Custard Rock reviewed Home: Habitat, Range, Niche, Territory by Martha Wells (The Murderbot Diaries, #4.5)
Preservation’s Dilemma: Integrating a Killing Machine in Home: Habitat, Range, Niche, Territory
4 stars
"Home: Habitat, Range, Niche, Territory" is a brief but impactful short story set between "Exit Strategy" (Book 4) and "Network Effect" (Book 5) in Martha Wells’s acclaimed The Murderbot Diaries series. This short story, only a chapter long, is not a stand-alone tale but serves as a 50-page exploration into the inner workings of Preservation Station and the Alliance.
Written from Dr. Mensah’s perspective, this story provides a unique vantage point. We get to see Murderbot through the eyes of another, allowing us to contrast Murderbot’s self-perception with how it is perceived by those around it. This narrative shift offers fresh insights, especially as we witness Mensah grappling with her post-traumatic stress disorder following her kidnapping. The rest of Preservation struggles with the tension of having a highly dangerous Security Unit—Murderbot—on their peaceful planet, where the term "killing machine" is often thought, if not outright stated.
One of the story’s …
"Home: Habitat, Range, Niche, Territory" is a brief but impactful short story set between "Exit Strategy" (Book 4) and "Network Effect" (Book 5) in Martha Wells’s acclaimed The Murderbot Diaries series. This short story, only a chapter long, is not a stand-alone tale but serves as a 50-page exploration into the inner workings of Preservation Station and the Alliance.
Written from Dr. Mensah’s perspective, this story provides a unique vantage point. We get to see Murderbot through the eyes of another, allowing us to contrast Murderbot’s self-perception with how it is perceived by those around it. This narrative shift offers fresh insights, especially as we witness Mensah grappling with her post-traumatic stress disorder following her kidnapping. The rest of Preservation struggles with the tension of having a highly dangerous Security Unit—Murderbot—on their peaceful planet, where the term "killing machine" is often thought, if not outright stated.
One of the story’s strengths is its deep dive into the emotional and psychological aftermath of the previous events. It enriches the overarching narrative by adding layers to Dr. Mensah’s character and highlighting the broader implications of integrating a Security Unit like Murderbot into a society that values peace and safety.
While this short story left me wanting more, it also sparked a desire to hear from other characters like Ratthi, Pin-Lee, and Gurathin. Their perspectives could add even more depth to the story and the universe Wells has created. Despite its brevity, "Home: Habitat, Range, Niche, Territory" is a compelling addition to The Murderbot Diaries, offering fans a tantalizing glimpse into the complexities of Preservation Station and its inhabitants.