This novel takes place immediately after the only other novel in the series, Network Effect. I wish that I had read them back to back, not in publication order, but this is a minor point.

Our SecUnit has physically recovered from being imprisoned by the alien contaminant, but something is off. As the Preservation members and University team work together to try and convince the colonists to leave with them, SecUnit finds it challenging to manage both job and emotions.

I loved Network Effect, and this novel is set in the same world and situation. Murderbot's journey to self-actualization is relatable, which is odd, since SecUnits are cyborgs. But there is such a human vulnerability behind the wise-cracking smartass. ART, on the other hand, is so superior to humans in processing ability that I find it harder to relate. I can't wait to see where the author takes us next. Wherever it is, I will be along for the ride. ( )

(2.75 Stars)

This was pretty good, but didn't really do too much to grow any of the characters, or even the universe. ( )

Another great story from the life and times of Murderbot.

If you enjoy AI fiction then this is the series for you, and if you haven't tried any AI fiction yet and want to give some a try, then this series is a fantastic starting place.

Enjoy! ( )

Another entry in the Murderbot universe, which is about rescues and escapes on several levels. Murderbot is part of an effort to rescue colonists from a dangerous planet as well as predatory corporate efforts to conscript them as slave labor.
It also has to escape the same corporation on a mission gone wrong, saving its own humans along the way.
Although I liked the book, I found it difficult to get immersed. The very abrupt start, picking up pretty much where the previous book ended, and the ongoing references to events in previous books, made me feel disoriented. As if the author (whom I generally adore) had broken the author-reader contract implicit in the kind of series named "Murderbot diaries", and that particular length (mostly novellas, and short novels) ie. books that are loosely connected but can stand on their own. ( )

When I finished this book I let out a deep, heartfelt sigh of satisfaction. I don't get to do that very often. It's not that the books is perfect, it just gave me everything I needed it to and it was definitely worth losing sleep over to finish.
One of my growing favorite things about this series is the access we are getting to this whole other world, a separate and growing culture of computers, bot, ships and machines. They have a distinct culture and language and even the simplest of bots is treated with respect by both the author and SecUnit themselves.
The story was very much in the back seat over the characters and their experiences, but that is pretty much the whole series, so of these kinds of books aren't your thing just move on. I am falling more and more in love with cozy science fiction.
My only real complaint is that this book comes after Fugitive Telemetry in terms of publication date, even though it is a continuation of the story in Network Effect and I would have found it more satisfying to read in in that order, an easy fix for rereads. ( )