Artificial Condition

The Murderbot Diaries, #2

by Martha Wells

First Edition, 158 pages

English language

Published May 8, 2018 by Tor.

ISBN:: 978-1-250-18692-8
OCLC Number:: 1033693095
ISFDB ID:: 2344581

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(276 reviews)

Artificial Condition is the follow-up to Martha Wells’s Hugo, Nebula, Alex, and Locus Award-winning, New York Times bestselling All Systems Red.

It has a dark past—one in which a number of humans were killed. A past that caused it to christen itself “Murderbot”. But it has only vague memories of the massacre that spawned that title, and it wants to know more.

Teaming up with a Research Transport vessel named ART (you don’t want to know what the “A” stands for), Murderbot heads to the mining facility where it went rogue.

What it discovers will forever change the way it thinks…

8 editions

Another Hopeful Fool reviewed Artificial Condition by Martha Wells (The Murderbot Diaries, #2)

Feels interstitial

3 stars

I think anything I could say about this book I could say about the previous ones in the series. Enjoyable, endearing, and with a sort of cultured, high-pulp feel.

Maybe it's because I started reading the Murderbot series with a much later entry, and so I know where the titular SecUnit ends up; because this story feels like it is a slice in the crescent of a larger arc, where nothing particularly groundbreaking is revealed.

Really good. I liked it a lot and have already started on the next one.

I think anything I could say about this book I could say about the previous ones in the series. Enjoyable, endearing, and with a sort of cultured, high-pulp feel.

Really good. I liked it a lot and have already started on the next one.

sotolf reviewed Artificial Condition by Martha Wells (The Murderbot Diaries, #2)

Good one, but way to short

4 stars

So, I finished this one the same day that I started it, the book was pretty good, writing decent, but it feels like it ended without really getting satisfying, I had fun reading it, but then it was suddenly over when it felt it was still in the beginning of it, it was a good first fourth of a book.

mahdi reviewed Proces změny by Martha Wells (Z deníků Robokata, #2)

65%

4 stars

Opakoval bych se, opet spis rozsah novely, hezky to plyne. Dej navazauje na prvni dil, oddychovka v klidu.

ssweeny reviewed Artificial Condition by Martha Wells (The Murderbot Diaries, #2)

More Murderbot!

5 stars

I read the first of these a long while ago. I was worried that losing the relationships with the characters from the first book would weaken the experience but here we see Murderbot develop new relationships fairly quickly. It feels like satisfying growth from the first book even if Murderbot would deny it.

Definitely recommend.

oats reviewed Artificial Condition by Martha Wells (The Murderbot Diaries, #2)

back to murderbot

4 stars

about a year since I read the first book, and a TV show in between it was time to pick up murderbot again. took me a bit of time to get into it, but once I was the book was finished in the day. enjoyed being back in murderbots head, the interactions with ART are great. just wished the climax would have been drawn out a little longer!

enne📚 reviewed Artificial Condition by Martha Wells (The Murderbot Diaries, #2)

Artificial Condition

5 stars

This is my favorite Murderbot novella. What stands out the most to me is the prickly but endearing not-friendship between ART and Murderbot. I also love seeing Murderbot taking on its first clients (by choice) and feeling just as invested in doing a good job in protecting them. My delight in this book is probably why I also like the novel Network Effect so much, as it feels like a thematic expansion of all the best bits of this book (plus ART).

I think it's also easy to read this book as such a queer and trans story (only metaphorically, as it would be horrified at this comparison). It really gets into how fraught physical change for the purpose of passing is; it's something that Murderbot feels it needs to do for safety as rogue SecUnit, even as it feels emotionally unsafe to do. And also it's Murderbot having …

This book also gets into some of Murderbot's traumatic history in its investigation of Ganaka Pit. On a reread, I think I was surprised at how little reaction this gets from Murderbot in the moment once it has unraveled a core mystery of its past. But, at the same time, trauma is unevenly distributed, Murderbot is not the best at feelings, and it certainly catches up later in conversation with ART and Tapan.

technicat reviewed Artificial Condition by Martha Wells (The Murderbot Diaries, #2)

#2 for continuity

4 stars

I read this one out of order, after #3 and #4 because they were in Volume 2, but now I'm filled in the missing backstory. This settles the question whether the stories are readable as standalones, yes they are, but reading in order helps to understand the references to past murderbot mayhem, and uncomfortable human feeeelings, and ships passing in the night encounters with other bottish, whoa re the real stars (or guest stars, as there seems to be a different non-recurring set in each episode), with distinctive personalities. The humans all kind of blur together for me, and generally they're idiots (I'm starting to sound like murderbot). One thing I feel obliged to note, the term for sexbots is uncomfortably reminiscent of the term used for forced prostitutes in WWII, which is either cleverly deliberate or unintentionally disturbing (like the confederacy overtones in Firefly, although I suppose that could …

tivasyk reviewed Artificial Condition by Martha Wells (The Murderbot Diaries, #2)

graphicaudio is good!

4 stars

great soundscape and play.

The Weaver Reads reviewed Artificial Condition by Martha Wells (The Murderbot Diaries, #2)

Goodreads Review of Artificial Condition

4 stars

This story is a blast. Nothing too deep, but the new characters are engaging and Murderbot is coming into form. Definitely better than All Systems Red.

73pctGeek reviewed Artificial Condition by Martha Wells (The Murderbot Diaries, #2)

The sweetest, murderiest bot

4 stars

Another re-read. Still love Murderbot an unreasonable amount, they are just so sweet. The story is enjoyable, and Artificial Condition expands the world, and Murderbot's circle of acquaintances, much to my delight. ART is such a perfect companion for Murderbot.

Custard Rock reviewed Artificial Condition by Martha Wells (The Murderbot Diaries, #2)

Murderbot's Next Adventure: A Review of 'Artificial Condition

5 stars

"Artificial Condition" by Martha Wells is the second instalment in The Murderbot Diaries series, building on the thrilling foundation laid by "All Systems Red." Having eagerly picked up this sequel, I was curious to see what our beloved SecUnit, known as Murderbot, would do with its newfound freedom. I found "Artificial Condition" to be even more engaging and entertaining than its predecessor, with a compelling mix of mystery, character development, and humour.

In this novella, Murderbot continues to evolve, showing increased depth as a character. Its witty commentary on the absurdities of human behaviour adds a delightful layer of humour to the narrative. The story explores Murderbot’s journey toward self-awareness, especially through its interactions with other AI entities.

One standout interaction is with a ComfortUnit—a euphemism for a sexbot—through which Murderbot gains a deeper appreciation for the freedoms it has and the significance of using that freedom to assist others. This subplot enriches the narrative by highlighting themes of autonomy and empathy.

Another highlight of "Artificial Condition" is the introduction of ART, a rather bossy transport AI. Despite Murderbot's initial reluctance, ART’s determined involvement in Murderbot’s life adds both humor and depth to the story. The dynamic between Murderbot and ART is particularly entertaining, as ART's persistent intrusion forces Murderbot to confront its own vulnerabilities and desires.

Overall, "Artificial Condition" is a smart, funny, and thought-provoking continuation of The Murderbot Diaries. It delves into deeper themes while maintaining the series’ characteristic wit and charm. I am eagerly looking forward to following Murderbot’s next awkward yet endearing adventures.

In summary, "Artificial Condition" is a fantastic sequel that surpasses its predecessor in many ways. It’s a must-read for fans of the series and anyone who enjoys a well-crafted, humorous sci-fi adventure.

John Lusk reviewed Artificial Condition by Martha Wells (The Murderbot Diaries, #2)

I estimate 97% probability I will read this entire series

5 stars

This one was also awesome. Murderbot, for some reason, feels responsible for some humans and a smaller number of other bots. This is an interesting plot device.

Also, it feels to me like there's this sort of "escaped slave at risk of being recaptured" thing, along with "other humans feel guilty about that and want to treat it kindly but murderbot finds that extremely awkward and tiresome" thing, and I think those two things could definitely be (de?)coded differently, if you have a mind to, and that feels different (and I like it).

Alsø alsø, there's that whole "cold, heartless sole wanderer always moving like a rolling stone" thing that's appealing.

This one was also awesome. Murderbot, for some reason, feels responsible for some humans and a smaller number of other bots. This is an interesting plot device.

Alsø alsø, there's that whole "cold, heartless sole wanderer always moving like a rolling stone" thing that's appealing.

gntoni reviewed Artificial Condition by Martha Wells (The Murderbot Diaries, #2)

Review of 'Artificial Condition' on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

The relationship between Murderbot and ART was one of the most adorable and hilarious things I've read recently. Hoping they get to meet again in the future.

BoMay reviewed Artificial Condition by Martha Wells (The Murderbot Diaries, #2)

Murderbot explores its past

4 stars

Another enjoyable episode in the series. A bit better than the first.

ronaldisreading reviewed Artificial Condition by Martha Wells (The Murderbot Diaries, #2)

None

4 stars

Lo que me gusta de Matabot es que tiene sus prioridades claras: Ver series. Pero tiene responsabilidades y el mundo parece que no quiere dejarlo tranquilo, y eso es algo que todos tenemos en común.

Hasta ahora la historia de Matabot ha sido muy entretenida así que voy a seguir con la serie a ver qué pasa y descubrir si algún día lo dejan tranquilo.