The Murderbot Diaries

By Martha Wells.
Tordotcom, Publisher.

This is a delightful science fiction series which explores “human nature” in a non-human main character known as SecUnit. Told in the form of “diary” entries (only without the dates for each entry), these seven stories get the reader into the narrator’s head. We see/hear the action (and there is a LOT of that) through the eyes and ears of SecUnit, and every story is a wild ride.

SecUnit (Security Unit), is a construct–a humanoid with both artificial, augmented, and biological parts. SecUnits are usually owned by a corporation within the Corporate Rim segment of space, where life is run/controlled/secured by various corporations and their laws. SecUnits are used to help keep the weaker humans safe on planetary exploration, terraforming expeditions, scientific research journeys, and the like. But to keep them in line and make them “safer” for direct interaction with humans, they are controlled by “governor modules” which, if the rules are violated in any way, will fry the SecUnit’s brain from the inside out, rendering them useful only as spare parts.

But here’s the thing. SecUnit has hacked its governor module. We learn that in book one, so I’m not giving you any spoilers. But the fact that it has done so is a closely guarded secret, known (at first) only by SecUnit. The stories unfold as it begins to change, evolve, and relate to (ugh–its sentiment, not mine) “messy” humans. Some of its programming holds true–protect humans at all costs–while other bits of its programming do not; it’s no longer required to answer questions asked of it, or to respond to requests or demands. But if it doesn’t do these things, the humans will quickly know that it’s “rogue.” This would be…bad. Yeah, BAD. Its struggle to grow into its new nature and blend its internal Self with what is expected of it from those around it is closely related to the human struggle. It was a joy to read the stories and follow its development. With each experience, each adventure, each near-death experience, it comes closer to a fully fleshed out (so to speak) individual, complete with FEELINGS (ugh) toward its crewmates. (Don’t let SecUnit hear me say that.)

There are seven Murderbot Diaries so far (see the list below). Most are novella length. One, book 5, is a full-length novel. While the stories in each one can stand alone, I would recommend reading them in order since each book’s story draws from and builds on what happened in the prior books. SecUnit grows and evolves a little further in each one, so now I’m perched on the edge of my seat, waiting for the next book to come out. All seven of The Murderbot Diaries are fabulous romps filled with snarky commentary, delightful dialogue, and non-stop drama/action/adventure, and available in multiple formats (including audiobook). I cannot recommend this series highly enough.

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