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A review by dan_tee
All Systems Red by Martha Wells
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This short romp takes us through some industrial espionage on an unexplored planet where we gain insight into Murderbots' feelings about itself, humans, and the mundanity of work.
All Systems Red is a punchy introduction to the universe of Murderbot. We follow Murderbot as they try to navigate awkward interactions with humans, regular interactions with humans, and avoiding humans wherever possible - unless they're the ones on the entertainment feed.
Wells sets up a world that feels very real, despite our very limited view. Murderbot itself is (probably unintentionally) funny, thinks about things in a different way to regular humans, and is socially awkward, introverted, and - let's be honest - overflowing with autism. Murderbot is also a bit depressed and socially anxious, and frankly I'm yet to meet anyone under the age of 35 who isn't at least one of those things.
On the negative side, we are introduced to a small number of characters who don't all manage to feel quite as fleshed out as I would have liked, due to the focus on plot rather than character development for the sake of pacing. This would be fine had I liked the overall plot more. It was fine, but despite sounding very good on paper, I wasn't as interested in it as I was the world and characters enveloping it.
Overall a fun, short introduction to the character that leaves you wanting more.
All Systems Red is a punchy introduction to the universe of Murderbot. We follow Murderbot as they try to navigate awkward interactions with humans, regular interactions with humans, and avoiding humans wherever possible - unless they're the ones on the entertainment feed.
Wells sets up a world that feels very real, despite our very limited view. Murderbot itself is (probably unintentionally) funny, thinks about things in a different way to regular humans, and is socially awkward, introverted, and - let's be honest - overflowing with autism. Murderbot is also a bit depressed and socially anxious, and frankly I'm yet to meet anyone under the age of 35 who isn't at least one of those things.
On the negative side, we are introduced to a small number of characters who don't all manage to feel quite as fleshed out as I would have liked, due to the focus on plot rather than character development for the sake of pacing. This would be fine had I liked the overall plot more. It was fine, but despite sounding very good on paper, I wasn't as interested in it as I was the world and characters enveloping it.
Overall a fun, short introduction to the character that leaves you wanting more.