Review – Network Effect (Murderbot Diaries, Book 5) by Martha Wells (4.5/5 stars)
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Science Fiction
Length: 352 pages
Publisher: Tor.com
Release Date: May 5, 2020
ISBN-13: 978-1250229861
Stand Alone or Series: 5th book in the Murderbot Diaries
Source: Birthday Gift
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
“You know that feeling when you’re at work, and you’ve had enough of people, and then the boss walks in with yet another job that needs to be done right this second or the world will end, but all you want to do is go home and binge your favorite shows? And you’re a sentient murder machine programmed for destruction? Congratulations, you’re Murderbot.
Come for the pew-pew space battles, stay for the most relatable A.I. you’ll read this century.
—
I’m usually alone in my head, and that’s where 90 plus percent of my problems are.
When Murderbot’s human associates (not friends, never friends) are captured and another not-friend from its past requires urgent assistance, Murderbot must choose between inertia and drastic action.
Drastic action it is, then.”
Series Info/Source: This is the fifth book in the Murderbot Diaries series and the first full length novel in this series (previous books have been novellas). I got a copy of this book for my birthday.
Story (5/5): Murderbot is still working with the Preservation and has been asked to accompany the lead ruler of the Preservation’s daughter as her security bot. When Murderbot and crew are detained by another ship they find out that it is none other than Murderbot’s friend/ship Art that has detained him. When they board Art to help, they find he has been taken over by an alien source of some sort. Now Murderbot must keep his crew safe, rescue Art, and help to get Art’s crew back to safety.
This was very well done. I really loved it. The action is non-stop and the story is really good.
Characters (5/5): I loved all the characters in here. Even most of the side characters are really well developed. I love watching Murderbot and his relationship with his ship-computer friend Art. A big part of this story is just watching Murderbot try to figure out who he is and what he should do with his newfound freedom. The character of Murderbot is pretty much what makes this whole story!
Setting (5/5): The world-building in this series continues to be absolutely amazing. Not only is the way the whole universe is built really well done but in this book we get to journey to a new and interesting location in space. The world is well described and really comes alive. I love the adventurous setting here.
Writing Style (4/5): I love the sarcastic tone to Murderbot’s voice, he’s very fun. The writing style is a bit dry for me sometimes, but that may be because it is seen through Murderbot’s eyes. The action scenes are amazing and the book is very well written.
My Summary (4.5/5): Overall this was really well done and I loved it even more than the previous novellas. I loved visiting new worlds and loved the action here. Watching Muderbot deal with his new life as a free android was amazing. I continue to really enjoy this sci-fi series. I would highly recommend this book if you are interested in a sci-fi story about an android figuring out what it means to be human.
