Martha Wells
Martha Wells is a prolific American science fiction and fantasy author, known for her detailed world-building and character-driven stories. She was born on September 1, 1964, in Fort Worth, Texas, and attended Texas A&M University, where she graduated with a B.A. in Anthropology.
The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells is a highly acclaimed science fiction series that follows the adventures of a self-aware security unit (SecUnit) that has hacked its governor module, gaining free will. The protagonist prefers to be called “Murderbot,” a reflection of its cynical outlook on its duties and existence. The series is notable for its exploration of themes such as autonomy, identity, and what it means to be human, all while delivering thrilling action and heartfelt moments.
Wells began her writing career in the mid-1990s. Her first novel, The Element of Fire (1993), introduced readers to the kingdom of Ile-Rien, which would later serve as the setting for several other works. The novel was well-received for its richly detailed setting and complex characters.
Following her debut, she continued to expand her bibliography with a mix of standalone novels and series that spanned both the fantasy and science fiction genres.
The Murderbot Diaries stand out for their blend of action, humor, and emotional depth, all delivered through the perspective of an unforgettable protagonist. Martha Wells’s series not only entertains but also offers insightful commentary on the nature of consciousness, the value of empathy, and the search for autonomy and belonging in a vast, complicated universe.
Readers of Martha Wells‘ bestselling Hugo- and Nebula Award-winning series The Murderbot Diaries are baffled by the decision to cast The Northman actor Alexander Skarsgård, a cisgender man, as the titular genderless android in the upcoming live-action adaptation from Apple TV+.
On December 14, Apple TV+ officially announced that it had picked up ten episodes of the science fiction drama Murderbot. Set to be directed by the Academy Award-nominated creators and directors of About a Boy, brothers Chris and Paul Weitz, the action-packed urban fantasy series centers on a genderless self-hacking security android, played by Skarsgård, who is horrified by human emotion yet drawn to its vulnerable clients.
In the upcoming Apple TV+ series, which appears to be based on the Wells series’ first novella, All Systems Red, “Murderbot must hide its free will and complete a dangerous assignment when all it really wants is to be left alone to watch futuristic soap operas and figure out its place in the universe.”
Although Murderbot fans are mostly hyped about the announcement of the sci-fi series, some have also taken to social media to express confusion about the casting of Skarsgård as Murderbot, an android with no sexual characteristics, which prefers “it” pronouns. In sci-fi, some androids are clearly gendered, like Star Trek’s Data, who desires to be seen as a cisgender human man and makes it known that he has sex organs, and they’re “fully functional.” However, the opposite is true for Murderbot. Designed without sexual characteristics, it explicitly does not want to be humanized (in Murderbot Diaries, only sex bots are designed with sex organs).
The Murderbot Diaries
The Murderbot Diaries series by Martha Wells offers a compelling narrative through the lens of a security android that has gained self-awareness. This series stands out for its unique protagonist and exploration of themes such as identity, autonomy, and the ethics of artificial intelligence. Here’s a more detailed look at each entry in the series:
All Systems Red (2017)
All Systems Red, the first installment to the The Murderbot Diaries, a novella by Martha Wells[/caption]
The series kicks off with Murderbot, a SecUnit assigned to protect a scientific expedition on a distant planet. Unlike typical SecUnits, Murderbot has disabled its governor module, giving it free will. Despite its desire to be left alone and watch entertainment feeds, it finds itself caring about its human charges. When a nearby mission goes dark, Murderbot and its team uncover a conspiracy that puts them all in danger. The novella is both an action-packed adventure and a poignant exploration of the desire for independence versus the need for connection.
Artificial Condition (2018)
Artificial Condition, the second addition to the The Murderbot Diaries, a novella by Martha Wells[/caption]Murderbot embarks on a journey to uncover its past and understand the massacre it was involved in but has no memory of. To reach the mining facility where the incident occurred, it teams up with a research transport vessel, which Murderbot nicknames ART. This unlikely partnership is at the heart of the novella, providing humor and depth as Murderbot confronts its own history and questions of autonomy and morality. The story expands the series’ universe, exploring the complexities of AI consciousness and the value of friendship.Rogue Protocol (2018)
Rogue Protocol, the third addition to the The Murderbot Diaries, a novella by Martha Wells[/caption]Continuing its quest for answers, Murderbot heads to a terraforming facility to gather evidence against the corporation that endangered its former clients. There, it encounters a group of humans and a pet robot, Miki, who believes its human companions are its friends. Through its interactions with Miki and the humans, Murderbot confronts its own prejudices about weakness and strength, and what it means to protect others. The novella delves into the themes of exploitation and the quest for justice, all while exploring the nuances of friendship and loyalty.Exit Strategy (2018)
Exit Strategy, the fourth addition to the The Murderbot Diaries, a novella by Martha Wells. In this installment, Murderbot returns to its origins to save Dr. Mensah, its former client who is now being held hostage by the corporation responsible for its creation. This narrative brings Murderbot’s internal conflict to a head, as it must navigate its complicated feelings towards Dr. Mensah and the other humans it has come to care about. The story is a thrilling rescue mission that tests Murderbot’s capabilities and commitment, highlighting its growth and the deepening of its relationships.Network Effect (2020)
Network Effect, the fifth addition to the The Murderbot Diaries, a novella by Martha Wells[/caption]The first full-length novel in the series, Network Effect, throws Murderbot into a complex plot involving its friend ART and an unfamiliar ship that appears to be linked to Murderbot’s past. As it works to protect its human friends and uncover the mystery of the strange ship, Murderbot must also grapple with its evolving identity and what it means to be part of a community. The novel expands on the series’ themes, offering a deeper exploration of family, friendship, and the fight against oppressive systems.Fugitive Telemetry
Fugitive Telemetry, the sixth addition to the The Murderbot Diaries, a novella by Martha Wells. Taking place between Exit Strategy and Network Effect, this novel sees Murderbot attempting to adapt to life among humans on Preservation Station. When a dead body is discovered, Murderbot reluctantly assists station security in solving the murder, confronting its own assumptions about human nature and justice in the process. The story provides a closer look at Murderbot’s attempts to navigate human society and its complex legal and ethical systems, all while delivering a gripping murder mystery.System Collapse
System Collapse, the seventh addition to the The Murderbot Diaries, a novella by Martha Wells[/caption]
After the events in Network Effect, the Barish-Estranza corporation has dispatched rescue ships to a recently colonized planet facing danger, along with extra SecUnits. However, if there is a morally upright company in existence, Murderbot has yet to come across it. And if Barish-Estranza cannot claim ownership of the planet, they certainly won’t depart empty-handed. If that something happens to involve an entire colony of humans, then a free workforce could be considered a decent runner-up reward.
However, there appears to be an issue with Murderbot; it is not functioning as expected. The crew of ART and the humans from Preservation are working tirelessly to safeguard the colonists. However, they face a formidable challenge in Barish-Estranza’s SecUnit-heavy persuasion teams. Their only hope lies in Murderbot, as it must quickly identify and resolve its own issues.