All Systems Red

[Note: This book is good - the sequels are excellent, any criticism of this book does not apply to the rest of the series which just gets exponentially better]

This is a very interesting novella, told from the point of view of a Security Unit (a human-looking organic/machine robot - think Arnie in Terminator but asexual). This SecUnit has examined it's functions and disapproves, it doesn't mind keeping it's clients safe, but doesn't like the fact that it may be called upon to kill things - so it calls itself Murderbot. This is an unusual SecUnit, it has hacked it's own governor chip and now doesn't have to obey commands - it has freedom. With this freedom it carries on doing the day job of keeping humans safe but now secretly downloads TV series to binge watch whenever it's left alone. Now though it has been asked to watch a bunch of researchers on an unexplored planet and things are going a bit weird. Keeping this bunch of humans safe may be harder than expected...

I really enjoyed the main character (Murderbot) and the unfolding mystery. Things build to an exciting climax...and then it's over. Most of the story I would give 4 to 5 stars, but the ending felt rushed and unsatisfactory, not quite “it was all a dream” territory, but close right at the resolution the main character falls unconscious and wakes up to find everything has been sorted out. It was a bit of a disappointment as up until then the story had been great.

So my final decision is:

⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎ Story. (5-2 for ending)
⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎ Main character.

Average = ⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎