Imagine a Weaponized Teenager…
The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells – This series of four novellas and one standalone novel takes place in a corporation controlled, dystopian future. There are four distinct groups working in the economy: humans, augmented humans (with implants to help them deal with data better, bots (machines with varying levels of AI to handle routine functions), and constructs. A construct is a cyborg, part machine, part cloned human flesh. Their primary functions are as sex workers and security units. Control comes from programming that allows memory erasure, or for unit deactivation.
Until one of them discovers how to hack its own governor unit. Without a name, knowing that they have killed many humans, this rogue SecUnit begins the long journey toward self-identity through feelings of anger and guilt. It calls itself “Murderbot”.
The first two books in this series swept the Hugo, and Nebula awards the years they appeared (2017, 2018). Plus, it was a winner one year and a finalist in the other for the Locus. That’s a lot of top tier winning.
The reason is obvious. Wells has done what skilled storytellers do, grabbed familiar ideas (corporate dystopia, cyborg/robot/AI in search of self) and created a new and exciting universe. Murderbot is uncomfortable being a rogue, but unwilling to relinquish its new found self-identity. It is guilty about what it’s done in the past, but gets satisfaction from functioning in its programmed role. Hates humans but is confused by the few that have treated it well, and the feelings that cluster around those memories. Mostly Murderbot wants to be left alone so it can watch the video programming it has downloaded. But humans keep inserting themselves in its life. Corporate humans who see it as a threat, and others who insist on seeing it as a “person”.
The first four novellas are “All Systems Red”, “Artificial Condition”, “Rogue Protocol” and “Exit Strategy”. Earlier this year, the first full novel came out, “Network Effect”. A prequel novella to that novel, “Fugitive Telemetry” is scheduled for 2021.
Science Fiction has been a “Boys Club” for most of my life. The number of female writers in the genre has been small, and too often not treated well. Wells is a great storyteller with mastery of the craft. As I dug into her background, it was one discovery after another. Wells has an extensive history as a fantasy writer, a YA writer, a short story writer, plus has written in both the Stargate and Star Wars universes. It’s the sign of the quality she brings to bear as a writer. And that’s a bonus for the reader.
I was reading the novellas faster than the library could keep me supplied with the books. I’m looking forward to seeing more of her work.
Rating – ***** Highest Recommendation
Stories Are My Life 