sotolf reviewed Exit Strategy by Martha Wells (The Murderbot Diaries, #4)
As the others in the series
4 stars
Book was great, way too short though.
eBook
English language
Published Oct. 2, 2018 by Tordotcom Publishing.
- ISBN:
- 978-1-250-18546-4
- OCLC Number:
- 1055657792
- ASIN:
- B078X1N8VF
- ISFDB ID:
- 2421678
Copied ISBN!
Martha Wells returns to her Hugo, Nebula, Alex, and Locus Award-winning, New York Times and USA Today bestselling series, The Murderbot Diaries, in Exit Strategy.
Murderbot wasn’t programmed to care. So, its decision to help the only human who ever showed it respect must be a system glitch, right?
Having traveled the width of the galaxy to unearth details of its own murderous transgressions, as well as those of the GrayCris Corporation, Murderbot is heading home to help Dr. Mensah—its former owner (protector? friend?)—submit evidence that could prevent GrayCris from destroying more colonists in its never-ending quest for profit.
But who’s going to believe a SecUnit gone rogue?
And what will become of it when it’s caught?
enne📚 reviewed Exit Strategy by Martha Wells (The Murderbot Diaries, #4)
Exit Strategy
4 stars
Maybe that was why I had been nervous about meeting Mensah again, and not all the other dumb reasons I had come up with. I hadn’t been afraid that she wasn’t my friend, I had been afraid that she was, and what it did to me.
The band is back together. I really like the way this fourth novella comes back around back to the Preservation Alliance folks that the books started with. It's fun to see Murderbot with the same people and in a similar protection role, but having a lot more agency.
Pin-Lee groaned and rubbed her face. "I'm almost glad you're here."
This is minor, but Pin-Lee also has some amazing moments here and finally gets to pull out her scary lawyering. I love the combination of how both angry at and yet how also protective of Murderbot she is.
Maybe that was why I had been nervous about meeting Mensah again, and not all the other dumb reasons I had come up with. I hadn’t been afraid that she wasn’t my friend, I had been afraid that she was, and what it did to me.
The band is back together. I really like the way this fourth novella comes back around back to the Preservation Alliance folks that the books started with. It's fun to see Murderbot with the same people and in a similar protection role, but having a lot more agency.
Pin-Lee groaned and rubbed her face. "I'm almost glad you're here."
This is minor, but Pin-Lee also has some amazing moments here and finally gets to pull out her scary lawyering. I love the combination of how both angry at and yet how also protective of Murderbot she is.
technicat reviewed Exit Strategy by Martha Wells (The Murderbot Diaries, #4)
I would like to thank Apple for introducing me to Murderbot even though I'm never going to pay them a dime to watch the show
5 stars
If murderbot was a film series each one would have a more spectacular effects budget, and this one is a fittingly spectacular climax to the arc of the first four books (never mind that I read it in volume 2 which was confused me into into skipping the second book). And feelings, so many feelings.
tivasyk reviewed Exit Strategy by Martha Wells (The Murderbot Diaries, #4)
good!
4 stars
still as good as the first time, now as graphicaudio recording.
73pctGeek reviewed Exit Strategy by Martha Wells (The Murderbot Diaries, #4)
I <3 Murderbot
4 stars
My last re-read, I’m now caught up and the next Murderbot diary will be completely new to me. Exit Strategy is short and sweet, much like the other books. A situation involving old friends(?) sees Murderbot in more serious danger than they’ve faced before.
My favourite Murderbot—annoyed, unfiltered, swearing at humans to their face Murderbot—appears at the end of this book, and it is such a treat. In all honesty, I’d happily read anything involving Murderbot, I am such a fangirl. I <3 Murderbot, they’re literally my favourite SecUnit/bot/construct…person.
読書狂 reviewed Exit Strategy by Martha Wells (The Murderbot Diaries, #4)
Murderbot, what can i say.
5 stars
ah, Murderbot, what can i say. what an absolutely amazing series of books. i'm so happy it found some friends who can meet it on its own terms and help it figure out what it wants. just warms the heart. also, no spoilers, but that part where Murderbot says please to the station security? twice? breaks me, every time. thank god there are more of these, i can't wait to get to them.
ah, Murderbot, what can i say. what an absolutely amazing series of books. i'm so happy it found some friends who can meet it on its own terms and help it figure out what it wants. just warms the heart. also, no spoilers, but that part where Murderbot says please to the station security? twice? breaks me, every time. thank god there are more of these, i can't wait to get to them.
Michael Shotter reviewed Exit Strategy by Martha Wells (The Murderbot Diaries, #4)
None
4 stars
An enjoyable follow-up, and what I'd almost label a "part two" for "Rogue Protocol," the third book in the Murderbot series.
Overall, I'd call "Exit Strategy" a fun, quick read that ties up and entertainingly refers back to a lot of elements from the first three books in the saga. It's definitely not a standalone and would likely be at least somewhat nonsensical to any reader not already familiar with the previous books, so be sure to start with those.
My only real complaint about this one is that things often get a little too "hand wavy" and almost magical in terms of Murderbot's capabilities and ability to solve problems or eliminate threats on the fly for the sake of keeping the story relentlessly and briskly moving forward. It largely works here because of the established whimsical and carefree tone of the series but this book in particular had a …
An enjoyable follow-up, and what I'd almost label a "part two" for "Rogue Protocol," the third book in the Murderbot series.
Overall, I'd call "Exit Strategy" a fun, quick read that ties up and entertainingly refers back to a lot of elements from the first three books in the saga. It's definitely not a standalone and would likely be at least somewhat nonsensical to any reader not already familiar with the previous books, so be sure to start with those.
My only real complaint about this one is that things often get a little too "hand wavy" and almost magical in terms of Murderbot's capabilities and ability to solve problems or eliminate threats on the fly for the sake of keeping the story relentlessly and briskly moving forward. It largely works here because of the established whimsical and carefree tone of the series but this book in particular had a pretty obvious "okay, let's wrap all this up as quickly and conveniently as possible" vibe to it that made the stakes feel very low and inconsequential for the most part. Book three had a similar issue but managed to play off that in an interesting way, which wouldn't have worked a second time, so I was glad it wasn't attempted here but the effect, at least for me, was that "Exit Strategy" felt more like being on a theme park thrill ride, albeit a very fun and well-executed one, than being told a story where the outcome was at all uncertain or unexpected.
I'm looking forward to checking out the next book, "Network Effect," as it appears to be a bit meatier and take things in a somewhat different direction, which I'd definitely welcome, feeling as though the "formula" established in the first four books has served its purpose and run its course.
All that said, I'm continuing to enjoy the series and would still highly recommend it to any science fiction fan, and I'll take a satisfying if largely predictable conclusion to a story arc over a narrative being different and unpredictable just for the sake of being different and unpredictable any day.
Ultimately, I'd give "Exit Strategy" a big thumbs up and would absolutely encourage fans of the first three Murderbot books looking for some closure to give it a read.
BoMay reviewed Exit Strategy by Martha Wells (The Murderbot Diaries, #4)
Murderbot to the rescue
4 stars
Murderbot makes new enemies and finds old friends. Another quick read and entertaining episode in the Murderbot series.
pdotb@wyrms.de reviewed Exit Strategy by Martha Wells (The Murderbot Diaries, #4)
Much more enjoyable than I'd remembered
5 stars
I always thought "All Systems Red" was an absolute standout. Funny, and relatable, and thought-provoking in somewhat equal measure. The remaining three novellas felt somewhat flat after that, but this re-read has significantly changed my opinion. The first is still much funnier than the other three, but I now see their strength in developing the depths of Murderbot's character, becoming, if anything, even more relatable.
I always thought "All Systems Red" was an absolute standout. Funny, and relatable, and thought-provoking in somewhat equal measure. The remaining three novellas felt somewhat flat after that, but this re-read has significantly changed my opinion. The first is still much funnier than the other three, but I now see their strength in developing the depths of Murderbot's character, becoming, if anything, even more relatable.
Custard Rock reviewed Exit Strategy by Martha Wells (The Murderbot Diaries, #4)
A Heartfelt Rescue: Exit Strategy in The Murderbot Diaries
5 stars
"Exit Strategy" by Martha Wells is the thrilling fourth entry in The Murderbot Diaries series. In this instalment, Murderbot, our beloved human-like construct, has finally gathered enough dirt on the nefarious GrayCris corporation to cause some real damage. However, there's a new complication: Dr. Mensah, the very person who freed Murderbot from a lifetime of slavery, has gone missing.
Despite its tough exterior and claims of indifference, Murderbot cares deeply about Dr. Mensah. Her kidnapping by GrayCris sets the stage for a gripping rescue mission. As Murderbot embarks on this quest, it continues to evolve as a character, slowly shedding its deeply ingrained introversion. Yet, it remains reluctant to fully embrace friendship and connection, adding layers to its complex personality.
What stands out in this novella is Murderbot’s snarky, dry sense of humour and its unique perspective on human behaviour. Its candid commentary, peppered with a few choice …
"Exit Strategy" by Martha Wells is the thrilling fourth entry in The Murderbot Diaries series. In this instalment, Murderbot, our beloved human-like construct, has finally gathered enough dirt on the nefarious GrayCris corporation to cause some real damage. However, there's a new complication: Dr. Mensah, the very person who freed Murderbot from a lifetime of slavery, has gone missing.
Despite its tough exterior and claims of indifference, Murderbot cares deeply about Dr. Mensah. Her kidnapping by GrayCris sets the stage for a gripping rescue mission. As Murderbot embarks on this quest, it continues to evolve as a character, slowly shedding its deeply ingrained introversion. Yet, it remains reluctant to fully embrace friendship and connection, adding layers to its complex personality.
What stands out in this novella is Murderbot’s snarky, dry sense of humour and its unique perspective on human behaviour. Its candid commentary, peppered with a few choice expletives, reveals a brewing resentment towards those who have treated it as mere machinery. At the same time, Murderbot’s growing affection for the humans who have shown it kindness is heartwarming and poignant.
The journey through these four novellas has been nothing short of amazing. "Exit Strategy" evokes a full spectrum of emotions, with happiness at the forefront—a testament to the joy of discovering a truly great series. If you haven’t yet met Murderbot, I highly encourage you to suit up in your sci-fi armour and dive into "All Systems Red." By the time you reach "Exit Strategy," you’ll be as hooked on this series as Murderbot is to watching "Sanctuary Moon."
laundry0099 reviewed Exit Strategy by Martha Wells (The Murderbot Diaries, #4)
Review of 'Exit Strategy' on 'Storygraph'
5 stars
I just don’t get tired of Murderbot as a character. Plus, now that the world building and characters are more established, it’s easier to follow the plot, which was something I found a little difficult in the first two books. I cannot wait to keep reading this series!
I just don’t get tired of Murderbot as a character. Plus, now that the world building and characters are more established, it’s easier to follow the plot, which was something I found a little difficult in the first two books. I cannot wait to keep reading this series!
Jameson reviewed Exit Strategy by Martha Wells (The Murderbot Diaries, #4)
Review of 'Exit Strategy' on 'Goodreads'
4 stars
Wells details Murderbot’s tactical decision-making and describes software programming throughout the story in a way I find very enjoyable, but often wonder how it plays for readers with less of a software background. Nevertheless, she balances it well with combat and also Murderbot’s gradual emotional development. It’s an excellent wrap-up for the novella series, with possibilities for the future.
Bithive reviewed Exit Strategy by Martha Wells (The Murderbot Diaries, #4)
A Quick, Entertaining Read with a Familiar Formula
4 stars
I picked up Exit Strategy, as it is something incredibly convenient and refreshing about these novellas. That being said, Exit Strategy adheres to a similar pattern to its predecessors, making it feel somewhat repetitive. Despite this, Martha Wells keeps the pacing and action engaging, ensuring I have a fun, entertaining read each time. While I wish there was more variation in the storyline or that the author explored new ideas, I can't deny that I still look forward to each novella in the series, and Exit Strategy was no exception.
I picked up Exit Strategy, as it is something incredibly convenient and refreshing about these novellas. That being said, Exit Strategy adheres to a similar pattern to its predecessors, making it feel somewhat repetitive. Despite this, Martha Wells keeps the pacing and action engaging, ensuring I have a fun, entertaining read each time. While I wish there was more variation in the storyline or that the author explored new ideas, I can't deny that I still look forward to each novella in the series, and Exit Strategy was no exception.
ridel reviewed Exit Strategy by Martha Wells (The Murderbot Diaries, #4)
Review of 'Exit Strategy' on 'Goodreads'
4 stars
This short story is actually the conclusion of stories 1-4. I highly recommend reading them together, as they form a superb arc that is entertaining and fulfilling.
Soh Kam Yung reviewed Exit Strategy by Martha Wells (The Murderbot Diaries, #4)
The conclusion of the current Murderbot stories, and a new beginning.
4 stars
The Murderbot arc of stories concludes for now, with Murderbot returning to its clients in the first story, only to find their leader kidnapped and held for ransom by the company to force them to drop the case against the company. In the race to rescue her, Murderbot calls attention to itself, and now the company wants it for the information it has on the company on the alien synthetic artefacts that the company has been secretly digging up (and murdering people to keep them quiet about it).
With lots of drama, suspense and, of course, mayhem, Murderbot puts its rescue plan into action. But its major problems will not be with the company but with its former clients. For rescuing and interacting with them has put Murderbot's main question front and centre: what does it really want to do (besides watch entertainment shows). By the end of the …
The Murderbot arc of stories concludes for now, with Murderbot returning to its clients in the first story, only to find their leader kidnapped and held for ransom by the company to force them to drop the case against the company. In the race to rescue her, Murderbot calls attention to itself, and now the company wants it for the information it has on the company on the alien synthetic artefacts that the company has been secretly digging up (and murdering people to keep them quiet about it).
With lots of drama, suspense and, of course, mayhem, Murderbot puts its rescue plan into action. But its major problems will not be with the company but with its former clients. For rescuing and interacting with them has put Murderbot's main question front and centre: what does it really want to do (besides watch entertainment shows). By the end of the story, it still hasn't really decided but for now, its future is in its hands, and it doesn't have to worry that it will end up as a 'pet robot' (its main worry).
Subjects
- Fiction
- Science Fiction
- Robots
- Androids
- Artificial Intelligence