[Read as an audiobook from the public library]
Oh Murderbot. You’re really just a walking case of imposter syndrome, aren’t you? That’s probably why I like you so much.
In this episode, Murderbot is out to find dirt on GrayCris, the evil corporation from the first book that nearly killed its clients including Dr. Mensah, its favorite human. While doing this, it of course finds itself taking on more human clients who need its help, because old programs die hard and Murderbot is apparently something of a masochist, or at least has trouble hitting the learn button when it comes to humanity.
This story wasn’t quite as perfect as Artificial Condition, but that’s a high bar to clear. Murderbot is slightly more confident here and growing into its role as a security consultant, but still dealing with its place alongside humans and how humans from different societies treat it and other bots and constructs. Its relationship with the bot Miki is charming, but not quite as adorkable as the previous one with ART. There’s plenty of action, and a couple of excellent scenes where Murderbot plays the heroic SecUnit of its…fantasies? Ideals? Do Murderbots dream of wearing capes? Anyway, plenty of hot SecUnit on bot fights.
The narration continues to be excellent. Time to return to HaveRatton and Dr. Mensah. I’m unreasonably excited.