A review by demented_delights9448
Artificial Condition by Martha Wells

adventurous emotional funny mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

The second installment of the Murderbot Diaries is just as wonderful as the first. The mystery surrounding how our "Murderbot" came to be named that (mentioned in the first book) continues and reaches a very poignant stage (I was rendered to tears—it was very emotional). Much like the TV show Monk's overarching theme of trying to solve his wife's murder, Murderbot's overarching theme is discovering why it became Murderbot.

Mixed in with the continuation of the key mystery is another client job, murder, murder attempts, ART (you figure out what the A stands for pretty quickly), sexbots ComfortBots, & more episodic adventures of Sanctuary Moon. Murderbot is still the ever-lovable introvert and there is a delightful exchange between Murderbot & ART regarding a new series called Worldhoppers on page 29n that had me laughing myself into stitches. 

Martha Wells never lets up on the witticisms, the thrill, the mystery, or the analysis of human frailties, stupidities, and intricacies as experienced by an introverted yet "terrifying Murderbot" (Murderbot's description, not mine). 

I still recommend this series to pretty much everyone. Every book is a novella and can be read to completion in one to two sittings, so it's great when you need a break between studying or working or heavier reads. Even if science fiction isn't your thing, you'll probably enjoy this because it's just so human and relatable. I hate scifi and I ADORE Murderbot. 
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