Martha Wells discusses the future of Murderbot Diaries: Possible final chapter

It’s not every day an author manages to create a character so captivating that it sparks a beloved book series, and even a hit TV show. Martha Wells’ Murderbot Diaries have managed to achieve just that. The series, which was initiated with the novella All Systems Red in 2017, follows the misadventures of the disgruntled security unit known as Murderbot across the galaxy controlled by corporations.

Today, there are seven novels and novellas encompassing the Murderbot Diaries series, with more short stories set in the same universe. The eighth chapter, Platform Decay, is set to release in May, with the ninth installment potentially being Murderbot’s final chapter, as Wells recently shared in an interview with Polygon.

Wells mentioned, “I only have one Murderbot book on contract right now. It’ll probably be the end of the year, at least, before I start the next Murderbot. I’ve got some vague ideas for it, but I’m not really sure what it’s going to be yet. And that may be the last book.” In Platform Decay, Murderbot finds itself in what Wells describes as “a really good place,” making it a suitable point for the author to bring the self-aware AI robot’s story to a close.

According to Wells, Murderbot Diaries are not the type of series that wraps up neatly with all problems solved. It navigates a corporate hellscape where there’s a constant influx of new antagonists to take the place of the old ones.

While the potential conclusion of the Murderbot Diaries looms, fans of Wells need not worry. Besides the anticipation for season two of Apple TV’s Murderbot series, directly adapted from her books, the author is also working on her third book in the successful fantasy series that debuted with Witch King in 2023, followed by Queen Demon in 2025. Stay tuned for more updates on Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek, DC Universe, and Doctor Who.