The series is about an artificial construct designed as a Security Unit, which manages to override its governor unit, thus enabling it to develop independence. It calls itself Murderbot, and likes to watch unrealistic soap operas. As it spends more time with some caring humans, it starts developing feelings that it does not care for.
Hardcover, 176 pages
English language
Published Jan. 22, 2019 by Tor.com.
The first three chapters take too much time to establish the protagonist as a metaphor for neurodiversity (especially AuDHD) but after that, the story evolves nicely and reads really fast.
it's hard to pull off a sardonic robot protagonist, and I think this did it
Content warning Vague spoilers involving Murderbot's character arc.
I loved the funny, witty inner voice of Murderbot, and I also love that it chose the name based on the coolness factor and not because it actually likes to murder. My mom has been bugging me to read this book for years, and I'm so glad I finally listened and read the first installment. I love how Murderbot grew to trust and care about the humans they were reporting to. 10/10, can't wait to read the next one.
It's a short novel so I can't expect much in character development outside of the main one, but that is my one critique: I'd like to know more about the other members of the crew and their situations.
But overall it was a fun listen; engaging, interesting, suspenseful.
I haven't been so compelled to read since a teenager. Murderbot sucked me in completely.
