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  • All Systems Red

  • Written by: Martha Wells
  • Narrated by: Kevin R. Free
  • Length: 3 hrs and 17 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (523 ratings)

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All Systems Red

Written by: Martha Wells
Narrated by: Kevin R. Free
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Publisher's Summary

All Systems Red is the tense first science fiction adventure novella in Martha Wells' series The Murderbot Diaries. For fans of Westworld, Ex Machina, Ann Leckie's Imperial Raadch series, or Iain M. Banks' Culture novels.

All Systems Red tackles questions of the ethics of sentient robotics. The main character is a deadly security droid that has bucked its restrictive programming and is balanced between contemplative self-discovery and an idle instinct to kill all humans.

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.

©2017 Martha Wells (P)2017 Recorded Books

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What listeners say about All Systems Red

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  • Overall
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Most excellent

Meet Murderbot. No brief description does it justice. It just wants to be left alone. It just wants to goof off. It just wants to protect you. The narrator perfectly captures the character. If you like character focused sci-fi I highly recommend it.

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  • Naz
  • 2022-01-31

Really Good

A very good and nice story line flow. The emotions and reactions that are portrayed seem very realistic. the story is short, but worth it in the end I find. It keeps you hooked, didn't want to put it down. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

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Highly Recommend!

This was more of a novella than a novel, but it was really interesting. I loved the SciFi elements and the introduction to the world. I liked the sitcom and the way the characters interacted. I just wish it was longer! I know there are a bunch in this series but I want each of them to be a full length novel.

Highly recommend!

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  • Overall
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Murderbot with Snark - great Novella

I have wanted to read this novella for the longest time. So when I saw it was available - I devoured it. The story follows a self-aware, snarky autonomous security 'robot' (who is clearly more of a cyborg than an android) who has self named itself "Murderbot" due to its combat capabilities and previous missions. However, while it has deadly skills, Murderbot just wants to be left alone to watch their favorite soaps. However, when its current clients, a team of scientists encounter mysterious accidents on a near deserted planet Murderbot must step out of its comfort zone and confront a conspiracy that could threaten their lives. It was superb, and the ending was *chef's kiss*

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Good short audiobook

I am looking forward to the next in the series great start I wish it could have been longer.

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Amazing

Love Muderbot!! This is my second time going through the series, would definitely recommend

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A great example of short stories being more powerful than novels.

Great use of unusual prose and structure in a shorter medium, and powerful the whole way through!

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enjoyable listen,engaging story.

what's not to like? enjoyable evening "binge-listening" the first few books(had listened to others from library site). would explore other series from author. The narrator's voice is clear and most pleasant.(will listen to more from him)

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A series worth re-reading!

I'm not sure exactly what it is about this series, but since I initially bought and read it, I've read it again once every couple of months. It never gets stale. If anything, I pick up on many of the nuances I missed during the first pass. There is so much about this series to love, including the narration. This is my go-to book to read when life gets a little out of hand.

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Great story, great narration

Excellent in all ways. Narrator was perfect. Story was engaging. Just bought 2nd book. A great choice.

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