Book Review: System Collapse by Martha Wells
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
System Collapse by Martha Wells
Mogsy’s Rating: 3 of 5 stars
Genre: Science Fiction
Series: Book 7 of The Murderbot Diaries
Publisher: Tordotcom (November 14, 2020)
Length: 245 pages
Author Information: Website
I love Murderbot. Always have and always will. But hate to say it: System Collapse was my least favorite book in the series so far. While it wasn’t necessarily a disaster, it was still disappointing, especially considering it was meant to follow the brilliance of Network Effect.
In this one, the Barish-Estranza corporation is up to their dastardly ways again. This time, they are sending their ships to a newly colonized planet with the intent of luring the colonists there into indentured servitude. As always, our favorite SecUnit with a heart of gold is out to foil their plans, traveling with its team of humans to the planet in an attempt to get to the colonists first and win them over to their side.
But there’s a problem. In itself, that’s not a surprise, as humans seem to have a way of mucking up everything they touch. But in this case, it is Murderbot’s own performance that is a concern. Recently, it has been experiencing memory lapses and other troubling issues. A SecUnit cannot be effective at protecting its human assets unless it is running at peak efficiency, and with a planet of colonists to save, Murderbot needs to hurry up and figure out a solution.
I suppose I should be glad that the series has managed to reach its seventh book before feeling truly repetitive. But the truth is, as Murderbot grapples with its latest predicament, I can’t help but feel like we’ve seen most of this before. Don’t get me wrong, there are some staple elements I enjoy about this series, without which it would not be truly Murderbot, such as its affinity for space soap dramas and its snarky attitude. Heck, I even love it when good old ART shows up. Unfortunately though, we are also treading familiar ground in less desirable ways.
It doesn’t help that System Collapse is essentially an extension of the story from Network Effect, but dealing with the fallout isn’t quite as enthralling. There’s a distinct lack of interesting content to keep the plot going, but of course, when it comes to lengthy expositions, there are plenty. Even Murderbot’s problems with its performance feel like a diversion, a way to inject additional drama into a situation that is crying out for more meaningful action.
However, to be fair, with each volume, we witness the layers peeling back to reveal more of Murderbot’s humanity, which I genuinely appreciate. System Collapse might have ventured into too familiar territory and lingered there a bit too long in places, but when it comes to character development, it does things right. This aspect alone makes picking up this sequel worth it.
As the Murderbot Diaries universe continues to expand, System Collapse proved to be a mixed bag for me. While I am still a huge fan of the series with an incredible fondness for the main character, the plot of this newest installment left me wishing for a bit more oomph. But while it might not reach the heights of its predecessors, the exploration of character depth remains the best reason to keep journeying with Murderbot. Can’t wait for the next book with just as much excitement.
More on The BiblioSanctum:
Review of All Systems Red (Book 1)
Review of Artificial Condition (Book 2)
Review of Rogue Protocol (Book 3)
Review of Exit Strategy (Book 4)
Review of Network Effect (Book 5)
Review of Fugitive Telemetry (Book 6)
The BiblioSanctum 
While it saddens me to learn that this installment in the MurderBot saga proved a little disappointing, I will look forward to reading it nonetheless because, as you said, “journeying with MurderBot” is always a delightful experience
Thanks for sharing! 🙂
LikeLike
Always! So I am willing to forgive a not-so-great book once in a while 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ahh, it feels inevitable doesn’t with any series that runs for so long, eventually repetition or lack of something new. It sounds like you still liked it though and I’m thinking if another book comes out you’ll still pick it up.
Lynn 😀
LikeLike
Same, I will still keep reading these books as long as we still get good character development!
LikeLike
This is one of my favorite series! I hope it isn’t going downhill. I don’t like the sounds of Murderbot having memory issues.
LikeLike
Crossing my fingers that the next one will look up again! I still love this series, but we need some fresh stories!
LikeLike
I just finished System Collapse and I agree with everything you said. The character development was an interesting turn for Murderbot, but otherwise the book felt like filler for me. It ended in basically the same situation as what I thought the ending of Network Effect meant, so I really hope the series can start going in a different direction with MB, ART, and hopefully some of Three.
LikeLike
Oh thank goodness, I’m not crazy for feeling this installment was just not up to the usual standards. You are right, it did feel very filler-ish! If we’re staying on this track, the next book better step it up!
LikeLike
That’s diseppointing as I know how much you loved the other books in the series!
LikeLike
I do! But oh well, can’t win them all!
LikeLike
Aww that’s a bummer. I guess you can only go to the well so many times. Still, like you said, Murderbot is still a fun ride.
I’m glad ART shows up though 🙂
LikeLike
Yes, ART is always a riot! I will always like these books, but apparently now you can get some that are better than others 🙂
LikeLike
I suppose it had to happen at some point. But that didn’t stop me from picking up a copy and I do still look forward to giving it a try. 🙂
LikeLike
Yes, it was a matter of time I suppose, but like you I will still keep looking forward to these books!
LikeLike
I cant remember if I ever read the previous one
LikeLike
Pingback: Bookshelf Roundup 11/26/23: Stacking the Shelves & Recent Reads | The BiblioSanctum