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A review by v171
Network Effect by Martha Wells
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Something that I have been impressed by throughout this series is the authors ability to avoid a formulaic story progression. This is particularly impressive considering the majority of the books are under 200 pages, and there are only so many ways to structure an action adventure within the three arc narrative in so few pages. But Wells is able to consistently diversify these stories with enough diplomatic tension, heartfelt intermissions, and espionage sequences that always keeps the story fresh. Network Effect was a great example of that expert construction coming together, now with more pages!
As I usually say with murderbot, this is more of the same excellent writing, great characters, great pacing, and engaging story. The full length novel is just a treat. My only issue with this book in particular (and it has been a trend with each book), is that the number of named characters is starting to total in the dozens. This generally isn't a problem, but Wells tends not to devote a lot of time to a given character's physical appearance or set their voice apart narratively. It makes it very hard to keep track of who is who, and where each person is as multiple action sequences happen. I shouldn't really complain because all of the characters are lovable in their own way, and more lovable characters are always fun to encounter, but I wouldn't be mad at a smaller cast, a la 'All Systems Red' in the future.
As I usually say with murderbot, this is more of the same excellent writing, great characters, great pacing, and engaging story. The full length novel is just a treat. My only issue with this book in particular (and it has been a trend with each book), is that the number of named characters is starting to total in the dozens. This generally isn't a problem, but Wells tends not to devote a lot of time to a given character's physical appearance or set their voice apart narratively. It makes it very hard to keep track of who is who, and where each person is as multiple action sequences happen. I shouldn't really complain because all of the characters are lovable in their own way, and more lovable characters are always fun to encounter, but I wouldn't be mad at a smaller cast, a la 'All Systems Red' in the future.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Death, and Violence
Moderate: Blood