Jonas Wisser

A perfectly competent entry in the series, but the greatest point of interest is probably the Rex Stout article on "Why Nero Wolfe Likes Orchids" included in the end matter.

Everyone who has the slightest interest in understanding how "AI" tools like ChatGPT and its ilk came to dominate the societal conversation, or the impact they had, are having, and will continue to have on our civilization, should read this book.

Strike that.

Everyone should read this book.

Just a pure delight, start to finish. My only regret is that the story resolved in such a way that a direct sequel of the sort I was hoping for seems unlikely.

A quick, snappy, and incredibly engaging read. It didn't take long for me to identify with Murderbot more than most of the human main characters I've read.

Key sentence:
“If the humans see me actually doing my job, it helps keep suspicions from forming about faulty governor modules.”

As someone who used to have to find external motivations to convince myself to work in the face of -a faulty governor module- undiagnosed depression, boy howdy did this resonate with me on a spiritual level.

Looking forward to the rest of the series!

The final book of a mind-opening trilogy that's especially difficult to read at a time when humankind seems determined to plunge the future of life on Earth into uncertainty.

One of David's Brin's most fascinating habits as an author is his tendency to play interesting but strictly unnecessary facts and worldbuilding tidbits close to the vest. Each successive book reveals so frustratingly little of the broad universe that acts as the backdrop for Brin's very local dramas—even if the narrative results of those dramas will clearly have effects that go on to change all of galactic society for good.

Definitely worth reading—I'm glad I finally got around to this series!