nortonmerlyn's review against another edition
3.0
This was an okay story. Is was nice to see the continual development of the murderbot. But I definitely prefer her shorter style books.
julialeanna's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
caitlinann's review
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
shaekin's review
5.0
So easy to read/listen to, great characters, good plot, and I thought pacing was good. I heard complaints that this book could have been the same length as previous novellas in the series, but I personally like the longer version. I'm a fan.
harperior's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
sargeantwoof's review
adventurous
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
polythenesam's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
kblincoln's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars, actually.
Network Effect marks the first, full-length novel. Instead of one major crisis our favorite organic/cybernetic SecUnit has to handle with a combination of software attacks and hand-to-hand combat strategies, Murderbot handles several.
There’s an initial kidnapping of Murderbot’s “owner” human, Dr. Mensah’s daughter, possible alien involvement, derring station-to-planet rescues, and of course, the best part of the book IMHO, a tiff with ART, the sentinet bot pilot from several novellas ago.
There’s lots of lingo, complaining about humans getting themselves into trouble, killware and drones stealthily deployed, and mayhem the likes of which I have become used to in prior novellas of the series.
But what makes This installment stand apart for me is twosome: major emotional payoff for Murderbot and ART, Murderbot and its humans, and Murderbot and another SecUnit. If you like Mr. Darcy at his most restrained and reserved self, if you thrilled to Spock being uncomfortable with his emotions, and followed Data in his quest for real human interaction, then you will love how Murderbot grows, as well as the evolution of its realization of how much ART and the humans value it.
I’m a sucker for restrained characters unwillingly or unknowlingly experiencing love, and so I am fascinated by Murderbot’s sometimes clueless, sometimes self-fooling voice. Can’t wait for the next installment.
Network Effect marks the first, full-length novel. Instead of one major crisis our favorite organic/cybernetic SecUnit has to handle with a combination of software attacks and hand-to-hand combat strategies, Murderbot handles several.
There’s an initial kidnapping of Murderbot’s “owner” human, Dr. Mensah’s daughter, possible alien involvement, derring station-to-planet rescues, and of course, the best part of the book IMHO, a tiff with ART, the sentinet bot pilot from several novellas ago.
There’s lots of lingo, complaining about humans getting themselves into trouble, killware and drones stealthily deployed, and mayhem the likes of which I have become used to in prior novellas of the series.
But what makes This installment stand apart for me is twosome: major emotional payoff for Murderbot and ART, Murderbot and its humans, and Murderbot and another SecUnit. If you like Mr. Darcy at his most restrained and reserved self, if you thrilled to Spock being uncomfortable with his emotions, and followed Data in his quest for real human interaction, then you will love how Murderbot grows, as well as the evolution of its realization of how much ART and the humans value it.
I’m a sucker for restrained characters unwillingly or unknowlingly experiencing love, and so I am fascinated by Murderbot’s sometimes clueless, sometimes self-fooling voice. Can’t wait for the next installment.
henriklukee's review
5.0
Martha Wells always delivers with Murderbot. Looking forward to the next one.
ginabbina's review against another edition
5.0
Full length Murderbot! Murderbot is once again saving squishy humans from some kind of weird scheming it doesn't understand. Its humans are kind, and annoying, and annoyingly kind. I think you should read it spoiler free, so I'll just vaguely say we see some old characters returning. The book juggles so many different types of relationships. I got teary eyed at some very sci fi lines like "This code is for you" that are actually the emotional culmination of several books.
I've highlighted some sections that I think are funny, to share the tone a bit, which I find very funny, and very distinct from the serious story/stakes.
Recommend if you like fun sci fi.
I've highlighted some sections that I think are funny, to share the tone a bit, which I find very funny, and very distinct from the serious story/stakes.
Recommend if you like fun sci fi.