I enjoyed the first book in this popular series (along with the first season of the Apple TV+ show). So I was excited to follow Murderbot on more sardonic adventures. This time around they get unintentionally partnered with a ship’s AI system which Murderbot humorously nicknames “ART” (for “Asshole Research Transport”) and takes a quest to find out about the incident in the past that made them a “murderbot” back on the mining facility of RaviHyral. To get there (and help maintain their cover as a normal augmented human) they take on a security job for some actual humans, and of course, things go less than smoothly.

Without all the setup and introductions of the first book, this sequel is naturally going to feel less fresh. While it was nice to meet new supporting characters, Murderbot’s new clients didn’t really seem too distinct or unique. Nevertheless, I kind of enjoyed following them in their attempt to recover proprietary research data from their double-crossing former employer. Their story provides a lot of the action when negotiations go awry, but the more meaningful plot is Murderbot’s quest for answers.

Going back to RaviHyral to find out what really happened to make them and other secunits go rogue and kill a bunch of humans is key to how we are going to feel about Murderbot going forward. What caused their rampage, and did someone cause them to murder?

Plot aside, Murderbot’s inner monologue is enjoyable as ever. Same goes for their squabbles and condescension towards ART, who has an interesting and kind of adorable deadpan personality as well (despite Murderbot’s exasperation with it). It’s kind of like a socially awkward genius to Murderbot’s snarky antihero. I also enjoyed Murderbot’s mild affection for their new clients, who are kind of like helpless pets to them.

While this second novella is not quite as interesting as the first, it was not a bad little episode. Plus, the truth about RaviHyral and Ganaka Pit is important for Murderbot’s sense of self, so this story is worth the read.

3.5 stars

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