Fantasy Buddy Reads discussion

Reading all the Murderbot books in separate threads (Thank you Yanique) leading up to the new book coming out next November. Tentative schedule:

・9/1 All Systems Red (Novella) [Link]
・9/10 Artificial Condition (Novella) [Link]
・9/20 Rogue Protocol (Novella) [Link]
・10/1 Exit Strategy (Novella) Oct 1st [Link] and
・4.5 Home: Habitat, Range, Niche, Territory (short)
・10/15 Fugitive Telemetry (Novel) Chronologically #5 Oct 15 [Link]
・ 11/1 Network Effect (Novel) Chronologically #6 [Link]
・11/30 System Collapse (Novel) [Link]

Moved Books 5&6 around to make them chronological??? According to comments they go backwards....??? Did not know this.

Dates are arbitrary and can be adjusted! Let me know what y'all think.

Oh yeeesss, I am joining!

Somehow, I am going to join.

JL wrote: "Somehow, I am going to join."

Don't worry! First few are short and the others go so quickly!

Yay Johanna! Long time no see!

I heard that the chronological order is 1 - 4, 6 then 5. has anyone else heard that?

Pretty sure I'll be joining in.

Glad to see everyone ready for some Murderbot!

@Loriidae
Yes, that's correct.
1-4 form an arc, and 6 is an interlude that precedes the events of the novel.

Nirkatze wrote: "JL wrote: "Somehow, I am going to join."

Don't worry! First few are short and the others go so quickly!

Yay Johanna! Long time no see!"

Well hey: quality before quantity ( even though I would love to read more with you ;) )
Now when this year is nearing it's end I can say that THAT series we buddy read has been the best read of this year!! (It was also the most anticipated!)

But give me mercy: this isn't happening until August and I have to survive all by myself that far 😂

Johanna wrote: "Well hey: quality before quantity ( even ..."

I've gotten so turned around in everything I've read I'm questioning my own memory. THAT series was... Malice, right? If I'm right, we still have the follow-up series to read... :)

@Loriidae & Mel--I swapped books 5&6 around for chronological order... but we can argue that when we get done with 1-4 too. I don't think I noticed that 6 came before 5 when I read it, but I also don't think I did a full series reread before it....

Nirkatze wrote: "Johanna wrote: "Well hey: quality before quantity ( even ..."

I've gotten so turned around in everything I've read I'm questioning my own memory. THAT series was... Malice, right? If I'm right, we..."

Yeah you got it right and that's true as well about the sequel series ^_^

I did a full series reread before I read books 5 and 6, which I read in publishing order and not chronological order. I personally thought it was fine reading it like that, it didn't not make sense or anything. Plus it was kind of nice to get back to the novella style after going through a full novel.

Are we going to include "Compulsory", ie the short story set before the first book? It's only like 2 pages but it's still a fun little read~

Hello friends!

Just popping in here to say that I can make individual threads for each of these books rather than the series thread. I love this series and it’s definitely a popular one so I’m happy to see enthusiasm for it! But often these BRs get lost in the bookclubs and people aren't aware they have been scheduled.
This is to ensure that the group remains organized and the BRs are open to and convenient for everyone.
I can use the dates in the first message here for the threads and tit can replace this one 👍🏽

Thanks Yanique!
Yeah, I hear you. The Book Clubs were started as a sort of off-topic place to chat about different genres, and also became a way to lessen the burden on the mods when they were overwhelmed with BR requests. But the downside is that they aren't always as organized and accessible to those new to the club. Or not new. I've certainly missed out on BRs because they were being done in the clubs folder.

Although thank you Nirkatze for proposing a reading schedule for the series! I'm terribly indecisive about that sort of thing, so I appreciate you making those decisions and getting the ball rolling!

Yanique wrote: "Hello friends!

Just popping in here to say that I can make individual threads for each of these books rather than the series thread. I love this series and it’s definitely a popular one so I’m ha..."

That's fine with me Yanique! Thank you for the suggestion. Still not sure what order folks will want to read #5 & 6 in, but we can figure that out when the time comes.

@Gaea--I didn't know about Compulsory! We should definitely include it.

So on that note--Yanique when you're making all those threads for us, can the shorts be included with the closest book too please! Thank you!

@Nirkatze sure thing!

Yanique wrote: "Hello friends!

Just popping in here to say that I can make individual threads for each of these books rather than the series thread. I love this series and it’s definitely a popular one so I’m ha..."

Might do the same with Heartstrikers / DFZ?... and I'll probably put in requests for all the Laundry Files books individually... it's garnered a fair bit of interest...

I plan on just sitting one day and inputting all the threads. I have a little bit of down time for a change! ( biomedical research is only for those ready to have no vacations 😅)

Cheering for you Yanique!

Thank you @Nirkatze! I need it 😁

This has been moved to the Upcoming BR section and individual threads for each book are being created right now.

DONE!

I'll join you all for the new book!

Keeping my eye on this. Will join if I can ! :)

Strong maybe for me! At least it's not the beginning of the year which is WAY overbooked for me as of now. I need that reading time bubble right about now.

I'm thinking about joining this one too :D

Well this was an unexpected delight! I look forward to discussing it with everybody soon.

I actually read this already 🤣 You can write it down that at least once I have been in time (and this time early) 🤣 I got the book from the library and it's so popular so I had to read it when I got it

LOL I hope you still stick around to chat with us Johanna!

Glad to see you joining us too Felina! I am also so looking forward to these...

Updated first post with links to all other books in the series.

Yep I am going to be here when you're reading this 🥰

Same Johanna. I read it early cause I didn’t have any of my other books yet for other BR’s.

@Felina you have to be one of the wisest ones then in this group 🤣🤣 I mean that some of us have the books for BRs but still keep mood reading everything else 🤣🤣🤣

I'm starting tonight. While All Systems Read is a reread for me, it will be my first time through for the rest of the series.

So excited! I'm definitely picking this up this weekend. This is... I think my third or fourth reread of the series, but first time trying the audio.

I did wanna join and try this out, but whilst this first book is an ok price on Amazon, there was a reviewer that pointed out that the rest cost a bomb and I do agree the price that they are wouldn't be worth it for a novella... My library don't have any of these books either!

If it’s helps, they’re free on Kindle Unlimited. I signed up for KU specifically for these books and then plan to cancel it when I’m done. I think all but the newest one is free on KU.

I see that the audiobooks are included with a Scribd subscription

Hoopla also has the audio and my library has them on ebook so some other systems may have them as well.

Yeah they are a tad pricey for novellas. I'm glad I picked them all up through sales. It's good to see other options above too!

I got through Ch 2 and it's just as I remembered. (view spoiler)[Socially awkward robot, check! Desire to ignore the job and watch dramas, check! Pretty quick to the action, check! :) (hide spoiler)]

Started on the first couple chapters, and like you said Narilka, it's just as I remembered. Sarcastic. Fast-paced. Delightful. :)


Side note: Having read and reread and loved Murderbot, I gave myself a start when I input the publication data in my spreadsheet.
"Hm, the first one was what... 2012?
*checks*
...
2017!?"
Just the number of memories I have, reading it aloud to friends, all the recommendations and birthday gifts, reading it here in FBR leading up to Network Effect's release, all makes it seem like the series has been around longer than it has. (Surely before the awful Brexit/Trump/Plague years began.) Objective Time and Subjective Time is a Thing.

This is my fourth time rereading this~ Like you guys, I'm also finding it just as I remembered it to be... including the writing style that still makes me read slowly after all this time.

@Mel - Agreed, it does feel like these books have been around for longer than it has. But maybe that's just us being so used to having them around. Like, what is a world without Murderbot?? XD

@Felina, Chris & Rob, cheers guys. I am based in the UK so US deals don't apply to me- just checked Amazon, it's not on KU. I've yet to really try out audio, and reckon my first few attempts will be re-reads just to get used to it. So, not this time unfortunately, but thanks!

Good luck!

I was just at Barnes and saw these as a beautiful hard cover set. So tempted but I walked away. Maybe once I win the millions.

Beena, I wish we were closer so I could just lend you a copy. If I had them on Kindle I would gift them over.

Drat on the timing. I remember Tor gave out the first four novella ebooks for free leading up to the novel Network Effect coming up. I know we're all about supporting authors here, but I'm very tempted to rationalize that there's no reason why you shouldn't be given the same deal, just because you are temporally disadvantaged. *tsk tsk* Of course, mostly I just selfishly want you to read with us and garner a new fan to the Murderbot Preservation Collective.

Went and finished my reread - it's hard to pace oneself with such a short, fast read.

As always, I love Dr. Mensah so much. Such delicious competence porn. (view spoiler)[A leader of an anti-corporate society who is a doctor, but also during her off hours lives on a farm with her polycule and extended family? Just, so much Star Trek-ish wish fulfillment there. She respects Murderbot to give it space, not make direct eye contact, and engage in a way that makes it feel comfortable. But also will also punch holes in rogue SecUnits with a sonic drill to get back her crew.

It was starting to occur to me that Dr. Mensah might actually be an intrepid galactic explorer, even if she didn’t look like the ones on the entertainment feed.

I love her taking away Murderbot's weapon and dragging it along like an aunty dragging a recalcitrant child back to the house. Like, "Now just look at what you've done to yourself!"
She had her handweapon out and I had time to notice that Mensah had my weapon under her other arm. “Dr. Mensah, I need my weapon.”
“You’re missing a hand and part of your shoulder,” she snapped.

But we also get the sweetest moment of Murderbot having feeeelings and I can't even.
"It would be better if they could think of you as a person who is trying to help. Because that’s how I think of you.”
My insides melted. That’s the only way I could describe it. After a minute, when I had my expression under control, I cleared the face plate and had it and the helmet fold back into my armor.

*cries* Murderbot even replays those words to calm itself down! 😭😭😭
"I wanted to seal my helmet so badly my organic parts started to sweat, but I replayed the conversation with Mensah and managed not to."

Of course, Dr. Mensah is still human, and has human failings, and simply doesn't consider why Murderbot wouldn't want a little R&R on the farm while deciding on a new career path. I'm so glad that the novella ends the way it does, with Murderbot asserting its full autonomy.

I don't begrudge Dr. Mensah this oversight though. Of the crew, I would probably be Arada, wanting to give a reassuring pat on the shoulder, showering it with uncomfortable and awkward attention and understanding. (hide spoiler)]

I can't wait for ARTificial Condition. :)))))))

Also finished my reread today. Mel, those were all the moments that had (view spoiler)[my insides melting!

And i just wanted to hug murderbot, but I absolutely wouldnt because I know it wouldnt want physical affection. But maybe i could convince a viewing of Sanctuary Moon in the same vicinity? I so wish that was a real show!! (hide spoiler)]

I had the audio and needed something quick today so I jumped in, first time reading for me and I really liked it! The ending was a bit bittersweet but I understand. Looking forward to continuing this series.

Tonari no Emily wrote: "And i just wanted to hug murderbot, but I absolutely wouldn't..."

The struggle is real. I also would want to hug Murderbot, but I very much like your alternative of watching The Rise and Fall of Sanctuary Moon together. (I actually have a T-shirt for The Rise and Fall of Sanctuary Moon, and the couple times that the super-niche reference was recognized by others made me inordinately happy!) Being able to hyperfixate on the same fandom is definitely a Love Language!

Finished!

Murderbot might as well be the mascot for anyone with social anxiety haha

@Mel - gotta love them competent characters <3 Also, where did you get a Sanctuary Moon t-shirt??

@Tonari - agreed, Sanctuary Moon does sound like it would make for a wonderfully interesting show to watch.

Still love the bittersweet but satisfying ending; like, there was no other way it could have gone. Now to meet ART agaainnnnn~

This’ll be my 3rd or 4th read of the novellas.. only read 1-2 of the novels and haven’t loved them as much for some reason…

This is my first time, as expected, flying right through getting to know the characters, but I'm already halfway done.

@Gaea You can find a couple different designs on sites like Teepublic or Etsy. I got the design by CrownandThistle.