All Systems Red
Ratings1,715
Average rating4.1
It's hard to grapple with the idea that this was quick and fun, an asset, but also left some of the more interesting ideas and beats unexplored.
Hopefully the next ones dig deeper.
strong start to a story, i rarely enjoy the beginning of a series this much and I'm excited to read more
“Nobody was touching my humans”
All Systems Red was everything I didn't know I needed! This very serious cover is hiding a very funny and cosy read inside, perfect for readers in need of short and quick adventure.
What is this about?
A self-aware droid, designed to kill, hacked its governor module and discovered entertainment TV. He wants to be left alone to see his favorite shows, but his humans won't give him a break and keep getting themselves in trouble.
This sci-fi obviously touches some major issues surrounding AI, but it's mostly a light-hearted read.
I fell in love with Murderbot and I can't wait to read more of his adventures.
This was so much fun and would have gotten the full 5 stars if not for the ending feeling a bit rushed
I sat down turned on this audiobook and finished it without moving. So incredibly good. With the length of the book I am so incredibly shocked at the impact felt through murderbot.
Simply put we are following murderbot, a sort of robot with human features who has gain control, that follows researchers and protects them. Once gaining control, murderbot has gained some anxiety and the unquenchable need to watch trashy tv shows. We follow murderbot and their team through deceptions, actions, and heartwarming motive. I loved this and will absolutely continue this series.
Who knew you’d relate to much to a bot. A little nervous to read more, what if the rest aren’t as good?
I hate having emotions about reality; I’d much rather have them about Sanctuary Moon.
Same Murderbot, same.
One of my all time favorite Sci-Fi series. With a TV adaption in the works, I'm sure it will get a lot of new attention and fans, so there's not much that I can say that could emphasize why folks should check out the Murderbot Diaries. I will say that while the novellas hold up well, the audiobooks for this series are huge draw. Kevin R. Free's narration translates well into the main characters view of the world and I love it.
This novella was a quick and very engaging read - i read it in like two and a half sittings, which is very rare for me.
The protagonist is interesting to follow and learn about, and i enjoyed the story progression, especially the relationships between characters. I lowkey wanna write a character analysis of Murderbot. The ending was bittersweet, but well written. Easily one of the better books i've read. I even laughed outloud once or twice!
I want to be friends with Murderbot so bad.
A really good and unexpected story. Definitely recommend this.
Did not expect to describe any entry in a series called “The Murderbot Diaries” as charming but here we are. This was fast paced, funny, razor sharp, clever and yes, charming. I loved it so much. I'm a little unsettled by how much I related to the Murderbot but mostly I'm just delighted by what a good time this was. “Yes, talk to Murderbot about its feelings. The idea was so painful I dropped to 97 percent efficiency. I'd rather climb back into Hostile One's mouth.” It's packed with that kind of stuff and It's paced with the kind of efficiency you would expect from a killing machine. Not one page is wasted. Can't wait to pick up book 2.
4 stars. recommended read.
The murderbot's sarcastic depressive mood has me laughing from time to time. This book was entertaining and fun to read.
Sci Fi thriller novella narrated by a cyborg security guard, or SecUnit, which is not like other SecUnits. “MurderBot” has some characteristics of a human who is on the spectrum. Good story, quite funny at times.
I always include major spoilers (hidden), to help with my memory issues. Read them at your peril!
MurderBot is guarding a small group of unusually friendly and pleasant scientists who are collecting samples for their work on a seemingly quiet and boring planet. It spends all of its spare time watching the entertainment feed, having disabled its governor module, unbeknownst to the humans . Odd things start happening and after the other known research station on the planet is attacked , they realise that a 3rd research team are on the planet, and that they are intent on removing witnesses to what they are doing there.
A book about an introverted robot who only wants to rot all day watching entertainment videos?
Filled with dry humor, sarcasm and occasional dad jokes?
Plus, it's only 150 pages long?
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ABSOLUTE 5 STARS
and no, I will not hear anyone out
I was charmed 2 pages into the book.
Oh socially awkward Murderbot, you are so relatable it's almost embarrassing. This story made me actually laugh several times. Had an absolutely great time reading it. Fantastic.
The book had so much buzz surrounding it that I couldn't help but feel a bit let down when I finally got around to reading it. It's like the hype built up this huge expectation, and when I started reading, it just didn't meet that level for me to fully enjoy it.
TL;DR
I liked this book, my only problem is that is too short. I would have liked a bit more to the story. Everything happens fairly quickly and by the time you keep turning the pages it's over (I guess that's a good thing?). I bought all the rest in the series because I want to know more.
My Scoring System
I have five things I look for in a book, if the book checks all five it's a 5/5 stars book, if it checks none it's a 1/5 stars and everything else is a combination:
✓ - Main Story: Pretty short but it was enjoyable, I liked the interaction between Murderbot and the humans.
X - Side Stories (if it applies):
✓ - Characters: I like all the characters, there wasn't anyone who I thought was annoying.
X - Setting/Ambiance: The planet they're on is pretty standard, nothing over the top. Just a bland planet.
✓ - Ending: Normal ending, nothing spectacular but not terrible either.
Extensive Review
Didn't like the inner monologue of Murderbot in the beginning because I thought he was an AI. With that in mind when he talked like a human I was like "uhh why is he thinking that?", but he's like half AI half human so the way he thinks makes sense then. I really like the characters and the interactions between them. Even if we don't get to know them on a deeper level I still enjoyed the time we had with them. I'm going to read the entire series and see what's in store next.
Several people in a Discord group that I am decided to read this series and it has been on my radar for a while but I kept putting it off because I don't tend to read a whole lot of sci-fi but I am glad I joined in on reading this because I ended up really liking it. I don't really have a whole lot to say about this one. I loved the characters and the bit of action and it's a good setup for the rest of the series which I really look forward to getting to.
This was a fun audiobook to listen to on a train ride. I enjoyed it but I wished for more world-building. This felt more like a character study, or the prequel to another story.
Would call this a light read with simple but effective prose in an interesting dynamic. There is a decent play on themes like freedom of choice, and a good pace/adventure to keep you going. It's one that has enough solid elements to make it a solid sci-fi read, and with the short length, it might be worth the quick journey.
Just re-listened to All Systems Red, this time the Graphic Audio adaptation. I have previously listened to the unabridged production, twice, narrated by Kevin R. Free. Free's narration is top notch and I highly recommend that version to everyone, but I was surprised I enjoyed the Graphic Audio full-cast dramatization just as much. While this is technically an abridged version, the full-cast production brought new levels of characterization to the story and made for a throughly enjoyable listening experience. The sound effects were dynamic, rather than distracting, and though Fred's narration of Murderbot approaches perfection...so did David Cui Cui's. I would highly recommend this audiobook to readers and listeners who already love the series. Though I'd be hard pressed not to recommend the unabridged production to new readers, you will still be in for a treat if you start with this too.