With the second installment of Martha Wells’ Murderbot Diaries, I found myself enjoying the novel more than the original. The interplay of existential and exploratory dialogue between the titular Murderbot and a transport bot managing a hauler she hitches a ride on, and their eventual friendship was interesting and satisfying. The dialogue was also more engaging than I found that of the similar sci-f novel We Are Legion: We Are Bob.
The story still just skims over the question of what it truly means to be human, hinting at the hope that we will have greater answers in future installments. So while not earth shattering in its themes or descriptions, Artificial Condition is another thrilling read.
Style: 4 of 5.
Substance: 2 of 5
