Network Effect: A Murderbot Novel

Martha Wells

May 2020 · The Murderbot Diaries Book 5 · Sold by Tordotcom

About this ebook

WINNER of the 2021 Hugo, Nebula and Locus Awards!

The first full-length novel in Martha Wells' New York Times and USA Today bestselling Murderbot Diaries series.

An Amazon Best of the Year So Far Pick

Named a Best of 2020 Pick for NPR | Book Riot | Polygon

“I caught myself rereading my favorite parts... and I can’t recommend it enough.” —The New York Times


You know that feeling when you’re at work, and you’ve had enough of people, and then the boss walks in with yet another job that needs to be done right this second or the world will end, but all you want to do is go home and binge your favorite shows? And you're a sentient murder machine programmed for destruction? Congratulations, you're Murderbot.

Come for the pew-pew space battles, stay for the most relatable A.I. you’ll read this century.

—

I’m usually alone in my head, and that’s where 90 plus percent of my problems are.

When Murderbot's human associates (not friends, never friends) are captured and another not-friend from its past requires urgent assistance, Murderbot must choose between inertia and drastic action.

Drastic action it is, then.

The Murderbot Diaries
All Systems Red
Artificial Condition
Rogue Protocol
Exit Strategy
Network Effect
Fugitive Telemetry
System Collapse

At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

Ratings and reviews

Excellent series, brilliant observations of human and corporate interactions and overreactions, hilariously accurate. That scene where the heavily armed baddies have corruptly gained physical access and believe they have the element of surprise, but have to pause to find someone to pay for digital access... what corporate gives free wifi, right?! Lots of action, well written characters, terrific plotlines. Prior novelettes are DRM free and also well worth your time. Enjoy!

This latest novel is as entertaining and engaging as the rest of the series. I especially enjoyed the story's quick pace and witty dialogue. The strength of the novel is the ability to make me identify with, and emphatize with, a sentient machine. That's an incredible experience. The humor in the story was tasteful and the combat action was gripping. I'm grateful to the aurthor for another enjoyable installment of Murderbot. The ending was fulfilling, and perhaps sets the premise for more adventures between Murderbot and it's faithful 'partner-in-crime'.

The author did a great job moving from the short stories of Murderbot to a full length novel. I am looking forward to more in the future!

About the author

MARTHA WELLS has written many novels, including the million-selling New York Times and USA Today-bestselling Murderbot Diaries series, which has won multiple Hugo, Nebula, Locus, and Alex Awards. Other titles include Witch King, City of Bones, The Wizard Hunters, Wheel of the Infinite, the Books of the Raksura series (beginning with The Cloud Roads and ending with The Harbors of the Sun), and the Nebula-nominated The Death of the Necromancer, as well as YA fantasy novels, short stories, and nonfiction.