Title: Compulsory
Series: The Murderbot Diaries #0.5
Genre: SciFi, Humor, Short Story
Format: ebook
Pages: 8
Published: December 17, 2018
Where I got It: My shelf (Amazon)
Summary:
Murderbot—the sardonic, almost-homicidal, media-loving android created by Martha Wells—has proven to be one of the most popular characters in 21 st century science fiction. Everything that makes this protagonist (it would be wrong to call Murderbot a hero) beloved of fans is on display in Compulsory.
While trying to watch episode 44 of The Rise and Fall of Sanctuary Moon, Murderbot is—again, what is it with humans?—distracted by something that is technically outside its purview. A miner is suddenly in danger following a pointless (to Murderbot’s way of thinking) argument, and the choice is to risk discovery and leap into action, which would require hitting the pause button during a very exciting part of SanctuaryMoon, or to follow orders and stay still.
This is a tougher choice than it seems. But then, when has Murderbot ever been faced with an easy choice?
Review:
I'm finally going back and reading the short stories. Not sure why I skipped them. Maybe because my library didn't have them? Perhaps, per maybe.
But yes. For this guy, we are at the very beginning. Back to when it all started.
Murderbot faces a tough decision... follow orders and do nothing, or do something. This decision will change his future forever.
Quick story but a big one. I liked it. It was weird going back, but it was nice seeing the difference of the Murderbot he has become vs when he was just following orders and just a bot.
Def worth it. Honestly....I say wait to read this until after a couple of the books. The difference was fun to see. Love a good origin story.
This could've been a hair longer methinks. I would've liked to see more of the origin.
4 stars.
Author: Martha Wells
Title: Rapport
Series: The Murderbot Diaries #2.5
Genre: SciFi, Humor, Short Story
Format: ebook
Pages: 34
Published: July 11, 2025
Where I got It: My shelf (Amazon)
Summary:
Perihelion and its crew embark on a dangerous new mission at a corporate-controlled station in the throes of a hostile takeover...
Review:
So we are with Perihelion and its crew. We get to see a whole new POV. We get further insight into the Corporates from Iris' perspective.
I was a little nervous because we are not in the mind of Murderbot. I was scared, but I was pleasantly surprised. I did enjoy this lil guy.
Def read book 1 and book 2 before diving into this one.
But yes, short and entertaining. I'm glad I didn't skip it.
4 stars. Not the same without our main ;)
Title: Home
Series: The Murderbot Diaries #4.5
Genre: SciFi, Humor, Short Story
Format: ebook
Pages: 19
Published: May 5, 2020
Where I got It: Borrowed from library
Summary:
This short story is told from the point of view of Dr. Mensah and follows the events in Exit Strategy.
The story picks up with Mensah returning to Preservation Station. While she deals with the bureaucratic and political aftermath, Murderbot is physically recovering and emotionally distancing itself — a typical defense mechanism for it.
Review:
Another short where we get to see from someone else's POV. Again...I nearly wanted to skip it but it didn't feel right.
Here we follow Menash who is returning to the Preservation Station. While she is dealing with the aftermath, Murderbot is physically recovering and emotionally distancing....typical.
I really enjoyed this one. I actually went back and re-read it. It was entertaining for sure! I like Mensah.
You need to read the others before this one. There are some references and things you won't understand esp about Murderbot.
This was my favorite of the shorts. I really liked it.
5 stars.
Reading Challenges
- Library Love #19
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