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The Monkey State
There is no world beyond the mist.
No world beyond the canopy.
Tell that to Claude Talador.
For moons, Claude—a restless pichu monkey—has been stuck in his office cubicle enduring the monotony of life in Tierra Libre, a bleak rainforest world where the rain never stops, boredom reigns supreme, and the dictatorship's servants bleat "No Monkey Business".
But Claude has never been good at following (all) the rules.
When he follows the eye of the Toucan, he stumbles across the Refuge, a literal underground resistance group with a daring escape in search of the fabled माया.
The stakes are high, and the risks are deadly. Claude must decide if he's willing to risk everything for a shot at freedom—or abandon his dreams in order to stay alive.
In a world where escape is impossible, one monkey's courage could change everything.
The Monkey State is the first book in debut author J. R. Roberts's Monkey State Trilogy. Set in the Eldervaria rainforest—a new fantasy world—it's a series about escape, rebellion, and hope. Claude’s journey spans all three books and is best read in order.
Perfect for fans of 1984, Into The Wild and The Planet of the Apes, and all stories that inspire us to challenge our circumstances despite the risks it may entail. The Monkey State is a tale for anyone who feels trapped by their circumstances yet dares to dream of something more.
No world beyond the canopy.
Tell that to Claude Talador.
For moons, Claude—a restless pichu monkey—has been stuck in his office cubicle enduring the monotony of life in Tierra Libre, a bleak rainforest world where the rain never stops, boredom reigns supreme, and the dictatorship's servants bleat "No Monkey Business".
But Claude has never been good at following (all) the rules.
When he follows the eye of the Toucan, he stumbles across the Refuge, a literal underground resistance group with a daring escape in search of the fabled माया.
The stakes are high, and the risks are deadly. Claude must decide if he's willing to risk everything for a shot at freedom—or abandon his dreams in order to stay alive.
In a world where escape is impossible, one monkey's courage could change everything.
The Monkey State is the first book in debut author J. R. Roberts's Monkey State Trilogy. Set in the Eldervaria rainforest—a new fantasy world—it's a series about escape, rebellion, and hope. Claude’s journey spans all three books and is best read in order.
Perfect for fans of 1984, Into The Wild and The Planet of the Apes, and all stories that inspire us to challenge our circumstances despite the risks it may entail. The Monkey State is a tale for anyone who feels trapped by their circumstances yet dares to dream of something more.
265 pages, Paperback
Published January 20, 2025
20 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
March 23, 2025
What became of the monkey monkey monkey monkey
I really enjoyed this book!! There were lots of bits I really liked, and the first one was the way the author took idioms and made them fit the monkey lore - I thought that was really clever. I tried to spot as many as I could while I was reading and I especially enjoyed 'curiosity killed the capuchin'. I also really liked the characters, they felt very 3D and the dynamics and dialogue between them all I felt was well done. I really liked Huckster, and its a toss-up between Huckster and Claude for my favourite character, with Tia definitely being one of my least favourite. I wonder if the author deliberately positioned the reader like that through the sibling rivalry or if thats just a me-thing, and if in book 2 my opinions will change on Tia. I absolutely loved the interaction between Claude and Freemon too - that entire scene was one of my favourites. Would definitely recommend, and I can't wait for the sequel!!
I really enjoyed this book!! There were lots of bits I really liked, and the first one was the way the author took idioms and made them fit the monkey lore - I thought that was really clever. I tried to spot as many as I could while I was reading and I especially enjoyed 'curiosity killed the capuchin'. I also really liked the characters, they felt very 3D and the dynamics and dialogue between them all I felt was well done. I really liked Huckster, and its a toss-up between Huckster and Claude for my favourite character, with Tia definitely being one of my least favourite. I wonder if the author deliberately positioned the reader like that through the sibling rivalry or if thats just a me-thing, and if in book 2 my opinions will change on Tia. I absolutely loved the interaction between Claude and Freemon too - that entire scene was one of my favourites. Would definitely recommend, and I can't wait for the sequel!!
July 15, 2025
timely and fascinating
I didn’t think I would like this book. But it gripped me and I couldn’t stop reading. It’s far beyond a modern version of the planet of the apes. It personally touched me because of the alignment with my books. My books on climate education and climate adaptation were considered too political for Facebook ads ! The actions and thoughts of the protagonist match many of my own. The plot matches the oppression by the State and its anti environmental policies. It deeply challenges some current values unquestioned by many now. The writing is exciting and engaging. Feelings, often expressed with tails, help develop the depth and humanity of the characters. The physical context is imaginative but comes across as real.
Highly recommended.
I didn’t think I would like this book. But it gripped me and I couldn’t stop reading. It’s far beyond a modern version of the planet of the apes. It personally touched me because of the alignment with my books. My books on climate education and climate adaptation were considered too political for Facebook ads ! The actions and thoughts of the protagonist match many of my own. The plot matches the oppression by the State and its anti environmental policies. It deeply challenges some current values unquestioned by many now. The writing is exciting and engaging. Feelings, often expressed with tails, help develop the depth and humanity of the characters. The physical context is imaginative but comes across as real.
Highly recommended.
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July 21, 2025A fantastic book, reminiscent of Animal Farm but more positive. Excellent writing, even with quotes thrown in from eminent monkey philosophers and historians. The description of the monkeys’ habitat is great, combining forest creations with bureaucratic elements such as cubicles.
Claude is stuck in a humdrum, boring life, living to work on Floor 9, while the forest is slowly being destroyed with no thought for the ecology. The Monvida, a huge monkey, is the leader and villainess. She uses formidable howler monkeys to control the rest. Claude joins a resistance group and plans to escape, with pulse-pounding action at the climax. An enjoyable read.
Claude is stuck in a humdrum, boring life, living to work on Floor 9, while the forest is slowly being destroyed with no thought for the ecology. The Monvida, a huge monkey, is the leader and villainess. She uses formidable howler monkeys to control the rest. Claude joins a resistance group and plans to escape, with pulse-pounding action at the climax. An enjoyable read.
April 4, 2025
What a triumph! The author’s imagination, command of language and ability to draw the reader into Claude’s world is spot on. The rich descriptive text flows so easily and vividly and is so gripping that because I quickened my reading pace anxious to make sure the group got away I revisited the text in case I had missed any of the lush language in the rush! Humour, pathos and excellent detail runs throughout and leaves the reader totally invested in Claude’s wellbeing. Some of us have known a Claude, tried to be a Claude or wanted to be a Claude and some of us have taken a different path for many reasons but the author shows us that once the eye of the Toucan is seen choices disappear and there is no going back for Claude. He also takes care to paint the other Pichu characters in full so we invest in them all whether we initially like their viewpoint or not. Claude to me is now a Pichu monkey person. Bravo JR Roberts. Loved it and eagerly look forward to parts 2 and 3.
May 8, 2025
The Monkey State reads like a modern classic for those who love stories about camaraderie, courage, and breaks for freedom.
Claude is a truly relatable monkey. Disillusioned with his high-pressure job, he begins to wonder what else there is to the world besides his work cubicle and his patch of forest. Who hasn’t sat at their desk daydreaming about what else there is to do?
Poor Claude isn’t allowed such aspirations within his culture of work and obedience. Yet the more he works, the more he questions, and the more curious he becomes.
The Monkey State is a riveting read. It’s a beautifully written book that’ll have you rooting for the underdog (undermonkey). It has Planet of the Apes vibes mixed with Huxley’s the Island, and all the oppression of 1984. I wholeheartedly recommend this book.
Claude is a truly relatable monkey. Disillusioned with his high-pressure job, he begins to wonder what else there is to the world besides his work cubicle and his patch of forest. Who hasn’t sat at their desk daydreaming about what else there is to do?
Poor Claude isn’t allowed such aspirations within his culture of work and obedience. Yet the more he works, the more he questions, and the more curious he becomes.
The Monkey State is a riveting read. It’s a beautifully written book that’ll have you rooting for the underdog (undermonkey). It has Planet of the Apes vibes mixed with Huxley’s the Island, and all the oppression of 1984. I wholeheartedly recommend this book.
August 18, 2025
This book reminds me a lot of "Journey to the West" by Wu Cheng'en. The depictions of the monkey characters exhibiting human senses, the dreamy search of the paradisiacal land beyond the giant waterfall, and the very free-spirited, rebellious nature of Claude Talador are just top-notch! I couldn't help but read this book to the end, and I cannot wait to read the second book on what happens next! I recommend this book to all fiction readers.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews