The Murderbot Diaries Vol. 3 by Martha Wells

Book 42 of 2025: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

(Collects Fugitive Telemetry and System Collapse.)

The final two Murderbot novellas (so far), though the novel Network Effect takes place between them, so I read the first half of this book, paused to read the novel, and came back to finish this off. As good as the rest, and Murderbot and ART make such a good pair of characters.

Me holding The Murderbot Diaries Vol. 3

Network Effect by Martha Wells

Book 41 of 2025: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

These are just so good. Kidnapping, rescues, mysterious ships and colonies, and all with Murderbot’s eternally exasperated outlook on the humans around it…who for some reason, keep causing it to have to deal with emotions. The first novel in the series gets a slightly grander scope and cast of characters, but still easily holds true to the heart of it all.

Me holding Network Effect

The Murderbot Diaries Vol. 2 by Martha Wells

Book 39 of 2025: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

(Collects Rogue Protocol and Exit Strategy.)

Brings the overall arc of the first four Murderbot novellas to a close, as Murderbot continues to investigate the circumstances behind the events of All Systems Red, and learns ever more about itself in the process. Really satisfying, and even as a neurotypical person (as far as I know, at least), it’s all too easy to identify with Murderbot’s confusion and irritation with human behavior.

Me holding The Murderbot Diaries Vol. 2

The Murderbot Diaries Vol. 1 by Martha Wells

Book 36 of 2025: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

(Collects All Systems Red and Artificial Condition.)

I’d read the first half of this back in 2018, when All Systems Red was nominated for the Philip K. Dick award, but until now, hadn’t gone any further into the series. Having Martha Wells as a Guest of Honor for this year’s Worldcon was a great reason to pick these up and read them all.

Definitely enjoyed All Systems Red as much as I remembered from the first time around, and Artificial Condition is just as fun, picking up almost exactly where ASR ends and exploring more of Murderbot’s past. Murderbot is such a great character.

Me holding The Murderbot Diaries Vol. 1