Network Effect

As other reviews here have noted, this is the first murderbot installment that's long, qualifying it for space opera designation (is that an award category?), so it's the first one that I had to, I don't want to say slog, but put some muscle into finishing. It's no thousand-page Ken Liu steampunk novel, but long enough that the publishers didn't bundle it in a two-book volume, so it comes between books 3-4 in Volume 2 and 6-7 in Volume 3 (I wonder if the author wrote a long one just to mess them up).

But I kept at it because still, it's murderbot, and the action never stops, except when it does stop and murderbot thinks about its (their?) feelings, which, percentage-wise compared to the other books, isn't that much time (still a fraction of the time spent watching Sanctuary Moon and other titles from future netflixes). I don't want to give anything away, so I'll just say there's more of everything here, and I've lost track of all the humans (do they even have names?). Bad murderbot!

"Network Effect," the fifth instalment in The Murderbot Diaries series by Martha Wells, is a triumph that will satisfy both longtime fans and newcomers alike. This full-length novel, the longest in the series, continues the adventures of our favourite misanthropic, soap-opera-loving killer cyborg, Murderbot, while introducing new dimensions to its story.

What makes "Network Effect" so engaging is its masterful blend of humour, heart, and action. The story centres on the evolving friendship between Murderbot and ART, the utterly amoral AI of a large spaceship. Their interactions are hilarious and deeply humane, offering a refreshing take on the concept of companionship between non-human entities. Despite their cranky, sarcastic exteriors, both characters exhibit profound growth, developing feelings, friendships, and a sense of responsibility.

While the external plot can occasionally blur, it is the character development and narrative style that truly shine. Wells crafts a deeply emotional arc for Murderbot, making it impossible not to root for this traumatized yet endearing protagonist. The action sequences are thrilling, and there are plenty of creepy moments to keep readers on edge. The novel's spectacular readability lies in Wells’ ability to weave magic into her writing, captivating readers from start to finish.

The return of ART adds a delightful layer to the story. ART's cranky, sarcastic demeanour perfectly complements Murderbot’s own, creating a dynamic duo that is as entertaining as it is compelling. The inclusion of the Preservation team into the action is a brilliant move, setting up exciting possibilities for future stories.

In essence, "Network Effect" maintains the essence of the previous novellas while expanding the universe with greater depth and complexity. Murderbot remains its cranky, sarcastic, and amazing self, navigating one action-packed sequence after another. For those seeking a science fiction series with heart, humour, and plenty of thrills, "Network Effect" is a must-read.