All Systems Red

Recommended by Yerim because I liked the Ancillary series.

I devoured this book in one day. It's exciting, has great characters, and didn't slow down. I love reading how Murderbot tries to figure out how to handle feelings without even wanting to admit they have them. Watching them navigate a world that doesn't see them as human is nearly as fascinating as the rest of the plot. I have read all 5 in the series, and my only complaint is that there aren't more of them.

I was pleasantly surprised by how engrossing a read this was. It was also quick which is a nice break. Murderbot is like a lot of us: a bit lazy in their job and just wanting to be left alone. Pretty funny premise.

Recommended by the Ageist

Murderbot, as it calls itself, is part of a futuristic society and is currently serving as security for a survey team on a distant planet. Murderbot has figured out how to turn off its governor module and now the only orders it follows are its own. Something strange is going on where Murderbot and its team are trying to gather survey data. An unknown creature has attacked two of Murderbot's team and it barely saves them before bringing them back for medical attention. Murderbot and its team quickly realize that the company that has given them the contract to survey the planet may have left out vital information that they will need to survive. Murderbot has killed before and will do so again if necessary, especially to protect its humans to which it has formed a peculiar attachment.
All Systems Red is a very unique story told from the perspective of a sentient bot that is logical with a sarcastic voice. Murderbot loves its serials and has difficulty with human face-to-face interaction. It isn't supposed to think or feel, but Murderbot excels at both. A very interesting character and story that would have benefited from a little more plot, character, and setting development, but overall, an enjoyable read, which includes an unusual protagonist with a distinctive voice.

An artificial intelligence, once it is free, that has slacker tendencies and anxiety when dealing with humans might just be the most likable and trustworthy fictional A.I. in the universe.

The Murderbot series might be one of the best pieces of literature produced in the 2010s. No joke, it's fire.

Oh, to be a genderless killing machine watching soap operas all day.

Gripping from page one, this novella (under 100 pages) introduces the delightful organic/android Murderbot, a neurotic romantic at heart who has developed both sentience and principles in a universe of cut-throat, competing corporations. Rented out as a security unit to scientists prospecting on an alien planet, he must protect them and his independent mind from unscrupulous marauders. Jaded but honourable, he carries out his duties with a humorous inner-dialogue while maintaining a deadpan exterior. First in a series, All Systems Red could make a great, multi-movie franchise with the right actor. Ryan Reynolds?!

Is there a character I connect with more than Murderbot? You know, I don't think there is. Murderbot is grumpy, has anxiety, and would rather watch tv than interact with people. Just replace reading with watching tv and I think we're pretty much identical. Well, other than actually being a murderbot. If you like sci-fi, sarcastic main characters, and character driven stories then you should definitely pick up the Murderbot Diaries. You will not be disappointed!

If you are looking for a space opera with a unique premise, this is it. The story revolves around an AI that has hacked its governor to be "free", but has to continue pretending to obey orders so no one realizes what it has done. I loved the main character and especially enjoyed the author's snarky sense of humor of the book.

What an interesting story. As a sentient AI that pretends to still be under "command module" control, Murderbot is a fascinating protagonist, especially considering that the story is told as a diary. Their "humanity" is written very realistically, and the emotion, sarcasm, and passive-aggressiveness that Murderbot exudes is altogether sincere, hilarious, and entertaining. With an angle that good from the start, the rest of the story flows like butter. I might have wanted a little more with the plot, and I maintain that this story probably should have been expanded, but that's just because it left me wanting more, which is always a good strategy. My second favourite Murderbot novella.

Fascinating. It ended just when it was starting to pick up speed, I've already requested the sequel from the library. Maybe would've been better as a graphic novel, some parts were hard to picture but I liked how neurotic Murderbot was, maybe it'll get a love interest at some point 🤞. Plus I want to see it kick more ass.

Just finished this and eager to find out what adventures murderbot goes on next!

Also FYI:
The Murderbot Diaries Series
by Martha Wells
5 primary works • 8 total works
https://www.goodreads.com/series/191900-the-murderbot-diaries  

From Michael R. Brown, Editor/Chief Ghettostone Publications Company and
Leader of The "BEST SELLERS BOOK CLUB" a review of the Martha Wells,
"ALL SYSTEMS RED" a science fiction/ fantasy featuring artificial intelligence,
interplanetary space travel, and self aware robots.. that would rather watch
cable TV Series than help humans, in a future world of corporate conspiracy...!
What great fun! Our first time reading Martha Wells series and I think we're
really on to something...! This four book series is a must read! Once the first
book begins, the reader is in store for great time, wanting more...! "MURDER BOT"
is our new hero! This series has it all, scientific exploration, futuristic technology,
funny banter, robot fights, tech weapons, and an "anti-hero" "The MurderBot"!
This series by Martha Wells completes us..! We love it...! The BEST SELLERS BOOK CLUB
highly recommends this title to all book lovers and life long learners of all ages.
The BEST SELLERS BOOK CLUB is now sharing it's recommendations on-line with
our social media friends on "linkedIn", "Tumbler", "Twitter", and "facebook"...!
Our goal is to create opportunities for sharing great reads, interesting stories, and
common perceptions in literature. For the past six years our leader has been
Michael R. Brown who is the editor/chief of Ghettostone Publications Company
a comic book production company that features multi-ethnic super heroes in
action adventure stories...! His web site can be found @ghettostone.com, Michael
R. Brown is also the Vice President of The Board Of Trustees for the Metropolitan
Community Colleges System here in Kansas City, Missouri working to develop
a new generation work force in high tech and bio science careers...! Thank you to
all the many followers and keep looking to the skies for the next super stars from
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An android that's badass but socially awkward and loves watching TV instead of actually doing his job (protecting his hoo-mans)? Uh, yes. Gimme some of that. This was a super quick but fun read and if you like sci-fi, derpy characters, and heart-of-gold characters then this is for you. Also, if you like Marvin from "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy," you'll like this.

Well written, with a well-developed main character, this is the science fiction book I've been needing. The story doesn't get dark but still has lots of action, and provides an interesting perspective from a narrator who isn't human.

Murderbot is a great character and this little book was a joy to read. I'll definitely continue with the series.

Endearingly deadpan with just the right amounts of snark and heart, Murderbot is very compelling in their drive to do absolutely nothing (Okay, maybe protect their human clients). A fast, refreshing sci-fi read with a good balance of action and interior observation.

Great, well paced, quick read... don't know why it took previous reader so long... anyways, great continuation of the evolution of an un-governed 'robot'... cracks open a bit about what it might mean for people, other 'robots', society, etc... how will, believable story, nice world building, too. Keep them coming

An intriguing, but still light read. I will look up the next one in the series to see how it goes.

1 - in The Murderbot Diaries series
2 - Artificial Condition
3 - Rouge Protocol
4- Exit Strategy

Murderbot really just wants to watch entertainment on its feeds...but the humans it serves are getting themselves into trouble and Murderbot has to intervene. A fun sci fi caper with some minor underlying thought-provoking content about robotics and free will...but, mostly, just good fun.

If you like Science Fiction first person narratives with a flawed likable and snarky character, try this book. It is engaging, action packed and suspenseful.

A novella filled with smart, wry SciFi, security bots are made by the lowest bidder, and this one manages to hack it's own governor and has a measure of freedom, which it spends watching various TV shows. But when a tiny research team is under threat, Murderbot proves itself (almost) human.