhile, is on a spiritual and personal journey. They discover, after a bit of trial and error, that they are an excellent tea service, taking their cart from town to town, offering tea and a comforting ear for people. But is that all there is to life? Are they more than just their job? What’s out there in the wilderness?

Soon, Dex encounters Mosscap, a robot who has been tasked with finding out if humanity needs anything. After so much time away, the robots don’t have to interact with humans, but curiosity has sent Mosscap in search of answers. Primarily, though, that question is addressed in the second novella. The first book is very much focused on Dex as they search for existential answers about their own life. The addition of Mosscap to their journey helps Dex, however, as a sounding board and a view of life outside of their bubble of humanity.

The first book could absolutely exist on its own, but does feel incomplete without Mosscap’s journey. In A Prayer for the Crown-Shy, Mosscap gets their time to shine. In fact, because robots haven’t been a part of humanity’s lives for so long, every town that Dex and Mosscap visit basically turns into a celebrity sighting. The humans of Panga are thrilled to see a robot and Mosscap keeps asking what the needs of humanity are along the way.

Although Mosscap is a robot, we see their humanity throughout the events of the book, particularly as the pair head towards the City, a place teeming with people, a University, and hopefully all the answers Mosscap is looking for. But, along the way, their priorities change and it's clear that robots, just like people, are complicated and complex. Mosscap’s emotions lead them down a road away from the City, and Dex and Mosscap discover truths about themselves in the process.

Both novellas are wonderful little reads and they work fantastic as a pair, so it’s great that Tordotcom is putting this out as a collected work for the first time. NetGalley graciously provided me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review, but as I said, this book is absolutely delightful from start to finish.

Monk and Robot by Chambers is available in Trade Paperback on May 6.

Thank you NetGalley and Tor Publishing for the e-arc!
I absolutely adore this series and when I saw we were getting a little combo of both books, I jumped at the chance to read it. Becky Chambers is a fantastic author and I was super excited to read more from her. This is a beautiful wholesome story set in a future where things are just better, with community, peace, and balance. When robots return to the world to ask the question, 'what do humans need?', the journey of discovery and understanding begins. Someone compared this ook to a warm hug after a long day and I cannot think of a better way to describe this book.
Overall I liked the first one more, but the series as a whole is excellent!