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A review by jodar
System Collapse by Martha Wells
adventurous
dark
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
My overall expectations were a little disappointed in this instalment of the Murderbot Diaries series.
I found the beginning a bit disjointed, unfocused and slow, with too many disparate things happening at once. From about midway the action picks up noticeably and there is better focus. The delectable full honesty and internal sarcasm of Murderbot also comes more into play.
I particularly liked Murderbot’s interactions with other sentient AI systems, bots and ‘sub-bots’. Then again, none of Murderbot’s interactions with humans seemed to be as deep or as psychologically impactful as in previous instalments. Nor, somehow, did the novel sparkle with the same intensity or with as much ‘joy of being sentient’.
Not unexpectedly, a bit of the author’s leftist identity politics and anti-capitalism features as well, but it’s not overpowering and easily ignored. My guess is these elements will date the most over time.
Nonetheless, I’m glad to have read it and fully recommend it to other Murderbot fans. I’m also hoping this novel is transitional to something a little different and more enticing in Murderbot’s next adventure.
I found the beginning a bit disjointed, unfocused and slow, with too many disparate things happening at once. From about midway the action picks up noticeably and there is better focus. The delectable full honesty and internal sarcasm of Murderbot also comes more into play.
I particularly liked Murderbot’s interactions with other sentient AI systems, bots and ‘sub-bots’. Then again, none of Murderbot’s interactions with humans seemed to be as deep or as psychologically impactful as in previous instalments. Nor, somehow, did the novel sparkle with the same intensity or with as much ‘joy of being sentient’.
Not unexpectedly, a bit of the author’s leftist identity politics and anti-capitalism features as well, but it’s not overpowering and easily ignored. My guess is these elements will date the most over time.
Nonetheless, I’m glad to have read it and fully recommend it to other Murderbot fans. I’m also hoping this novel is transitional to something a little different and more enticing in Murderbot’s next adventure.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Gun violence, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Slavery, Cursing, Panic attacks/disorders, and Trafficking
Minor: Kidnapping