Scan barcode
A review by andra_mihaela_s
All Systems Red by Martha Wells
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This is an intriguing sci-fi novella following a Security Unit named Murderbot as he's trying to do his job, avoid humans, and watch his shows.
I wasn't sure what to expect from this as many reviewers talk only about Murderbot's hobby and less about what's happening in the series, but I'm glad I picked it up for one main reason: world building.(or better said - massive potential for a epic sci-fi world!)
Martha Wells does such a great job creating as solid as it can be setting in a novella. We have the normal elements for a sci-fi: exploration, research, danger of the unknown; AND a solid fundation for an advanced society! The information is very well placed and doesn't feel spoon-fed to the reader; we get consistent and relevant information and some trivia for fun that feels organic(I really enjoy the spin on relationships in this world, although in real life I'm not a fan of that!)
I loved the concept of the Company and it's role. Maybe this is a strange admission for those of you who read this novella, but I simply loved the "political,ethical and business" part of it! :))) We all know a Company in real life that's just as important and just as flawed! ^^
In terms of plot: I think is a good start but nothing ground-breaking; this is a sci-fi mistery (or this is my impression) so I won't give any spoilers. I will mention that the ending was awesome! After reading through the action and Murderbot's interactions with the humans, I feared the author will chose a predictable ending, but no!
The atmosphere was great, the writing as well, but the characterization needed more work.This is a first book in a series, so I have faith it wil get better with time.(Yes, I will continue in the series!)
Despite the shortcomings, I really enjoyed what the author tried to explore with Murderbot's antisocial behaviour and downright fears, and his interactions with the rest of the cast(the best scenes were with Dr, Mensah and Dr. Gurathin - hope to see them in future installments!)
I gave it 4 stars mainly on the other elements besides characters(plus enjoyment), due to the fact that is really hard to create a connection in a novella with the reader for each perspective(for some of you,Murderbot will be awesome, for others, insuferrable....I think less people will take my stance and like him ok, but that is not something the author could have controlled)
As this is sci-fi, it's important to mention that realistic expectations and logic is a part of this story.(But don't think this is a dystopia and everyone tries to argue their side or whatever...it's more of: this can and will happen, it's logical to act/think this way, it's plausible to come to this conclusion type of thing)
So, if you're interested in reading from the perspective of an antisocial bot, or you want to start reading more sci-fi, this novella is perfect for you!I highly recommend this for everyone interested! Chances are that you will like it if the synopsis draws you in. :)
Enjoy
I wasn't sure what to expect from this as many reviewers talk only about Murderbot's hobby and less about what's happening in the series, but I'm glad I picked it up for one main reason: world building.(or better said - massive potential for a epic sci-fi world!)
Martha Wells does such a great job creating as solid as it can be setting in a novella. We have the normal elements for a sci-fi: exploration, research, danger of the unknown; AND a solid fundation for an advanced society! The information is very well placed and doesn't feel spoon-fed to the reader; we get consistent and relevant information and some trivia for fun that feels organic(I really enjoy the spin on relationships in this world, although in real life I'm not a fan of that!)
I loved the concept of the Company and it's role. Maybe this is a strange admission for those of you who read this novella, but I simply loved the "political,ethical and business" part of it! :))) We all know a Company in real life that's just as important and just as flawed! ^^
In terms of plot: I think is a good start but nothing ground-breaking; this is a sci-fi mistery (or this is my impression) so I won't give any spoilers. I will mention that the ending was awesome! After reading through the action and Murderbot's interactions with the humans, I feared the author will chose a predictable ending, but no!
The atmosphere was great, the writing as well, but the characterization needed more work.This is a first book in a series, so I have faith it wil get better with time.(Yes, I will continue in the series!)
Despite the shortcomings, I really enjoyed what the author tried to explore with Murderbot's antisocial behaviour and downright fears, and his interactions with the rest of the cast(the best scenes were with Dr, Mensah and Dr. Gurathin - hope to see them in future installments!)
I gave it 4 stars mainly on the other elements besides characters(plus enjoyment), due to the fact that is really hard to create a connection in a novella with the reader for each perspective(for some of you,Murderbot will be awesome, for others, insuferrable....I think less people will take my stance and like him ok, but that is not something the author could have controlled)
As this is sci-fi, it's important to mention that realistic expectations and logic is a part of this story.(But don't think this is a dystopia and everyone tries to argue their side or whatever...it's more of: this can and will happen, it's logical to act/think this way, it's plausible to come to this conclusion type of thing)
So, if you're interested in reading from the perspective of an antisocial bot, or you want to start reading more sci-fi, this novella is perfect for you!I highly recommend this for everyone interested! Chances are that you will like it if the synopsis draws you in. :)
Enjoy
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death