Murderbot Diaries Collection Complete Hardcover Series Set

The Murderbot Diaries #1-6

by Martha Wells

In a corporate-dominated spacefaring future, planetary missions must be approved and supplied by the Company. Exploratory teams are accompanied by Company-supplied security androids, for their own safety. But in a society where contracts are awarded to the lowest bidder, safety isn’t a primary concern. On a distant planet, a team of scientists are conducting surface tests, shadowed by their Company-supplied ‘droid―a self-aware SecUnit that has hacked its own governor module, and refers to itself (though never out loud) as “Murderbot.” Scornful of humans, all it really wants is to be left alone long enough to figure out who it is. But when a neighboring mission goes dark, it's up to the scientists and their Murderbot to get to the truth. This set includes #1 All Systems Red #2 Artificial Condition #3 Rogue Protocol #4 Exit Strategy #5 Network Effect #6 Fugitive Telemetry

(Murderbot Diaries; 9781250214713; 9781250186928; 9781250191786; 9781250191854; 9781250229861; 9781250765376; 9781250784278 and 1250784271)

Genres: Science Fiction, Adult

Hardcover

Published January 1, 2020

About the author

Martha Wells has been an SF/F writer since her first fantasy novel was published in 1993, and her work includes The Books of the Raksura series, the Ile-Rien series, The Murderbot Diaries series, and other fantasy novels, most recently Witch King (Tordotcom, 2023). She has also written media tie-in fiction for Star Wars, Stargate: Atlantis, and Magic: the Gathering, as well as short fiction, YA novels, and non-fiction. She has won Nebula Awards, Hugo Awards, Locus Awards, and a Dragon Award, and her work has appeared on the Philip K. Dick Award ballot, the British Science Fiction Association Award ballot, the USA Today Bestseller List, the Sunday Times Bestseller List, and the New York Times Bestseller List. She is a member of the Texas Literary Hall of Fame, and her books have been published in twenty-five languages.

She is also a consulting producer on The Murderbot Diaries series for Apple TV+.

Reviews

[Krishel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have you ever felt like an outsider, awkwardly navigating social interactions while secretly binge-watching your favorite shows? If so, you might just see yourself in Murderbot, the endearingly snarky hero of Martha Wells' sci-fi series.

📍 Science Fiction - Action/Adventure, Cyberpunk
📍 Rogue Cyborg with a Heart of Gold
📍 Corporate Conspiracy
📍 Found Family

Murderbot’s Character
As I read through the Murderbot Diaries, I discovered a protagonist who was so much more than a snarky, socially awkward robot. Martha Wells unveils the depths of Murderbot's character, inviting us to explore its struggles with autonomy, anxiety, and forming connections. Murderbot's personal growth is the essence of this series.

Thrills and Fun
Each book in the series is thrilling, with suspenseful action and Murderbot's signature dry wit. Whether facing off against rogue bots or navigating the schemes of ruthless corporations, I found myself excited to see what hilarious observation Murderbot would make next.

The Supporting Cast
The diverse cast of humans and AIs surrounding Murderbot are far from mere supporting players. Through their interactions, we witness relatable moments of growth and connection.

Conclusion
The Murderbot Diaries is a series that brings together action, humor, and heartfelt introspection. As it tackles questions of personhood and free will, this series invites readers to join Murderbot on a journey of self-discovery.

[Jamie (TheRebelliousReader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars for this overall bundle. I love this series so much and this was a much needed reread. I loved taking my time through these and being back with these characters. This is a bit long because I reviewed all six books individually and I was shocked on which ones my feelings changed for.

Book 1: All Systems Red - 4 stars. Such a kick ass start the series. It feels great to be back in this series. I’ve missed Murderbot so much and their sass and quirky little ways. This first book is not lacking on action in the slightest while also introducing to the characters and their relationships to Murderbot. It’s such a fun time and while it can be stressful at times (especially towards the end) it’s so comforting to me.

Book 2: Artificial Condition - 5 stars. ART! I totally forgot that we meet Art so early in the series. OMG. The little friendship between Murderbot and Art is so precious. Art just wants to watch programs with MB I can’t. These books so far are even better upon reread for me. I loved this one.

Book 3: Rogue Protocol - 4.5. This one is the saddest so far. Ugh, the fucking ending is melancholic. Poor Murderbot is having feelings and that sucks cause they don’t know what to do with them. This one is so action packed and full of emotions. Loved it.

Book 4: Exit Strategy - 4.5 stars. Murderbot is trying dammit! Okay! It’s really trying and I’m honestly so proud. MB keeps having emotions and while it hates that it’s cute how it just doesn’t know what to do with them except be uncomfortable. Also, I still very much have a crush on Dr. Mensah! She’s such a babe.

Book 5: Network Effect - 5 stars. Loved this so much more this second time around. And it’s no coincidence that the books that heavily feature ART are some of my favorites. The dynamics between ART and MB is just too good. Outside of that the plot to this is really good and there’s some good intense action moments, especially towards the end. I loved it.

Book 6: Fugitive Telemetry - 4.5 stars. Enjoyed this one much more this time around. I still think it’s not as strong especially following book five but it was still really damn good. I’m always here for more Dr. Mensah and she’s in this a lot which is great.

Overall, these were a great time and I already have the urge to read them again but I'll try to move on to other things now. I just love my sassy little shit aka Murderbot so much.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished this entire 7-book series for the second time this year. Someone I recommended them to was enjoying them so much that I became jealous and went straight through them again. I have a feeling it won't be the last time. Murderbot is comfort food for the brain.

[Alexander Theofanidis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Η σειρά προς το τέλος κουράζει, σημάδι ότι είτε πρέπει να αποφευχθεί το binge reading, είτε ότι έπρεπε να έχει σταματήσει στο δεύτερο (άντε τρίτο) βιβλίο


1. All Systems Red ⭐⭐⭐

Περισσότερο νουβέλα παρά μυθιστόρημα, καλογραμένο μεν, αλλά όχι το αριστούργημα που εκθειάζει ο κόσμος (και απορώ για το 4+ στη βαθμολογία).

Ένα ανδροειδές (ψιλοσάιμποργκ, γιατί έχει και οργανικά κομμάτια) που έχει χακάρει τον καθοδηγητή συμπεριφοράς του για να λειτουργεί αυτόβουλα (υπάρχει ένα χάσμα λογικής εδώ) προστατεύει μια επιστημονική αποστολή σε έναν πλανήτη, που φιλοξενεί δύο μόνο αποστολές.

Όταν η άλλη αποστολή (που απέχει μισό πλανήτη στην κυριολεξία) εξαφανίζεται, μια ομάδα μαζί με το ανδροειδές πηγαίνει να δει τι συνέβη.... Είναι όλοι δολοφονημένοι, μαζί και ένα από τα ανδροειδή τους.

Το ρομποτάκι μας σώζει την αποστολή, σώζει τη μέρα και στο τέλος οι καλοί εργοδότες αγοράζουν το συμβόλαιό του και γίνονται κηδεμόνες του. Μόνο που το ανδροειδές μας, το φονομπότ μας, έχει άλλα σχέδια. Την κάνει μέσα στη νύχτα με οτοστόπ για... άλλους πλανήτες -βλέποντας σίριαλ στη διαδρομή, αφήνοντας τους ανθρώπους που αγάπησε (ποτέ δεν τεκμηριώνεται επαρκώς το γιατί) και προστάτεψε, για να είναι ο εαυτός του.



2. Artificial Condition ⭐⭐⭐

Μέρτερποτ ον δε λους… (sic)

Το Murderbot από το πρώτο βιβλίο της ιστορίας, θα κάνει τον πρώτο του φίλο (μια ευφυέστατη και εξαιρετικά ικανή τεχνητή νοημοσύνη μεταφοράς, τον «ART») και θα αναλάβει τους πρώτους του πελάτες ως «σύμβουλος ασφάλειας», μια ομάδα αφελών που σχεδιάζουν να ταξιδέψουν στην ίδια περιοχή του σταθμού με την εγκατάσταση όπου συνέβη το θανατηφόρο περιστατικό στο παρελθόν του ήρωα. Έτσι, εκείνος έχει μια καλή δικαιολογία για να επανέλθει σε αυτή την απομονωμένη περιοχή, όπου σκοπεύει να κάνει τις δικές του έρευνες. Βέβαια, στην πορεία θα διαπιστώσει ξανά, πως όταν οι άνθρωποι χρειάζονται τη βοήθειά του, γίνεται ευάλωτο και συνήθως λειτουργεί «against its better judgement». Όπως τώρα, που οι πελάτες του θεωρούν ότι η “καλοκάγαθη” επιχείρηση που τους έκλεψε τα δεδομένα είναι διατεθειμένη να τους τα επιστρέψει απλώς και μόνο αν της επιστρέψουν τα Bonus τους (γατάκια…). Εννοείται ότι θα πέσει ξύλο, σφαίρες και ότι θα γίνουν απόπειρες δολοφονίας.

Παρά το γεγονός ότι έχει ξανά επαφή με ανθρώπους (και μάλιστα διαρκή, πελάτες του είναι, και κάνουν συνεχώς ανοησίες) τα καλύτερα κομμάάτιια του βιβλίου είναι όπου υπάρχει αλληλεπίδραση μεταξύ των ΑΙ (υπάρχει και ένα σεξ-μποτ, που όμως χρησιμοποιείται με λάθος τρόπο), είτε «παζαρεύουν», είτε παρακολουθούν σαπουνόπερες, είτε ετοιμάζουν σχέδια δράσης και τα εκτελούν. Εννοείται πως η ιστορία θα περιστραφεί και γύρω από το παρελθόν του Bot, με ενδείξεις σύνδεσης των δύο υποθέσεων…

Πίσω και πέρα από όλα αυτά, παραμένουν οι νοητοί ορίζοντες ελευθερίας που ορίζουν ένα έστω και χακαρισμένο murderbot, συμβατική ηθική και ρομποτική ηθική (έχουμε ήδη τσαλαπατήσει λίγο τους τρεις νόμους του Ασίμοφ) και ένα ταξίδι προς την αυτογνωσία και την αυτοπραγμάτωση που συνεχίζεται.

Καλό, χωρίς να υστερεί πουθενά, ένα σφηνάκι αναγνωστικής ευχαρίστησης, όπως και το πρώτο βιβλίο.



3. Rogue Protocol ⭐⭐⭐

Όταν είσαι Murderbot (έστω, χακαρισθέν και αυτονομηθέν SecBot) είτε ορμάς με το κεφάλι προς τον κίνδυνο, είτε, πολύ βολικά, ο ίδιος ο κίνδυνος σε βγάζει από τον κόπο ερχόμενος με φόρα προς το κεφάλι σου.

Φυσικά, όπως θα περίμενε κανείς από μια αναχωρητική ΑΙ, με τάσεις απομόνωσης, που μισεί τις συναθροίσεις άνω του ενός, θα κάνει φίλους και θα νοιαστεί ακόμη και σε ένα πλανήτη στον οποίο ερευνά τα εγκήματα της σατανικής GreyCris (ακούγεται ένα mwahahaha στο βάθος) και θα παίξει ανελέητο ξύλο για να τους ξελασπώσει «όταν τα περιττώματα χτυπήσουν τον ανεμιστήρα».

Ανάμεσα στους νέους χαρακτήρες για τους οποίους νοιάζεται, ξεχωρίζει ο Μίκι, το καλομαθημένο γλυκανάλατο Pet-Bot, που η κυρά του το αγαπάει και το φροντίζει και το έχει μη στάξει και μη βρέξει, και την αφέλεια του οποίου αξιοποιεί ο μερτεμπότης μας για να αποκτήσει πρόσβαση εκεί που θέλει (ΠΑΝΤΑ με τις καλύτερες προθέσεις). Σιγά σιγά, η σχέση των δύο ΑΙ ωριμάζει (όσο προλαβαίνει, γιατί τα βιβλία της σειράς είναι τόσο μικρά που αν ανοιγοκλείσεις τα μάτια τους διαβάζοντας, χάνεις τη μισή πλοκή) και στο τέλος, when push comes to shove, το ρομπότ-του-καναπέ (πουντλμποτ;), βγάζει από μέσα του και λίγο Οδυσσέα Αντρούτσο, σώζοντας τη μέρα, κερδίζοντας την εκτίμηση και το σεβασμό, ου μην και την αγάπη (awwwww) του μακελάρη πρωταγωνιστή.

Πολλή δράση, ύπουλοι κακοί, επιθετικά μποτ μάχης, χακαρίσιμα ντρόουνς, προδότες, ισκαριώτες, καταπαυτητές, αρχαιοκάπηλοι, όλα τα έχει ο μπαξές σε αυτό το χαριτωμένο μικρό δράμα της σειράς. Και φυσικά, πολλή, πολλή σαπουνόπεραγια τον αγαπημένο ήρωα, τόση που ανάμεσα σε δύο κρίσιμες βολές, είναι ικανός να πατήσει Play για να δει τη σκηνή που είχε αφήσει στη μέση. Α, και απολαυστικές εκφράσεις απέχθειας για το χαρωπό Μίκι, που θεωρεί ότι όποιος του μιλάει ευγενικά είναι φίλος του…

Τίποτε λιγότερο και τίποτε περισσότερο από τα δύο που προηγήθηκαν, αναμενόμενο σαν πλοκή, ποιότητα και ποσότητα, κι αυτό σε ένα κόσμο αβεβαιότητας, δεν είναι απαραίτητα κακό :p



4. Exit Strategy ⭐⭐

Η βασική πλοκή του Murderbot ξαναχτυπά: Άνθρωποι κινδυνεύουν, το murderbot κινδυνεύει, το murderbot χακάρει ο,τιδήποτε έχει πάνω του έστω και μισό τρανζίστορ και τα κάνει λίμπα, αλλά γίνεται ολοένα και πιο γουτσουλίνος και αγκαλίτσας. Πάντα υπάρχει μια νότα χιούμορ, πάντα υπάρχει το «μοιάζω με άνθρωπο, αλλά δε θέλω να είμαι», πάντα υπάρχουν οι γλυκουλινούληδες άνθρωποι που θα το αγκαλιάσουν και θα το αγαπήσουν.

Στο πίσω μέρος του μυαλού μου: Η καλή μας Μάρθα, μας αρμέγει κανονικά, ξαναγράφοντας την ίδια ιστορία ξανά και ξανά.

Πιο κοντά στο μετωπιαίο λοβό: Η Mensah κινδυνεύει (ή τουλάχιστον ο ήρωάς μας το διαπιστώνει μετά από μια σειρά λογικών επαγωγών) και ο μέρτεποτ θα κάνει τα πάντα για να τη σώσει και να τη βοηθήσει. Προφανώς, η εμπειρία του με το πετ-μποτ/γλυκουλίνι/αγαπουλίνι Μίκι έχει γραπώσει καλά το human tissue και ίσως και μερικά κυκλώματα και τον κάνει σιγά σιγά «σόφτη». Ο μερδεπότης να επανενωθεί με κόσμο από το πρώτο βιβλίο, ο αναγνώστης θα νιώσει νιοσταλγικά για 4-5 νανοσεκόντ και μετά θα έχουμε πάλι τα ίδια και τα ίδια. Ωπ, κάτι άρχισε να περνάει από το πίσω μέρος του μυαλού στο μπροστά… Αλλά, awwwwww θέλει να αγαπηθεί και να αγαπήσει, ή κάτι τέτοιο και… ως πότε θα κρατήσει αυτή η κοροϊδία; Νενε, ξέρω, έχουν βγει 7 βιβλία, υπομονή… Μέχρι τότε, χακαρίσματα, σύντομες μάχες και βαρετές περιγραφές που δεν προσφέρουν κάτι στην πλοκή και την αναγνωστική εμπειρία. Ακόμη και η διαφαινόμενη κλωτσιά στα οπίσθια της ΠΟΛΥ ΚΑΚΗΣ ΕΤΑΙΡΙΑΣ, περνάει χλιαρά, αδιάφορα και με ένα ελαφρύ ανασήκωμα των ώμων.

Δεν ξέρω αν ο τίτλος του βιβλίου είναι κλείσιμο του ματιού της Μάρθας στον αναγνώστη, αλλά έχω την αίσθηση ότι έχει φτάσει στο σημείο απ’ όπου θα έπρεπε να «πηδήξει από το τρένο». Θα ξέρουμε σίγουρα στο επόμενο βιβλίο. Ή στο μεθεπόμενο…


5. Network Effect ⭐⭐

Πιο κουραστικό και φλύαρο από οποιοδήποτε άλλο βιβλίο της σειράς Murderbot προηγήθηκε. Το να πετάς το murderbot μέσα στη δράση και να το χτυπάς χωρίς ανάσα για 150 σελίδες και στο τέλος να πετάς και μια γλυκουλινιά και να το εξανθρωπίζεις λίγο (παρά τις περί του αντιθέτου σαφέστετα εκπεφρασμένες επίθυμίες του), ΟΚ, κάπως παλεύεται, στις 350 όμως σελίδες τα πράγματα ζορίζουν και αρχίζουν οι δύσπνοιες.

Σοβαρά, όσο καλή κι αν είναι η βασική σύλληψη του murderbot, οι υλοποιήσεις κάπου χωλαίνουν. Η πλοκή είναι ένα αδιάκοπο και μονότονο σφυροκόπημα, ενώ η Μάρθα ύπουλα κρατάει τους συναισθηματικούς σας όρχεις στο χέρι και σφίγγει όπου χρειαστεί να ξεζουμίσει λίγο συγκίνηση, αλλά όχι τόσο ώστε να ουρλιάξετε άναρθρα (όπως κάθε μουγγός που σέβεται τον εαυτό του) και μετά σας ξαναδίνει πίσω αυτό που σας είχε πάρει και, σαν compensation, και κάτι ακόμα: ένα φίλο, μια αίσθηση στοργής προς τον ήρωα, μια ομάδα στην οποία γίνεται αποδεκτός γι’ αυτό που είναι, κάτι. Εν τω μεταξύ, 5 βιβλία κι ακόμα ο χαρακτήρας δε δείχνει να εξελίσσεται… ούτε με firmware, παρά τις κοσμογονικές αλλαγές γύρω του: παραμένει ένας φονικός Γούντι Άλλεν του διαστήματος, ντροπαλός, ρομαντικός (ευτυχώς ασεξουαλικός) και με νευρώσεις.

Αν είστε έτοιμοι για 350 σελίδες φονικής δράσης, χακαρισμάτων και σχεδίων επί χάρτου με λίγο αλατοπίπερο από «συναίσθημα κάτω από το χαλί» και μια φιλία μεταξύ δυο ΑΙ που μόνο «this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship» δε λένε, αυτό είναι το βιβλίο που θα αγαπήσετε. Εγώ, πάλι, όχι…



6. Fugitive Telemetry ⭐⭐

Θρίλερ με το απαραίτητο τουίστ στο τέλος. Ή Γκαμήλα Λάκμπεργκ, Φιελμπάκα του διαστήματος.

Μετά το κουραστικό και φλύαρο Network Effect, έρχεται το κατά τι λιγότερο κουραστικό και φλύαρο Fugitive Telemetry, με πρόσφυγες, ένα πτώμα στο σταθμό συντήρησης και έναν όρκο που έχει δώσει το Murderbot να μην παραβιάσει την ασφάλεια του σταθμού (χωρίς καλό λόγο).

Ο ήρωας συνεργάζεται με την ασφάλεια του σταθμού, το εσωτερικό του «eye rolling» δίνει ρέστα, για μια ακόμη φορά μαθαίνουμε πόσο σημαντική είναι η ασφάλεια για να την αφήνουμε στους ανθρώπους και όπως συμβαίνει σε κάθε θρίλερ που ο συγγραφέας (νομίζει ότι) σέβεται τον εαυτό τους, η Μάρθα μας πηγαίνει από δω κι από κει και μας κοπανάει σε ντουβάρια, μας ξαναφέρνει πίσω, μπερδεύει τα ίχνη (όσο προλαβαίνει, είναι μικρό το βιβλίο) και στο τέλος μας φέρνει ένα τηγάνι στο κεφάλι με τη μορφή τουίστ.

Παράλληλα, το murderbot ζουζουνίζει ευτυχισμένο με τη δρα. Mensah και δίνει κι άλλες ανθρώπινες προεκτάσεις του χαρακτήρα του. Αν η σειρά φτάσει τα 15 βιβλία, προβλέπω να αποκτά και γεννητικά όργανα, σύζυγο, παιδιά, σπίτι με υποθήκη, σκύλο.

Η ανάπτυξη χαρακτήρων έχει τα κλασικά προβλήματα (δεν υφίσταται, είναι κάτι σαν πάγος στη σαχάρα), οι αναφορές σε τηλεοπτικές σειρές έχουν πάψει να είναι χαριτωμένες περίπου από το 2ο βιβλίο, αλλά συνεχίζουν, ο ART δεν μπορεί να σώζει την κατάσταση χωρίς τον απαραίτητο όγκο αλληλεπίδρασης ή αναβάθμιση του χαρακτήρα του από «περιφερειακό» σε (έστω και δευτερεύοντα) «κεντρικό».

Κάποια στιγμή ο αναγνώστης μοιραία θα χαμηλώσει το βλέμμα και θα τσεκάρει αν έχει αποκτήσει τεράστια μστάργια, καθώς η καλή Μάρθα μας έχει αρμέξει κανονικά…

[Miss Gillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rare 5 stars from me! I had to go back and reread this series when the excellent series with Alexander Skarsgard started. it confirmed my impression that, whilst I'm loving the TV adaptation, the books are better! Basically a fantastic insight into the world of autism, beautifully coded as a sci-fi romp. Full of humour and character. would highly recommend

[Ceara Crawshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book mixed sci-fi themes with hilarity and adventure. I found it really well done. I can’t wait to chomp up the next books! This was a hell yeah for me

[Damian · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Murderbot Diaries
I have just finished 'Network Effect', so I thought I would throw down my thoughts on this series. I've read them in chronological order rather than order of publishing.

I think the first and arguably most important aspect of these books to comment on is Martha Wells' writing style, as this seems to be a significant factor for whether folks liked or disliked or even finished these books. It's true of any book, but it seems to be particularly true here. It is almost all first person narration from the title character Murderbot, so it is quite prosaic in style. The stories in this series are true Space Opera (a sub-genre I adore) in the sense that our eponymous Bot is flitting around known space, visiting different planets and (mostly) habitats, but yet we don't get much description of (say) repeated glorious sunrises and sunsets on a gas giant, viewed from one of its moons, nor the glint of starshine on the metallic exterior of that armed spaceship about to attack our characters. This is not Stephen Baxter nor Iain Banks. Wells writes to make sure we know where Murderbot and the various other characters are, the layout of their surroundings and their condition, but very little else. This means that we are treated to endless rooms, curving corridors, industrial or medical spaces and occasionally crappy planets.
When characters appear in the feed/narrative, they are assigned labels by Murderbot, such as Hostile One, Target five, Murderbot 2.0, HostileDroneOne etc etc. This is dry prose taken to the maximum degree, as if Wells was writing an engineering or science textbook, and yet I have to admit I enjoyed it because it was Absolutely, Utterly, Blindingly Clear What Was Happening. I say this as someone who loves soaring literature such as Brian Aldiss, Ursula Le Guin or Kate Wilhelm.
Another distinctive characteristic of her writing is how vague and unclear a lot of things actually are; we have general descriptions of peoples clothes for example, or the general physical environment; we must interpret this things ourselves.

This brings me to the background of the stories; the world that these adventures take place in is not hugely original, but at the same time there was no need for it to be. Wells is telling stories about the nature of slavery, indentured work, corporations operating without restraint and so on, so she drew upon a wealth of tropes in that genre zone where cyberpunk, space opera and social SF meet. If you've read the likes of Banks, Tchaikovsky, Reynolds and McCauley then you will know what is coming. Wells has some experience writing in the Star Wars universe, so she may well have approached this task in the same way. SF is hundreds of years old, modern SF is at least a century old and this Grim, Interstellar-Dark-punk science fiction is at least half a century old, so why reinvent the wheel? Or the trope?
The world Wells portrays, throughout a volume of space known as the Corporation Rim, is very much one of those futures where Corporations dominate life in all its aspects. Murderbot's story arc is significantly concerned with its move from this Corporation Rim to a political entity known as the Preservation habitat-and-system which has a radically different approach to life. This seems at first to be the familiar idea in much of modern SF that the New Frontier of colonisation of space will be a realm of unrestrained capitalism with resulting wickedness, with some socialist alternative presented as a contrast. But I think Wells is more concerned with concepts around the rule of law; the Preservation alternative is only lightly described and all we really know about it is that it has rights for people (sic), a well-defined social safety net and the aforementioned rule of law. Depending on your own ideological outlook, you may think this boils down to the same thing as Capitalist wickedness vs socialism, but I'll leave that up to you.

In that context, one of the most important elements of the stories in these books is slavery and indentured servitude. The nature of slavery is discussed in the context of Murderbot's previous existence and the mode of existence of the other artificial intelligences we meet in the books. It doesn't really dwell too much on the essence of being deprived of agency while being a conscious and self-aware entity, except in the case of Murderbot itself and SecUnit 3, but she may have wished to stay in her lane; there is an ocean of literature about that including in SF. Wells very definitely focuses on indentured servitude, showing repeatedly that the notion that those who sign up for it willingly embrace it, consider it a good deal or in any sense have a choice in the matter is a blatant lie. The role it plays in planetary colonisation is of course a direct reference to the history of many an empire and country.

A minor but important aspect of the books is Murderbot's gender, or rather, lack thereof. I've seen or heard folks debate, in reviews and on podcasts, whether or not they perceive Murderbot to be a man or woman or gender neutral, which of course is an interesting parallel discussion to how they are described, but I think the most important thing to know is that Murderbot itself explicitly says that it has no gender, sex bits or gender presentation or definition and considers the whole concept of sex and sexuality to be disgusting.

Finally we get to the character of Murderbot, the central feature of the books. Someone once said that in a story the main character changes. The novellas and two novels I have read show a clear arc of development for MurderBot as they come to terms with their own agency, freedom and relationships, a genuinely moving story as they deal with choosing what to do for themselves.
One significant aspect of Murderbot's story is the manner in which they are treated by humans around them. Wells shows us through Murderbot's soap opera (Space Opera?) viewing that humans are fed a diet of stories about how dangerous SecUnits are, that they are prone to going rogue (meaning becoming independent) and then immediately going on a rampage of destruction and murder of humans. Now there are two aspects of that, the first being the obvious 'Would you blame them?', but the second is the preparation of the minds of the wider population to see harsh measures, including the governor module, taken against these othered beings to keep them in line. This was a clear reference to the way in which racism, fear and violence help maintain slavery and also clear out 'inconvenient' indigenous populations by colonisers.

The last part of the book I'll talk about is something that I see a lot in reviews; the notion that the character of Murderbot is in some ways autism-coded (meaning that there are subtle, or not so subtle, hints in the story that a character is autistic). Now putting my own cards on the table, I am always very wary of the use of robot/android/AI characters as analogies for autism, because it is usually done very badly and often heavily leans on the incorrect and frankly obnoxious cliché that autistic people are unemotional or un-empathic. But there is an understated show-don't-tell here that works for me (up to a point).
The example of the face armour (and the idea that others, including friends, would demand that you lower that armour) or turning to face the wall reminds me heavily of the concept of masking; literally armour around your soul. The stress Murderbot feels in dealing with multiple inputs from erratic humans, (despite handling the physical world quite well) is another such hint, especially as that stress comes in part from how unpredictable and difficult to understand they are. This even extends to Murderbot's reluctance to admit to themselves how close they have become in their relationships with ART, Dr. Mensah and Amena. Having said all that, the ease with which they can shut out inconvenient inputs (including people), the extent to which they vigorously don't care about the general mass of humanity and are comfortable with that, the ease with which they tell people what they want (especially the dislike of touching - "It's in the contract.") and their core ability to act decisively and competently adds another layer to this; Murderbot is in some ways what an autistic person who knows themselves well (eg had a dx!) would want to be.

Recommended.

[Stephanie H · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Fugitive Telemetry. Cozy mysteries with Murderbot is not something I knew I needed, but now I want more.

[Olga · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hot take maybe: I like the series, but the problems/issues I had with the first novella kept increasing/piling up and the maximum I can give the series as a whole are 3 stars).
What I still like/improved upon:
-Each of the novellas can be read as a standalone since Wells in my opinion does a great job of providing the necessary background information without being heavy-handed
-Murderbot is awesome and I cańt wait to watch the series on Apple TV+; I love it’s observation about humans and the whole (veeery) hard shell but marshmallow interior thing it has going on. Also this is the first time I have read about a character that (in the course of the First 4 novellas) realizes it actually does want emotional connection but has no desire to be human (it still finds them disgusting in a lot of ways („body fluids“ coming to mind here) which other than in 2001 I have never read about in a novel or seen on tv (ST:TNG or ST: Voyager).
-I find it cute that in this World all AI/bots have selfaware-ness/a conscience
-The stakes for murderbot get progressively higher and they actually have to save it in the last two novels



Now to my gripes:
-The supporting Charakters other than Mensch and Gurathin are extremely thin written (and I dońt think this is due just to Murderbots personality/character) since this does not change over the course of the series even though MB as a character develops. The only things we get to know about them are superficial things like their professions, gender, marital or relationship status. At most (other than Mensah and Gurathin) they have one actual character or personal trait and that is it (ratthi is somewhat of a klutzy labrador, happy-go-lucky-Type, Arada is somewhat shy and agreaable, Pin-Lee is something of a temperamental hot-head). We dońt get to ssee any of their hobbies or what they are doing when they are not researching, bringing me to the next point related to this

-what exactly is it that they are researching and what for?; I can get why the Corporation rim would have an interest in that, but do preservation Alliance and the Rest of the free Systems also want to colonize planets? It´s just was too vague and is more of a Plot device to get murderbot to protect its humans than it having any impact on the World (I do not expect „Dune-„Levels of complexity, but come on….this is somewhat lazy, especially for a Series that got Awards).

In System collapse we get to meet a New crew/a ton of other characters which continue the Trend (I could only remember one and I would have to look up her name).
- Sadly, ART…I also love it as a character but I fear it will be used as a „get out of jail free-Card“/deus ex machine in the future because it is just too powerful
- the whole storyline about if murderbot actually did kill the humans was solved a bit too fast (she could have used this as an ongoing mystery to solve maybe).

Í´ll continue reading the series but will keep my expecations low



.

[AnnMichelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

DO NOT LET MURDERBOT IN TITLE SCARE YOU OFF!
I won’t say more or it’d be a spoiler.
I’m embarrassed to say how many times I’ve read at least first book, which often leads to at least 2nd and 3rd. When I can’t find anything worth reading or watching.

I love the first book the most. Second book and third are tied.

I mostly love the character of MurderBot- or “Sec Unit” as humans usually call “it”- or “him” tho not technically a he or she, since none of those human parts needed for security purpose made for.

It’s a story of a person trying to figure out what they are, and who they are if they are a who at all. Then, what do they want to be and do - age old story of self-discovery I suppose.

Best books ask the BIG questions of life, from new perspectives.
I think so anyway.
Different viewpoint maybe helps us get out of our thinking ruts on same questions? And we’re all redefining ourselves through life and shuffling through and changing what purposes we want to work towards or donate our precious extra time too.

Why this is so great I guess. Well, and it’s funny. Anything that can make me laugh at least two or three times is a winner.
The humans in book don’t know what to think of any of this either! So it’s technically a “comedy of errors” if I remember my English Lit classes right.

Note: I tried the special effects version of audiobook -for some variety- and a big nope for me.
The sound effects distracted me and got on my nerves.
I don’t need to hear heavy breathing when people running for life or the crunch of a punch.
Im not sure if I’m just not a sound effects person or I didn’t like way these done.
I DO very very much appreciate a good narrator though.
May it’s because the original narrator did “murderbot” best. The irony, humor etc etc… he nailed it all. Other was read more flat, so lost some of meaning I think.

[Lynn Mcleod · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books are on my re-read-once-a-year shelf. They are fun, clever, and funny. Murderbot's commentary on humans is, I find, hilarious, and it is so likable you are always routing for it to get out of all the dangerous situations intact. The action pulls you along delightfully. There is violence and swearing, just so you know. I will say that the bot characters are generally more well-drawn than the humans, but this makes sense since the protagonist is a human-bot construct. It does add to your enjoyment to read the books in order. I'm currently mid-read of the series before I read the latest novel in the series and enjoying them all once again. (Note: I'm a bit worried about the upcoming Apple TV+ adaptation because so much of the humor and character development goes on in its thoughts without much external expression. Making just an action movie would be disappointing. We'll see.)

[Libby Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Murderbot books! Anyone who has ever felt like they didn’t belong and struggled to fit in will relate to this character. The narration is natural and engaging. Each story is a separate mystery/adventure, but there’s a deeper mystery about Murderbot’s origins/future simmering away in the background which really draws you in and adds depth to the story. My favourite was “The Network Effect”, the fifth book in the series, which draws on previous adventures and adds new mysteries. I wish I had known to read them in chronological order rather than publication order, because “Fugitive Telemetry” was the sixth book but takes place before the events of the fifth book, which made it a bit jarring for me and hard to get back into the story.

[Erika RS · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're considering buying this 6 book omnibus, you're probably already at least somewhat intrigued by the fun yet serious, fast paced yet reflective world of Murderbot, a reflective construct just trying to live it's best life. This collection was an efficient way to get the first 6 Murderbot diary books, although it did not have the bonus short story described on the cover.

I do strongly recommend reading the books in world order (swapping books #5 and #6) rather than publication order.

[Vojtěch · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very refreshing sci-fi read: humane and thrilling, easy to follow throughout the series. And just now, I found out it will be adapted into a TV series as well. Well deserved.

The obvious theme of searching for one's own personhood and purpose (as an equivalent of neurodivergent/autist) is masterfully unforced. It might be tricky to replicate that on a screen...

[Maz · Rating 4 out of 5]

My only complaint is that the books have a tendency to deal too quickly with things that could have been drawn out for longer, like the RaviHyral mining incident mystery that is resolved in book two. (Also that the narration uses a confusing mix of tenses sometimes.) Other than that I’m eating everything here up with a spoon.

[Kristina Beck · Rating 4 out of 5]

These were so enjoyable I couldn't put them down! The 7th book isnt in this set, but maybe should br read after Network Effect and before Figative Telemetry. I think that is when story 7 occurs chronologically :)

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Martha Wells Murderbot diaries

I read all six books, one after the other. I did not want the ongoing story to end. Murderbot is a character I’m happy to spend time with. Its observations of humans is both humorous and thought provoking. Lessons for us all.

[Willow · Rating 5 out of 5]

The books are better than the show

Great light-hearted science fiction reading. I thoroughly enjoyed the murderbot series, and it was really cool to have a truly genderless protagonist.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great concept. Love Murderbot.

[Charlotte Woodroffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the books and loved the robot. It had great insight as to the human species. The books gaveme many the chuckle. Great reads.

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

So. Awesome.

[Garth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm loving this series - there's so much that needs to be interpreted about the society and technology in which the action takes place.

[Jennifer]

Amazing! Great sci-fi series.

[Frank Dravis · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a page turner through Book 3. I looked forward to getting back to it after a day of work. Somewhere in book 4 it slowed down.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved these - have been avoiding this series for a while because I thought it was going to be cheesy but it ended up being one of my favorites. Lots of battles with intention and plenty of plot.

[Alexey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy and fun to read. Some interesting thoughts and humour, but mostly action based.

[Barbara Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love these books! I listened to the audio books and the narrator is great. He does an amazing job being the voice of Murderbot.

[Pete · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.7

[Corey Westrem · Rating 5 out of 5]

So action packed and hilarious! The emotion and connection you feel to the bot is amazing! I dont know how you can pack so much into such short books!

[RCDinsmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really fun read.

Like detective stories? How about robots? Starships, tech, action, mystery, danger and a dash of psychology? If so, you should read this series.