Service Model

Fantastic usual from Adrian. Maybe a little overlong, but a fascinating philosophical look at AI and tech being extensions of our cultural morality - and what that might look like taken to the extreme.

I received an advance audio copy thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Service Model follows the travels of a robot valet (Charles, a gentleman's gentle robot) after the death of its master by its own hands. It doesn't remember killing the Master, or know why it would have done so, but the evidence is clear. Now UnCharles leaves the manor with instructions to go to Diagnostics at Central Services. What he discovers along the way is a society in collapse with very few humans left and most of the robots falling into disrepair and decay.

I really liked this book.  It was in turns funny, poignant, and topical without getting too preachy.  The audiobook is read by the author and he does a fine job narrating.  While the story telling is at time stilted, the POV character is a robot, so I believe this is intentional.  UnCharles' quest for new employment allows us to see the remaining human society and a number of different robot groups.  These are Asmovian robots, and as with Asimov, when they act contrary to their programming, there are reasons.   

About 2/3 of the way in, I wondered if we were going to get answers about the murder that started things off, but it all came together in the end with a satisfying conclusion.  

A thoroughly enjoyable read. very plausible and very metaphorical. To say more would risk spoiling the story and its many nuances.