All Systems Red (Murderbot Diaries Series #1)

by Martha Wells Narrated by Kevin R. Free

Overview

All Systems Red is the tense first science fiction adventure novella in Martha Wells' series The Murderbot Diaries. For fans of Westworld, Ex Machina, Ann Leckie's Imperial Raadch series, or Iain M. Banks' Culture novels.

All Systems Red tackles questions of the ethics of sentient robotics. The main character is a deadly security droid that has bucked its restrictive programming and is balanced between contemplative self-discovery and an idle instinct to kill all humans.

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.

Editorial Reviews

Publishers Weekly

★ 03/20/2017
SecUnit, aka Murderbot, is a semiorganic corporate profit center, genderless and constructed of cheap parts to perform contract bodyguard services for clients who mostly don’t want them. SecUnit can choose its attitude because it has hacked its governor (a hat-tip to Susan R. Matthews), blocking the functions that would punish it for anything but robotic obedience. Disgusted by humans and secretly addicted to a video serial called Sanctuary Moon, SecUnit is simply enduring another assignment until something completely outside of its data parameters tries to kill its humans. Nebula finalist Wells (Edge of Worlds) gives depth to a rousing but basically familiar action plot by turning it into the vehicle by which SecUnit engages with its own rigorously denied humanity. The creepy panopticon of SecUnit’s multiple interfaces allows a hybrid first-person/omniscient perspective that contextualizes its experience without ever giving center stage to the humans. Agent: Jennifer Jackson, Donald Maass Literary. (May)

From the Publisher

I love Murderbot!” —Ann Leckie, author of Ancillary Justice

"The Murderbot series is a heart-pounding thriller that never lets up, but it's also one of the most humane portraits of a nonhuman I've ever read. Come for the gunfights on other planets, but stay for the finely drawn portrait of a deadly robot whose smartass goodness will give you hope for the future of humanity." —Annalee Newitz, author of Autonomous

“Clever, inventive, brutal when it needs to be, and compassionate without ever being sentimental.” —Kate Elliott, author of the Spirit Walker trilogy

“Endearing, funny, action-packed, and murderous.” —Kameron Hurley, author of The Stars are Legion

“Not only a fun, fast-paced space-thriller, but also a sharp, sometimes moving character study that will resonate with introverts even if they're not lethal AI machines.” —Malka Older, author of Infomocracy

"We are all a little bit Murderbot."—NPR

“Wells gives depth to a rousing but basically familiar action plot by turning it into the vehicle by which SecUnit engages with its own rigorously denied humanity.” —Publishers Weekly starred review

“I already can’t wait for the next one.” —The Verge

“Meet your favorite depressed A.I. since Marvin.” —B&N Sci-Fi and Fantasy Blog

“A great kick-off for a continuing series.” —Locus

"Wells imbued Murderbot with extraordinary humanity, and while this is a fun read, don’t make the mistake of thinking it’s not a profound one."—LA Times


PRAISE FOR MARTHA WELLS

“Martha Wells writes fantasy the way it was meant to be—poignant, evocative, and astonishing. Prepare to be captivated 'til the sun comes up.” —Kameron Hurley, author of The Mirror Empire and God's War

“The Cloud Roads has wildly original world-building, diverse and engaging characters, and a thrilling adventure plot. It’s that rarest of fantasies: fresh and surprising, with a story that doesn’t go where ten thousand others have gone before. I can’t wait for my next chance to visit the Three Worlds!” —N. K. Jemisin, author of The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms

"Breathtakingly surprising and fun. For readers who missed earlier entry points to this delightful series, now is the time to get on board." —The New York Times on The Edge of Worlds

"That rarity—a completely unique and stunning fantasy world." —Hugo Award-winning author Elizabeth Bear on The Edge of Worlds

Product Details

BN ID:	2940170675579
Publisher:	Recorded Books, LLC
Publication date:	10/20/2017
Series:	Murderbot Diaries Series
Edition description:	Unabridged
Sales rank:	200,444

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