Book Review: All Systems Red (Murderbot Diaries, Book 1)

Martha Wells, All Systems Red (The Murderbot Diaries, Book 1).  New York: Tom Doherty Associates, 2017. ISBN: 9780765397539.

 

Genre: science fiction

Subgenre: androids, robots, space exploration, short novel

Format: trade paperback

Source: Berea branch, Madison County (KY) Public Library 

 

This series is a new discovery for me. I have not read some good science fiction, aside from a series here or there, and this was very good.

This book plays on some common SF themes including corporate dominance, space exploration, and androids. In this future, the Company approves and supplies all exploration missions. As part of the contract, expeditions need to include a security android for protection. The Company is like any other corporation: hyperfocused on profits, fearful of liability and potential lawsuits, and doing everything in the cheapest way possible regardless of consequences. It's that cheap way that enables our SecUnit protagonist to become self aware, hack and disable its governor module (what keeps androids docile and obedient), and be independent. Naturally, SecUnit keeps this free agent status a secret. Besides, all they want to do is for the humans to leave them alone so they can watch dramas and soap operas.

When a neighboring exploration team goes dark, it's up to our team and SecUnit, who calls itself privately Murderbot, to solve the mystery before they disappear too. So we also get conspiracy, intrigue, and suspense. 

The book is well written with a good pace. This author proves that you can write a good, engaging, and fun story in a short novel. The author does pay attention to details, yet the narrative is concise. I appreciated there is no filler here when compared to other SF novels. SecUnit is our narrator; the story is in their point of view. They may not be the most reliable narrator, but they are likeable and sympathetic. It's a character that readers can get behind. In addition, the author develops the mystery well, revealing details gradually. This keeps the readers guessing. 

Overall, this was a fun and light short novel with a good mystery and conspiracy element. The protagonist is a relatable character (come on, I am sure there are days you want to be left alone to stay home watching television) with a bit of good humor. The story can stand on its own, but this is the first book in a series. Based on this one, I will be looking for the next book. If you want a good science fiction story with good plot, good protagonist, and a fairly quick read, this is worth a shot. I'll add, for good or ill, this may be something one of the streaming services could pick up, so I'd say read it before they fuck it up. 

5 out of 5 stars.