Title: All Systems Red
Author: Martha Wells
First published May 2, 2017
144 pages, ebook
Rating: 4.16
Overview
“I was designed to be the perfect killing machine, but all I want is to be left alone.” In a future world dominated by corporations, exploration missions are approved and supplied by the Company, and androids are assigned to protect the teams. But when a self-aware SecUnit with a hacked governor module is assigned to accompany a team of scientists on a distant planet, things start to get complicated.
Known as “Murderbot,” this android is cynical and disinterested in humans, preferring to spend its time watching television. However, when a nearby mission goes silent, Murderbot and the scientists must uncover the truth before it’s too late.
In a world where safety is not always a top priority, Murderbot and its team must fight for their survival and uncover the secrets of the planet they are exploring.
About the Author
Martha Wells has been writing captivating science fiction and fantasy stories for nearly three decades, with her first fantasy novel hitting the shelves in 1993. Her exceptional skills have earned her numerous accolades, including Nebula Awards, Hugo Awards, Locus Awards, and an American Library Association/YALSA Alex Award for her bestselling series The Murderbot Diaries.
She has also penned The Books of the Raksura series, the Ile-Rien series, and a host of other mesmerizing fantasy novels, including her latest Witch King (Tordotcom, 2023). In addition to her novels, Martha has also written short fiction, non-fiction, and media tie-ins for various publications.
Her work has been recognized on the Philip K. Dick Award ballot, the British Science Fiction Association Award ballot, and the Bestseller List.
Her masterpieces have been translated into an astonishing twenty-four languages, making her a globally celebrated author.
Editoral Review
All Systems Red by Martha Wells is a science fiction novella that was first published on May 2, 2017. Martha Wells is an award-winning fantasy and science fiction author with multiple novels and novellas to her credit.
All Systems Red is the first book in the Murderbot Diaries series. Set in a distant future, All Systems Red follows the story of a self-aware android that refers to itself as “Murderbot.” Murderbot is a part of a team of scientists on a mission to study a new planet.
But when the team is attacked by an unknown entity, Murderbot proves its worth by saving the scientists from being killed. As the storyline progresses, Murderbot becomes increasingly curious about its own existence and purpose in life.
The novella is characterized by its impressive worldbuilding and nuanced characters. Wells has created a rich and detailed universe in which technology, society, and politics are explored in equal measure.
The story raises thought-provoking questions about what it means to be sentient, while also being an exciting sci-fi adventure that keeps the reader engaged until the very last page. The pacing of the novella is excellent, with just the right amount of action, character development, and introspection.
Murderbot’s internal monologue adds depth and humor to the character, making it more relatable and sympathetic. The novella’s relatively short length does not detract from its quality, as Wells manages to deliver a compelling and satisfying story in a concise format.
Although the novella does not tackle any specific contemporary issues or events, its themes are relevant to the current cultural conversation about the impact and ethics of artificial intelligence. Wells’ exploration of sentience, autonomy, and identity asks important questions about our relationship with technology and our role in shaping the future.
Overall, All Systems Red is a phenomenal science fiction novella with expertly crafted worldbuilding, nuanced characters, and a thought-provoking storyline. Readers who enjoy science fiction, particularly those interested in the implications of artificial intelligence or the exploration of humanity’s relationship with technology, will find the book to be a satisfying read.
The novella has received critical acclaim and won the Hugo, Nebula, Alex, and Locus awards. We give it 4.5 out of 5 stars.
