Cannonball Read 17

Sticking It to Cancer One Book at a Time

A charming book about a literal killing machine

Artificial Condition by Martha Wells

by 1 Comment

“Artificial Condition” is the second book in Martha Wells’ acclaimed series, The Murderbot Diaries. I read the first book, “All Systems Red,” a few years ago, and while I liked the premise, I had a hard time getting into it and didn’t continue with the series. I picked up “Artificial Condition” on a whim this month, and this time, I was hooked. Maybe it’s actually better than the first book, or maybe I’m just in a different headspace now. Either way, I found this book […]

“Don’t look at me like that’s my fault. I’m just telling you shit I know.”

Fugitive Telemetry (Murderbot Diaries #6) by Martha Wells

by 1 Comment

Last fall I started a full Murderbot Diaries re-read in the lead up to our Cannonball Read book club about all things Murderbot. I got five stories read, but then November and December happened, and I did not get to finish in 2024. But that’s okay, I have the remaining books in my custody for January and I can get to the last new-to-me Murderbot (System Collapse) in just a couple of weeks!  My main takeaway this time through Fugitive Telemetry is that I missed […]

The hope of space

Arca by Van Jensen, Jesse Lonergan (Illustrator)

All Systems Red (The Murderbot Diaries, #1) by Martha Wells

Ark (Forward) by Veronica Roth

How It Unfolds (The Far Reaches, #1) by James S.A. Corey

by 1 Comment

I often don’t have time for full epic novels, so often turn to science fiction short stories and graphic novels. They can blow my mind with intriguing premises and characters. Unintentionally I kept turning to space stories that explored future possibilities for humanity. I like how novellas and short stories allow dipping my toes into the works of some heavy hitters of sci-fi. Arca is a graphic novel written by Van Jensen and illustrated by Jesse Lonergan. In this story, we meet teenage workers who […]

One of us! One of us!

All Systems Red by Martha Wells

Artificial Condition by Martha Wells

Rogue Protocol by Martha Wells

Exit Strategy by Martha Wells

by 2 Comments

I bought the four-book set for the October Murderbot CBR16 meetup. But when it came time, I had other library books to read, work stuff, travel, etc… Basically, life got in the way. I usually operate very well on deadlines but there was other stuff that was feeding my soul at the moment. Even though I wasn’t ready for the meetup, I was ready to dive in on the back half of my Christmas holidays. This series is such a delight. Suffering through insipid interactions […]

I, Misanthrope Bot

All Systems Red - The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells

by 2 Comments

Having finished my first Murderbot novella, I have the same feeling as I did when I finished Gideon the Ninth – I’m a REAL cannonballer now! Between my husband and countless cannonballer’s reviews, I can’t seem to take two steps without bumping into a hearty endorsement of the Murderbot series. However, similar to Gideon the Ninth, this first installment wasn’t a total hit for me. Perhaps I’m just contrarian or maybe my expectations were too high. But I didn’t love this misanthropic robot as much […]

Murderbot is back again

Fugitive Telemetry by Martha Wells

by Leave a Comment

I’m slowly working my way through the Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells. I think Fugitive Telemetry (2021) is the fourth or fifth Murderbot novella that I’ve read. Even though science-fiction is not my favorite genre, I’ve definitely enjoyed reading these books. They are funny, creative and exciting. The Murderbot is both impressive and relatable, and my science-fiction, loving friend is so happy that I continue to read these. On the other hand, I have a hard time remembering the details in these books, and especially keeping the […]



Help Our Mission

You can donate to CBR via:

  1. PayPal
  2. Venmo