Final Rating:
Date of Completion: 16/05/2025
Published by: Recorded Books
ISBN: B07D9R8V51
‘Rogue Protocol’ had some entertaining moments but lacked the depth and momentum of the previous books in the series.
Cover:
Writing:
Storyline:
Main character(s):
Secondary characters:
Narration & Audio:
pretending bad things aren’t happening is not a great survival strategy in the long run
The smooth blend of updates and recaps eased me back into this world, and I was soon hooked by the increasing dangers and mystery that emerged. However, I struggled to stay invested in the audiobook, as the limited dialogue meant the narrator maintained a flat delivery for most of the book. The mystery in this sequel also follows a similar structure to the previous books, and the weak expansion of the world made it even less engaging. As a result, despite the twists, action, and high stakes, I ended up feeling detached from the story.
There needs to be an error code that means “I received your request but decided to ignore you.
Thankfully, Murderbot’s trademark cynicism and dry wit did not disappoint, but its character development felt lacking this time. The human characters also come across as one-dimensional, as they are once again presented as cliche villains or clueless, making them forgettable. Miki was the only secondary character that stood out to me due to its adorable innocence, contrasting nicely with Murderbot. However, I found myself surprisingly unmoved by what happened to Miki towards the end, which reflected my overall detachment from the story.
Discussion Questions (Contains spoilers!):
Q: What narration style do you prefer for audiobooks?
I love it when narrators really try to bring audiobooks to life with distinct character voices, accents, and dynamic inflexions that make the listening experience immersive. I really struggle to pay attention to flat narration styles, like the one in this audiobook, even if it is fitting for the story.
Q: Did you enjoy the mystery in the story?
I was initially drawn in by the setup – an eerie, abandoned site, high stakes and an unknown threat. However, my interest soon fizzled out as the mystery felt too similar to earlier books. The pattern was familiar: there’s an attack, a scramble to understand it, and then a final confrontation with Murderbot at the centre.
Q: Who is your favourite secondary character in the series so far?
ART! Its bond with Murderbot felt genuine, and heartwarming, pushing Murderbot to experience substantial growth. I really missed that dynamic in this book! While Miki was likeable, its interactions with Murderbot didn’t quite have the same depth. Instead, it seemed like Murderbot was more of an observer, reflecting on Miki’s connections with others and its sense of identity.
Q: Do you have any similar book recommendations?
The Alloy of Law by Brandon Sanderson might be a bit of a stretch, but I think anyone who enjoyed this book would like it too, even though it is fantasy and not sci-fi. It has a nice mystery along with plenty of action and fun characters. Those who enjoyed this book could also explore more of Martha Wells’ work.
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Q: Do you think Miki’s relationship with humans impacted Murderbot’s view of its existence?
Q: Did your opinion of Miki change as the story progressed?
Q: Were you surprised by the betrayal?
Do you agree or disagree with anything mentioned above? Let us know in the comments below.
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