I had heard all sorts of wonderful things about All Systems Red before I picked it up (I have a lot of Goodreads friends who know their stuff when it comes to sci-fi! Yes, I’m looking at you, Caro M.) Now I trust their recommendations even more, because this book is easily my best February read.
5 Reasons To Read All Systems Red
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★★★★★ 5 stars
“Murderbot” is a jailbroken security android (cyborg? Well, you know.) Basically, SecUnits (as they’re called) function as remotely controlled synthetic human slaves, and they don’t get a say in any of what they’re doing, which is mostly murdering hostiles and getting mashed in the process. Murderbot though, a name it has sarcastically given itself (and will be henceforth referred to as ‘them’ in this review), have jailbroken themselves and would rather just watch hours and hours of sci-fi soaps than interact with humans, who actually give them anxiety fits. Murderbot is incredibly introverted, you see. But in order to not disclose:
a) having a mind
b) having free will
c) their predilection towards sci-fi soap operas,
Murderbot still has to do their job. Which is how they end up on a ship with a crew they actually don’t hate, but… on a mission nobody should be on. Hint: it’s a mission that is kind of hard to survive, and it’s clearly rigged.
Murderbot Is More Human Than The Actual Humans
Murderbot comes across as an incredibly introverted personality who is empathetic like any other human being (maybe more so?), but shy of it and trying to hide it even from their own self. Seeing them turn to face the corner when talking to humans or panic while trying not to have their fave scrunch up into a mask of despair when being spoken to was incredibly amusing – and not in a mean way. Murderbot’s shyness is SO relatable! You will love this character to bits. I know I did.
It’s Like A Doctor Who Episode With David Tennant
For any Doctor Who fans, this book is like a good episode from the Tennant days – a hostile planet pretending to be neutral, and things slowly get worse and worse and he crew has to figure out what is up. It’s just so good! My interest didn’t drop even once, while reading this. And I realized how much I miss a good Doctor Who episode from the old days. (Well… the “newer old days”!)
I thought this was topical on the whole #FEELS topic. Ha. Topic. Topical. (Don’t hit me.)
The Virtues
This book has incredibly good virtues and such an amazing moral atmosphere. And it’s presented in such a self-deprecating manner as well (Shruti, you must read this!) Murderbot is willing to throw themselves in danger to protect the ones they care about, even though they’re aware humans are not really supposed to care “back”. It’s really touching how Murderbot calls them “my humans”. I would say Murderbot is a true sci-fi knight.
Murderbot’s Gender Or Lack Thereof
Well, this is going to be hard to formulate. So, have you ever felt underrepresented? If you’re a woman, you most likely have. Because we’ve got like maybe 2 heroes who jump in and save the day. Other than that, guys always do all the saving. Murderbot though? They don’t really have a gender (and are often referred to as ‘it’ in the book, but I refuse – Murderbot has too much personality for that!) Anyway, despite probably looking like Terminator, Murderbot is not referred to as male – which is why I found myself imagining them more female than male by the middle of the book! I was surprised, but I figure it comes from wanting to see myself represented as able to do stuff, you know? And Murderbot I’d a character that lets you do that. It’s pretty great.
It’s Just So Funny!
So maybe this should have been the number one reason. This book will keep you laughing throughout the entire time you’re reading it, I mean, when you’re not having #feels. The manner it is written, and especially the manner Murderbot talks in is just priceless. I can’t wait for further installments of The Murderbot diaries!
Other Books You Might Like
I wish I could recommend you more books like that! But such gems are not common. And I would be very happy if you recommended me something similar. Meanwhile, I can only think of two books that fit the style – in terms of humor, at least. Redshirts has the same kind of “I can’t stop laughing” thing going on, and also shares some moments of poignancy by the end. It’s also impossible to put down. As for The Martian, some of the topics might be unrelated at all, but the main character is similar to Murderbot – very resourcefull, brave and has the same vein of humor in the way he talks. It’s also written in first person. I enjoyed both of these a lot!
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Have you read All Systems Red? Maybe you have some similar recommendations for me?
I’m Evelina and I try to blog about books that matter, with a bit of fun there too! Disability and equality will be topics you see a lot, but there’s also a lot of scifi, fantasy and… GIFs. I’m also the proud founder of #ARCsAnonymous.
I enjoyed this book a lot too but the ending felt rushed, maybe because it’s a novella. The build up was great but it ended quite abruptly.
You mean the very ending, where they have already left the planet and Murderbot is ‘free’? Yeah, I agree, I was also kind of sad about that bit, I… wanted them to all stay together. But I guess it ended like that because it will have sequels?
Yeah that didn’t sit well with me. I wish the Murderbot had stayed with the team. I expected the team to have another adventure somewhere else in the next part. It was quite abrupt – the ending.
Well, we can still hope for some sort of continuation in the sequels, maybe 🙂
It is, after all, a novella, and the format is simply more limited than a novel. I loved every word of it, and am thrilled that there are more to come.
Good point 🙂 me too! I absolutely loved it, and I loved part #2 as well. I am absolutely in love with this series!
And I agree with you – both Redshirts and Martian were like this book.
Thanks! Do you know any other similar ones? I’d love to read something else like that.
None that I can think of. Let me see if I can find more.
Oh well, thanks 🙂
I AM SO EXCITED, I have this and the sequel on my shelf, but bumping it up now!
Wait, the sequel? I thought that was not out yet o.o yes, you should read it ASAP! And then link me your review!!
It isn’t! I have an arc of it
WAIT WHAT, I WANT!!! Where did you get itttt!!!
I think you had me just with “murderbot”
Hahaha, I knew you’d like it 😀 you haven’t heard of this one yet? It’s SUCH a gem!!
I have seen the title//cover, but havent really read much about it before. 🙂
Tends to happen with us bloggers 😀 if we paid attention to everything, we’d run out of brain space soon 😀 😀
I’ve never heard of this book before, but it sounds awesome! I would read it just for Murderbot! Lovely review! 🙂
It’s sooooo awesome, I can recommend it for sure 🙂 Murderbot is impossible to not fall in love with! 🙂
This sounds like a great read, I definitely want to check out. I love sci-fi and am happy this explores gender in a unique way!
I can whole-heartedly recommend this one for sure 🙂
I haven’t read this book, nor the ones you recommended, but I’m intrigued by the story! Hopefully, I will get to it soon and like it as much as you did!
Well, since we are bookish sisters in taste, mostly, I think you should check this one out 🙂
This sounds so good. It sounds like the kind of humor that I really like. I loved the David Tennet Doctor Who days. I also must read Red Shirts soon.
I am curious how you’d like this one. It was super funny indeed 🙂 and yes, I was such a fan of Tennant! He was an amazing Doctor.
I need to read more sci-fi! Maybe once I’m finished with uni…:(
Great review – I’ll try to keep this one in mind. 🙂
I also keep thinking I need to read more scifi! All the time 🙂 we should do a buddy read sometime.
hell yeah for female robotic heroines that are more humans that humans. I have read very few AI books but I have loved everyone of them! I should read this one!
I hope you get the chance to read this one and enjoy it 🙂 it was amazing. What other AI books (excluding Illuminae xD) have you read?
I haven’t read Illuminae!
“I, Robot” and “Six” are the first that come to mine Six is an AWESOME book where the most of the characters are disabled
Wait what. Rewind. How did you not read Illuminae yet??? And how did it miss this 😀 or maybe my brain was just refusing to accept it xD Six I have not heard of, but I, Robot is on my list, of course 🙂
Oooh I didn’t realize it was funny, too! I bought this awhile back and keep meaning to read it. Now I definitely need to get to it ASAP! Fabulous review!
Thanks, Shannon 🙂 it’s AMAZINGLY funny, and yes, you totally need to read it 😀
I love books that are funny, despite having lots of lessons to learn and good moral intentions to embrace–which is probably why I loved Rick Riordan’s books. Those are probably COMPLETELY different from All Systems Red, but the way you described this book tugged at my bookish heartstrings. Lovely review, Evelina!
Well, I have never read those, so I can’t say, but yes, they’re probably different 😀 but yeah, there was definitely tugging at the heartstrings in this one!
Thank you 🙂
Collapsing Empire by Scalzi was also hilarious! And he managed to write one of my fave female characters of all times (Kiva Lagos) 😀
I had all systems red on my tbr, but then i took it off during a purge. I’m gonna put it back now… 😀
Lovely review!
I didn’t get granted the ARC for Collapsing Empire, so I huffed and puffed and didn’t bother buying it xDDD (book blogger problems lol) But maybe one day 🙂 I’d love to read something else by Scalzi though, he seems to have an amazing sense of humor.
I think you should put it back, yes 😀 this book is SO worth it!! And thank you 🙂
Okay. I loved your review and I’m going to give this one a shot. Don’t you just love armadillos! They’re like giant roly poly bugs. LOL
That’s great, I hope you enjoy this book 🙂 would love to see what you thought of this! And yes for armadillos, although I’ve never seen a real one 😀
Wait wait wait… the character is named Murderbot? OKAY, BUT I AM TOTALLY OKAY WITH THIS NAME. 😮
I haven’t read this one or any of the ones you’ve mentioned, though I’ve heard of the Martian (probably thanks to the movie – thanks pop culture). Wonderful review, Evelina! 🙂
Well… The character isn’t quite ‘named’ Murderbot 😀 the characted aptly names themselves Murderbot ;DDDD IT’S BRILLIANT.
Thank you!
I’ve heard so many good things about this! I neeeeeed to read it! Awesome review, you’ve just made me want to read it even more. I must get hold of a copy ASAP
Yay! I’m so glad 🙂 this book deserves all your love! I would so love to see your review of this. If you get to read it, please spam me with the links 🙂
I haven’t heard about this book. But it is no surprise as I am way too less interested in sci-fi books 😛 I love sci-fi movies but to read a sci-fi book? well, that idea overwhelms me. But yes, this book definitely sounds interesting because of that Murderbot. It is such a funny name 😀
Oh I loved Martian. yeah the movie, because I haven’t read that either 😛
It IS a funny name, isn’t it 😀 oh, I haven’t actually seen The Martian as a movie xD I guess we compensate for each other 😀
Had no urge to read this book, at all, until I read your review. An episode of Dr. Who from the Tennant days sold me!
Really, scifi and scary, and no urge? I thought we had half of the same Goodreads friends xD if not, you should really add Caro M., Sad Sunday, Efka and Orient from my friends. And Apatt and um… someone else I’m forgetting. You must have at least a few of these people. Because hell, they’ve SOLD me this one, and NOT ONLY this one. People have good tastes xD Anyway, I’m glad! I’d love to see your review. Try not to blast through this book in 5 minutes though 😀 it IS very short, and you’re a fast reader –… Read more »
I absolutely love your title for this review!! 😀 And your reasons make this sound like a must read! And I love the Martian as well, so to hear it compared makes me really keen to check it out as well 😀
Thanks! Yeah, it took me a while but I’m happy with the result I came up with 😀 yes, I think you would love this book, it was amazing 🙂
I’m going to have to give this a read because of your awesome review! Doctor Who nostalgia? Sign me up!
Yay! Thank you, and glad to know 🙂 DW nostalgia ALL THE WAY! I hope you enjoy this one 🙂
Instant add to my TBR!! THIS SOUNDS SOOOOO AMAZING!!!
Genderless cyborg, funny stuff ongoing along side bad things happening YESS I WANT IT I VOLUNTEER TO READ IT!!
You probably all know when you read a review about a book and you already know that you would need it in your life right? This is how I feel after reading your review!! I need to see if it is translated in Bulgarian or if we have it in some bookshop so I could buy it!!
Yay, I am happy 🙂 I’m sure you’d love this! If you post a review, spam me with the links! I really want to see your opinion 🙂
I don’t know if it would be translated, but I think reading it in English is the best idea, to get the humor and everything 😀 I hope you can get it this way or another 🙂
I love this review, and I want to read this book even more now! <3 (That being said, female and male aren't the only genders! If Murderbot's gender isn't specified in the book or by the author then I suppose you're free to see them as female, but not being male doesn't automatically equal being female :))
I know, that’s a very good point! But since I’m female, I could just imagine them as a her. That also means, however, that any other gender can also do the same. I think I put a stray sentence in there somewhere saying that 🙂 or maybe only meant to…
This book has been on my TBR for aaaages, and your review has reminded me that I really need to read it soon – it sounds like exactly my kind of book!
I’m glad! This book is great, I really hope you read it soon 🙂 would love to see your review.
This sounds soooooooo gooood!!! I really want to give it a shot now. Murderbot being more human than a human sounds cute as hell though hahahah Absolutely awesome review, adding it to my TBR!!! 😀
Aw, thanks 🙂 yes, I think you’d really like this book, plus, it’s not a long one (it’s much too short!! T_T) I hope you like it and please please spam me with links if/when you post a review for this 🙂
[…] week we had a review for one of my surefire favorites of the year, All Systems Red by Martha Wells. I recommend this book wholeheartedly! Then we also had a review for The Feed, a […]
My goodness this book! I don’t quite know what to make of it, but I am LOVING the humour in it!
Haha 😀 yeah, this book was amaaaazing! I have the sequel already, but haven’t started it yet. Excited 🙂
This sounds brilliant! I am always happy to get more scifi recs and this sounds like the exact kind of book I would enjoy. Scifi is one of my less read genres simply because there’s so much out there and it’s hard to find the really good books out there. I’ll be sure to add this one to my list. I love that it’s funny and that there’s a shy robot in it. I am totally down for this book.
I’m sure you would enjoy this, it was such a brilliant book 🙂 I can’t wait to read the sequel too. Yeah, I know what you mean – not all scifi books are accessible, but this one definitely is. I hope you enjoy this one 🙂
I loved Murderbot! It was so good and when the next one comes out I’ll be dropping everything!
I’ve actually got the sequel already!! Yay Tor.com mailing list 🙂 very excited.
Awesome! Can’t wait to hear how it is!!!
Scheduled for May 7 🙂
I LOVE that you specified it’s like a doctor who episode with David Tennant. The with David Tennant part is vital, of course 😉 I love sci-fi so I might pick this one up. And shy characters are so cuuuute.
I can see we are on the same page here 😀 but you know, I loved Eccleston just as much! Those two are my favorite Doctors. I know Tennant has a lot more fans (well, he’s kind of eye candy, so… :D) but I loved the 9th so much as well, he was just.. so memorable! And gosh, I miss those seasons so much. Really can recommend this one, especially cause Tor has it free now 🙂 might be only for US/Can, but do check – I think Tor.com has it pinned on their Twitter right now. Worth a try… Read more »
Hmmm, I’m usually resistant to scifi but this one sounds pretty creative! Your reference to David Tennant Doctor Who also has me intrigued. These kinds of episodes (crew exploring a hostile planet) were my favourite!
Resistant to scifi, haha 😀 I’m not resistant to scifi at all! LOL
You love Doctor Who, but are resistant to scifi though? How does that work xD Doctor Who IS scifi! Maybe you’re missing out and you don’t even know it 🙂 but seriously, Murderbot is more about the characters than the science. So it’s really, really worth your time, I believe 🙂
And yes, I think those were also my favorite episodes. I should rewatch 🙂
[…] sure you’ll love it. And if you haven’t read the first part, read my review of All Systems Red […]
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Books with some similarity (and great books): the _Expendables_ series by James Alan Gardner. Most of them are more about the job-and-alienation part of Murderbot’s world, but _Commitment Hour_ thinks a lot about the assignment of gender roles.
I’ll have to check those out, thanks 🙂
[…] have to admit, it lacked the spark that the two previous episodes had. You can read my reviews of All Systems Red, aka Murderbot #1 here and Artificial Condition, aka Murderbot #2 here. For those who have not read my previous reviews, […]