“I don’t know what I want. I said that at some point, I think. But it isn’t that, it’s that I don’t want anyone to tell me what I want, or to make decisions for me.” 

 

This is one of those books/series that it seems like everyone has read, and loved, and most of that everyone has recommended it to me. And I knew (now: know) that I would love it too. But I was just slow in picking it up. Because, reasons. But I packed it last-minute for a recent trip. (It's so small, I didn't even feel guilty about bringing another book. Lol) And once I picked it up. I powered right through it all on a single flight leg! 

 

On a faraway planet in the distant future, a team of scientists is conducting tests (What kind? Who knows? Who cares? ...not Murderbot.) Along on this mission is the titular Murderbot, a Company-supplied SecUnit, a droid, who has managed to hack its own governor module and is now self-aware (and gave itself the name “Murderbot,” thank you). Scornful of humans and their jobs and squabbles, all Murderbot wants to do is be left alone, watch its serials, and hopefully ride under the radar so no one figures out its "rogue."  However, when another mission on the other side of the planet goes dark, the scientists, and now apparently Murderbot (who likes this group better than most human groups, he supposes), to find the truth (and not die in the process). 

 

Well, everyone was right. This was an absolute joy to read. It was an escapist, fun sci-fi adventure that felt really fresh and totally entertaining. Also, the narrator was so original, snort-laugh levels of funny, and honestly very relatable in its reactions to being around humans.  

 

Some of the world-building is super quick, because of the novella length. And a few things, you just have to accept partially getting it and move forwards. Eventually, the details click into place enough to understand the greater story, and the parts that stay fuzzy don't matter enough to matter (if you know what I mean). This feels pretty classic "epic sci-fi" to me, so I’m used to that on a grander scale and it didn’t bother me. Plot-wise, things were basic (because they have to be, see the length) but action-packed and fast-paced and well-developed. 

 

Final comment: there was some hilarious low key commentary on the money-hungry operating procedures of large corporations. And that is something I can always get behind. 

 

Yup. A snarky and awkward narrator, a delightful plot, some classic sci-fi aspects, and a one-sitting escapist read (knowing it's a series and Murderbot's adventures can continue in more fun, episodic novellas to come). Yes, please.