Kim Miller
This fourth novella ends a story arc on a satisfactory note while also allowing more to follow.
Murderbot brings data drives from the events of book 3 and needs to deliver them to Mensah, his contracted 'boss' from book 1. But it seems she's been kidnapped by the evil mining company at the heart of his troubles. Of course, he sets off on a one man rescue mission. But that would be too simple, he needs a bunch of humans to get in his way, and who better than the old research team from book 1, also trying to get Mensah's release.
This book is much more a police procedural style than earlier books. Murderbot has to plan everything with the team of humans. He's the one with the software interface and multitasking coding ability to get into the computer systems of their various enemies, while at the same time trying to keep his humans alive. In that respect there is a lot more of his thinking in the narrative compared with his actions.
The escape plan works for a bit, doesn't work, works, doesn't work, back and forth. There are several points at which it looks like the whole thing is about to collapse as the mining company has superior fire power and processing ability. The rescue this time has more hopeless seeming moments than in previous books as the stakes are higher.
The ending points to a re-doing of a previous book, which is not good, but then Wells pulls it out and into a totally different direction to end the story. I think Murderbot's surprise moves are getting to her.
This fourth novella ends a story arc on a satisfactory note while also allowing more to follow.
Murderbot brings data drives from the events of book 3 and needs to deliver them to Mensah, his contracted 'boss' from book 1. But it seems she's been kidnapped by the evil mining company at the heart of his troubles. Of course, he sets off on a one man rescue mission. But that would be too simple, he needs a bunch of humans to get in his way, and who better than the old research team from book 1, also trying to get Mensah's release.
This book is much more a police procedural style than earlier books. Murderbot has to plan everything with the team of humans. He's the one with the software interface and multitasking coding ability to get into the computer systems of their various enemies, while at the same time trying to keep his humans alive. In that respect there is a lot more of his thinking in the narrative compared with his actions.
The escape plan works for a bit, doesn't work, works, doesn't work, back and forth. There are several points at which it looks like the whole thing is about to collapse as the mining company has superior fire power and processing ability. The rescue this time has more hopeless seeming moments than in previous books as the stakes are higher.
The ending points to a re-doing of a previous book, which is not good, but then Wells pulls it out and into a totally different direction to end the story. I think Murderbot's surprise moves are getting to her.