All Systems Red: The Murderbot Diaries (The Murderbot Diaries, 1)

This book series got me through the latter half of 2020 (specifically the period of the American election and its fallout) which is no mean feat. I read them repeatedly, over and over again, so many times that I genuinely could not even venture a guess as to how many times I've read the whole series through anymore. I still pull them out in between the other things I'm reading. I adore Murderbot and its adventures. It may honestly be the most relatable character in fiction I've ever met. My single solitary complaint about the entire series is that there isn't more of it and I already have the next part on pre-order, which I await with baited breath.(I've gifted copies of the first volume to five different people so far, and the only reason I haven't given it to more is because I'm just not that sociable as to be regularly exchanging gifts with all that many folks.)For those of you unfamiliar with the Murderbot Diaries (which I assume is most if not all of the people reading this, as that's generally the point of perusing book reviews) let me curtail the aimless gushing and focus on some specifics: the first four books in the series (this one included) are short novellas, and while I'm generally a fan of longer fiction their length is absolutely perfect. They're all self-contained adventures, but they build together into a longer connected storyline -- sort of like the episodes within a television season. You can read and enjoy each one on its own merits, but you'll probably find yourself wanting to do them all in proper order so you can get the full experience of Murderbot's life. (Yes, the main character is named Murderbot. It chose the name itself, and while the first volume gives you enough information to understand why you will learn more of the story behind that name, and its emotional weight, as the series goes on.)After the four novellas, there is an extremely brief short story that you can find online for free (titled "Home: Habitat, Range, Niche, Territory") and while a number of people have complained about it, I honestly thought it was a great interlude. And given that it's free and will probably take you less than twenty minutes to read, I don't see why there's any reason to skip it. It's fun to get a different perspective on things, and it offers some lovely background characterization of one of the most important secondary characters in the series. It makes a nice bridge to the novel which follows, too.The novel reads a lot like the shorter adventures, especially at the start, and in a way it just feels like it's longer because there are more events taking place so it takes more words to tell what happened, rather than that the author set out to specifically "write a novel" as opposed to a novella -- which is nice, because the tone and style and everything remain beautifully consistent throughout the whole series -- but at the same time, the fact that it DOES spend more time on one plot and one group of characters means there is a chance to get a little more in-depth with various things and people, and that's nice too. Some stories/series are more suited to one type of writing or another, but I feel like with the Murderbot Diaries there is no wrong length. Whether you're sitting down for ten minutes or ten hours, you're going to get the same delightfully enjoyable experience out of these books.As to the writing itself, it alternates between engrossing, hilarious, heart-rending, and painfully accurate. You're going to identity with and relate to Murderbot so much that you'll find yourself (at least, if you're anything like me you will) also thinking of humans as an "other" during the course of your reading, as you mentally (or out-loud; no judgement if you're one of those people who exclaims aloud as you read; I rarely do, but this seems like an appropriate book series for that sort of behavior) shout at them to not do stupid things and just listen to their SecUnit, please!It's very much a found-family story, albeit a slow-build one, and despite the occasional body-count (really a rather small number, given that the series is about a character named Murderbot) it's ultimately a story of good people and happy endings. Murderbot will sometimes punch you straight in the heart with an emotional moment or observation, but it's the good sort of pain that only the best stories cause. I love these books more than I can fairly describe, and I hope you'll give them a chance because I think you'll love them too.P.S. for anyone concerned, there is surprisingly little gore for how much violence is inherent in the life of a Murderbot. A fair amount of swearing, yes, and the occasional (usually annoyed, sometimes disgusted, always disinterested) reference to the existence of sex as a human activity that exists, but there are no lengthy passages expounding in great detail upon the injuries or deaths that take place throughout the series. I suppose some people might find the no-nonsense way Murderbot presents such things disquieting, but I don't think even squeamish people are likely to be too upset.The only trigger-warning I can think to give is to caution people that there are definitely parallels/references to abuse in Murderbot's past and the emotional kick of those might be unpleasantly familiar to abuse survivors. YMMV of course, but I expect that the way current characters deal with Murderbot and its trauma likely makes for a more positive and supportive process than a triggering one, but if that is something to which you think you may be sensitive, please do brace yourself ahead of time.

This is a fast-paced novella that you can read in one sitting. Or in a week, if you’re busy.The story is about a cyborg that acts as a bodyguard to scientists exploring a planet, in a distant future. It’s not a complex story but characters are decently developed, plot is consistent. It’s a nice little book. It does not have ambitions of space operas as of Baxter’s, Clarke’s and many others. It’s basically an adventure book on a sci-fi setting.I am still thinking about reading other books from Well’s Murderbot series.

Note: I have read all 4 currently installments of this series. The review is not particular to any one book in the series.TL; DR:These are fun books to read. The writing is wry, witty, and effective.The only objections to the Murderbot Diaries I can think of, are:1) They are expensive for their length. Four of these books make up one full length novel.2) Do not read as Science fiction. These books are more in the "Fantasy Adventure" genre.More (no spoilers):They are fun. Read them as comedy based on human nature (and frequently folly), and try to enjoy the occasional, sometimes almost philosophical, musings that arise from the fact that the protagonist is a security robot (SecBot), made from both organic and non-organic parts, living in and interacting with human society, "sort of" like a human.Its job and single purpose is to protect "its humans" (clients) from all threats (including other humans) in hostile environments.As the title of the series suggests, the stories are told by the protagonist SecBot. For some reason, I tend to think of the secbot as male, but I guess it really is - well, er, an "it".It is wary of humans, doesn't really "like" or "dislike" humans, but is not comfortable looking a person in the eye, or even standing close to one.It is easily bored, and often will resort to watching "Media feeds" on a compulsive level.It is constantly going through some sort of identity crisis. It finds itself wanting to help humans out when they make "stupid decisions made on the basis of bad information", while at the same time trying hard not to care what its humans / clients are up to at any given moment.There are some exciting action scenes, some fulfilling violence, a lot of intrigue, and some more or less complex plot turns. I've seen these books labelled as "Science Fiction". As such, the "Science" bit is not particularly impressive. It is superficially described as very distant future tech and serves mostly as an enabler for the robot concepts. I read this series as a funny, although sometimes thoughtful, fantasy/adventure action-comedy epic, and I believe that is what it's meant to be. Story wise, the series is not a very challenging read. Which is fine, really. It's not "Solaris", nor does it pretend to be.I find the writing to be effective and dynamic. The language is compact, energetic, very vivid and alive. Some sentences are funny gems, and then occasionally, a passage or two will come off as understated and profound.Highly enjoyable and recommended read. I had to choose between 4 and 5, and for me it's closer to 5, even if the books are somewhat expensive and short.

I really liked the style & tone of the writing! It’s a creative take on some standard sci-fi themes but well paced with strong characters, great dialogue and superb inner dialogue/narrative. I thoroughly enjoyed this - well done!

All Systems Red introduces a security cyborg who goes by the moniker 'Murderbot.' Murderbot is assigned to protect a planetary survey team against hostiles. It is extremely lazy, though, preferring to watch soap operas to reading mission briefings. And the prospect of being around humans who discuss feelings fills it with terror.Funny, full of action, and a quick read.

Like flipping through a comic book in the barber shop when I was a kid. Nice universe building with layers of detail. Looking forward to exploring more

I loved the whole series. Its an easy and quick read (or listen - Kevin R. Free is a really good narrator). It’san often funny series, sometimes poignant and on point, but it is not great literature or exceptionally crafted sci-fi and doesn’t pretend to be.The series is not about the science. It is about Murderbot, the misfit construct just trying to find his place in the universe. Other than the price, which is high for novellas, the series is well worth checking out at your local library, borrowing from a friend, finding or searching for on sale or used copies. I did buy all of the audiobooks even though they are a little pricey, but for me they also turned outto be my new go to relaxing sleep book.

Really enjoying the murderbot series

Het verhaal is prima, maar je wordt er niet door weggeblazen. Het boek is veel te klein voor de prijs die ze ervoor vragen! Het is hooguit een short story.

"All Systems Red" é um relato em primeira pessoa de Murderbot (como ele mesmo se denomina), um andróide responsável pela segurança de uma equipe de cientistas que exploram um planeta desabitado. O que diferencia Murderbot de um andróide de segurança padrão é que ele hackeou seu módulo de controle e se tornou um "rogue", com o que poderíamos chamar de "livre arbítrio", algo que os andróides normais não possuem. Essa autonomia revela-se providencial quando os clientes de Murderbot se veem envolvidos em conflitos com outras equipes de cientistas, não tão bem intencionadas, atuando no mesmo planeta. A autora Martha Wells dosa muito bem ação e humor nesta novela que inaugura a série "The Murderbot Diaries" e venceu o Hugo e o Nebula, os dois prêmios mais prestigiosos da ficção científica.

It probably sounds strange to call the story told from an android’s perspective „character-driven“, but it is. And what a cool and wonderful character „Murderbot“ is! I loved to listen to its internal musings, its anxiety when it comes to social interaction and its comments on human and android life.„Murderbot“ had at one point in his life hacked it‘s own governor module, which no one at the company that lends the androids as security units, realized. So it is really a free agent who fakes being a regular android and loves nothing more than being left alone to stream as many series as possible (yep, „Murderbot“ is a binge watcher…). These premises alone were hilarious, but things get even cooler when the regular routine is disturbed by some problems the humans „Murderbot“ is working for get into. They are scientists investing an uninhabited planet and not really equipped to deal with problems outside their expertise. So they have to rely on „Murderbot“ - who in turn is shaken by the prospect of having to interact with humans who actually want to talk to it (and know how it feels - the horror!). The adventure is gripping and the outcome unexpected. And I loved loved loved this incredible main character. So cool.