Author: Zaheerah

A twenty-something reader. Slowly making her way through the endless pit that is her TBR pile.
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Review: The Lies of the Ajungo

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Review: The Lies of the Ajungo

Rating: 4 out of 5.

No one believes anyone in the City of Lies? Why would you? In the City of Lies, every child has their tongue cut out when they turn thirteen to appease the Ajungo Empire and make sure its meagre supply of water isn’t cut off. Tutu is days away from turning thirteen, and in his desperate attempt to save his mother, he volunteers to travel outside his city to bring back water for his people. But the desert is merciless, and Tutu might not be able to survive the brutal secrets hidden within its sand.

Another goldmine was found through Twitter once again. The Lies of the Ajungo seems like an innocent story of a young boy whose love for his mother sends him on an excursion beyond what he’s ever known. Once Tutu settles into his journey, he soon learns the deep injustice and lies has kept his people from truly living. The Ajungo Empire’s so-called help is not what it seems, and their stain on its people shatters Tutu’s innocence. An extremely intriguing form of magic is introduced, and the fantasy setting feels remarkable. The Lies of the Ajungo is really about Tutu’s journey, both physically and emotionally, and his growth makes you proud.

Packed into just 80 pages is a powerful story of a boy doing almost anything to bring peace to his city and save his mother, Tutu’s story almost feels restricted by its story length, bursting with beautiful details and gut-wrenching emotions. The Lies of the Ajungo is a stunning story that packs a hefty punch, prepare for emotions; it hits you hard.

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Review: Exit Strategy

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Review: Exit Strategy

Rating: 5 out of 5.

In the final novella instalment, Murderbot finds its way home to rescue its former owner, Dr. Mensah, who is being held captive by GrayCris. Having previously collected incriminating evidence, Murderbot can no longer hide under the shadows as GrayCris continues its very public attack on Dr Mensah’s character and even goes as far as kidnapping her as a threat to the Preservation Alliance to drop its litigation case.

But hell hath no fury like a self-aware SecUnit scorned, and Murderbot begins its own rescue operation, rejoining with Mensah’s old colleagues and launching an offensive attack on GrayCris. Throughout the novellas, Murderbot slowly grows its case against GrayCris, and their illegal activities and the result makes for an exhilarating final battle against corporate greed: both physical and mental, as Murderbot turns the system on itself in a near cinematic moment that blows me away. The finale fight felt like its own form of theatre, and I was a mere audience member in the front view, soaking it all in.

Murderbot is determined against all odds to save Dr Mensah or die trying. Exit Strategy is the breath you’ve been holding all along in the series. And when the dust settles, Murderbot knows it still has a long way to go. Exit Strategy wraps up the GrayCris arc with a satisfying and entertaining conclusion. But Murderbot’s story is far from over, and I’m super excited to see where their intergalactic journey will take them next.

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Review: Rogue Protocol

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Review: Rogue Protocol

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Martha Wells continues her thrilling journey of the highly entertaining and most complex AI around. (Sorry, ChatGPT, take a seat this time) In Rogue Protocol, Murderbot finds itself on a new task, seeking evidence against the sinister corporation GrayCris.

The story picks up with Murderbot on its way to a transit station, almost forgotten in a hyper-connected society, hoping to find evidence against GrayCris and help Doctor Mensah (who we first meet in All Systems Red) in her case against the entity for its safety violations. 

Rogue Protocol might just be my favourite out of the novellas in this series. While I prefer the previous novellas’ quieter introspection, Murderbot is pushed to the limits in this one as it’s a lot more action-packed and adventurous. As usual, Murderbot navigates the complexities of human emotions while dealing with its growing anxieties, but this time with the ever-increasing threat of GrayCris hovering closer in their mind, as it notes that people have begun to question its disappearance from the public eye.

After adopting its human persona again, Murderbot’s cover is almost completely ruined when it realises another research group has their own security bot called Miki, who can detect Murderbot’s presence if they’re not careful. So, it convinces Miki that it is a hired help to ensure Miki’s group’s survival.

In Artificial Conditions, we see how Murderbot understands its fellow AI counterparts, understanding its different needs and expectation from their contractors, but Miki is different. Miki is treated as part of the team, even referring to them as her friends. For once, Murderbot can almost wonder what life could be like if they didn’t see it as a mass murderer.

Wells continues to develop and improve upon Murderbot as an engaging and hilarious character, its thought processes dive deeper into its struggle with identity and relationships. Overall, Rogue Protocol is incredibly engaging and another captivating instalment in the adventures of Murderbot. As we step closer to the dangerous reach of GrayCris, you can’t help but root for the snarky SecUnit who can’t seem to catch a break.

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Review: Artificial Conditions

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Review: Artificial Conditions

Rating: 5 out of 5.

With only the vaguest memories of its past, Murderbot departs from its former crew and teams up with a Research Transport vessel named ART to undercover its history of a former mining facility.

We return to our beloved SecUnit, now disguised as a security consultant, who embarks on a journey to remember its past, once swiped from its memory. How can it convince anyone it must make its way to a derelict facility that shouldn’t exist anymore? So, they hitch a ride with an empty cargo, trading its precious hours of media, and take a job as a security guard for a group of researchers planning to find their stolen work in the same area.

Wells excels in her portrayal of both complex and memorable characters. Artificial Conditions focuses mainly on Murderbot and their newest (and biggest headache) companion, ART. Murderbot is, as always, sarcastic and endearing. The dynamic between Murderbot and ART is surprisingly fascinating. While All Systems Red touches upon the existence of other bots, Artificial Conditions introduces them to the forefront. I enjoyed how Murderbot’s characterisation of their robot peers is extremely endearing and incredibly humanised.

Artificial Conditions is an exciting departure from the first story, as Murderbot hacks its way through systems to find out what caused its malfunction, resulting in the deaths of over 50 people. Wells expands her universe into a rich world with a brilliant blend of futuristic technology and complex, grounded characters. Continuing its witty quips with an even more engaging story, Artificial Conditions is an entertaining addition to the series.

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Review: All Systems Red

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Review: All Systems Red

Rating: 4 out of 5.

In a space-faring and corporate-domineering future, a company-supplied android must accompany research missions to other planets. (SecUnit for short) But what happens when a self-aware SecUnit that has hacked its own module finds itself in the middle of a mission that has compromised its researchers?

The Murderbot Diaries is a series I’ve heard through the grapevines for so long. A bot on Twitter that tweets random lines from the series has been living in my algorithm for years. I cannot believe it took me this long to pick up this series.

“I could have become a mass murderer after I hacked my governor module, but then I realized I could access the combined feed of entertainment channels carried on the company satellites.”

That is how we first meet the SecUnit, who prefers to be called Murderbot, as they ponder on the next episode of their favourite show, Rise and Fall of Sanctuary Moon.

Murderbot is a surprisingly delightful protagonist with a sarcastic bite. Designed for security with the capability for murder, no one expects a standard unit to spend their days downloading television. Despite being a robot, Murderbot holds its footing amongst even the most human protagonists. Their struggle to understand human emotions and autonomy made this an incredibly compelling story.

Wells has created an enthralling, unique universe within the first novella alone. All Systems Red unfolds on a distant planet as Murderbot joins a group of scientists on an expedition. But when the excursions turn sour, Murderbot takes it upon itself to protect its human charges and surprisingly finds its place within the group. While having the respect of the lead researchers, not everyone is quite comfortable with its capabilities. Wells’ writing is concise and solid; Murderbot’s so-called lack of emotions makes for some hilarious moments within some intense scenes. (I, too, like Murderbot, would prefer to watch my favourite shows on repeat rather than deal with the situations at hand) While All Systems Red can be read as a self-contained story, even the end leaves you wanting more. A complex lead, a crew of great characters, and the depth within these short pages made me realise why so many people adore this series. (I might just be chastising myself for days for taking this long to read it)

Overall, what an exceptional start to a series. All Systems Red is a fantastic sci-fi novella that begins what I anticipated to be a unique series. A perfect blend of action and suspense. (And also, humour, to my surprise!)

GOODREADS | AMAZON | AUTHOR

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Review: Arthur and Teddy Are Coming Out

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Review: Arthur and Teddy Are Coming Out

Rating: 3 out of 5.

*I received a copy from the publisher via Netgalley in return for an honest review. This in no way affected my opinion of the book.*

When Arthur Edwards decides to come out to his family, he is unprepared for the bombshell it brings to his family and community. His grandson, Teddy, yearns to come out but, after seeing the reaction to his grandfather, finds himself stepping back into his shell as he struggles to juggle his internship and his growing feelings for his colleague, Ben.

After almost 80 years of being in the closet, Arthur decides he can no longer keep his sexuality a secret and decides to confide in his children, which causes a dramatic effect on his community, especially his grandson, who is also contemplating the same thing. I adored Arthur and Teddy’s bond throughout the story. Both grappling with the same feelings and emotions in different life stages made this a rather emotional read. In alternating narratives, Arthur comes to terms with his past, while Teddy works to understand his future, both striving to find peace in their lives. This book’s promotions emphasise the feel-good humour, which hit the feel-good spot, but I don’t think the comedic aspects hit the correct mark.

Honestly, Arthur’s story was the better half of this tale. I enjoyed the back and forth between grandfather and grandson, as the story highlights how coming out is never a definitive time; it can and should be done when the person feels most comfortable doing so. Teddy’s entire narrative was sort of soiled when I realised his story is mainly him complaining about being a nepo baby and being upset when people rightfully call him out on it. I had anticipated a moment where he acknowledges it and grows from that oddly selfish attitude, but he spends most of that time being coddled by his friends and then being harsh to Ben for no reason, even when they start dating. Ben does go on to do something horrible, but it’s all for the plot’s sake because there is no way anyone would be rooting for Teddy until then. Also, Elizabeth, Arthur’s daughter and Teddy’s mother acted so appalling towards her father and son that I was surprised that the story allows her to be forgiven so easily, which I assumed was for a more wholesome ending.  

Overall, Arthur and Teddy Are Coming Out was a delightful story with a lovely premise, but I did have mixed feelings about Teddy, which soured his half of the story. Nonetheless, it is a story of finding oneself regardless of the life stage I believe will find its place in other people’s hearts.

GOODREADS | AMAZON | AUTHOR

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