A review by obscurepages
System Collapse by Martha Wells

adventurous challenging funny mysterious reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

Listen, I would be so jealous too if a bot I hate is trying to talk to the bot who happens to be my friend/not friend 😂 Anyway lol, yes, that ending was funny 😆

But listen, this is the 7th book in the Murderbot series and I am truly in awe of Martha Wells' storytelling. Murderbot is becoming one of my ultimate SFF faves and characters. This is just so good.

That being said, System Collapse has to be the saga with the least action and rollercoaster plot. Because unlike the other books, this one felt slow and kind of uneventful? It took like half of the book for something to *really happen*. There was a lot of waiting and introspection in here. HOWEVER, okay this is a big however 😂 I feel like the less action is warranted because this storyline focused on Murderbot's emotions and trauma instead. Like I couldn't believe this book about bots and AI was actually talking about mental health. But then again, it shouldn't really be a surprise because this whole series is about being human and humanity. That for me made sense when I think about it more.

So yes, not totally action-packed or fast-paced. But the focus on trauma and healing (or the journey of healing) is absolutely wonderful. (Of course the anti-capitalist, anti-slavery themes are always present in these books as well)

Exact rating: 3.75

CW: violence, injuries, gun violence, death

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