After enjoying the audiobook of A Psalm for the Wild-Built, my partner and I downloaded the library’s copy of A Prayer for the Crown-Shy, pulled out another puzzle, and got listening.

After announcing Mosscap’s mission to the world, Sibling Dex and their robot friend are touring Panga. Mosscap will ask their question, “What do you need?” and Sibling Dex will serve tea and think about what they want to do with their life, now they’ve realized their burnout.

 A Prayer for the Crown-Shy continues to be the gentle, delightful solarpunk exploration of its predecessor. Different villages have a different relationship to technology, and all relationships are affirmed. Chambers expands on the complexity of Mosscap’s question. I loved the concept of plebs as a social currency. Absolutely fascinating stuff. The emphasis on world-building is still there, and I was happy for a front row seat to Chambers’ positive, hopeful imaginings. Em Grosland’s voice work is top-notch. If you like audiobooks, definitely pick up Prayer’s.

Monk and Robot continues to be a whimsical, sun-drenched treat. If you’re at all interested in solarpunk and a brighter future, curl up cozy and give it a read!