Platform Decay by Martha Wells DIARIES #8
Platform Decay
The Murderbot Diaries, Book 8by Martha Wells
| Genre: | Science Fiction / Space Opera |
| Pages: | 256 Pages |
| Published: | May 5, 2026 |
| Publisher: | Tor Books |
| Series: | The Murderbot Diaries #8 |
| My Rating: | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 |
5 out of 5 — The Best Murderbot Adventure Yet!
Everyone’s favorite socially awkward, TV-addicted SecUnit is back — and Platform Decay by Martha Wells is everything fans of The Murderbot Diaries have been waiting for. Action-packed, hilarious, heartfelt, and completely unputdownable.
Released on May 5, 2026 by Tor Books, Platform Decay is the eighth installment in Martha Wells’ award-winning, internationally bestselling Murderbot Diaries series. Already earning a starred review from Booklist — calling it “an incredibly satisfying ride, and one of the funniest installments in the series” — this book proves that Murderbot just keeps getting better with every single entry.
About the Author — Martha Wells
Martha Wells is a New York Times bestselling author and one of the most celebrated science fiction writers working today. She is the author of the Murderbot Diaries series — winner of multiple Hugo, Nebula, Locus, and Alex Awards — as well as the Raksura series and many standalone novels.
The Murderbot Diaries series has won a legion of fans, a host of genre awards, and has even been adapted into a TV series. With Platform Decay, Wells once again demonstrates why she is considered one of the greatest voices in modern science fiction.
“Equal parts action packed, humorous, and heartfelt — this proves the series shows no signs of slowing down.” — Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
Book Summary — What is Platform Decay About?
Taking place directly after the events of System Collapse (Book 7), Platform Decay finds our favorite SecUnit — Murderbot — volunteering for a dangerous rescue mission. The target: a group of humans, including friends of Dr. Mensah, who have been diverted and trapped by the powerful and ruthless Barish-Estranza corporation.
The mission: secretly extract friendly humans from enemy territory. The location: a planet-sized space port controlled by multiple corporate sectors, with a mix of tourists, workers, and security making life difficult. The target: multiple humans, including children. Ugh.
There is plenty of action — rescuing friends, evading capture, investigating reports of a rogue SecUnit — and dealing with wealthy, entitled kids who have turned piracy into a hobbyist activity. Through it all, Murderbot remains Murderbot — trying to minimize harm when possible, but taking satisfaction in dealing decisively with people who insist on being terrible. At one point, it does all this with a kindergartener attached to it like a barnacle, which is exactly the kind of chaotic tenderness that makes this series work.
Murderbot is also dealing with the consequences of awakening another SecUnit named Three — and all the issues that come with giving them freedom while still maintaining some control. For Murderbot, who already struggles with human emotions, having to deal with another SecUnit’s developing consciousness adds a fascinating new layer to the story.
Main Characters
Murderbot (SecUnit)
Part human, part machine, and entirely done with dealing with humans — yet here it is again, saving them anyway. Murderbot is one of the most beloved characters in modern science fiction: sarcastic, socially anxious, surprisingly tender, and absolutely deadly when necessary. Platform Decay shows Murderbot at its very best.
Three (SecUnit)
A newly awakened SecUnit whose developing consciousness creates fascinating complications for Murderbot. Three’s presence raises deep questions about freedom, identity, and what it means to exist outside corporate control — themes that give Platform Decay real emotional depth.
Farai, Naja & Sofi
The humans Murderbot must extract from Barish-Estranza territory. Connected to characters from earlier books in the series, they bring both heart and comic relief to the dangerous mission.
5 Reasons Platform Decay is a Must Read
Murderbot at Its Absolute Best
Library Journal’s starred review notes that Murderbot is back in fine fettle after the self-doubt of the previous book System Collapse — confident, sharp, and funnier than ever. If you missed the classic Murderbot energy, this book delivers it in full force.
Non-Stop Action and Adventure
At about the 20% mark, things take off and rarely stop to even gasp for a breath before taking off again. Platform Decay is a relentlessly paced thriller that keeps you glued to every page from start to finish.
The Funniest Entry in the Series
Murderbot dealing with human children — including one kindergartener who attaches itself and refuses to let go — produces some of the funniest and most unexpectedly tender moments in the entire series. You will laugh out loud multiple times.
Deep Themes Done With a Light Touch
Publishers Weekly highlights the book’s exploration of mental health and physical well-being — wrapped inside an action-packed space adventure. Martha Wells handles these themes with extraordinary skill and sensitivity.
Rich World Building
The pleasure of this installment is in the movement, the world building, the character beats, and the messy, funny, deeply human moments along the way. Platform Decay expands the Murderbot universe in exciting new directions.
What I Loved & What Could Be Better
What I Loved
- Murderbot back to classic form
- Hilarious kindergartener subplot
- SecUnit Three storyline
- Relentless action pacing
- Multiple starred reviews
- Emotional depth and humor combined
Minor Issues
- Not ideal for first-time readers
- Slow start in first 20%
- Some new characters underdeveloped
Who Should Read Platform Decay?
- Existing fans of The Murderbot Diaries series
- Lovers of science fiction and space opera
- Readers who enjoy sarcastic, funny narrators
- Anyone who watched the Murderbot TV series
- Fans of award-winning sci-fi authors
- Anyone who loved All Systems Red (Book 1)
Note for New Readers
Platform Decay is the eighth book in the series and is not the place a new reader should start. We recommend beginning with Book 1 — All Systems Red — which is also available on Amazon. Once you start, you will not be able to stop!
My Final Rating
5 out of 5 — Platform Decay is a triumphant return to form for Murderbot. Action-packed, hilarious, and deeply moving all at once.
Final Verdict — Is Platform Decay Worth Reading?
Absolutely yes — for any fan of the series, this is essential reading. Platform Decay is Martha Wells at the very top of her game — delivering everything that makes Murderbot one of the most beloved characters in modern science fiction, and then some.
The combination of relentless action, sharp humor, genuine emotional depth, and a protagonist unlike any other in science fiction makes this one of the most satisfying reads of 2026. Whether Murderbot is dealing with corporate enemies, a rogue SecUnit, or a kindergartener who refuses to let go — every single moment is pure gold.
If you have been with Murderbot since All Systems Red, Platform Decay will remind you exactly why you fell in love with this series. And if you have not started yet — what are you waiting for? Go read Book 1 right now!
Ready to Read Platform Decay?
Get your copy of The Murderbot Diaries Book 8 on Amazon — available in Hardcover, Kindle and Audiobook.
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Available in Hardcover, Kindle & Audiobook
