Exit Strategy by Martha Wells (2018)
Attitude and action
Book cover blurb
Murderbot wasn't programmed to care. So, its decision to help the only human who ever showed it respect must be a system glitch, right?
Having traveled the width of the galaxy to unearth details of its own murderous transgressions, as well as those of the GrayCris Corporation, Murderbot is heading home to help Dr. Mensah — its former owner (protector? friend?) — submit evidence that could prevent GrayCris from destroying more colonists in its never-ending quest for profit.
But who's going to believe a SecUnit gone rogue?
And what will become of it when it's caught?
My Review
Yet another cracking read!
But I have to admit this is probably my least favourite of the four, not saying it's bad, not at all, it just felt a bit different.
Everything seemed quite frantic and story-focused, whereas the other books feel much more focused on the MurderBot character with everything else playing supporting roles. And for me, the whole attraction to this series is MurderBot's attitude towards everything he/she encounters. His/her moods and gripes, dislikes and, erm, more dislikes.
The story itself is fantastic, it carries you along at a fearsome pace from the very beginning. If you've read the other three preceding books you pretty much know how this series is going to climax. But the ending is fitting, and right, in my opinion. And, at least for me, very satisfying.
My only frustration now is that I have to wait until the new novel Martha is working on is released. Life without new MurderBot shenanigans just won't be the same.
My copy of this novel
Tor hardback edition.
Published in 2018
172 pages
ISBN 9781250191854