Compulsory - Martha Wells

Compulsory

By Martha Wells

  • Release Date: 2023-07-31
  • Genre: Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Score: 4.5
4.5
From 205 Ratings
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Description

Murderbot—the sardonic, almost-homicidal, media-loving android created by Martha Wells—has proven to be one of the most popular characters in 21st century science fiction. Everything that makes this protagonist (it would be wrong to call Murderbot a hero) beloved of fans is on display in Compulsory. While trying to watch episode 44 of The Rise and Fall of Sanctuary Moon, Murderbot is—again, what is it with humans?—distracted by something that is technically outside its purview. A miner is suddenly in danger following a pointless (to Murderbot’s way of thinking) argument, and the choice is to risk discovery and leap into action, which would require hitting the pause button during a very exciting part of Sanctuary Moon, or to follow orders and stay still. This is a tougher choice than it seems. But then, when has Murderbot ever been faced with an easy choice? A shorter version of this story originally appeared in Wired magazine.

Reviews

  • Excited to start the series!

    4
    By TriggaTrey95
    This is a SHORT story. I haven’t read the musterbot series yet and wanted to give this a go as a sort of sample. I’m leaving interested in the characters, the world and environment. Writing style is fun and approachable and easy to connect with!

  • Compulsory

    3
    By BBinAwe
    Good. But a VERY short story.

  • Anxiously waiting

    5
    By Davis, CA
    Good way to pass the time with this very short story, think chapter, while waiting for the new installment to drop next week.

  • Very short. Also adorable.

    5
    By Archangel Beth
    Poor MurderBot. Such inconvenient urges to keep humans from… well, it's short. No spoilers.

  • Compulsory

    4
    By constantnormal
    Does EXACTLY what any author wants to happen as the release date of her next book in a series approaches … stokes a burning desire to secure that book, fueling a surge in pre-release orders. This is not a criticism, I am merely pointing out what every fan knows … deep down, we all either are or wish we were Murderbot.

  • More Murderbot? Yay!

    5
    By Lainie9999
    As soon as I saw that there was a new Murderbot story I immediately bought it without even reading the description. I can’t get enough of this character or this series!

  • Compulsory is, well, compulsory for a quick laugh

    5
    By Memetic
    When I saw Murderbot’s note to self I burst out laughing and couldn’t stop

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