Martha Wells' Murderbot Diaries has become a cornerstone of modern science fiction, thanks to its unforgettable protagonist: a self-hacked Security Unit who just wants to binge its favorite soap opera and avoid human interaction. The series has won Hugo, Nebula, and Locus Awards, and its popularity has only grown with the recent Apple TV+ adaptation starring Alexander Skarsgård. With a second season on the way, there's no better time to revisit the books that started it all.
Goodreads reviewers have been vocal about their love for Murderbot, and while every book in the series scores above four stars, there's a clear ranking among fans. Here's how all eight entries stack up, from the least to most beloved.
8. All Systems Red (Book 1)
Surprisingly, the novella that kicked off the series has the lowest Goodreads score—though it's still a solid 4.2. With over 400,000 ratings, it's the most widely read and reviewed, which means it's also the most likely to attract readers who might not click with Murderbot's dry, apathetic narration. Wells deliberately keeps the worldbuilding sparse and the plot focused, which some found too simplistic, but that's part of the charm. Murderbot isn't interested in grand adventures; it just wants to watch The Rise and Fall of Sanctuary Moon and be left alone. If you're new to the series, this is where you start—and it's a great introduction to a character who's anything but typical.
7. Platform Decay (Book 8)
The latest installment, Platform Decay, continues Murderbot's journey with a newly installed mental health module that forces it to check in on its emotions. It's a clever concept, but many readers felt the book had "filler episode" energy. Wells introduces a fresh cast of characters, but they don't always land, and the plot—another extraction mission—feels like a remix of earlier adventures. That said, it's still a fun read, and it sets up what promises to be an emotional finale. If you've come this far, you'll want to see how Murderbot's arc concludes.
6. Rogue Protocol (Book 3)
In Rogue Protocol, Murderbot is back on a corporate mission that goes sideways, but this time it's also grappling with its own sense of identity. The introduction of Miki, a childlike bot with a close bond to its human owner, forces Murderbot to confront what it means to be a person versus property. It's an action-packed novella with a memorable finale, and it's where the series' deeper themes of autonomy and guardianship really start to shine. Fans of the series' philosophical side will find a lot to love here.
5. Artificial Condition (Book 2)
The second novella is an early highlight, as Murderbot finally gets some alone time—sort of. Teaming up with ART (short for "Asshole Research Transport"), a ship's AI with a personality as big as its engines, Murderbot goes undercover to investigate the massacre that gave it its name. The banter between Murderbot and ART is pure gold, and their shared love of soap operas is a delightful running gag. This is where the series really finds its voice, balancing humor with genuine emotional depth.
4. System Collapse (Book 7)
Following directly from Network Effect, System Collapse finds Murderbot dealing with the aftermath of its most traumatic adventure yet. PTSD is a central theme here, and Wells handles it with sensitivity and nuance. Murderbot's panic attacks and processing glitches make for some of the most compelling character development in the series. It's a slower, more introspective entry, but it's no less gripping. If you've been following Murderbot's journey, this one will hit you right in the feels.
3. Exit Strategy (Book 4)
The novella that wraps up the first arc, Exit Strategy, brings Murderbot back to Dr. Mensah and the Preservation team. It's a tense, action-packed rescue mission that also serves as a powerful statement on found family and loyalty. Goodreads reviewers consistently praise it for its emotional payoff and satisfying conclusion to the initial story. It's a must-read for anyone who's invested in Murderbot's relationships.
2. Fugitive Telemetry (Book 6)
Set between Network Effect and System Collapse, Fugitive Telemetry is a murder mystery on Preservation Station. It's a refreshing change of pace, as Murderbot is forced to interact with humans in a more social setting—much to its chagrin. The mystery is clever, and the character moments are top-notch. Fans love seeing Murderbot navigate the complexities of being a free agent, and this novella delivers on all fronts.
1. Network Effect (Book 5)
The first full-length novel in the series, Network Effect, is the crown jewel of the Murderbot saga. It's a sprawling, action-packed adventure that brings back ART and introduces a host of new characters, all while deepening Murderbot's emotional arc. Goodreads reviewers consistently rank it as the best, and it's easy to see why: it has everything fans love about the series—humor, heart, and a plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat. If you only read one Murderbot book, make it this one.
Whether you're a longtime fan or just discovering Murderbot through the TV show, the books offer a unique blend of sci-fi action and character-driven storytelling that's hard to beat. And with more adventures on the way, there's never been a better time to dive in. For more sci-fi recommendations, check out our list of top high fantasy books or our picks for fun R-rated sci-fi movies.
