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A review by jhbandcats
System Collapse by Martha Wells
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
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
As I’ve said upon finishing every book in this series, I love Murderbot. This story begins immediately where Network Effect (#5) ended. I found it essential to have that one fresh in my mind before reading this one (#7). (Number 6 is a standalone with the same characters.)
Murderbot is dealing with an evil Corporation - the kind it had escaped in the first book in the series - plus planetary colonists who are either ornery or outright unfriendly and the occasional infected agricultural bot intent on killing anything that appears to be human.
In the middle of this mix of people and machines at cross purposes, Murderbot splits its time between saving its humans and watching its favorite soap operas. The thought of a robot killing machine loving soap operas is one of the more endearing features of these books.
Murderbot is more emotionally fragile here, with very low self esteem. It’s hard to see it feeling so unsure of itself and its abilities. We know how capable Murderbot is but it’s overwhelmed by the possibility that it will fail and all its humans and its bot friends will be killed. Its unusual vulnerability makes it especially sympathetic. The plot was satisfying and convoluted as always.
Naturally I’m eager for the next book. Since this was just published, I know I’ll have to wait a while. So incredibly frustrating….
Murderbot is dealing with an evil Corporation - the kind it had escaped in the first book in the series - plus planetary colonists who are either ornery or outright unfriendly and the occasional infected agricultural bot intent on killing anything that appears to be human.
In the middle of this mix of people and machines at cross purposes, Murderbot splits its time between saving its humans and watching its favorite soap operas. The thought of a robot killing machine loving soap operas is one of the more endearing features of these books.
Murderbot is more emotionally fragile here, with very low self esteem. It’s hard to see it feeling so unsure of itself and its abilities. We know how capable Murderbot is but it’s overwhelmed by the possibility that it will fail and all its humans and its bot friends will be killed. Its unusual vulnerability makes it especially sympathetic. The plot was satisfying and convoluted as always.
Naturally I’m eager for the next book. Since this was just published, I know I’ll have to wait a while. So incredibly frustrating….
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Gore, Panic attacks/disorders, Violence, and Colonisation