Updated October 4, 2026: Platform Decay was published May 5, 2026, and is the eighth main installment of The Murderbot Diaries. This article covers its original announcement and cover reveal. For current news about the next Murderbot book, visit our Murderbot Book 9 guide. Book 9 has no confirmed title or release date.

Sci-fi and fantasy author Martha Wells released her novella All Systems Red featuring everyone’s favorite robot Murderbot. The success of the novella and the following books in The Murderbot Diaries surprised Wells and fans couldn’t get enough.

The series expanded from its early novellas into novels and an Apple TV adaptation. Platform Decay followed System Collapse as the eighth main installment, counting both novels and novellas.

At the time of the announcement, Tor promoted Platform Decay for its blend of humor, action, emotional depth and worldbuilding. The book is now available.

In an interview with USA Today, Wells said “”I had a lot of fun writing Platform Decay; I thought of it as ‘Murderbot goes on the family road trip from hell’ and I hope readers enjoy it. I’m also excited for readers to see the great cover by Jaime Jones.”

The cover is indeed an eye-catcher and easily one of the best covers in the series. It is nice seeing Tor getting behind Wells and because of the success of the series, it is getting the treatment it deserves.

Platform Decay was published May 5, 2026. Have you read it yet? Let us know what you thought in the comments below.

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