Network Effect Audiobook By Martha Wells cover art

Network Effect

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Network Effect

By: Martha Wells
Narrated by: Kevin R. Free
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Martha Wells' New York Times and USA Today best-selling Murderbot series exploded onto the scene in 2017, and the world has not been the same, since.

Murderbot returns in its highly anticipated, first full-length stand-alone novel, Network Effect.

You know that feeling when you’re at work and you’ve had enough of people, and then the boss walks in with yet another job that needs to be done right this second or the world will end, but all you want to do is go home and binge your favorite shows? And you're a sentient murder machine programmed for destruction? Congratulations, you're Murderbot.

Come for the pew-pew space battles, stay for the most relatable AI you’ll listen to this century.

I’m usually alone in my head, and that’s where 90-plus percent of my problems are.

When Murderbot's human associates (not friends, never friends) are captured and another not-friend from its past requires urgent assistance, Murderbot must choose between inertia and drastic action.

Drastic action it is, then.

©2020 Martha Wells (P)2020 Recorded Books Adventure Hard Science Fiction Science Fiction Fiction Funny Witty Feel-Good

Featured Article: The Most Stellar Sci-Fi Authors of All Time


Science fiction is a genre as diverse as you can imagine. There are stories that take place in deep space, often depicting teams exploring or running away from something; stories that focus on life at the most cellular level, such as a pandemic tale; and stories that take place in times that feel similar to our own. Depicting themes of existentialism, philosophy, hubris, and personal and historical trauma, sci-fi has a cadre of topics and moods.

Featured Article The Most Stellar Sci Fi Authors of All Time

Editor's Pick

I’ve never related to a robot so hard
I’m somewhat of a latecomer to this series, which was introduced in 2017 with the novella All Systems Red. But recently, while looking for a fun, escapist listen, I finally hit play—and I’m an instant convert. This installment in the series is particularly exciting, because it’s the first full-length novel and stands on its own. So even if you, too, haven’t listened to this series yet, you can dive right in. But really, you owe it to yourself to catch up on the other listens—they’re short, fun, smart, and perfectly performed. Murderbot, brilliantly voiced by Kevin R. Free, is a big #mood right now. They just want to be left alone to watch their stories without humans bothering them—and what’s more relatable than that?

Engaging Character Development • Witty Dialogue • Snarky Protagonist • Complex Storyline • Excellent World-building
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I loved all the Murderbot books and this one did not disappoint me. Murderbot's journey to figure out what it wants continues, and it does just as well in a full-length novel as it did in the novelas, story-wise. Great stuff, with returning characters and new ones, and a structure that never trips over itself even when it gets complicated. I love it.

Worth it!

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No spoilers, just know all your favorite things about this series are all in this for a nice long time.🥰

Best pre-order ever!

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I think this book could have used another revision around some of the important details. As always with these books I feel some of the climax is rushed. The closing was good though and there were some fantastic “No way!” M
moments. Overall highly recommend. I hope this series culminates in another longer novel that can be a modern sci-fi classic.

Close to a classic but not quite

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I so love Murderbot. I love this series so much. Wonderful interior lives; great interpersonal/bot dynamics; just beautifully written with the right amount of escapism. I like the ethical commitment of the characters - it's really refreshing. I can't say enough good things about this series, it's just the right mix of elements. I can't wait for more.

I love Murderbot

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I listened to and enjoyed the 4 novellas before this story. I was a little nervous about how a longer storyline would hold up. Fortunately I was not disappointed! Interacting with a variety of people gives us a broadening of Murderbot's character. Having him deal with an adolescent is an entertaining twist and leads to many hilarious observations on his part. **Spoiler alert** I also enjoyed the return of ART as a bot with a different viewpoint and a "relationship" with Murderbot.
Light, entertaining, satisfying story.
I like the narrator... he hits the right tone between mechanized creation and irritated, on the spectrum intelligence.

More Murderbot antics

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Murderbot has been my favorite fictional character since my first read of All Systems Red. I like Kevin R. Free's interpretation of Murderbot as well. The full length novel requires a little adjustment for pacing expectations, but my response at the end of Network Effect was the same as it was at the end of each of the novellas - I got it ready to restart from the beginning because I'm never entirely ready to leave the universe Wells has created.

Murderbot continues to be my favorite.

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I really enjoy observing an AI discover it's humanity and how this process seems to be contagious. As always Ms. Wells world building is amazing and the details add texture and feel to the story. I can't wait for the next book.

Murder Bot Evolves

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love this story, so much detail in these characters. highly recommend for any one who loves sci-fi

favorite robot fantasy books

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was great, good narration good story line, had to finish it to see how it ended.

loved it

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Loved the novelettes but pricey. Murderbot most wonderful character, would be so regardless of plot. Eager for the next!

Glad to have full novel

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