Disclaimer: I received an advance digital copy of this title thru NetGalley.
I love the Murderbot Diaries! I have all of them as both ebooks and audiobooks and pre-ordered the audio version of System Collapse before I even got to read the advance copy. This is one of the series I re-listen to as a companion when doing chores or running errands or when I feel like I can’t concentrate on something new: it’s the equivalent of comfort food. I can relate so much with SecUnit: I’m awkward around people, even in regular situations; experience anxiety about things other people treat as normal; have my favorite books and favorite movies and favorite episodes of my favorite serials that I re-read and re-watch repeatedly, again, partly as comfort, partly because they’re just really that good.
That being said, System Collapse isn’t my favorite installment in the series. I read it twice to make sure and while there are some interesting things that happen - especially how SecUnit proposes to get a message to the colonists - and while, as with all the Diaries, there are quotes that crack me up and quotes that highlight societal quirks and quotes that hit home emotionally, it just seemed to me like not a lot happens in this one, especially when compared with Network Effect, which was jam-packed with stuff happening.
I’m still a fan and will continue reading the series because SecUnit and those around it are wonderful characters whom I have grown to care about. Yes, I know I care about fictional characters maybe a little too much, but I'm comfortable with that.