Martha Wells has just released the eighth book in her Murderbot Diaries series, but it could be one of the final installments. According to a recent interview with Polygon, Platform Decay is likely going to be the second-to-last Murderbot book we ever see.
“I only have one Murderbot book on contract right now,” Wells told Polygon, “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.”
And while the end of the books may be in sight, the Apple TV adaptation is just starting to hit its stride. IGN reviewed season 1 of the series and gave it an 8, calling it a “wryly funny sci-fi comedy about loving (not murdering) humans.” Shortly before that first season ended, Apple renewed the series for a second season.
Platform Decay Is Out Now
Platform Decay
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Platform Decay is the eighth book in the series and follows the same SecUnit we lovingly know as “Murderbot.” The new book involves Murderbot installing a new mental health module that allows it to analyze its emotional responses. This will likely be a very helpful tool in what Wells has described as “the family road trip from hell on Ringworld” during an interview with Space.com. Here’s the official entry about the book from the Tor Publishing website:
The new book is available as a hardcover, Kindle, and an audiobook right now. Kevin R. Free has returned to narrate the Audible version of the book and has been widely praised for his performance as a dry, sarcastic, and socially-anxious android.
Reading Order
If you’re just getting into the books, you’ll want to start with All Systems Red. This is the story that was adapted for season 1 of Apple TV’s series. Here’s the full reading order for all eight books:
- All Systems Red
- Artificial Condition
- Rogue Protocol
- Exit Strategy
- Network Effect
- Fugitive Telemetry
- System Collapse
- Platform Decay
When Does Murderbot Season 2 Come Out?
Although we know that Murderbot is getting a second season on Apple TV, we don’t have a concrete date about when you’ll actually be able to watch it. This partially has to do with the fact that Paramount Television Studios produces the series for Apple TV and Paramount has been busy dealing with the Skydance merger as well as a potential Warner Bros. purchase.
With all that in mind, we do know that filming for season 2 started in April 2026, which would suggest a 2027 released date. Assuming nothing goes awry, you’ll likely be able to stream new episodes next year.
Jacob Kienlen is a Senior Audience Development Strategist and Writer for IGN. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, he has considered the Northwest his home for his entire life. With a bachelor’s degree in communication and 10 years of professional writing experience, his expertise is spread across a variety of different pop culture topics — from TV series to books and the latest Pokémon games.
