Network Effect by Martha Wells – That’s What I’m Talking About…

Audiobook review: Network Effect by Martha Wells

Network Effect is the fifth story, but the first full-length book in the Murderbot Diaries. I feel like all of the previous books were build up to this amazing adventure. We needed to see MB learn more about itself, how to move among and interact with humans, and how to deal with emotions, before it could survive such a massively out-of-the-comfort-zone mission. 

The re-introduces Murderbot’s “friend” ART, and we finally learn more about its humans and their mission. We also learn more about the dangers of alien remnants and why the Corporation Rim companies ban interaction with and collection of the remnants. 

The story is complex, and I will admit to being confused more than once or twice. Murderbot and ART working out plans gets very technical at times, and there are a lot of characters and moving parts, adding to the complexity.

Despite the confusion, I adored so much about this story. I loved seeing Murderbot deal with strong emotions and interact with humans, most especially Mensah and her daughter Amena. Murderbot doesn’t want to be human, but it is learning how to deal with human emotions. I love the trust that Murderbot must give to other constructs and unknown humans so they can work together to save themselves. 

Narration: The story is primarily shared via the first person POV of Murderbot, but this time around, we also have the POVs of a couple new construct characters. Free does a wonderful job portraying the non-human Murderbot by utilizing a somewhat bland, masculine voice for the narrator and character; however, Free’s performance of Murderbot has been adjusted over the series as it becomes more human-like. Free successfully alters dialogue based on gender, age, and accent, creating unique characters, which have also been refined as the series moves forward.

Network Effect brings together all that is wonderful about the Murderbot Diaries series. There is adventure, excitement, emotions, and best of all, Murderbot and its humor. 

My Ratings
Story: A-
Narration: A-

Jen

About the Book:

It calls itself Murderbot, but only when no one can hear.

It worries about the fragile human crew who’ve grown to trust it, but only where no one can see.

It tells itself that they’re only a professional obligation, but when they’re captured and an old friend from the past requires urgent assistance, Murderbot must choose between inertia and drastic action.

Drastic action it is, then.

Author: Martha Wells
Narrator: Kevin R. Free
Series: Murderbot Diaries #5
Genre: Science Fiction
Audiobook Release Date: May 5, 2020
Publisher: Recorded Books
Length: 12 hrs and 47 mins
Source: library
Audio Speed: 1.3x