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4.11 AVERAGE
4.11 AVERAGE
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
funny
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I understand why All Systems Red has such a devoted following. Murderbot is a great character concept, and there are definitely moments of charm and humour that really land. His social awkwardness and interactions with the crew are where the book shines, and when those moments work, they really work.
But I binged the TV adaptation right before the book’s final confrontation (during the covering of symbols), and that only highlighted the novella’s flaws. Everything the book does well, the adaptation simply does better. Reading the ending after seeing it on screen was like eating plain oats right after your favourite dessert.
Yes, I know the show pulls from later material, which gives it more space to flesh out the story and relationships. Even so, the book’s ending feels undeniably rushed. We get glimpses of the wider world and the supporting cast’s role in it, but everything is crammed into a dozen or so pages, leaving it flat and hollow.
That flatness isn’t down to Murderbot’s neurodivergent traits either. When we see more of its genuine personality, it is funny, awkward, and unexpectedly touching. But then you reach the ending, where pivotal events are conveyed with the same weight as a quick trip to buy milk. It undercuts the stakes and makes the story feel soulless at times.
I’ll keep trying the books, and I’ll definitely keep following the show, but my hope is that the later books grow into the potential this one only hints at.
Because right now, All Systems Red has flashes of brilliance but wastes too much of it in rushed, flat storytelling.
But I binged the TV adaptation right before the book’s final confrontation (during the covering of symbols), and that only highlighted the novella’s flaws. Everything the book does well, the adaptation simply does better. Reading the ending after seeing it on screen was like eating plain oats right after your favourite dessert.
Yes, I know the show pulls from later material, which gives it more space to flesh out the story and relationships. Even so, the book’s ending feels undeniably rushed. We get glimpses of the wider world and the supporting cast’s role in it, but everything is crammed into a dozen or so pages, leaving it flat and hollow.
That flatness isn’t down to Murderbot’s neurodivergent traits either. When we see more of its genuine personality, it is funny, awkward, and unexpectedly touching. But then you reach the ending, where pivotal events are conveyed with the same weight as a quick trip to buy milk. It undercuts the stakes and makes the story feel soulless at times.
I’ll keep trying the books, and I’ll definitely keep following the show, but my hope is that the later books grow into the potential this one only hints at.
Because right now, All Systems Red has flashes of brilliance but wastes too much of it in rushed, flat storytelling.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I adored this book. It was funny and fresh. I love the rich world surrounding the story. It felt like watching Alien for the first time, but less scary.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Violence, Blood, Injury/Injury detail
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I liked it but I do just wish it was longer. Looking forward to the next one
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I didn't realize this was a novella when I decided to read it. I haven't really read that kind of format before. I also didn't realize it wasn't a full story arc until the end of the book and was left wondering what I had missed.
It wasn't until I found out that the first four books made up a full story arc that I really appreciated the work. I really did enjoy this series. I still need to read the other books after the fourth, but I'm was very happy with the first four.
I found out about this series because of the live action show based upon this work. Truthfully, because of the title I had always avoided it, thinking it was just another AI robot gone death machine. While in actuality it's the opposite, which is fantastic.
I really got into the characters and their struggles. I will likely watch the series now, but want to give some time after my reading.
It wasn't until I found out that the first four books made up a full story arc that I really appreciated the work. I really did enjoy this series. I still need to read the other books after the fourth, but I'm was very happy with the first four.
I found out about this series because of the live action show based upon this work. Truthfully, because of the title I had always avoided it, thinking it was just another AI robot gone death machine. While in actuality it's the opposite, which is fantastic.
I really got into the characters and their struggles. I will likely watch the series now, but want to give some time after my reading.
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
Perfecto libro para no pensar mucho
funny
fast-paced
Eu tinha bastante expectativa pra esse livro e ele conseguiu se superar em tantos aspectos. A escrita em primeira pessoa, nos transporta pra consciência de um robô que teoricamente não era pra ter consciência ou livre arbítrio, e faz isso com muito humor, ao mesmo tempo que levanta debates e questionamentos interessantíssimos.
A escrita de Martha Wells é excelente! Muito empolgado pra continuar essa saga.
A escrita de Martha Wells é excelente! Muito empolgado pra continuar essa saga.