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4.05 AVERAGE
4.05 AVERAGE
SERVICE MODEL is a quirky book that follows Charles (UnCharles), a valet robot, as he tries to make sense of his existence after murdering his master. Initially, he tries to get diagnosed to determine why he committed this crime. After that he is just trying to figure out how to show up. What’s his purpose? Who is he supposed to be if he isn’t in service to someone? Is it ok to want to serve?
His journey to various places as the collapse of society unfolds is interesting. Beyond his own “dysfunction” everything that could possibly be going wrong with the world is going wrong…it is dysfunctional. I got “adventure of the week,” vibes, which I love! That choice makes the story move quickly and not lull. I had a great time! This book has a point of view about the state of technology use and the end of humanity that I truly found enjoyable and humorous.
I read this on a mission to complete all of the Hugo finalists before the award is given. Since it is my first Tchaikovsky book, and he has two in the finals this year, it will be interesting to see how the other book stacks up to this one and what his style is like.
I read this on a mission to complete all of the Hugo finalists before the award is given. Since it is my first Tchaikovsky book, and he has two in the finals this year, it will be interesting to see how the other book stacks up to this one and what his style is like.
dark
funny
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
A fairly unique perspective of a near dystopia coming from a robots viewpoint. There is a lot of dry humour, mostly around beurocracy, but manages convey a good amount of mystery as we're trying to make sense of the world and what's happened. I enjoyed the perspective of the robot as it tried to compute the larger world, and it added to the mystery of what the world was like as we couldn't get a clear human perspective on it. Though at times it could be a bit slow. At times it felt like the author's message was surfacing a bit above the narrative, and it felt a little too on the nose at point. I'd have liked it if it had leaned a bit more into what we think constitutes free will / independent thougt, but overall an enjoyable listen with a solid theme.
An unusually light and funny read from Tchaikovsky, reminiscent of Asimov's Robot series+Murderbot+Psalm for the Wild Built
adventurous
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Enjoyable and surprisingly funny for a dystopian novel. Thoughtful look at humanity and how we use technology. I noticed some Wizard of Oz references (I think)
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
if you liked "a psalm for the wild-built" but wanted it to be less queer and less politically coherent, this is the book for you. charming characters, i was definitely emotionally invested, made me giggle
adventurous
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I am pretty neutral on this one. It's well written and there is a clear narrative with themes which are well fleshed out, but I think I was hoping for more. That in itself is perhaps the point that there is only what happens within this story. It wouldn't be something I would recommend to people and perhaps realise that stories about robots in this context may not be my thing