• Network Effect

  • By: Martha Wells
  • Narrated by: Kevin R. Free
  • Length: 12 hrs and 47 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (7,353 ratings)

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Network Effect

By: Martha Wells
Narrated by: Kevin R. Free
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Publisher's summary

Martha Wells' New York Times and USA Today best-selling Murderbot series exploded onto the scene in 2017, and the world has not been the same, since.

Murderbot returns in its highly anticipated, first full-length stand-alone novel, Network Effect.

You know that feeling when you’re at work and you’ve had enough of people, and then the boss walks in with yet another job that needs to be done right this second or the world will end, but all you want to do is go home and binge your favorite shows? And you're a sentient murder machine programmed for destruction? Congratulations, you're Murderbot.

Come for the pew-pew space battles, stay for the most relatable AI you’ll listen to this century.

I’m usually alone in my head, and that’s where 90-plus percent of my problems are.

When Murderbot's human associates (not friends, never friends) are captured and another not-friend from its past requires urgent assistance, Murderbot must choose between inertia and drastic action.

Drastic action it is, then.

©2020 Martha Wells (P)2020 Recorded Books

Featured Article: 12 of the Best Sci-Fi Series in Audio


From the furthest reaches of space to the microbiology of pandemics and gene manipulation, to the future implications of technology for societies similar to our own, science fiction is a fascinating genre that offers listeners a wide variety of ways to access its themes. In looking for the best sci-fi audiobook series, it can be difficult to know where to start due to the genre's sheer number of iterations and variations. But what these series have in common is an acute devotion to telling a good story, as well as fully building out the worlds therein. The writing is enhanced by the creative and impassioned narration.

Editor's Pick

I’ve never related to a robot so hard
I’m somewhat of a latecomer to this series, which was introduced in 2017 with the novella All Systems Red. But recently, while looking for a fun, escapist listen, I finally hit play—and I’m an instant convert. This installment in the series is particularly exciting, because it’s the first full-length novel and stands on its own. So even if you, too, haven’t listened to this series yet, you can dive right in. But really, you owe it to yourself to catch up on the other listens—they’re short, fun, smart, and perfectly performed. Murderbot, brilliantly voiced by Kevin R. Free, is a big #mood right now. They just want to be left alone to watch their stories without humans bothering them—and what’s more relatable than that?

What listeners say about Network Effect

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I did not think it could better but it did.

I enjoyed the first 3 books in the series but this one knocks it out of the park. The story is exactly what I want from this series and again Kevin R Free knocks the narration out of the park (I would give him 6 stars). I hope there are more books because Martha Wells has created a rich world with engaging characters that I could read forever. I totally lost track of time while enjoying this novel and was surprised when I finished around 1AM. I just could not put it down. Oh well time for my 2nd, 3rd and 4th listens. If you are a murderbot fan I know you will enjoy this book.

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Brilliant, full-length novel featuring Murderbot, my favorite SecUnit. Recommend to science fiction readers.


I’ve read and enjoyed Martha Wells’ Murderbot novellas on Kindle, and I’m now making time to listen to the stories via Audible. As a Murderbot fan, I’ve always wanted to read a full-length novel, with hopes for a more complex, action-packed storyline to stretch Murderbot’s character and that of his humans/clients. I especially loved this book’s dry humor, sarcasm and pure snark.

Although I ordered both the Kindle and Audible versions of “Network Effect,” I spent most of yesterday listening to the Audible Version. Narrator Kevin R. Free’s stellar voice-acting brought this book to life. Bravo, Mr. Free! I will be listening to “Rogue Protocol” and “Exit Strategy”—both narrated by Kevin R. Free—during the coming weekend.

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13 people found this helpful

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Favorite series

This is an all time favorite sci-fi series. The characters are so good, especially Murderbot! The stories are always super fast-paced and engaging. The narrator for this series is top tier. I’m so glad there is a full length novel now. I’m looking forward to what comes next.

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I am tremendously entertained

I---- liked---- it---- a---- lot.

No shit!

Martha thank you so much for writing it, I love it more than Murderbot does "The Rise and Fall of Sanctuary Moon". Please, please continue. This is me begging here.

The big question is when, because I'm 71 and can't wait forever, but no pressure.

I don't think anybody I've listened to could have done a better job narrating the book than Kevin R. Free. Really fantastic Mr. Free, thank you for the excellent work.

signed Happy Camper

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So so good!

These books are just a joy to read/listen to!
This one in particular was just so well written and the story was so good. Thank you Martha Wells for writing it and Thanks Audible for giving us the audiobook.

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Great Addition To Murderbot Series

The novel length audiobook makes the experience even better. Kevin R. Free does an extraordinary narration job as ususl, KUDOS. I am looking forward to the next in the series, hopping it is another novel length with the same fantastic narration.

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Great!

The inner dialogue of the main character is so sarcastic; I laughed aloud often. Amazing.

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Everyone's new best humonoid construct

After R Daniel, C3PO and Lt Commander Data, Murderbot has the potential to become everyone's next favorite human-who's-not-a-human. Wells definitely did not disappoint me with the sequel I was excitedly waiting for. With Murderbot, it was like an old friend was back. Continuing on his quest for meaning and purpose, he progressed further on the path towards self-discovery in a most satisfying manner. Can't wait for the next story!

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Amazing novel

What an amazing novel. Interesting and captivating. Serious. Funny. insightful. everything you would want from sci fi

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time defenders!

Finally Ms Wells gives us what we've been wanting! almost 10 glories hours of our favorite sec unit...and good dose of ART.

as always the cussing, dry trying to be humanish story is great.

stupid cliff hanger ending

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