Sep 2

Sep 2 Exit Strategy (The Murderbot Diaries, #4)

Author: Martha Wells
Publisher: Tor.com
Goodreads | The StoryGraph

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Note: Content and trigger warnings are provided for those who need them at the bottom of this page. If you don’t need them and don’t want to risk spoilers, don’t scroll past the full review.

Cover Description

The fourth and final part of the Murderbot Diaries series that began with All Systems Red.

Murderbot wasn’t programmed to care. So, its decision to help the only human who ever showed it respect must be a system glitch, right?

Having traveled the width of the galaxy to unearth details of its own murderous transgressions, as well as those of the GrayCris Corporation, Murderbot is heading home to help Dr. Mensah—its former owner (protector? friend?)—submit evidence that could prevent GrayCris from destroying more colonists in its never-ending quest for profit.

But who’s going to believe a SecUnit gone rogue?

And what will become of it when it’s caught?

Review

Yet another super-fun, surprisingly emotional Murderbot novella. I’m glad she’s continued on with the series and that I have more to go, because these books have become a predictable source of low-stakes entertainment for me. By that I mean I know that when I pop in my headphones and queue up the next audiobook, I’m going to get a fast-paced, exciting story with a kick of heart.

I do think that sometimes these get a little too sci-fi technical for my particular interest, but I can’t help but be impressed by the scope of information, research, nerdiness, and world-building that Martha Wells always brings. I’ve learned to stop worrying about following and understanding every detail and just let the technical parts flow through my brain, trusting her to take me where we need to go together. And that place is always worth it!

I also loved wrapping up the arc that the first four novellas followed; watching Murderbot find, leave, and find its people again was beautiful. Now, on to Network Effect, the first Murderbot novel and a 2021 Hugo Award nominee!