I’ve been waiting since All Systems Red, patiently reading Artificial Condition and Rogue Protocol, and we have arrived. Finally, we have the Murderbot novel that brings us back to the beginning with our friends from the Preservation. Exit Strategy is one great big hostage situation, and it is a world of fun reading it. I couldn’t put it down, and there is so much that I loved about the character interactions and character development in this one.

Murderbot wasn’t programmed to care. So, its decision to help the only human who ever showed it respect must be a system glitch, right? Having traveled the width of the galaxy to unearth details of its own murderous transgressions, as well as those of the GrayCris Corporation, Murderbot is heading home to help Dr. Mensah—its former owner (protector? friend?)—submit evidence that could prevent GrayCris from destroying more colonists in its never-ending quest for profit. But who’s going to believe a SecUnit gone rogue? And what will become of it when it’s caught?

From start to finish, Exit Strategy is full of tense sequences, high-drama action, plots and subterfuge, and some really sassy responses from our A.I. who isn’t meant to have emotions. Concluding one adventure and stumbling into a whole web of problems, Murderbot has a lot on its plate to work through – a possibly some deeper acknowledgements to do with friendship and wanting to help people. The sci-fi elements keep stacking up, adding layers of political confusion and intrigue to muddy the waters, narrowing down the list of people Murderbot can trust (and that is a word to us very lightly). Ultimately though, Murderbot knows he can trust his crew – the Preservation crew – and when it finds out they’re in trouble, well, what else is it going to do but cross the galaxy to help them?

The plot to Exit Strategy is fantastic, blending the known with the unknown, the possible with the highly improbable, and the facts of hacking hardware with the opinions of an antisocial, anxious, a little depressed, and still in search for a purpose SecUnit. While Exit Strategy is the most action-packed novel in the series so far, it is not without its themes, character interactions, relationship building, and deeper insights into the story world and characters, especially our favourite Murderbot.

I did ask for a return to familiar faces, and now I cannot wait for the tide to change, the culmination of Murderbot’s escapades to deliver one hell of a novel, and for the plot to reach an astounding high. What could possibly happen (besides Murderbot watching Sanctuary Moon at inappropriate times)? Will everyone make it out alive (unlikely, but a nice bonus)? Will ART make a reappearance (I am very much looking forward to this moment if it does)?

I don’t think I can sing the praises of Martha Wells loud enough, nor can I recommend you read The Murderbot Diaries soon enough. It is a phenomenal series, one with many laughs and heartfelt moments, and you will not be disappointed in the slightest when you finally pick it up. Exit Strategy marks the middle of this intense, intergalactic adventure full of drama, fights, grand escapes, and undoubtedly the bound of found family. I am eager to find out the rest of the story.