Review | All Systems Red by Martha Wells

The Murderbot Diaries.

I will say this: so far as titles go … and, so far as covers go …

… not really my style.

Even with my recent adventures in science fiction, The Murderbot Diaries felt like a stretch. I mean, it’s just so … so … sci-fi.

And, really? Murderbot? Definitely going to be a gore fest.

*deep sigh*

Five points for impulsive library decisions.

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What happens?

… my lips are sealed.

Honestly. A lot of the fun is All Systems Red is discovering Murderbot and his futuristic world. And, at only 144 pages — about 3 hours of audio time — it’s not a huge investment.

If, like me, you’re turned off by the “Murderbot” thing: have no fear. This is an action-packed, very snarky, surprisingly sweet science fiction adventure. Very little murdering is involved.

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What I liked:

Murderbot. Scary name aside, I absolutely adore him/it. Murderbot is like that old man in Hallmark Christmas movies … the one that acts all gruff and grumpy, but secretly loves and protects everyone under his care.

The AI tech. The descriptions were fabulous, and the discussions surrounding it — on morality, on personhood, on society — were spot-on.

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What I didn’t like:

The total immersion. This story just … starts. It’s right there, in your face. There’s very little exposition. You just have to take one revelation at a time.

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Favourite quote:

I liked the imaginary people on the entertainment feed way more than I liked real ones, but you can’t have one without the other.

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Final thoughts:

I’ve reserved the next book in the series — Artificial Condition — from my library. It was published in 2018, and I am currently #32 in line. That should tell you everything you need to know about these books.

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The Details:

• The Book: All Systems Red by Martha Wells
• Published: 2017, Tor
• My Copy: VPL
• Read date: August 15-22, 2020
• Rating/5: 🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖