Platform Decay

 

Platform Decay by Martha Wells
5/5/26; 256 pages
Tor Books
Murderbot Diaries #8 

Platform Decay by Martha Wells is highly recommended science fiction rescue adventure and the eight book in the Murderbot series. 

SecUnit, a security robot is on a mission with SecUnit Three on an extraction mission of three individuals at a Corporation Rim station. SecUnit Three will provide the distraction while Murderbot follows Dr. Mensah’s instructions, gets through the Rim security and proceeds to the safe house holding Farai, Sofi, and Naja. Once there, however, the three aren't alone. Supervisor Leonide, a higher-up in the Corporation Rim, informs Murderbot that five more humans, members of her family also needs to be rescued. The extraction/rescue suddenly becomes much more complicated and dangerous.

This is an entertaining, well-written character-driven series. Admittedly, I dropped into the series unprepared and struggled when starting to get up to speed on the "snarky, hyper-aware, murderous security android." It is probably to your benefit and well-being to read this series in order rather than dropping into it with no background information - unless you've been watch the Apple TV+ adaptation, which I had no idea existed. Once you understand the mission and Who SecUnit is, the setting, and the mission, you will quickly get caught up in the fast-paced plot.

The SecUnit is developed as a character, which is at times quite humorous. This character development includes walking like a human and appropriate hand movements, while simultaneously hacking security systems, erasing the SecUnit's existence while dealing with human emotions and ill intent in an interesting setting. The worldbuilding is well-done too.

Platform Decay is going to be thoroughly enjoyed by those already following the Murderbot Diaries series. Thanks to Tor Books for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.