Reviews and Comments

"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.

"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.

"All Systems Red" by Martha Wells is the captivating first instalment in The Murderbot Diaries series. At 156 pages, this novella packs a punch, immersing readers in a corporate-dominated, spacefaring future where planetary missions are overseen by the Company, which supplies security androids to ensure the safety of exploratory teams. However, in a society where cost-cutting trumps all, true safety often takes a back seat.

Enter Murderbot, the misanthropic security android assigned to protect a small expedition on a distant planet. With a penchant for binge-watching entertainment videos and a tendency to do only the bare minimum required, Murderbot is unlike any protagonist you've encountered. Despite its reluctance to engage with humans, Murderbot's journey is both humorous and profoundly touching.

I experienced "All Systems Red" through both the audiobook and the ebook, which made the story even more immersive. This dual approach enhanced my connection to the narrative and the characters, particularly Murderbot, with whom I formed an unprecedented emotional and empathetic bond. Wells masterfully weaves deeper themes into the story, exploring societal issues without being heavy-handed or preachy. These subtle layers invite readers to reflect on broader implications while enjoying the adventure.

This novella is a masterclass in blending humor, heart, and intelligence. It made me laugh out loud, tugged at my heartstrings, and kept me thoroughly engaged from start to finish. "All Systems Red" is not just smart and well-written; it’s also highly addictive, offering a unique and exhilarating adventure. I can't wait to dive into the next book in the series and continue this remarkable journey.

In summary, "All Systems Red" is an exceptional start to The Murderbot Diaries, delivering a story that is fun, funny, and deeply moving. It’s a must-read for anyone looking for a fresh and engaging sci-fi adventure.

"All Systems Red" by Martha Wells is the captivating first installment in The Murderbot Diaries series. At 156 pages, this novella packs a punch, immersing readers in a corporate-dominated, spacefaring future where planetary missions are overseen by the Company, which supplies security androids to ensure the safety of exploratory teams. However, in a society where cost-cutting trumps all, true safety often takes a back seat.

Enter Murderbot, the misanthropic security android assigned to protect a small expedition on a distant planet. With a penchant for binge-watching entertainment videos and a tendency to do only the bare minimum required, Murderbot is unlike any protagonist you've encountered. Despite its reluctance to engage with humans, Murderbot's journey is both humorous and profoundly touching.

I experienced "All Systems Red" through both the audiobook and the ebook, which made the story even more immersive. This dual approach enhanced my connection to the narrative and the characters, particularly Murderbot, with whom I formed an unprecedented emotional and empathetic bond. Wells masterfully weaves deeper themes into the story, exploring societal issues without being heavy-handed or preachy. These subtle layers invite readers to reflect on broader implications while enjoying the adventure.

This novella is a masterclass in blending humor, heart, and intelligence. It made me laugh out loud, tugged at my heartstrings, and kept me thoroughly engaged from start to finish. "All Systems Red" is not just smart and well-written; it’s also highly addictive, offering a unique and exhilarating adventure. I can't wait to dive into the next book in the series and continue this remarkable journey.

In summary, "All Systems Red" is an exceptional start to The Murderbot Diaries, delivering a story that is fun, funny, and deeply moving. It’s a must-read for anyone looking for a fresh and engaging sci-fi adventure.

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.

"Winter's Gifts" by Ben Aaronovitch transports readers into the Rivers of London universe through the eyes of FBI Special Agent Kimberley Reynolds. When retired FBI Agent Patrick Henderson reports an ‘X-Ray Sierra India’ incident, confusion reigns until the call reaches Reynolds. Her investigation takes her from Quantico to the snowbound reaches of Northern Wisconsin, where she discovers a tornado has ravaged half the town and Henderson is mysteriously missing.

This novella marks the first time Reynolds steps into the spotlight as the main character, having previously collaborated with Peter Grant in "Whispers Under Ground." While the shift away from Peter Grant offers a fresh perspective, I found that non-Peter entries don't quite capture the magic of the main series for me. The absence of Peter's humour, a hallmark of the Rivers of London books, made this story feel less vibrant by comparison.

The plot of "Winter's Gifts" felt somewhat thin, reminiscent of a pilot episode brimming with potential yet not fully realised. Although the narrative introduces intriguing elements, it lacks the depth and complexity characterising Aaronovitch's full-length novels.

One of the challenges is Kimberley Reynolds herself. Without magical abilities to rely on, her character struggles to elevate the story to the same heights as Peter or even Abigail might. We get glimpses into her personality—she avoids swearing and is a devout Christian—but we don’t see how she reconciles her faith with the magical phenomena she encounters. This lack of deeper character exploration left me wanting more.

Overall, "Winter's Gifts" stands as a respectable addition to the Rivers of London series, offering a unique perspective but lacking the full charm and depth of the main books. For dedicated fans of the series, it’s an enjoyable read that broadens the universe, though it may not reach the same heights as Peter Grant-centric stories.

Rating as a Rivers of London book: 3.5 stars. As a standalone story: 4 stars.

"What Abigail Did That Summer" by Ben Aaronovitch is a refreshing novella set in the Rivers of London universe, shifting the spotlight from Peter Grant to his spirited cousin, Abigail. This delightful divergence from the main series follows Abigail through a fateful summer adventure, offering readers a captivating and magical tale.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novella, which showcases Abigail's intelligence, bravery, and unyielding spirit. The story is packed with clever twists, spooky elements, and a rich dose of magic, featuring a troupe of talking foxes, a river god, and other fey creatures. Abigail shines as a ghost hunter, fox whisperer, and all-around troublemaker. She’s not one to sit back and let the world pass her by; instead, she dives headfirst into action, using her wits to navigate and overcome perilous situations.

Abigail’s character is undeniably smart and sensible, yet she possesses a daring streak that leads her to explore places she perhaps shouldn’t. Her courage and resourcefulness are admirable, and she proves to be a formidable protagonist. I especially enjoyed seeing her handle the challenges that came her way, demonstrating both maturity and a youthful exuberance for adventure.

This novella is not only a fun read but also a significant expansion of the Rivers of London universe. It’s a joy to spend time with Abigail, and her narrative brings a fresh perspective to the series. I eagerly anticipate more of her adventures, ideally with her joining Peter and Nightingale at the Folly to further hone her magical abilities.

In essence, "What Abigail Did That Summer" is an entertaining and engaging addition to the series, providing a delightful mix of magic, mystery, and character-driven storytelling. It’s a must-read for fans of the Rivers of London series, as well as anyone who enjoys a well-crafted, whimsical adventure.

"Tales From The Folly" by Ben Aaronovitch offers an intriguing collection of short stories set in the enchanting world of the Rivers of London series. Many of these stories were initially included as exclusive bonuses in the Waterstones hardcover editions, making this compilation a treasure trove for fans. Notably, "Three Rivers" stands out as the only piece unique to this edition.

While I enjoyed immersing myself in these tales, I couldn't help but feel that most of them were incomplete. They often left me yearning for more, as if they were just tantalizing glimpses into larger narratives. Aaronovitch's full-length novels and novellas provide a more satisfying experience, whereas these short stories sometimes felt like they ended abruptly, leaving many threads unresolved.

For instance, stories like "The King of the Rats" and "Three Rivers, Two Husbands and a Baby" had the potential to delve deeper into their intriguing premises. Instead, they seemed to merely scratch the surface, offering just the beginning of a story before suddenly concluding. This left me with a sense of unfulfilled anticipation, wishing for a more comprehensive exploration of the characters and plotlines.

In essence, while "Tales From The Folly" provides delightful snippets of the Rivers of London universe, it may leave readers craving the depth and resolution found in Aaronovitch's longer works. It’s a must-read for dedicated fans who enjoy any addition to the series, but those new to the world might find the short stories less satisfying without the context of the full-length books.

"About Time" by Jodi Taylor thrusts readers back into the pulse-pounding world of the Time Police with an intensity that grips from the very first page. As tensions rise within the Time Police Headquarters (TPHQ), an officer's shocking attack and a prisoner's brutal murder set off a chain of events that lead to forbidden territories and dangerous revelations.

In the midst of the chaos, Team Weird returns to the forefront, but this time, their unity is tested like never before. Secrets unravel, alliances fracture, and trust hangs by a thread as Jane, Matthew, and Luke find themselves on a collision course with their own destinies. As the group splinters and two members become estranged, the dynamics shift dramatically, leaving one member caught in the crossfire of conflicting loyalties.

Taylor expertly weaves together suspense, intrigue, and heart-stopping action in "About Time," crafting a narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. With each revelation and twist, the stakes soar higher, drawing readers deeper into the intricate web of mysteries surrounding the Time Police.

In this electrifying instalment, Taylor proves once again why she is a master of her craft, delivering a riveting tale that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next chapter in the Time Police series. "About Time" is a thrilling ride from start to finish, offering an unforgettable journey through time and suspense that will leave readers breathless.