A new Murderbot book is always cause for celebration; these books are a blast to read. He's back, battling evil corporations, hanging out with his AI friend ART, protecting his gaggle of humans from themselves and their adversaries, solving mysteries, and trying to find enough time to binge watch his entertainment shows, He's continuing to develop a wider range of emotions - kicking and screaming - and this brings complications.

This is a must-read series for any fan, science fiction or not, who enjoys clever writing, mordant humor, and human warmth.

This novel was given to me through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review, lucky me !

First thing, if you've never read the Murderbot series before, you shouldn't begin with this one : "System collapse" follows up on "Fugitive telemetry". If you've already read "Fugitive telemetry", refreshing your memory would be a good thing. Anyway, reading the whole series is a much better idea, you won't regret it.

Second thing, if you've read my reviews before, you know I'm a huge fan of this series and of this author. The Murderbot's middle name must be Sarcasm, and he handles it with mastery. I love this robot with human parts here and there, how he hates socialising, how he avoids feelings at all costs, how he apparently thinks low of humans but has his favourite humans (the lists keep growing), how he handles situations efficiently and astutely to save his team, how he deals with other robots (ART !) and avoids trauma by watching entertainment fervently. (Now, I've read so much about Sanctuary moon that I wish it as an actual show.)

In this particular novel, "something" happened to the Murderbot, he's been "redacted" and feels a little out of sorts ("since the thing that happened I don’t think I’ve had an emotion that wasn’t the visual equivalent of a wet blanket crumpled on a floor."). He doesn't know exactly what happened, he struggles to recover his memories and doesn't act completely like he used before, which doesn't help with his grumpiness. The situation doesn't help either, with a corporate team trying to enslave the population of a contaminated planet.

I love this series because it's not only a criticism of capitalism but a reflection on mental health and robots vs humanity. And it's lots - and I mean lots - of fun.

Poor Murderbot. It’s been a rough go for it. PTSD without any real coping mechanisms or ability to deal with basic emotions much less trauma. Another excellent entry in the series.

The Murderbot Diaries is a series that is near and dear to my heart. I normally read these with audiobooks and really enjoy the narrator. ‘System Collapse’ is the first entry of the series that I have read in the traditional sense. This has made it a different experience than the six previous outings but still a great entry.

If you are looking to jump into ‘System Collapse’, it is best to read the other books in the series beforehand. ‘System Collapse’ continues the story that was established in ‘Network Effect’, the fifth entry of the series. If you are currently working your way through the series, I would suggest reading ‘Fugitive Telemetry’ (the 6th book) before ‘Network Effect’ to avoid hopping around in the timeline. ‘Network Effect’ is the only novel in the series that does a lot of heavy lifting to set up what is going on in ‘System Collapse’.

Murderbot has gone through a lot of trauma during ‘Network Effect’ and doubts what it can do at this point to keep itself and ART’s humans safe while trying to save an entire colony of people from a money-hungry corporation. Murderbot has doubted itself before, but the fight to survive the threat before this book has taken a toll on its already low self-esteem, and we see it relying on its coping mechanisms, such as watching media like ‘The Rise and Fall of Sanctuary Moon’. These are some of my favorite moments because I have done that myself to cope with things that are out of my control.

The aspect of the book I am enjoying is the continuing introduction of ART’s humans. We got a taste of them in ‘Network Effect’, but we are seeing them more on display and getting to explore some new backstories and motivations, which help spice the story up. I do like that we have brought in the majority of the cast from previous books, such as Ratthi, Dr. Mensah, Pin-Lee, Overse, etc., even if they are more fringe characters in this book.

The found family trope is present, just like in all the other Murderbot Diaries, but it is done in such an obtuse way that keeps it fresh. One of the things that continues to stand out is Murderbot’s view on friendships with humans and especially ART. It keeps things lively and feels more human than a lot of other fictional characters I have read in different books.

Martha Wells does such a great job of crafting the characters to have depth and be relatable to most readers. The characters that she wrote don’t feel paper-thin but have the sense that they have lived life. The mixture of sci-fi, humor, mystery, human experience, and a smidge of thriller keeps you turning the page to see what comes next. I highly recommend ‘System Collapse for anyone wanting to explore how to realize that you aren’t just the job you do but so much more to the people that matter most.

Another full length novel in my favorite series?? Sign me up! System Collapse is set immediately after the end of Network Effect and features Murderbot, ART, and their humans as they rescue the abandoned colonists on the planet suffering from alien contamination from becoming indentured servants for a greedy corporation. Oh, and it’s a story of mental health struggles and a critique of rampant capitalistic approach to life. I would highly, highly recommend this ENTIRE series to anyone living on planet Earth (or elsewhere). Seriously. It's that good.

A BIG thank you to NetGalley, Tor, and Ms. Wells for the opportunity to read an ARC of System Collapse. An honest review was requested but not required.

Everyone's favorite somewhat homicidal and totally sarcastic (some might say "snarky") Murderbot is having a crisis. A crisis of confidence? A crisis of identity? A crisis of memory? Yes. D, All of the above. Murderbot's shakiness in itself is echoed in the plot, which is a bit disjointed but it meshes well with Murderbot's state of mind. ARE things disjointed? Or is that just how Murderbot is processing them?

As always Murderbot's snarktasm is a joy to read. I highlighted MANY passages. I would share them but I'd rather you, the Reader, discover the joy for yourself. I wish Asshole Research Transport, aka, ART, was fully present the entire time rather than being reduced to ART drone (which seemed vaguely person shaped?) and I wish that #3 had been present for more of the story. But I will take MB any way shape or form I can GET MB and I can have no complaints. This story was a fun ride with one of my favorite book characters of all time. I will hitch a ride on Murderbot's ship anytime. PS, I love that Murderbot's obsession with consuming media finally paid off.

⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2 stars HAPPILY rounded up to 5 (and would have been five, if ART had had more page time)

One of the finest Murderbot Diaries installments. System Collapse is a must-read for fans of Network Effect. The plot of Network Effect is continued in this book. While navigating the aftermath of their last adventure, Murderbot and the group also come across a brand-new adventure—along with an abundance of issues.
It features all the elements you have come to love about previous Murderbot novels: sarcasm and pessimism, our bot attempting to cope with its trauma and anxiety, lethal combat, a plot heavily influenced by media, and reflections on what it means to be human.
I’m really excited for the next book!

How does Martha Wells keep getting better and better? I don't know but I'm here for it!

System Collapse follows everybody's favorite Murderbot and his family and friends. System Collapse picks up from where Network Effect left off with the discovery of a new colony and ART's crew accepting Murderbot's friends as crew. Murderbot has had a time and it just keeps getting better! Each book has so much sarcasm, adventure, and self-exploration that this series is my go-to recommendation for people who want to get into sci-fi....and even people who show no interest in sci-fi because everyone will love Murderbot!

My thanks for the ARC goes to NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group. I'm voluntarily leaving a review.

Genre: Space Opera, Science Fiction
Language: High with plenty of f-bombs

This is a great continuation of the Murderbot Diaries with Murderbot dealing with feelings in a new way all while trying to save humans.

There's a lot more angst and self-introspection going on in this book. It still reads like a space opera with all the expected adventure. I've enjoyed this book for so many things: snark, interior dialogue, deep distrust, the evil corporation, and how humans are as messy as the bots.

If you're already read the other 6 books, you're not going to want to miss this one. If you're new to Martha Wells, start on book 1 of the Murderbot Diaries.

Happy reading!

Picking up immediately following the events of Network Effect (if you haven't caught yourself up on the rest of the series again before reading this, do yourself a favor and give Network Effect a quick read again - you'll be glad that you did), we are dropped right into the action as Murderbot is trying to cope with a *thing* that has happened to it, and then also trying to keep not only its humans and ART's humans alive, but also saving the colonists on the planet from being conscripted into slave labor as well. Its a lot to deal with, quite frankly, and Murderbot is really not having any of it, except it's Murderbot, so it does what it needs to do to save its humans.

This is still one the best series I have read in a long time. @marthawellswriter continues to impress me with her ability to convey such humanity through the eyes of a very inhuman character. The nuances of what Murderbot is going through in this book, particularly with the *thing* that happens, shows such growth of character, and I'm wildly anxious to see where this new level of humanity will take Murderbot.

If you haven't read this series yet, I simply can't recommend it enough. Even for those who are not fans of scifi, this is an excellent book. If you have read the series, don't skip this entry; the snark is alive and well and you don't want to miss it.

A huge thank you to @netgalley & @tordotcompub for a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.

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Murderbot is back and better (or maybe worse?) than ever.

I loved this seventh installment in the series and can't wait for more people to read it.

This book kicks off right where Network Effect ends, so I can't say much on the plot without spoiling things. Basically, though, Murderbot is working with a cast of characters, both familiar and new, to deal with an unstable political situation on a colonized planet and evade corporate interests.

I loved the expanded cast of this book; the two groups that come together at the end of Network Effect remain in play here, and the new group dynamics were so fun and interesting to read. In particular, I liked the way this book focused on Murderbot's efforts to navigate new relationships and its concerns over the opinions (and fear for the lives) of the newer characters.

I also loved the way that, although this book can be read as a fun and exciting space adventure like the rest of the series, it has a very different tone from the earlier Murderbot books. This book focuses on Murderbot's trauma and anxiety in a very direct way, in that Murderbot itself has to deal with those things in order to move forward in the plot and help its humans. I also thought that it was interesting the way these issues, as well as the series' recurring themes around identity formation and purpose, expanded out from Murderbot to become vital elements of this novel's larger plot. The interplay between the individual and group explorations of these ideas was really compelling, and illustrates what I have come to love about the series: its ability to deal with big, heavy issues in a fun, engaging, thought-provoking way.

If you already love Murderbot, I think you'll continue to love this installment. If you haven't already picked up this series, I cannot more emphatically recommend it.

Thank you to Tor Publishing Group and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of "System Collapse" by Martha Wells in exchange for an honest review.

First off, I am an huge fan of the Martha Wells and the Murderbot series. Even so, when this story opened RIGHT where Network Effect left off, I found I needed a refresher. So I reread Network Effect and settled back in for another wild ride. I was NOT disappointed.

When last we saw Murderbot and friends, they were on the surface of a planet, having just defeated the effects of alien contamination on the local inhabitants. Now, they are confronted with a new threat: an evil corporation wants to indenture the survivors and press them into working their corporate mines.

Murderbot's ship friend ART (aka Perihelion) and its crew specialize in disrupting these kinds of corporate machinations, but their attempts to do so this time are complicated by the existence of a second, disconnected group of settlers living in the north. This group has been out of contact via standard communications for decades, so Murderbot and crew head north, hoping to 1) determine whether this group still exists and 2) if they do exist, convince them NOT to join up with the evil corporation.

To make things more dicey, Murderbot is suffering from *redacted.* (It's a legit spoiler, but Murderbot keeps redacting the story until it feels ready to share that part with us.) The effects of this *redacted* is that it no longer trusts in its abilities and fears whether it can do the job it needs to do. In terms of character development, I love this because it layers even more complexity into a fascinating character. It sucks for Murderbot, but it really further blurs the definition of "what" Murderbot is. It's not human, but it's not fully machine either. Murderbot's been grappling with having FEELINGS since the start of the series, but now it has to contend with *redacted* too.

This story also amplifies the effect that Murderbot has on the greater universe. Those ripples started early in the series, but certain actions in Network Effect and System Collapse should have significant consequences down the line. I CANNOT WAIT.

In short, as usual, I really enjoyed this story from Martha Wells. It has a little less snark and a bit more angst than previous installments but I see this character development as a real bonus. Readers can still expect the kind of heart-pounding action scenes that they are accustomed to, but the focus has shifted a smidge.

I fully recommend this for fans of the series, but for new folks, I do NOT recommend starting here. This story does NOT work as a stand-alone.

Book Summary:

Planetary excursions have never been MurderBot's favorite thing. This is especially true when their favorite humans are running around in danger. Then again, that is when SecUnits like MurderBot are needed the most.

Somehow, MurderBot is smack dab in the middle of a new conflict. One with stranded colonists at risk and another Corporate entity (Barish-Estranza) doing everything possible to claim these abandoned humans for their reasons. Because that always works out so well.

My Review:

Breathe. Just breathe. Okay, I can't hold it in any longer. Ahhhh! It's a new MurderBot novel! I had hoped we'd see some sort of follow-up to Network Effect, but I hadn't dared to hope it would be this soon. And yet, System Collapse is here in my hands.

System Collapse is the seventh novel in The MurderBot Diaries series. It also picks up directly after the events of Network Effect, and I mean that pretty literally. If you want to get technical, humans still haven't left the system – or even the planet.

This makes for various adventures and messes for MurderBot to deal with. Even better? Some of my favorite characters get more time to shine (Iris, Three, etc.). I'll admit that I had about a thousand questions about them. Now I have a few less. However, I hope to see them again soon because I'm greedy.

I think the series (and MurderBot) needed System Collapse for various reasons. It gave us closure to the significant events of Network Effect, obviously. But it's more than that. Here, we see some of MurderBot and ART's favorite humans working together, and it's a delight—a dangerous delight, but a delight nonetheless.

Oh, did I mention that System Collapse is a full-length novel? That's right, there's even more MurderBot to go around. Please hold your applause until the end.

Highlights:
Cyberpunk meets Solarpunk
Rogue Android/SecUnit
Sarcastic Characters
Space Adventures

I truly hope this series never ends. This latest installment in the Muderbot series is as fresh and engaging as the first book in the series. The Muderbot series is not only Martha’s best work, but it’s easily one of the best series out there. I’ve loved watching Murderbot grow and develop through this series. Each book explores what it means to be a human and learning to navigate what life has to offer. I appreciated that in this book Wells has Murderbot confront mental health.

Loved how this book paired up ART and Murderbot. I love the banter between these two. Their conversations always bring a good chuckle.

My only complaint about system collapse is that I found the first 20% of the book to be a bit muddled, as this book takes place right after Network Effect. Coming off fresh from Fugitive Telemetry, I found myself slightly confused. The book does do a fairly decent job of reacquainting the reader with the story.

The ending of the book was really satisfying. As always, really enjoyed this one and can’t wait for the next installment in this series

"Dr. Bharadwaj told me once that she thought I hated planets because of the whole thing with being considered expendable and the possibility of being abandoned. I told her it was because planets were boring.

Yeah, that was a lie."

Murderbot is back! But not quite stronger than ever.

Something is wrong with it, and at a time when things are heating up on what was supposed to be a cooling situation. Picking up almost immediately after the events of Network Effect, Murderbot and crew(s) are dealing with the aftermath: sealing the alien contamination, negotiating with colonists, drafting (forged) charters, and eyeballing the corporation company that is onplanet attempting to con the colonists into becoming slave labor.

And then another batch of colonists pops up with the rumor of a group that seceded to the north pole about forty years ago. Murderbot, three humans and ART go to explore, but of course there's a problem. The location to the giant terraforming engines means that they will be entirely out of communication for the trip.

That's not bad, right?

Yeah, that was another lie.

This book was just as good as the previous installments, although it focuses a lot more on what happens after the main events. Themes involve free will, trauma, PTSD and...well, recovery. Along with Murderbot's trademark heaping doses of anxiety and sarcasm, in almost equal order. There is much interaction between ART and Murderbot (in my mind, ART is kinda like a not-quite-so-murderous/insane version of HAL), along with more navigating of human-construct interactions, and human-AI interactions.

This one did kinda feel like a filler, but it was packed with so much humor and love and general snark that I wasn't upset.

I am very, very excited for the next one because [redacted].

"So the next time I get optimistic about something, I want one of you to punch me in the face. Okay, not really, because let's be real, that would end badly. Maybe remind me to punch myself in the face."

Thanks to NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group for the ARC.

Another great book in the Murderbot series! I was so happy when I got the ARC, and rightfully so! I love that we can see Murderbots evolution-I feel that in every new book the main characters gets to experience new emotions, and I can't wait to see what Martha Wells has planned in the future!

Another excellent installment in the Murderbot series, and a full length one at that! This one picks up immediately after the last novel length book, Network Effect. For full reading experience I recommend rereading that one before diving into this one, or even reading the back half. I read a couple summaries online and was able to hang just fine, though!

We really get to see Murderbot struggle with its emotions this time. I really enjoy seeing how it has progressed across the books, and I love seeing the humans become more adept at handling their friend who deny being their friend and who is also a sentient SecUnit who also pretends to have no emotions. This book has more of Murderbot's sarcastic musings, and its heartwarming? interactions with the ship, ART.

While this wasn't the most engaging of the Murderbot books plot-wise, it did enough good character work to hold my attention. Network Effect is my favorite of the Murderbot books so far (despite me saying I don't remember it....a lot has happened since its release in 2020, okay???) so this one doesn't usurp it, but I still really enjoyed it, especially since it is essentially Network Effect 2: Electric Boogaloo. I also appreciated that we had a smaller cast of humans in this one. I love all the human characters, but it is easier to track them when there's only three main ones in a book.

Overall, another great addition to the Murderbot series. I look forward to the next one!

System Collapse
by Martha WElls
Pub DATE: Nov. 14, 2023
Tor
Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGAlley for the aRC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Another wonderful installment in the Murderbot Diaries! Such great action and a riveting plot. Well-written and as always a joy to read Martha Wells.
I know followers of the series will love this as much as I do.
4 stars

System Collapse is already book 7 of the Murderbot series. I feel like time has been flying with this series. I can't believe we are already at book 7. This book is set directly after Network Effect.

This book rightly is called system collapse. Murderbot is struggling after the events of Network Effect. Thinking she lost ART and what happened with the contamination awith it at the end and the fight, really took its toll. As much as Murderbot tries to deny it, their is a part of it that is human. It has neural tissue. The trauma from Network Effect, but I would also think from previous adventures as a lot has happened to it, is catching up to it. And it is something that it has to deal with. Something that it is coming to terms with slowly in this book.

I think it was good to see this side of Murderbot. Everything can't keep happening to it without repercussions. It is interesting how at the start of Network Effect she was telling Mensah that she needed to take the trauma therapy and now it is in that same boat.

The story was decent. Nothing in that stood out per se. It was a good backdrop for what Murderbot needed to work through. It also shows some resolve for the ending of Network Effect.

The relationships between the characters was great. Murderbot and Art always make any conversation better when they are in it together. I also appreciated seeing Murderbot with Art's humans and seeing how their interactions work. Love how good Rathi knows Murderbot by now.

A big thanks to NetGalley and Tor for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Did I nearly scream and cry when Tor reached out and offered me an eARC of the next Murderbot book.......yes.....I totally did that without any witnesses. So technically you can't prove anything.

System Collapse by Martha Wells is the seventh book in the Murderbot Diaries series, which is about a rogue AI unit that just wants to sit back, relax, and watch his favorite soap operas. But instead he has to have feelings and care about the people he's been assigned to protect. Am I making it worse? I think I'm making it worse. Following the events in Network Effect, the Barish-Estranza corporation has sent rescue ships to a newly-colonized planet in peril, as well as additional SecUnits. But if there’s an ethical corporation out there, Murderbot has yet to find it, and if Barish-Estranza can’t have the planet, they’re sure as hell not leaving without something. If that something just happens to be an entire colony of humans, well, a free workforce is a decent runner-up prize. But there’s something wrong with Murderbot; it isn’t running within normal operational parameters. ART’s crew and the humans from Preservation are doing everything they can to protect the colonists, but with Barish-Estranza’s SecUnit-heavy persuasion teams, they’re going to have to hope Murderbot figures out what’s wrong with itself, and fast! Yeah, this plan is... not going to work.

Murderbot my love, I wish there were more books out there just like you.