Hardcover, 176 pages
Published Jan. 22, 2019 by Tor.com.
The series is about an artificial construct designed as a Security Unit, which manages to override its governor unit, thus enabling it to develop independence. It calls itself Murderbot, and likes to watch unrealistic soap operas. As it spends more time with some caring humans, it starts developing feelings that it does not care for.
It's a short novel so I can't expect much in character development outside of the main one, but that is my one critique: I'd like to know more about the other members of the crew and their situations.
But overall it was a fun listen; engaging, interesting, suspenseful.
A fun, quick sci-fi read.
I enjoyed this one quite a bit. The idea is simple enough. "Murderbots" are engineered constructs comprised of biological and mechanical components. They're created to kill things and follow orders but are capable of more under certain circumstances, such as those created via a hacked or malfunctioning "governing module." This is the story of one such entity, caught up in an unusual scenario when a "simple planetary survey mission" goes sideways. It's a solid read and works, both as a standalone and as the setup for the "Murderbot Diaries" series it kicks off. Highly recommended for those seeking a fast-paced, charming, and generally-lighthearted (despite a few somewhat-grim moments) introduction to modern science fiction but veterans of the genre will likely find a lot to enjoy as well.
It's good fun. Was a bit shorter than I expected so the ending felt a bit abrupt (reading it as part of a Tor ebook collection so couldn't see how long was left). Murderbot's an interesting character, and the story from their point of view is interesting, especially when there are so many hours of Sanctuary Moon left to be watched. The problem of that perspective is it makes it hard to distinguish the other characters from each other, but overall it's an enjoyable read.
On a re-read this book is really growing on me. The protagonist is a cyborg with severe anxiety, acting as disposable security for a corporate contract on the frontier. Shame it's so short!
This was excellent. The first person from the central character is what sells it. Murderbot is a great creation, injecting the humour and narrative drive into the story. This is a novella so the wider setting is only hinted at but it is nicely self contained as well. A few trenchant points are made about free will and slavery but mostly this was just fun. A small note about pricing though. These are novellas not novels and I got the first one for 2.99 which is a fair price. The next 3 range from 6 to 8 quid and that's a bit off if you ask me. It doesn't affect my review score as that is not the author's problem but I bang it up here as a PSA.
2022 Re-read.
I am just going through a few re-reads while I wait for a few pre-orders to land. A re-read …
This was excellent. The first person from the central character is what sells it. Murderbot is a great creation, injecting the humour and narrative drive into the story. This is a novella so the wider setting is only hinted at but it is nicely self contained as well. A few trenchant points are made about free will and slavery but mostly this was just fun. A small note about pricing though. These are novellas not novels and I got the first one for 2.99 which is a fair price. The next 3 range from 6 to 8 quid and that's a bit off if you ask me. It doesn't affect my review score as that is not the author's problem but I bang it up here as a PSA.
2022 Re-read.
I am just going through a few re-reads while I wait for a few pre-orders to land. A re-read is a soothing thing that I realised I had not been doing enough of these last few years. Now, a re-read can be quick read as one is going over familiar ground, or you can take your time and see things you may have missed.
This remains nicely punchy on a re-read. Murderbot is such a compelling creation that you are just carried along with it on a nicely tight little tale.
Recommended.
If a movie is ever made, Tig Notaro should play Murderbot.
Honestly, what can I say that everyone else hasn't already said? Go read this. Then do what I did - because I am late to the party - and get the rest of the series.
There's a reason that everyone says "I love Murderbot!"
I had a hard time getting into the book at the beginning. Mainly because of the very easy prose and some world building issues. However, at 45% it finally made click and i had a great time. It has a very satisfactory ending and I enjoyed a lot of parts very much.
Bit of a quick read, but not going to complain. Personally I liked the storyline, the humour of the murderbot too.
I may or may not be (read : I am currently) throwing money at the other books right now.
