In order to reach this stellar novel, I poured through one prior novel and five prior novellas, basking in what is surely one of the most lovely, profound examinations of non-human life in the science fiction canon. System Collapse Is a meaty addition to the ongoing saga of Murderbot, a Secbot (a cyborg adept at killing to protect humans) who (should I say “what”? Ah, that’s one deep theme throughout) has “hacked its governor module” to attain free will. The Murderbot Diaries, as Martha Wells’s acclaimed collection is called, is told in a close-up first-person style that demands readerly work, for Murderbot thinks in a programmatic way that resembles both our classic impression of robots and the brain of a possibly neurodivergent human. Free will, emotions, loyalties, relationships with humans … all these are explored with subtlety amid action. The storyline of System Collapse is typical of this series, a complex politically-infused drama pitting Murderbot, a semi-sentient spaceship, and human allies (masters?) against an evil corporation on a distant planet. Much of the “action” is not violence but exploration and diplomacy, and when real action occurs, Martha Wells is typically masterful in building and releasing tension. Oh, and did I say that the Murderbot Diaries is hilarious at the same time as thrilling and emotionally rich; the droll voice of Murderbot has to be read to be credited. I cannot believe I ignored this series for eight years! Is System Collapse the highlight? No, all seven instalments, novel or novella, are equally compelling, but System Collapse is nonetheless a 2025 must-read.
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