content warnings:

Spoiler

major & minor character death(s), precanon character deaths, grief, trauma, graphic violence, nonconsensual body modification, parasitism, body horror, mind/memory manipulation, mention of predatory relationship (large age gap, implied intended date rape)

rep:

Spoiler

major characters with PTSD [Murderbot, Mensah], WLW major characters [Arada, Overse], bi/pan major character [Ratthi], established F/F relationship, established polyam F/F/M relationship, diverse minor characters incl. POC-coded and nonbinary

"This would have all been a lot easier if I wasn't so worried about the stupid humans."

Let's be real, this line pretty much sums up the series. One of the major selling points has always been Murderbot's snarky reluctance to admit it cares, and that comes through as strong as ever in this installment — as well as some truly excellent banter/shit-talking with

Spoiler

the inimitable ART and with Murderbot 2.0, RIP

, moments of delightfully, relatably uncomfortable emotions, and continued contemplations of the Big Questions of personhood and identity.

Network Effect is, in short, fairly consistent with yet better than the preceding novellas. The pacing and worldbuilding are at the same level, but there's more character development and deeper relationship development since we get to spend more time with this subset of the cast (new and recurring members alike).

Somehow Wells has come up with a fresh adventure that demonstrates just how much space [pun intended] is left to explore with these characters and 'verse. I for one am absolutely delighted to stick around as this wild ride continues.

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CONVERSION: 12 / 15 = 4 stars

Prose: 8 / 10
Characters & Relationships: 9 / 10
Emotional Impact: 8 / 10
Development / Flow: 6 / 10
Setting: 9 / 10

Diversity & Social Themes: 4 / 5
Intellectual Engagement: 4 / 5
Originality / Trope Execution: 4 / 5
Memorability: 4 / 5