All Systems Red by Martha Wells

December 10th, 2018 Kimberly Review 34 Comments

10th Dec
All Systems Red by Martha Wells
All Systems Red
by Martha Wells
Series: The Murderbot Diaries #1
Narrator: Kevin R. Free
Length: 3 hours and 17 minutes
Genres: Science Fiction
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarHalf a Star
Narration: 5 cups

A murderous android discovers itself in All Systems Red, a tense science fiction adventure by Martha Wells that blends HBO's Westworld with Iain M. Banks' Culture books.

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.

outofthisworld scifi SUSPENSE Novella 2018 Fave

All of my blog friends have been raving about the Murderbot Diaries and when the opportunity arose to listen I jumped. Best leap ever! All Systems Red by Martha Wells is the first in this series of novellas offering a suspenseful science fiction tale that will leave your inner nerd satisfied.

Reasons to grab your headphones and board All Systems Red

  • Murderbot is a SecUnit owned and manufactured by the Company. He is a security bot and on a mission with a team of scientists who are conducting surface tests on a distant planet. Unbeknownst to them, Murderbot is self-aware and has modified his own interface allowing him to make his own decisions and override commands given by the scientists and the Company. A fact that might just save them all.
  • From the writing to the intense storyline I was immediately pulled into the story. Because I listened, the story didn’t really feel like a novella, but for those who read, readers and reviewers have been delighted by how developed the story is.
  • When another team goes dark and commands are giving that could endanger the humans, Murderbot and the scientist must work together if they have any hope of getting off planet alive. I loved the teamwork, the doubters and the changes as the humans saw the SecUnit as more than just a piece of programmed machinery. Wells even explored Murderbot’s own experience and questions while interacting on a more personal level with humans.
  • The audio is narrated by Kevin R. Free who immediately made me think of Wil Wheaton. Speaking of Will, fans of John Scalzi will want to devour the Murderbot Diaries. Kevin did a great job bringing the bot to life and gave each character their own voice. His tone and pacing allowed me as the listener to become fully engaged as my heart raced and I became a part of the scene.

All Systems Red fed my inner nerd and made me an insta-fan of the Murderbot Diaries. I cannot wait to dive into Artificial Conditions. There are currently four novellas available and a fifth on the way. All are available on audio. Go forth and listen!

All Systems Red by Martha Wells fed my inner nerd and instantly made me a fan of the Murderbot Diaries #sciencefiction #loveaudiobooks Share on X
Photo of kimbacaffeinate
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram

Related Posts

34 Responses to “All Systems Red by Martha Wells”

  2. Olivia Roach

    I have heard of this book so much lately across all of the blogs and now yours too! I don’t think I have seen a single bad review. Everyone seems to love it a lot and you did as well. It’s on my wishlist and I can’t wait to read the book in the future now ^.^

    Olivia Roach recently posted: Blood’s Revolution [Book Review]

  4. Rachel @Waves of Fiction

    I’ve also seen good things about this series. I don’t read science fiction much, but when I do I usually enjoy it. Glad to hear it was a hit for you, Kimberly. I need to give it a try.

  5. sjhigbee

    Yes… I LOVED this one, too. Many thanks for an excellent review – I can imagine it’s a real treat in the audio format:)

    • Kimberly

      Ooo yes, I do remember you enjoying this. I am anxious to begin the next one. Yes, the audio really enhances the story.

  6. Lorna

    I’m not familiar with this author and this genre is normally not a go to for me when reading. That being said, it sounds like you had a great time listening and I’m glad.

  7. Adriana @ BooksOnHerMind

    I didn’t know this was a novella! I recently heard about this series a couple of months back. I think it is one me and my brother would enjoy. I’m more into the possibility of reading after your review although I very rarely read sci-fi.
    I say this while I’m about to read a sci-fi book later this week haha (:

    Adriana @ BooksOnHerMind recently posted: Choose my Next TBR Read for January 2019

  8. Anne

    To know Murderbot is to love him. I have loved every bit of these books. Kevin Free is awesome on them. Glad you are finally on board too. Anne – Books of My Heart

  9. Heidi

    I read this last year, it is so different. I need to continue the series. Glad you enjoyed this too.

  11. Sophia Rose

    I took the leap on this series, too. I’ve still got to read Exit Strategy, but I’ve enjoyed each one. He’s so personable and amusing. 😉

  15. Melliane

    Oh yes I heard many great things about this one and if I’m not a sci-fi reader, I’m starting to be really curious

  16. kindlemom1

    Seriously not sure how I haven’t seen or heard about this before. I must be missing a lot on those days I’m not blogging LOL! Glad the story lived up to the hype for you Kim!