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System Collapse, the seventh book in Martha Wells' Murderbot Diaries, picks up right where Network Effect left off. As a direct sequel, this volume is the second full-length novel in the series and is the least stand-alone of them all. If you’re thinking of jumping in fresh here, think again—you'll want to start at the beginning to fully appreciate the depth and development of the story and characters.

Murderbot has endured a lot, from violent battles and betrayals to emotional hardships. It has witnessed filthy-rich corporations committing heinous crimes with no regard for human life. As Murderbot slowly becomes more "human-like" and grapples with emotions it would rather ignore, it’s about to face one of the most human experiences of all: trauma.

A few months after the events of Network Effect, Murderbot and ART's crews are still stuck, waiting for reinforcements to fix ART's hyperspace drive. Meanwhile, Perihelion's crew works tirelessly to thwart Barish-Estranza's (B-E) attempts to sign the population into corporate slavery.

A mysterious, redacted past event has Murderbot stressed out, making it hard to perform its usual security tasks. Despite its desire to seclude itself in one of ART's closets, B-E's increasingly aggressive efforts demand Murderbot’s reluctant attention.

Murderbot’s journey continues to be a fascinating exploration of what it means to be human. Its development as a character is marked by a blend of dry humor, reluctant heroism, and poignant introspection. Wells expertly balances action and emotional depth, making this latest installment as compelling as its predecessors.

The plot is fast-paced and filled with tension as Murderbot navigates the challenges thrown its way. The interactions between Murderbot and the crew members are as engaging as ever, highlighting Wells' talent for creating rich, relatable characters.

If you’ve been following the series, System Collapse is a must-read that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It’s a brilliant continuation of Murderbot’s story, blending action, emotion, and humor in a way that only Martha Wells can deliver.

"Fugitive Telemetry," the sixth book in Martha Wells' acclaimed Murderbot Diaries series, delivers a delightful blend of snark, mystery, and reluctant heroism. Our beloved, misanthropic SecUnit, who would much rather binge-watch media in peace, finds itself embroiled in a murder investigation on Preservation Station.

The story kicks off with a dead body, disrupting Murderbot's plans for a quiet existence. This unexpected murder propels our anti-social protagonist into the role of a detective, navigating the intricacies of a space station murder mystery. With its characteristic wit and dry humour, Murderbot reluctantly engages with the humans of Preservation Station, who not only distrust it but also impose restrictions on its ability to hack systems and move freely.

This locked-room whodunit is packed with sarcastic commentary and clever insights, as Murderbot maneuvers through the investigation, uncovering clues and dealing with the prejudices that still linger despite robots being considered people. The tension between Murderbot's desire for solitude and its evolving sense of duty adds depth to the narrative, making for an engaging and multifaceted read.

Wells masterfully balances the humour and the suspense, creating a story that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining. "Fugitive Telemetry" is a testament to her skill in character development and world-building, as we see Murderbot's growth and its interactions with the humans around it.

For fans of the series, this instalment offers another captivating adventure with our favourite snarky AI. If you're new to the Murderbot Diaries, prepare to be hooked by the unique blend of science fiction, mystery, and the irresistible charm of a robot that just wants to be left alone.