SYSTEM COLLAPSE Murderbot Diaries, Book 7

What happens when Murderbot has a mental breakdown and can no longer reliably perform its duties? Kevin R. Free narrates the latest installment in the Murderbot Diaries. In a story taking place immediately after NETWORK EFFECT, Murderbot, ART, and their associated humans continue to assist colonists on a planet marked for corporate salvage. Free’s depiction of Murderbot’s unresolved mental trauma is harrowing, revealing just how agonizing that struggle is. Murderbot is robustly supported on its journey by ART, and while Free’s portrayal is as sarcastic as ever, ART also comes across as suspiciously supportive. While digging into memories is upsetting, Free gives Murderbot a surprising amount of dignity as it does so. The highlight of Free’s performance is meeting Holism, ART’s rival and frenemy. K.M.P. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2023]