Books by Martha Wells
“This is the seventh work in the Murderbot Diaries series. The series has garnered awards galore: the first, All Systems Red, scooped the 2018 Hugo and Nebula for best novella, while the fifth (and first full-length novel), Network Effect, won the 2021 Hugo, Nebula and Locus for best novel. Wells has turned down several further nominations…‘Murderbot’ is the self-styled nickname of the protagonist, a former ‘SecUnit’ (security unit) robot that has slipped its control program and acts as an independent agent. It has a charmingly ambivalent relationship with the humans in its life” Read more...
“The world of Witch King is one of demons and witches, and visceral spell-like magic that draws on pain for its power. There’s a chilling, water-logged atmosphere to the whole story, and the explanation of the magic is understated so that the world feels awe-inspiring, rather than pseudo-scientific. The story itself is pacey, following a political resistance across two timelines – before and after their victory.” Read more...
“All Systems Red is the story of a murderbot, a robot that has some human physiology, that slips free of their programming and becomes fully independent. And upon doing so, they only want to be left alone: to have the least dramatic and stressful time, and to stay under the radar so that nobody notices them. Which is really, really relatable. I often want to be left alone. I think we’ve all had that experience – wanting to not be bothered and to be able to get on with things. Murderbot has a great sense of humour, a very snarky sense of humour, and it’s just a unique perspective. It’s got such a modern voice to it – I really adored the Murderbot series” Read more...
Travis Baldree, Novelist
Interviews where books by Martha Wells were recommended
Humorous Fantasy Novels, recommended by Travis Baldree
What makes fantasy worlds so ripe for comedy? Hugo nominee Travis Baldree points toward our shared humanity, our love of anti-heros, and the power of back-to-front archetypes. He recommends the five best fantastical adventures to get us laughing – mostly at ourselves.
Award-Winning Fantasy Novels of 2024, recommended by Sylvia Bishop
This year’s award-winning fantasy books offer something for every taste, from melancholic fairy tales to gripping horror. Our fantasy and sci fi editor Sylvia Bishop introduces the winning titles.
The Best Sci-Fi & Fantasy Novels, as Chosen by Fans: the 2024 Hugo Award, recommended by Sylvia Bishop
Every year, members of the World Science Fiction Society nominate writers for the Hugo Award, then vote for the winner. All speculative fiction is eligible – fantasy as well as sci-fi – and the shortlist is one of the most prestigious for both genres. Here, Sylvia Bishop introduces us to the nominees for the title of the best speculative novel of 2024 – and the page-turning champion. See all our best science fiction books, fantasy fiction, and best novels of 2024 recommendations.
New Sci-Fi & Fantasy Novels: The 2024 Nebula Awards Shortlist, recommended by Sylvia Bishop
Every year, members of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association nominate and vote for the best works of speculative fiction published over the previous year. Here, Sylvia Bishop introduces us to the books shortlisted for the 2024 Nebula Award for the best new novel – and the “astonishing” debut that ultimately triumphed. See all our science fiction, fantasy and best novels of 2024 recommendations
Award-Winning Sci Fi Novels of 2024, recommended by Sylvia Bishop
Award-winning sci fi books this year have ranged from deep-sea dives to space operas to goats. Our fantasy and sci fi editor Sylvia Bishop talks us through the winning titles.
