Murderbot is back in a full-length novel. Be still my wry, lethal Sec Unit-loving heart! This futuristic space sci-fi series is an easy favorite and I tuned into Kevin Free's sensational narrative of this latest adventure with high anticipation that was met and then some.
Network Effect is the fifth in this tightly connected series of space adventure stories that do best in order.
In the last book, Murderbot went home to Preservation with Mensa as it's sponsor and found family life a bit stressful with all those weird, confusing human emotions to deal with from those around it so allows itself to be persuaded to go as Security Unit for a family scientific research trip with Mensa's daughter and brother in law along with some other familiar faces as crew. Naturally, it all goes sideways not long in and it's corralling humans, fighting off attackers, encountering interesting surprises, sci-fi mysteries, and doing it in a way that no human can.
Network Effect is narrated entirely by Murderbot and I love how this author seems to hit the right balance between not-human and yet a character that the reader/listener can connect with easily when it comes to its personality and actions. The Murderbot world is a colorful and exciting well-designed future setting that easily expands to draw in more details and curiosities.
The action is interspersed with humorous and many times thoughtful character development moments though the overall plot builds the suspense toward a riveting climax that I couldn't have paused if the house were on fire. There are some good twists and a bit of a sci-fi mystery that layered with the action scenes. The cast of characters around Murderbot included a few surprises as well that I loved.
I've listened to Kevin Free narrate early books in the series and love how he interprets the Murderbot character and voices others both human and not. He catches the right tone and pace so that reflective moments and action scenes are equally engaging.
In summary, there was nothing about Network Effect that I didn't love and I was disappointed when the latest story came to an end. Another year to wait for more Murderbot and I can't wait to see what comes of a friend's offer and maybe the appearance of more Three. Those who enjoy sci-fi adventures should definitely pick up this series.
My thanks to Recorded Books for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.
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