Martha Wells won a Hugo Award for Best Novella for All Systems Red, the first book in the Murderbot series. Exit Strategy, the just published fourth book in the Murderbot series, brings the story arc back to the its beginnings. Murderbot is a rogue SecUnit who hacked his governor module and freed himself from corporate control. But now, Murderbot is on the run as the knowledge he’s gained triggers violence. Dr. Mensah, Murderbot’s key client, has been kidnapped by the evil GrayCris Corporation who is reeling from disclosures of its illegal secret alien technology project. Murderbot decides to help the forces that are attempting to rescue Dr. Mensah.
Unlike the earlier books in this series, All Systems Red (review here), Artificial Condition (review here), and Rogue Protocol (review here) readers who don’t know the back story of the Murderbot are likely to be lost and confused by Exit Strategy. Martha Wells tries to supply necessary information at key points in the story, but there’s a lot going on in a 172 pages.
I’m hoping Martha Wells continues with her Murderbot series. The character captures AI modes and critiques human failings in an engaging fashion. GRADE: B
Liked the first book. A novella really. Got the second book on hold from the library. It’s been taking a while.
Steve, Martha Wells created a unique character with Murderbot.
George, this sounds like a book and a series very much of its time. I can imagine the research on AI or machine intelligence the author must have done for this series.
Prashant, I read an interview in LOCUS with Martha Wells where she says part of the character of MURDERBOT reflects her own personality.
Wish I read more science fiction. Heck, wish I read more period. I am getting slower with each year.
Patti, I know the feeling. I used to be able to polish off a Big Fat Book (500+ pages) in a day or two. Now, it takes me several days.
Patti, think about reading “The Lady Astronaut of Mars” by Mary Robinette Kowal, a free novelette on tor.com.
I liked the first Murderbot book a lot but haven’t read the others yet. On the other hand, I have yesterday’s book (CHARLESGATE CONFIDENTIAL) waiting for me at the library.
Jeff, CHARLESGATE CONFIDENTIAL and the MURDERBOT series are apples and oranges! Both are tasty!
This is one I feel I’ve gotten too far behind to start. I tried another of her books (Raithka series) and was completely lost, so this will be a skip.
Rick, the four novellas in the MURDERBOT series are less pages than the average SF novel. The Raksura series is another kettle of fish.
Mensah/Mensa! How original!