All Systems Red: The Murderbot Diaries (The Murderbot Diaries, 1)

A New York Times and USA Today Bestseller
Winner: 2018 Hugo Award for Best Novella
Winner: 2018 Nebula Award for Best Novella
Winner: 2018 Alex Award
Winner: 2018 Locus Award
One of the Verge's Best Books of 2017


A murderous android discovers itself in All Systems Red, a tense science fiction adventure by Martha Wells that interrogates the roots of consciousness through Artificial Intelligence.

"As a heartless killing machine, I was a complete failure."

In a corporate-dominated spacefaring future, planetary missions must be approved and supplied by the Company. Exploratory teams are accompanied by Company-supplied security androids, for their own safety.

But in a society where contracts are awarded to the lowest bidder, safety isn't a primary concern.

On a distant planet, a team of scientists are conducting surface tests, shadowed by their Company-supplied 'droid -- a self-aware SecUnit that has hacked its own governor module, and refers to itself (though never out loud) as "Murderbot." Scornful of humans, all it really wants is to be left alone long enough to figure out who it is.

But when a neighboring mission goes dark, it's up to the scientists and their Murderbot to get to the truth.

The Murderbot Diaries
All Systems Red
Artificial Condition
Rogue Protocol
Exit Strategy
Network Effect
Fugitive Telemetry
System Collapse

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160 pages

Average rating: 7.89

317 RATINGS

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20 REVIEWS

Community Reviews

Anonymous
Nov 10, 2024
10/10 stars
Incredibly written, despite its short length, and had me on the edge of my seat several times. An absolutely fantastic sci-fi, from someone who doesn't typically read a lot of sci-fi. I definitely will be recommending this to anyone who's willing to listen and can't wait to read the rest of the series!
Anonymous
Aug 30, 2024
10/10 stars
Fantastic sci-fi! It’s told from the POV of the robot that hacked its own governor module. You’re along for the ride as it realizes different emotions and, while it’s never specifically said, you can see how it starts to care for the humans it’s in charge of without realizing that’s what’s happening. I loved it!
JT Penguin
Aug 07, 2024
10/10 stars
This book was really short but I was instantly pulled in. The writing is well done and keeps the story moving along at a quick pace. I look forward to reading more about Murderbot!
Anonymous
Jun 28, 2024
4/10 stars
I am clearly the wrong audience because I had little interest in this book. I was recommended this after Project Hail Mary but it missed the mark for me. Murderbot did not fill the hole Rocky left.
emily_roamswild
Jun 14, 2024
6/10 stars
I just expected a snarkier Murderbot. The premise is up my alley, although I’m not a huge science fiction reader—I am a fan in general. I didn’t feel like I was endeared enough to this rogue bot. It was funnyish and the human pull was there but it lacked something. Perhaps it’s because I’m sort of a novella hater? But this didn’t hit as hard as I thought it would for me. I typically love a bit. And a “Murderbot” with humanity is absolutely a bit. And yet?

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