Network Effect is the fifth entry and first novel in the Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells.
Finished on: 28.7.2026
[Here are my reviews of the other books in the series.]
Plot:
Murderbot is on a mission again, this time with Mensah’s daughter Amena, her brother in law Thiago, and Arada, Overse and Ratthi. It should be rather standard stuff, but then they are attacked and Murderbot and Amena are abducted by grey-skinned humanoids, and pulled through a wormhole and out of reach. Not only that they have to deal with that, there are also other kidnapping victims and a research transporter under control of the hostiles – a transporter that turns out to be none other than ART.
It becomes increasingly hard to review this series since every review is basically, IT’S SO GOOD! And Network Effect is no different: it is really good AND it is longer which was an absolute treat.
Network Effect calls back to and incorporates previous plot points and characters very nicely, making everything feel very much in tune with each other, without actually rehashing a whole lot or making things feel repetitive. Murderbot’s continued growth makes sure of that: As it grows and develops, it finds new answers to old questions.
But I won’t pretend like meeting ART again was a whole entire joy in itself, despite the pretty bad circumstances. And the way Muderbot reacts to ART (and vice versa) was equal parts touching, exasperating and funny. I also liked the eye for the interpersonal dynamics with the old crew who have known Murderbot since the first novella: they all relate differently to Murderbot and it is generally complicated. Amena is a new character, and the dynamic between Murderbot and a teenager is another huge point in the book’s favor. It is perfectly entertaining.
The increasing proximity we get with Alien technology and Aliens also feels more and more intriguing. I wonder where we are headed there. Although I also like the juxtapositions between the Corporate Rim and the colonies outside of it like PreservationAux. Both parts have some pretty disturbing details, I have to say.
In any case, I am here for the series and glad that I still have a few things to read before I am completely caught up with it.
Summarizing: excellent stuff.
