System Collapse by Martha Wells

⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

Murderbot is back with emotions and [redacted], in a way fans will love.

If you're reading this review, you likely already know the joy of the first six books in the series, and you're wondering if book seven is worth your time. My response to that? Run, don't walk, to read this book.

System Collapse picks up where Network Effect, left off. We're back with ART, the humans and surviving colonists who are in danger of being sold into corporate labour camps. Murderbot's trademark sarcasm and awkward human interactions are back in full force, as we open with it trying to take down an ag-bot intent on killing the Preservation humans.

I laughed and highlighted my way through Murderbot's sassy responses to the most stressful circumstances. In this book we see Murderbot growing in interesting ways when it comes to dealing with it's own emotions and responding to the kindness extended by humans. With the introduction of Three (another governor-hacked SecUnit), we also see Murderbot taking on a big brother/teacher role. I wonder if it will continue to lean into 'freeing' other SecUnits in future stories?

Network Effect, the first full-length book in the series was my favourite, so, System Collapse being an extension of that book and story is heaven for me. This book is also longer than the other novellas, coming in around 250 pages; the more time spent in this universe the better.

The banter between Murderbot and ART was next-level. I was laughing out loud at their interactions as they push each other's figurative buttons, but also support each other without question or hesitation.

Full disclosure, I offered Tor one of my kidney's in return for an advanced reader copy. They didn't need the kidney but did share this book through NetGalley. The review would have been worth the kidney, and I've already pre-ordered this book, which comes out in November 2023 in Canada.

This book is best read in a sprawling underground colony bunker, in the dark, but before ScoutDrone1 alerts you to movement down a corridor. Your risk assessment will say there's a 68% chance of it being a SecUnit hunting you. Wait. Make that two SecUnits. So read fast.