All Systems Red by Martha Wells Series: The Murderbot Diaries #1
Published by Tor.com on May 2 2017
Genres: Adult, Science fiction
Pages: 144
Format: Finished paperback
Source: Purchased
Goodreads
I mean, what can I say about All Systems Red, that hasn’t already been said, several years and thousands of reviews later? Obviously I loved it. I loved Murderbot. And I loved the other characters as well. I loved the pacing and the tension and wow this story was so much more exciting than I expected! (I’m not sure what I was expecting.) Instead of one of my “regular” reviews, I’m going to list some of Murderbot’s lines in the book that I absolutely loved. If you’ve read this series, then you know that the main character, Murderbot, is the reason these books work so well. The story is in the form of Murderbot’s log, so its voice comes across loud and clear.
I could have become a mass murderer after I hacked my governor module, but then I realized I could access the combined feed of entertainment channels carried on the company satellites. It had been well over 35,000 hours or so since then, with still not much murdering, but probably, I don’t know, a little under 35,000 hours of movies, serials, books, plays, and music consumed. As a heartless killing machine, I was a terrible failure.
♦
This is why I actually like riding with the cargo. Humans and augmented humans in close quarters with murderbots is too awkward. At least, it’s awkward for this murderbot.
♦
I yelled, “No!” which I’m not supposed to do; I’m always supposed to speak respectfully to the clients, even when they’re about to accidentally commit suicide.
♦
I’d watched three episodes of Sanctuary Moon and was fast forwarding through a sex scene when Dr. Mensah sent me some images through the feed.
♦
This is why I didn’t want to come. I’ve got four perfectly good humans here and I didn’t want them to get killed by whatever took out DeltFall. It’s not like I cared about them personally, but it would look bad on my record, and my record was already pretty terrible.
♦
I got my helmet on and opaqued it. The relief was intense, about even with finding out that the combat override module had been removed. I love you, armor, and I’m never leaving you again.
I love Murderbot because it (it’s not clear whether Murderbot has a particular gender or not) suffers big time from social anxiety and wants nothing more than to be alone. It takes comfort in wearing full armor, including a helmet with an opaque faceplate, so it doesn’t have to look anyone in the eye. In this story, however, Murderbot is forced to interact with its “humans” more than usual because things go to shit and the whole crew has to work together in order to survive.
This story has a lot of heart, and that combination of humor, emotion and an exciting story are like catnip for me. I can hardly wait to read the next book in the series, Artificial Condition.
This one’s been on my TBR for ages, I need to give it a try! Glad to see you enjoyed it so much. 🙂
Jess @ Jessticulates recently posted…#SciFiMonth Shelf Control #46 & Reading Right Now 06/11/19
I hope you get the chance to read it:-)
Great review! I read All Systems Red so long ago when it first released, but I haven’t picked up the sequels. I really need to get around to it!
I’ve heard not all of the sequels are as good, but I’m excited to read them anyway!
Oh I didn’t hear that! Looking forward to your reviews 🙂
Thanks for sharing these awesome lines. I NEED to read Murderbot. I think I’ve found my AI counterpart. And I love that it wasn’t concerned about the human lives but rather its track record. And isn’t there a full length novel coming out next year?
Yes! There is a full length novel, that’s why I want to read these now and be read for it.
This one is on my TBR list. I’m glad to hear it’s good! Scifi is so hit or miss with me but I’m finding I love space books and robot books.
Ash @ JennReneeRead
Ash recently posted…An Update
Honestly, these books work mostly because of Murderbot the character. The sci fi elements are really good too, but it’s not what I’ll remember:-)
I’ve only read this review but so far I already love everything about Murderbot so I definitely need to get my hands on All Systems Red as soon as I can! 😀
Stephanie @ Bookfever recently posted…Review: The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena
Do it, Stephanie! You’ll have a blast:-)
Welcome to the Murderbot Admiration Society!!!! 😀 😀
I’m so happy your first encounter with MB was so auspicious – not that I had any doubts about it – and that you enjoyed it and its fellow characters. There is something to be said for security cyborg who loves serialized drama… 😉
Maddalena@spaceandsorcery recently posted…Sci-Fi Month 2019: THE WARRIOR APPRENTICE, by Lois McMaster Bujold #SciFiMonth
I love everything about Murderbot, I’m glad I finally started this series:-)
I’m very glad to hear you loved this one. It’s been on my TBR since it came out, yet another I just haven’t gotten to. Since it’s short, and I just finished a book, maybe I’ll bump it up to the top now.
It’s a pretty fast read, but you won’t want to stop with the first book, at least that was my experience:-)
I love how she does Murderbot, their voice and just the way she keeps it consistent. Plus I want to watch Sanctuary Moon!! 🙂
Oh me too!! Except for the sex scenes of course;-)
Murderbot is a love letter to introverts everywhere, and it is such a joy to read. That line “As a heartless killing machine, I was a terrible failure” is probably the exact moment I knew this series was going to be wonderful.
Caitlin G. recently posted…Review: CROWN OF OBLIVION by Julie Eshbaugh
I know, such a wonderful line! And that’s the first thing I noticed, that Murderbot is an introvert just like me:-)
I LOVE MURDERBOT!!!! Yer quotes make me want to read them all again. Thanks matey.
x The Captain
I just love its voice, and I’m going to be on the hunt for more good quotes in the next book:-)
Yay I’m so glad you’ve started the Murderbot journey! If you liked this one so much, the rest of the series is certain to be a treat!
I’m hoping to read the next book over the weekend:-)
I finally caved and bought the series. You have me even more excited to get to them!
Laura Thomas recently posted…Wild Hunt by Nancy Kilpatrick ~ Spotlight and Giveaway
That’s what I did, I bought the whole series at once:-)
I love this series SO MUCH. Glad you’re enjoying it!
I’m so glad you loved Murderbot! Sometimes books just can’t live up to the hype. I hope you enjoy the rest of the novellas, too.
Mervi recently posted…Batman/Aliens
So, I’m probably the last person on the planet who hasn’t read this yet! I really do want to though and 5*.
Lynn
I’ve been wanting to read this one forever. It looks so cool!
I was the same, I’m glad I finally just jumped in.
This was a fun one. 🙂 I’ve only read this first novella in the series.
Martha Wells is on my list of authors I want to read for the first time in 2019. This sounds fantastic so I’m really hoping I can squeeze it in before the end of the year.
It’s really short and quite fun and exciting, not to mention funny. Enjoy!
I love Murderbot SO. MUCH.
SO MUCH.
Lisa @ Dear Geek Place recently posted…5 Star Books in 5 Words
I’m so glad to be in the Murderbot club, finally:-)
This is so much fun! I think I would enjoy this. It’s been on my TBR awhile but I think I saw some mixed reviews so I held off. Love this style of review!
I haven’t seen any mixed reviews, interesting. And yeah, this was such a fun and easy review to write! I need to do this more often.
This is a book that’s been on my TBR for forever, I am so glad to see such a glowing review because this sounds amazing!
Kal @ Reader Voracious recently posted…Bookish Reader’s Choice Awards: Nominations round is now open!
Lol! That’s how I felt too when I read it. Didn’t know what to expect, but I enjoyed it. And yea, Murderbot is what makes the story great.
The Murderbot’s psychology sounds amusing and interesting!
I love the idea of this thing doing the equivalent of a Netflix binge.