#16: Becky Chambers, A Prayer for the Crown-Shy (Monk and Robot #2)

[kareila]

The previous book introduced us to Sibling Dex, a monk on a pilgrimage, and Splendid Speckled Mosscap, a robot on a quest, who crossed paths in the wilderness and forged a solitary partnership. Now the pair becomes reacquainted with the rest of civilization in a series of lovely anecdotes. What little tension exists in the story revolves around Dex's inner crisis of conscience, contrasting the idyllic backdrop of their post-industrialist society with the inexplicable dissatisfaction Dex continues to feel with their place in life. The ending feels insufficiently resolved, and I hope that a third volume will be announced soon.

P.S. It's not a spoiler to say that crown-shyness has nothing to do with royalty.