The Murderbot Diaries. Volume 3: Fugitive Telemetry ; System Collapse

The knowledge that Platform Decay is coming goes a long way toward softening the moment of reaching the end of volume three, which brings together Fugitive Telemetry and System Collapse. I continue to love the narrator and the wonderful dynamics between the cast members. There is such care taken to make them all distinct, whether bot or human. I also appreciate the growing group of recurring characters, which allows them to feel delightfully familiar each time they return.

In many ways this volume felt like a tale of two halves. The Fugitive Telemetry storyline is a delightful dip into murder mystery territory, reinforcing how each entry in this series manages to bring something new, and often playful, into the mix. The chance to revisit show more friends who are less present later in the timeline is something I really value. I also enjoy watching Murderbot continue to form new relationships and gather unexpected allies.

There is also a great deal packed into the worldbuilding. References back to the original preservation colony ship, the expansion of life for indentured labourers in the asteroid belt, and the eventual reveal of the perpetrator all add layers to the story. The final twist, arriving after so many turns along the way, was a novel delight in this universe that keeps you guessing.

System Collapse initially felt a little strange, even uncomfortable, very much mirroring Murderbot's emotional state. That discomfort ultimately feels entirely appropriate, as Murderbot processes what it has experienced. Allowing that interior space gives the story a different rhythm, whilst also feeling like a natural evolution for the narrative with the colonists already set up on the planet. The exploration of operating with far less awareness and technological access is another example of the series finding new ground, and the delve into Murderbot finding its own creativity was a joy.

I cannot wait for more, and I already know I will enjoy returning to these books in the future, rereading them and discovering again all the details layered within, finding the links you'll only truly see on a re-read. show less

Still as delightfully human averse as ever! I would think about giving SecBot a hug, because it’s a good SecBot. I just know it would hate it and then tell me to “f**k off”

4/5

Read it if you want to.