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The Murderbot Diaries [Dramatized Adaptation] #5
Network Effect [Dramatized Adaptation]
You know that feeling when you’re at work, and you’ve had enough of people, and then the boss walks in with yet another job that needs to be done right this second or the world will end, but all you want to do is go home and binge your favorite shows? And you're a sentient murder machine programmed for destruction? Congratulations, you're Murderbot.
Come for the pew-pew space battles, stay for the most relatable A.I. you’ll read this century.
—
I’m usually alone in my head, and that’s where 90 plus percent of my problems are.
When Murderbot's human associates (not friends, never friends) are captured and another not-friend from its past requires urgent assistance, Murderbot must choose between inertia and drastic action.
Drastic action it is, then.
Adapted from the novel and produced with a full cast of actors, immersive sound effects and cinematic music!
Come for the pew-pew space battles, stay for the most relatable A.I. you’ll read this century.
—
I’m usually alone in my head, and that’s where 90 plus percent of my problems are.
When Murderbot's human associates (not friends, never friends) are captured and another not-friend from its past requires urgent assistance, Murderbot must choose between inertia and drastic action.
Drastic action it is, then.
Adapted from the novel and produced with a full cast of actors, immersive sound effects and cinematic music!
Audio CD
Published January 15, 2024
About the author
Martha Wells
126 books27.3k followersMartha Wells has been an SF/F writer since her first fantasy novel was published in 1993, and her work includes The Books of the Raksura series, the Ile-Rien series, The Murderbot Diaries series, and other fantasy novels, most recently Witch King (Tordotcom, 2023). She has also written media tie-in fiction for Star Wars, Stargate: Atlantis, and Magic: the Gathering, as well as short fiction, YA novels, and non-fiction. She has won Nebula Awards, Hugo Awards, Locus Awards, and a Dragon Award, and her work has appeared on the Philip K. Dick Award ballot, the British Science Fiction Association Award ballot, the USA Today Bestseller List, the Sunday Times Bestseller List, and the New York Times Bestseller List. She is a member of the Texas Literary Hall of Fame, and her books have been published in twenty-five languages.
She is also a consulting producer on The Murderbot Diaries series for Apple TV+.
She is also a consulting producer on The Murderbot Diaries series for Apple TV+.
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
June 12, 2024
I've already reviewed the actual audiobook, so this is just a review for the dramatization.
I listened to this directly after, and have to say it does a good job of capturing the book. As always, I think these should be used as companion pieces for fans, not as replacements for the books, because they are edited versions.
Sci-fi is one of the genres that really lends itself to these graphic novelizations.
Beep-beep, boop-boop! Pew, pew! <--etc.
I mean, while it is cool to hear tea cups clinking and doors shutting in period pieces, walking through a field of grass and having a firefight with laser guns is like comparing apples and chicken wings.
Graphic Audio's tagline is A Movie in Your Mind and I think that's a fair assessment.
If you like to listen to books in your spare time, these are well worth your while.
Recommended
I listened to this directly after, and have to say it does a good job of capturing the book. As always, I think these should be used as companion pieces for fans, not as replacements for the books, because they are edited versions.
Sci-fi is one of the genres that really lends itself to these graphic novelizations.
Beep-beep, boop-boop! Pew, pew! <--etc.
I mean, while it is cool to hear tea cups clinking and doors shutting in period pieces, walking through a field of grass and having a firefight with laser guns is like comparing apples and chicken wings.
Graphic Audio's tagline is A Movie in Your Mind and I think that's a fair assessment.
If you like to listen to books in your spare time, these are well worth your while.
Recommended
September 24, 2026
•
My Rating: 3.5/5
•
Try this if you like:
• sci-fi action and adventure
• deep space
• rogue Artificial Intelligence that’s relatable
• snarky inner dialogue mixed with cynical independence
• autonomy, identity, and dare I say something like love
• full cast audio dramatization
• single POV
Notes: A full-length novel may be too much time to spend with Murderbot for me. Things were getting monotonous after a while because, honestly, there is too many action scenes that go on for forever…but I liked the emotional bits, Mensa, ART, and the humor that is all Murderbot.
Narration: Graphic Audio does a great job with this.
Try this if you like:
• sci-fi action and adventure
• deep space
• rogue Artificial Intelligence that’s relatable
• snarky inner dialogue mixed with cynical independence
• autonomy, identity, and dare I say something like love
• full cast audio dramatization
• single POV
Notes: A full-length novel may be too much time to spend with Murderbot for me. Things were getting monotonous after a while because, honestly, there is too many action scenes that go on for forever…but I liked the emotional bits, Mensa, ART, and the humor that is all Murderbot.
Narration: Graphic Audio does a great job with this.
April 19, 2025
I think this one is my favourite after the second novella 😄
January 15, 2024
Oh my goodness this book was so good! I'd give it all the stars in the world if I could--it's easily my favorite of the series so far and will take it's place on my list of favorite books (period).
August 12, 2026
I was worried a longer form would take away some of the magic that is Murderbot, but no! I didn’t want to leave! So much action, and drama, and sarcasm…I loved it so much! And getting to meet new humans! Amina is so adorable, I love her. I can’t wait to keep going!
April 27, 2025
Pretty sure I have this read in another version, but yeah, still good. It's longer, which a more expansive cast, but has a lot of great stuff for Murderbot to interact with. The return of A.R.T., interacting with children, other sec units, etc. It's longer than the other books, but the time is used well
September 8, 2021
GRAPHIC AUDIO version review - I tried to select the Graphic Audio edition to review, when I have already reviewed (5 stars) the audio book version read by Kevin R. Free.
(I am not certain if this review is eliminating my review of the audio book and Editing over it)
The Graphic Audio version is fun but flawed.
The Graphic Audio version is 8 hours 12 minutes while the audio book version is 12 hours 47 minutes.
As I listened I wondered where some of my favorite scenes were and thought my mind must have drifted. There are 4 hours 35 minutes missing in the Graphic Audio version. Some of the best humor and sarcastic worldview parts were left out and that is what shows SecUnit's growth.
Also, there is still a production problem that distracts the listener - Example: When the reader for SecUnit wasn't paying attention and substituted some weird word for the actual word. And, whoever does editing left in the part where he says he is re-reading something, then re-reads it. There was one line that was supposed to be from SecUnit and another character said it and it made no sense. A good editor would catch these errors before the final product is released.
The casting is weird for some parts - wrong voice type that distracts from the story. But, some of the voice actors did a very good job portraying their character and were spot on and their talented work pulled this out of the trash.
In comparing the Graphic Audio work to the audio book, Kevin R. Free did a better job as one person with the talent to portray multiple voices that can be distinguished from one another than an uneven cast where it was sometimes difficult to tell who was speaking.
Both versions could have done better with a teenager's voice. One of them had a teenager voiced as a high pitched eager voice and the other as a snide mature woman, so neither of them got that right.
Graphic Audio could do better work - careless editing speaks volumes.
5* for Martha Wells writing - 2* for Graphic Audio - 3* average
(I am not certain if this review is eliminating my review of the audio book and Editing over it)
The Graphic Audio version is fun but flawed.
The Graphic Audio version is 8 hours 12 minutes while the audio book version is 12 hours 47 minutes.
As I listened I wondered where some of my favorite scenes were and thought my mind must have drifted. There are 4 hours 35 minutes missing in the Graphic Audio version. Some of the best humor and sarcastic worldview parts were left out and that is what shows SecUnit's growth.
Also, there is still a production problem that distracts the listener - Example: When the reader for SecUnit wasn't paying attention and substituted some weird word for the actual word. And, whoever does editing left in the part where he says he is re-reading something, then re-reads it. There was one line that was supposed to be from SecUnit and another character said it and it made no sense. A good editor would catch these errors before the final product is released.
The casting is weird for some parts - wrong voice type that distracts from the story. But, some of the voice actors did a very good job portraying their character and were spot on and their talented work pulled this out of the trash.
In comparing the Graphic Audio work to the audio book, Kevin R. Free did a better job as one person with the talent to portray multiple voices that can be distinguished from one another than an uneven cast where it was sometimes difficult to tell who was speaking.
Both versions could have done better with a teenager's voice. One of them had a teenager voiced as a high pitched eager voice and the other as a snide mature woman, so neither of them got that right.
Graphic Audio could do better work - careless editing speaks volumes.
5* for Martha Wells writing - 2* for Graphic Audio - 3* average
March 10, 2025
I enjoyed this one a lot more than #4. I think I was just bored cause it was the same all over again. Maybe I should space them a bit more...
Also, we love dr. Mensah jiji Missed her!
This one did kept me interested throughout and the lols are great :D
Now, about the format, I started listening to the GraphicAudio full cast dramatized version. AMAZING, 10/10.
Also, we love dr. Mensah jiji Missed her!
This one did kept me interested throughout and the lols are great :D
Now, about the format, I started listening to the GraphicAudio full cast dramatized version. AMAZING, 10/10.
August 13, 2026
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 / 5)
Format: Audio (GraphicAudio - Dramatized Adaptation)
An absolute masterpiece in the Murderbot series. Upping the length was the best decision ever!
I listened to this adaptation of Network Effect, and this was an absolute 5-star read/listen from start to finish!
Going into this, I noticed the runtime was around 8 to 9 hours, quite a step up from the shorter novellas. But honestly? It was the best thing that could have happened to the series. The extra length allowed for so much more character depth, richer worldbuilding, and higher stakes, all while maintaining incredible pacing. It never felt slow for a single second.
⚠️ SPOILER WARNING: The section below contains minor plot spoilers for Network Effect! ⚠️
Highlights & Thoughts:
• The GraphicAudio Production: As always, GraphicAudio delivered an incredible experience. The voice cast, sound design, and music made the action scenes feel so cinematic. (Fun detail for ACOTAR fans: Natalie Van Sistine, who voices Nesta in GraphicAudio's ACOTAR, voices Arada here!)
• Amena & Murderbot's Dynamic: Amena was such a fantastic addition to the story! Watching her and Murderbot go from not really understanding or liking each other to becoming fiercely protective was easily one of my favorite parts of the book.
• The Return of ART: Oh, the emotional turmoil! Murderbot’s reaction when it thought ART was dead completely broke me. And then when ART turned out to be alive, Murderbot's conflicting emotions were written so brilliantly. Immense relief mixed with pure rage that ART's automated rescue attempt brought alien-infected enemies right to them, putting Amena in danger.
• Character Growth & Banter: The trademark Murderbot humor and banter were top-tier as always. I especially loved the gradual conflict resolution between Thiago and Murderbot. Watching them actually talk through their feelings (Murderbot's absolute nightmare, of course!) was such a great addition to Murderbot's growth.
• New Addition - "Three": The introduction of the new SecUnit ("Three") in the final stretch was brilliant. I already love Three and really hope we get to see more of this character in future books!
Final Verdict:
Even though Murderbot is temporarily heading off on a mission with ART and its team, I desperately hope we haven't seen the last of Dr. Mensah’s team—I am going to miss Amena way too much otherwise!
If you love Sci-Fi, relatable AI anxiety, incredible banter, and peak voice acting, you need to listen to this GraphicAudio adaptation. Easily my favorite in the series so far!
Format: Audio (GraphicAudio - Dramatized Adaptation)
An absolute masterpiece in the Murderbot series. Upping the length was the best decision ever!
I listened to this adaptation of Network Effect, and this was an absolute 5-star read/listen from start to finish!
Going into this, I noticed the runtime was around 8 to 9 hours, quite a step up from the shorter novellas. But honestly? It was the best thing that could have happened to the series. The extra length allowed for so much more character depth, richer worldbuilding, and higher stakes, all while maintaining incredible pacing. It never felt slow for a single second.
⚠️ SPOILER WARNING: The section below contains minor plot spoilers for Network Effect! ⚠️
Highlights & Thoughts:
• The GraphicAudio Production: As always, GraphicAudio delivered an incredible experience. The voice cast, sound design, and music made the action scenes feel so cinematic. (Fun detail for ACOTAR fans: Natalie Van Sistine, who voices Nesta in GraphicAudio's ACOTAR, voices Arada here!)
• Amena & Murderbot's Dynamic: Amena was such a fantastic addition to the story! Watching her and Murderbot go from not really understanding or liking each other to becoming fiercely protective was easily one of my favorite parts of the book.
• The Return of ART: Oh, the emotional turmoil! Murderbot’s reaction when it thought ART was dead completely broke me. And then when ART turned out to be alive, Murderbot's conflicting emotions were written so brilliantly. Immense relief mixed with pure rage that ART's automated rescue attempt brought alien-infected enemies right to them, putting Amena in danger.
• Character Growth & Banter: The trademark Murderbot humor and banter were top-tier as always. I especially loved the gradual conflict resolution between Thiago and Murderbot. Watching them actually talk through their feelings (Murderbot's absolute nightmare, of course!) was such a great addition to Murderbot's growth.
• New Addition - "Three": The introduction of the new SecUnit ("Three") in the final stretch was brilliant. I already love Three and really hope we get to see more of this character in future books!
Final Verdict:
Even though Murderbot is temporarily heading off on a mission with ART and its team, I desperately hope we haven't seen the last of Dr. Mensah’s team—I am going to miss Amena way too much otherwise!
If you love Sci-Fi, relatable AI anxiety, incredible banter, and peak voice acting, you need to listen to this GraphicAudio adaptation. Easily my favorite in the series so far!
October 8, 2026
There Is No Protocol for This
This review may contain slight spoilers.
Network Effect is Sec Unit at its most chaotic, terrifying, hilarious, and unexpectedly emotional best. This is the longest Murderbot story yet, and somehow the time flew by as the plot expanded into alien remnants, infected colonists, corporate exploitation, rogue technology, multiple SecUnits, and a very angry ART.
David Cui Cui continues to be absolutely perfect as Murderbot. Hearing him perform both Murderbot 1.0 and 2.0—and having the two essentially carry on conversations with each other—was such a clever use of the dramatized format.
The production really shines during the tense sequences. The music repeatedly ratchets up the anxiety even when very little is happening physically, making the suspense incredibly effective. The sound effects also made some of the more visceral scenes VERY visceral. I am still recovering from Murderbot detaching and reattaching his own limbs.
One production note: the cast credits feel inconsistent. Several supporting characters with substantial speaking roles, including Gabriel Michael as Thiago, and Eva Wilhelm as Three who both have significant speaking roles in the story were not listed. Eva Wilhelm was fantastic as SecUnit Three, especially as Three tries to navigate the terrifying concept of freedom when there is no protocol for this.
But the best part is still Sec Unit himself. He can insist all he wants that humans are not his friends, yet he repeatedly risks himself for them, worries about ART's feelings, and eventually recognizes that even another SecUnit deserves the freedom to choose. His character development is subtle, funny, and surprisingly moving.
Story: ★★★★☆
Production: ★★★★★
This review may contain slight spoilers.
Network Effect is Sec Unit at its most chaotic, terrifying, hilarious, and unexpectedly emotional best. This is the longest Murderbot story yet, and somehow the time flew by as the plot expanded into alien remnants, infected colonists, corporate exploitation, rogue technology, multiple SecUnits, and a very angry ART.
David Cui Cui continues to be absolutely perfect as Murderbot. Hearing him perform both Murderbot 1.0 and 2.0—and having the two essentially carry on conversations with each other—was such a clever use of the dramatized format.
The production really shines during the tense sequences. The music repeatedly ratchets up the anxiety even when very little is happening physically, making the suspense incredibly effective. The sound effects also made some of the more visceral scenes VERY visceral. I am still recovering from Murderbot detaching and reattaching his own limbs.
One production note: the cast credits feel inconsistent. Several supporting characters with substantial speaking roles, including Gabriel Michael as Thiago, and Eva Wilhelm as Three who both have significant speaking roles in the story were not listed. Eva Wilhelm was fantastic as SecUnit Three, especially as Three tries to navigate the terrifying concept of freedom when there is no protocol for this.
But the best part is still Sec Unit himself. He can insist all he wants that humans are not his friends, yet he repeatedly risks himself for them, worries about ART's feelings, and eventually recognizes that even another SecUnit deserves the freedom to choose. His character development is subtle, funny, and surprisingly moving.
Story: ★★★★☆
Production: ★★★★★
January 19, 2026
Another excellent Murderbot book. This one started off kinda confusing to me at first, but it all ended up making sense. There is a return of a beloved character and the beginning of a new one. I can’t wait to see where this series goes. It’s interesting to get glimpses of the world building not all at once, it adds to the wanting to keep going with the series.
Great read!
Great read!
October 5, 2026
ope, looking at the other reviews is telling me that the graphic audio versions of the murderbot books are abridged??? i would like to have been alerted to this, now i gotta reread network effect for anything i might have missed 😩 still a banger tho, huge fan of murderbot and ART getting relationship counseling
4 stars
4 stars
September 30, 2026
Another great adventure with Murderbot and the crew! I love Armina (sorry I'm an audio reader so I don't know how to spell) and how she keeps putting human feelings and scenarios on Murderbot and Art haha!
June 15, 2025
More constructs with self determination and agency.
June 24, 2025
A long and slightly harder to follow than the first 4 books, so it's a slightly a lower star rating, but like very very slight...4.99872 stars.
July 16, 2025
IMO, best book in the series so far.
August 12, 2025
The ending is just too cute 🥰 Arte!
September 16, 2025
Bien pero no sentí que la dramatización le agregara algo
October 10, 2025
totally enjoy Murderbot.
October 26, 2025
This has been the best of the series so far, probably because of a bigger character list.
December 30, 2025
Love this Graphic Audio series!!
June 15, 2026
The Murderbot Diaries [Dramatized Adaptation] #5
Network Effect [Dramatized Adaptation]
Martha Wells
Yet another sci-fi adventure for our nameless android hero.
Network Effect [Dramatized Adaptation]
Martha Wells
Yet another sci-fi adventure for our nameless android hero.
September 1, 2026
David Cui Cui is great. The story is great. I totally recommend this whole series in the regular book version, the regular audiobook version, and this dramatization. They are all very enjoyable.
October 16, 2024
I don't know what it is about Murderbot, but it caught me in the feels and will not let go. Obvi, a full length novel took me longer to read, but I think it was more that there is a lot more emotion involved in this entry than in the novellas. Murderbot's acceptance of the Preservation crew as its family, complete non-recognition of it's own emotional state and barreling on anyway, despite making compromised decision after compromised decision is wayyyy too relatable. I may be a little bit upset when I finish the series. Murderbot rules.
April 30, 2026
I'm starting to really love this version. The only problem with it is that it leaves out the scene on the Preservation planet when Murderbot saves Amena from a fellow who was trying to get her alone in a private house and Murderbot didn't trust the guy's integrity. It's hilarious.
March 4, 2025
Basic Plot: Murderbot cones to the aid of Art, to rescue both ship and crew from mysterious tech.
I love these books terribly. The action moves fast and the humor is subtle. Both things guaranteed to make me happy. There are also bigger questions embedded about humanity, how we treat each other in society, how to cope with the world and its difficulties, and more. Graphic Audio only makes everything better!
I love these books terribly. The action moves fast and the humor is subtle. Both things guaranteed to make me happy. There are also bigger questions embedded about humanity, how we treat each other in society, how to cope with the world and its difficulties, and more. Graphic Audio only makes everything better!
December 30, 2024
Reading through the Murderbot series is like a study in human development. We see a being become aware of itself and grow through experiences and influences from family, friends, and media. In personality, it comes across as a moody teenager who is reluctantly finding that it wants to have friendship and community.
June 19, 2020
Fantastic read, looking forward to next book April 2021
February 27, 2024
I love Murderbot and all his not-friends
March 14, 2025
i'm convinced that anything martha wells will quite literally consume me
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews