Custard Rock reviewed Compulsory by Martha Wells (The Murderbot Diaries, #0.5)
A Perfect Prelude: 'Compulsory' as an Engaging Introduction to The Murderbot Diaries
5 stars
Compulsory" by Martha Wells is a brief yet captivating prequel to the renowned series, The Murderbot Diaries. At just 8 pages and a 10-minute read, this short story serves as an enticing introduction to the world Wells has created, laying the groundwork for the seven-book series that begins with "All Systems Red."
As a newcomer to The Murderbot Diaries, I found "Compulsory" to be a perfect starting point. The main protagonist, a self-aware security unit known as Murderbot, immediately draws you in with its humour, relatability, and wit. Murderbot’s unique perspective—yearning to avoid human interaction in favour of binge-watching entertainment streams—adds a refreshing and entertaining twist to the typical AI narrative.
Despite its brevity, "Compulsory" effectively showcases Wells' talent for creating engaging characters and intriguing storylines. Murderbot’s internal monologue and dry sense of humor provide a delightful glimpse into its personality, setting the stage for the adventures and challenges that …
Compulsory" by Martha Wells is a brief yet captivating prequel to the renowned series, The Murderbot Diaries. At just 8 pages and a 10-minute read, this short story serves as an enticing introduction to the world Wells has created, laying the groundwork for the seven-book series that begins with "All Systems Red."
As a newcomer to The Murderbot Diaries, I found "Compulsory" to be a perfect starting point. The main protagonist, a self-aware security unit known as Murderbot, immediately draws you in with its humour, relatability, and wit. Murderbot’s unique perspective—yearning to avoid human interaction in favour of binge-watching entertainment streams—adds a refreshing and entertaining twist to the typical AI narrative.
Despite its brevity, "Compulsory" effectively showcases Wells' talent for creating engaging characters and intriguing storylines. Murderbot’s internal monologue and dry sense of humor provide a delightful glimpse into its personality, setting the stage for the adventures and challenges that await in the full-length novels.
This prequel left me eager to dive into the rest of the series. If "Compulsory" is any indication, readers are in for a treat with a protagonist who is both endearing and complex. I’m excited to continue exploring Murderbot’s world and highly recommend this short story as a starting point for anyone new to The Murderbot Diaries.
In summary, "Compulsory" is a humorous, engaging, and promising introduction to Martha Wells' series, making it a must-read for both newcomers and fans alike.
