So it’s official. I am now obsessed with Murderbot.
After reading Artificial Condition, which I still maintain is the best in the series, I just couldn’t keep pacing myself, and just went through the entire series in a couple of weeks. Like an addict. What can I say?
I am just so glad that I picked this entire series up despite the fact it is really not in my wheelhouse. It has completely changed my view on sci-fi, and I am so glad about it. I even sent them to a friend as a birthday present last week. I think he’ll enjoy them.
I think I just wish they’d stop picturing Murderbot in full armor in the book covers – it hasn’t worn full armor since book one. Also I just deeply dislike the covers in general, I’m looking forward to a new edition which I will buy in physical form.
Rogue Protocol ****
This novella was fun. Murdebot said bye to its new humans and infiltrates the planet/station where it believes it can find evidence against GrayCris and help Dr. Mensah. It is already tired of dealing with humans before it ever makes it there, but it makes a new friend and encounters chaos and mischief and manages to keep its friend’s humans alive. Mostly.
Definitely still a 4 star.
Exit Strategy ****
Armed with the evidence, Murderbot discovers that Dr. Mensah has actually been kidnapped by GrayCris and runs to the rescue. For the first time Murderbot is reunited with its humans and all is awkward and wonderful for us readers.
It seems that with every novella the stakes get higher and higher, and this one is no different. Murderbot continues to snark its way through danger and I’m here for it.
Home ***
This is a very short story told from the POV of Dr. Mensah. I guess it was alright, but it was the first book I didn’t particularly care for.
I think it’d be completely okay to skip this one.
But I still gave it 3 stars, it was Murderbot adjacent, and that was fine by me, I guess.
Network Effect ****
The first full-size novel in the Murderbot Diaries did not disappoint. If anything, I found I might prefer the novella format, but still, it was nice being introduced to new characters. However, that was NOT the best part at all. I will just say 3 words: ART is back. That’s it, that’s all you’re getting out of me.
I can’t wait to read the next one, which I think comes out in June.