Reviews and Comments

"Network Effect," the fifth instalment in The Murderbot Diaries series by Martha Wells, is a triumph that will satisfy both longtime fans and newcomers alike. This full-length novel, the longest in the series, continues the adventures of our favourite misanthropic, soap-opera-loving killer cyborg, Murderbot, while introducing new dimensions to its story.

What makes "Network Effect" so engaging is its masterful blend of humour, heart, and action. The story centres on the evolving friendship between Murderbot and ART, the utterly amoral AI of a large spaceship. Their interactions are hilarious and deeply humane, offering a refreshing take on the concept of companionship between non-human entities. Despite their cranky, sarcastic exteriors, both characters exhibit profound growth, developing feelings, friendships, and a sense of responsibility.

While the external plot can occasionally blur, it is the character development and narrative style that truly shine. Wells crafts a deeply emotional arc for Murderbot, making it impossible not to root for this traumatized yet endearing protagonist. The action sequences are thrilling, and there are plenty of creepy moments to keep readers on edge. The novel's spectacular readability lies in Wells’ ability to weave magic into her writing, captivating readers from start to finish.

The return of ART adds a delightful layer to the story. ART's cranky, sarcastic demeanour perfectly complements Murderbot’s own, creating a dynamic duo that is as entertaining as it is compelling. The inclusion of the Preservation team into the action is a brilliant move, setting up exciting possibilities for future stories.

In essence, "Network Effect" maintains the essence of the previous novellas while expanding the universe with greater depth and complexity. Murderbot remains its cranky, sarcastic, and amazing self, navigating one action-packed sequence after another. For those seeking a science fiction series with heart, humour, and plenty of thrills, "Network Effect" is a must-read.

"Network Effect," the fifth instalment in The Murderbot Diaries series by Martha Wells, is a triumph that will satisfy both longtime fans and newcomers alike. This full-length novel, the longest in the series, continues the adventures of our favourite misanthropic, soap-opera-loving killer cyborg, Murderbot, while introducing new dimensions to its story.

What makes "Network Effect" so engaging is its masterful blend of humour, heart, and action. The story centres on the evolving friendship between Murderbot and ART, the utterly amoral AI of a large spaceship. Their interactions are hilarious and deeply humane, offering a refreshing take on the concept of companionship between non-human entities. Despite their cranky, sarcastic exteriors, both characters exhibit profound growth, developing feelings, friendships, and a sense of responsibility.

While the external plot can occasionally blur, it is the character development and narrative style that truly shine. Wells crafts a deeply emotional arc for Murderbot, making it impossible not to root for this traumatized yet endearing protagonist. The action sequences are thrilling, and there are plenty of creepy moments to keep readers on edge. The novel's spectacular readability lies in Wells’ ability to weave magic into her writing, captivating readers from start to finish.

The return of ART adds a delightful layer to the story. ART's cranky, sarcastic demeanour perfectly complements Murderbot’s own, creating a dynamic duo that is as entertaining as it is compelling. The inclusion of the Preservation team into the action is a brilliant move, setting up exciting possibilities for future stories.

In essence, "Network Effect" maintains the essence of the previous novellas while expanding the universe with greater depth and complexity. Murderbot remains its cranky, sarcastic, and amazing self, navigating one action-packed sequence after another. For those seeking a science fiction series with heart, humour, and plenty of thrills, "Network Effect" is a must-read.

"Home: Habitat, Range, Niche, Territory" is a brief but impactful short story set between "Exit Strategy" (Book 4) and "Network Effect" (Book 5) in Martha Wells’s acclaimed The Murderbot Diaries series. This short story, only a chapter long, is not a stand-alone tale but serves as a 50-page exploration into the inner workings of Preservation Station and the Alliance.

Written from Dr. Mensah’s perspective, this story provides a unique vantage point. We get to see Murderbot through the eyes of another, allowing us to contrast Murderbot’s self-perception with how it is perceived by those around it. This narrative shift offers fresh insights, especially as we witness Mensah grappling with her post-traumatic stress disorder following her kidnapping. The rest of Preservation struggles with the tension of having a highly dangerous Security Unit—Murderbot—on their peaceful planet, where the term "killing machine" is often thought, if not outright stated.

One of the story’s strengths is its deep dive into the emotional and psychological aftermath of the previous events. It enriches the overarching narrative by adding layers to Dr. Mensah’s character and highlighting the broader implications of integrating a Security Unit like Murderbot into a society that values peace and safety.

While this short story left me wanting more, it also sparked a desire to hear from other characters like Ratthi, Pin-Lee, and Gurathin. Their perspectives could add even more depth to the story and the universe Wells has created. Despite its brevity, "Home: Habitat, Range, Niche, Territory" is a compelling addition to The Murderbot Diaries, offering fans a tantalizing glimpse into the complexities of Preservation Station and its inhabitants.

"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."

"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."

"Rogue Protocol" is the third entry in Martha Wells's remarkable series, The Murderbot Diaries. It stars our beloved human-like android, Murderbot, who keeps getting sucked into one adventure after another, despite its desire to be left alone, far away from humanity and small talk.

This instalment sees Murderbot investigating the supposedly abandoned Milu project, which it suspects GrayCris might be using as a front for illicit recovery operations involving alien remnants. As usual, Murderbot plans to handle this mission solo, but a group of humans in desperate need of help derails those plans, compelling our deeply introverted SecUnit to intervene.

Who knew being a heartless killing machine would present so many moral dilemmas?

I love the fast-paced plot, the endearing human side characters, and the sharp humour that permeates the series. There’s something especially entertaining about an AI making fun of how irritating humans can be. The more I read these books, the more I feel a kinship with Murderbot.

Murderbot’s interactions with the humans it encounters in this thrilling story prompt it to reevaluate its own relationships with people, especially Dr. Mensah, Murderbot’s legal owner. These introspective moments, combined with Wells’ masterful creation of a believable universe filled with advanced technology, compelling action, and Murderbot’s dryly humorous voice, make "Rogue Protocol" a science fiction novella that’s both fascinating and enjoyable.

This is a series worth diving into if you’re a fan of science fiction that blends action, humour, and thoughtful character development.

"Rogue Protocol" is the third entry in Martha Wells's remarkable series, The Murderbot Diaries. It stars our beloved human-like android, Murderbot, who keeps getting sucked into one adventure after another, despite its desire to be left alone, far away from humanity and small talk.

This instalment sees Murderbot investigating the supposedly abandoned Milu project, which it suspects GrayCris might be using as a front for illicit recovery operations involving alien remnants. As usual, Murderbot plans to handle this mission solo, but a group of humans in desperate need of help derails those plans, compelling our deeply introverted SecUnit to intervene.

Who knew being a heartless killing machine would present so many moral dilemmas?

I love the fast-paced plot, the endearing human side characters, and the sharp humour that permeates the series. There’s something especially entertaining about an AI making fun of how irritating humans can be. The more I read these books, the more I feel a kinship with Murderbot.

Murderbot’s interactions with the humans it encounters in this thrilling story prompt it to reevaluate its own relationships with people, especially Dr. Mensah, Murderbot’s legal owner. These introspective moments, combined with Wells’ masterful creation of a believable universe filled with advanced technology, compelling action, and Murderbot’s dryly humorous voice, make "Rogue Protocol" a science fiction novella that’s both fascinating and enjoyable.

This is a series worth diving into if you’re a fan of science fiction that blends action, humour, and thoughtful character development.

"Chainsaw Man, Volume 1" by Tatsuki Fujimoto is the gripping first entry in a collection of 14 volumes that promises a wild ride from start to finish.

My journey with Chainsaw Man began with the anime series, which instantly hooked me and made me eager to dive into the manga. I devoured Volume 1 in one sitting, and it quickly became one of my favourite manga series. Sometimes, you crave a story so outrageous that it makes you laugh out loud, and Chainsaw Man delivers just that.

The story kicks off with Denji, a down-and-out young man doing whatever it takes to survive. Desperate for money, Denji and his loyal dog-demon companion, Pochita—who sports a chainsaw protruding from his head—hunt devils together to scrape by. However, Denji’s life takes a horrific turn, and Pochita makes a sacrificial move to save him, giving birth to Chainsaw Man.

In this chaotic world teeming with demons, numerous devil hunters risk their lives for lucrative bounties. Denji emerges as a fascinating protagonist. On the surface, he might seem like a simple-minded teenage boy fixated on typical adolescent fantasies, but his character is much more nuanced. Raised by violent criminals and ostracized from society, Denji lacks education, social graces, and any experience with basic human relationships. His life has been devoid of love, guidance, and normalcy, leaving him to navigate the world like an unstable toddler in a young man’s body. His blood pact with a chainsaw demon dog, which transforms him into a fearsome weapon, only adds to the complexity and chaos of his life.

Denji’s struggle to understand basic human emotions, desires, and rights is both heart-wrenching and captivating. His journey is as much about self-discovery and seeking normalcy as it is about battling demonic threats.

Chainsaw Man is a series that you’ll either love or hate. Its absurdity and dark humour might not appeal to everyone, but if you appreciate a blend of insanity, action, and depth, this manga is for you. Teenage boys, in particular, might find it especially entertaining. However, if you prefer serious, straightforward narratives and can’t handle a dose of crazy, this might not be your cup of tea.

In summary, "Chainsaw Man, Volume 1" is an electrifying start to a series that promises outrageous action, deep character exploration, and a unique blend of humour and horror. It's a must-read for fans of unconventional and thrilling manga.

I recently read "The Cranes That Build Cranes" by Jeremy Dyson, a collection of macabre and mildly entertaining short stories. As with any anthology, the stories vary in subject matter and quality, ranging from thrillers to more traditional horror tales. Some will leave you intrigued and questioning, while others may leave you wanting more.

The stories in this collection can be classified as weird fiction or horror, and they are excellent examples of these genres. Dyson's writing has an uncanny familiarity, making each tale feel like a forgotten dream brought back to life. His ability to convey the essence of each story is impressive, and I often felt as though I knew exactly what he was trying to achieve.

Among the standout stories in the collection are "The Isle of The Wolf," "Yani’s Day," "The Coue," "Michael," and "The Bear." Each of these tales offers a unique glimpse into Dyson's twisted imagination and leaves a lasting impression.

Overall, "The Cranes That Build Cranes" is a solid collection of weird and horror fiction. Dyson's knack for crafting eerie and thought-provoking stories makes this book an engaging read for fans of the genre. If you enjoy tales that blend the macabre with the mysterious, this anthology is worth exploring.

"The Wild Storm, Volume 2" by Warren Ellis continues the captivating journey into the intricately woven universe established in Volume One. This graphic novel delves deeper into the complex world of The Wild Storm, expanding our understanding of its rich backstory and intricate plotlines. Ellis crafts a smartly written narrative that foregoes hand-holding in favour of high intrigue and layered storytelling.

One of the most impressive aspects of this volume is its visual storytelling. The artwork seamlessly integrates with the narrative, enhancing the overall experience and bringing the story to life in ways that mere dialogue cannot achieve. The visuals are not just supplementary but essential, driving the plot forward and adding depth to the characters and their interactions.

While the book demands a bit more effort from the reader to piece together the story, the payoff is worth it. The intrigue and complexity make for a rewarding read, even if it sometimes feels like you're piecing together a puzzle. However, I do have some concerns about the pacing and character development. The story can feel like a slow burn, and with only partial access to the entire series, it’s challenging to fully grasp the overarching plot and character arcs.

Despite these minor setbacks, I am thoroughly enjoying the ride. Ellis’s ability to create a multi-layered and engaging narrative keeps me hooked, and I am eager to see how the story unfolds in subsequent volumes. For those willing to invest the time and effort, "The Wild Storm, Volume 2" offers a rich, immersive experience that promises to pay off as the series progresses.

In summary, "The Wild Storm, Volume 2" is a visually stunning and intellectually stimulating addition to Warren Ellis’s graphic novel series. It requires patience and attention, but for fans of intricate and well-crafted storytelling, it’s a journey worth taking.