All Systems Red (Murderbot Diaries, #1)

by Martha Wells

[Quirky Cat]

All Systems Red is about an android (partially synthetic, partially organic) that is charged with protecting a scientific team on a new and relatively unknown planet. Having no name of its own, it names itself Murderbot, which makes sense in a weird sort of way. It took me less than two hours to read, so it doesn't require much time investment (Though I would have loved for it to be longer).

Murderbot is different from all the other SecUnits. It figured out how to hack its way to freedom. Now, he doesn't have to follow orders or install updates automatically. Instead, it can watch all the crummy TV he wants. It pretends to do everything it was programmed to do so nobody catches on, but it isn't required.

Human interaction is awkward for Murderbot. It knows it's not one of them, and they know that, making it difficult for MurderBot to move past it. Despite this, MurderBot grows truly attached to certain crew members it's protecting. Everything about the interactions it has is oddly...human. It's endearing.

My description here has barely scratched the surface of all that makes MurderBot so amazing; please trust me on this! I have read (and listened) to this whole series at least a dozen times at this point...realistically that count is a whole lot higher. 

It is safe to say that MurderBot has stolen my heart. The characters and the series live rent-free in my mind. In fact, it recently occurred to me that MurderBot is to me what Sanctuary Moon is to MurderBot. That gave me a good chuckle. Enjoy!

Highlights:
Cyberpunk meets Solarpunk
Rogue Android/SecUnit
Sarcastic Characters
Space Adventures

Graphic Audio Review:

In case you haven't heard the news, Graphic Audio recently released their production of All Systems Red, the first novella in the MurderBot Diaries series (one of my favorite series of all time). Naturally, I pre-ordered the shit out of that. Since its release, I've listened to it three times. Yes, I know.
At first, listening to the Graphic Audio version of All Systems Red was strange. I'm used to hearing Kevin R. Free's voice, especially for MurderBot. This made me think I didn't like it, or at least I didn't enjoy it as much as I had hoped.

Then I listened to it again. It works; it really does! David Cui Cui portrays MurderBot in a slightly different manner than Kevin R. Free. The sarcasm is less of a constant presence. However! His voice helps to highlight other elements of MurderBot's character (such as their more atypical nature).

Speaking of casting and characters, I think the voice for Ratthi (Zeke Alton) is my favorite. Mensah's voice (Khaya Fraites) sounded a little younger than I expected, but otherwise, I don't have any complaints.

If you're on the fence about trying All Systems Red by Graphic Audio, I would highly suggest trying it. It's a fun listen!

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