All Systems Red

All Systems Red (2017) Martha Wells (The Murderbot Diaries #1)

I said, “It’s part of my job, not to listen to the System feeds when they . . . make mistakes.” That’s why you need constructs, SecUnits with organic components. But she should know that. Before she accepted delivery of me, she had logged about ten protests, trying to get out of having to have me. I didn’t hold it against her. I wouldn’t have wanted me either.

The last few contracts had been like being an involuntary bystander in one of the entertainment feed’s multi-partner relationship serials except I’d hated the whole cast.

It was starting to occur to me that Dr. Mensah might actually be an intrepid galactic explorer, even if she didn’t look like the ones on the entertainment feed.

“It calls itself ‘Murderbot,’” Gurathin said.

I opened my eyes and looked at him; I couldn’t stop myself. From their expressions I knew everything I felt was showing on my face, and I hate that. I grated out, “That was private.”

Characters: Murderbot, Dr. Volescu, Dr. Bharadwaj, Pin-Lee, Arada, Dr. Gurathin, Dr. Mensah, Ratthi

Cover illustration by Jaime Jones Cover design by Christine Foltzer

Publisher: Tor

Rating: 10/10

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