All Systems Red (The Murderbot Diaries, #1)
Martha Wells
7 ratings • 2 reviews
All Systems Red (The Murderbot Diaries, #1)
Martha Wells
7 ratings • 2 reviews
In a corporate-dominated spacefaring future, planetary missions must be approved and supplied by the Company. Exploratory teams are accompanied by Company-supplied security androids, for their own safety. But in a society where contracts are awarded to the lowest bidder, safety isn’t a primary concern. On a distant planet, a team of scientists are conducting surface tests, shadowed by their Company-supplied ‘droid — a self-aware SecUnit that has hacked its own governor module, and refers to itself (though never out loud) as “Murderbot.” Scornful of humans, all it really wants is to be left alone long enough to figure out who it is. But when a neighboring mission goes dark, it's up to the scientists and their Murderbot to get to the truth.
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AI being bad at their job and would rather watch tv shows? Same murderbot, same.
This was a really fun novella, but the ending felt a bit rushed. I love the sense of adventure though and excitement of going out on your own. I genuinely laughed out loud at some parts.
Very unique character voice that told this story from a completely distinct perspective. Reminded me of Ann Leckie’s Breq character in a way.
4.5
0I listened to this audiobook in two sittings with Ben. Maybe because I was only listening, and not using my eyes, but there were very regularly times of me being unsure what was happening-- maybe because of somewhat technical language or jargon, maybe because I'd missed a detail? Just when I was ready to pause and clarify things with Ben, there would be a simple explanation or summary from Murderbot
There was a fair amount of plot and action present, and I felt these were relatively well resolved. I liked that there was downtime in the pacing after action sequences to both have Murderbot heal up but also for everyone to make plans, and these were good opportunities for human and robot interactions.
I felt that the cast of scientists was a little underdeveloped and there were too many characters to keep straight
I personally am fascinated by and terrified of the idea of sentient AI-- I want to know more about the start of this process? It seems like so many books and media have fully formed self-aware characters with a full personality already.
I felt like Murderbot's humor really made this book special
I agree with some reviewers who point out that the end was a little weird. I understand why Murderbot would want to go off to do their own thing, but the vibes felt off at the disappearance
I also agree that Murderbot is a "pessimistic introvert and a murderous sarcastic grumpy snarky secret softie" all at once, and a bit awkward too
I agree with the sentiment that this book was funny and serious, but it didn't quite stick the landing with 'touching'. I did not notice any issues with the writing style but this is perhaps because I listen to the audiobook.
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