Jennifer Jackson – Literary Agent

Platform Decay by Martha Wells

“The newest Murderbot novel (after System Collapse, 2023) has our titular (not really an anti) hero aided by Three, the newest rogue SecUnit, on a stealth mission in a planetary ring habitat to retrieve members of Mensah’s family, who’ve been kidnapped by the Barish Estranza Corporation in retaliation for her role on the plague planet. Along the way, an unexpected ally complicates the mission, and somehow the corporate mercs seem to know they’re coming. The plot starts off in the middle of the action and doesn’t let up until the very end. It’s an incredibly satisfying ride, and one of the funniest installments in the series: After their false memory issues, Murderbot installed an “emotion check” subroutine and it’s a perfect vehicle for the sarcastic, cynical humor readers crave. Perhaps most intriguing is a small side plot that teases a change with potentially huge implications. Wells returns to form with this one, offering a setting and cast that feels smaller and more intimate, more like her earlier novellas. At the same time, she sets up exciting possibilities for where this universe could go next. The family dynamic adds real poignancy, providing one of the most emotionally resonant Murderbot tales yet. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: The success of the Apple TV series only adds to Murderbot’s popularity, and readers have patiently waited several years for the next installment in the series.” — Booklist, Starred Review

Platform Decay by Martha Wells is included on the USA Today’s list of the Most Anticipated Books of 2026!

The Washington Post names Murderbot as one of the top 10 TV shows of 2025!

“It’s fun when slight little shows — especially comedies — overperform by improving on a silly premise. In Apple TV’s goofy space dystopia, “Murderbot,” Alexander Skarsgard plays a crabby, semi-obsolete “SecUnit” (or “private security construct” — sort of a computer with human tissue) that started the series by quietly rebelling against its overlords. Specifically, it hacked its “governor module” to watch a bunch of movies and TV, and it must now hide its newfound sentience (and fandom) from the incompetent humans it’s forced to protect. The series was one of the year’s weirder and more successful television experiments. Created by Weitz brothers Paul and Chris (who also made “American Pie” and “About a Boy”) the show, an adaptation of the first book of Martha Wells’s “The Murderbot Diaries,” makes extraordinary — and original, and very funny — use of Skarsgard’s almost inhumanly handsome and distant screen presence.” — Washington Post

Queen Demon by Martha Wells

“Eric Mok returns to narrate this sequel to WITCH KING, bringing back all of his wonderfully varied British accents for the large cast. The narrative jumps back and forth between two timelines: In the past, immortal demon Kaiisteron and Prince-heir Bishasha advance against the powerful, subjugating Heirarchs; years later in the present day, long after the war is over, Kai and his found family investigate whether any Heirarchs might still survive. While some close listening is required to keep the two timelines straight, Mok ensures that each character, past and present, is instantly recognizable. Listeners are rewarded with a sweeping, immersive story full of fascinating details and studded with small, intimate, moving moments between characters we come to care deeply about.” — Audiofile Magazine (on audio edition)

Queen Demon by Martha Wells

“Witch King (2023) introduced readers to Kai and his crew of disgruntled witches and other assorted enemies of the former Hierarchs. Wells continues their story here, recounting how scholar Dahin has a theory that means they need to go to the archaeological site of the Hierarchs’ origin, and quickly. Meanwhile, an accompanying time line from the past tells a story of Bashara and Kai and their journeys together in the older war, before the events of the first novel. New threats rise up to bring the old world’s violence and pain coming back to the fore as Wells sets up for a series climax. Readers will benefit from having learned the breadth of world and character details in the first volume and, without the need to study here, will blaze more easily through the action and politics….Fans of character-rooted high fantasy will enjoy this series led by a demon with a surprisingly soft heart.” — Booklist