All Systems Red by Martha Wells
If you’ve ever wondered what might happen if Marvin the Paranoid Android met a high-stakes corporate gig, then All Systems Red, the first in Martha Wells’ Murderbot Diaries, has the answer. Murderbot—a snarky, self-hacked security bot with a love for soap operas and zero social skills—guides readers through a sci-fi novella that’s half action-adventure, half existential comedy. The setup is clever, the wit is sharp, but unfortunately, for all its potential, All Systems Red left me feeling a bit…underwhelmed.
Our reluctant protagonist, Murderbot, is a “SecUnit” assigned to protect a team of scientists on a distant planet. But Murderbot’s true passion lies in marathoning entertainment streams, and its ideal day involves as little human interaction as possible. Naturally, the mission goes sideways when an unknown threat begins stalking the team, forcing Murderbot to step up and save lives—while sarcastically narrating its disdain for humanity along the way.
Wells’ writing is snappy and fun, capturing Murderbot’s dry disdain and deadpan humor in a way that feels both fresh and genuinely funny. The novella-length format works to an extent, giving us a fast-paced plot without much filler. Yet this brevity also feels like a missed opportunity. The story skims over world-building and secondary characters, leaving the setting and sidecast as indistinct backdrops rather than a fully realized sci-fi universe. It’s like ordering an entire meal and only getting the appetizer.
All Systems Red flirts with big ideas: autonomy, corporate greed, the ethics of artificial intelligence. These themes are promising, but they barely scratch the surface. Murderbot’s self-awareness and quest for autonomy should be intriguing, even thought-provoking, but instead, it mostly just wants to watch “Sanctuary Moon” in peace. That gag is great…until it isn’t. There’s a sense that Wells’ tongue-in-cheek humor might have come at the expense of developing these deeper themes in a truly memorable way.
Despite its fun premise, All Systems Red left me wanting more substance. Yes, Murderbot’s reluctant heroism and awkward banter with the humans occasionally strikes an emotional note, but it’s fleeting. There’s only so much you can do with a character whose main goal is not to interact with anyone, and the result is a book that’s ultimately more style than substance.
The novella moves quickly, which is both its strength and its Achilles’ heel. The short format gives us a streamlined, no-fuss story, but at times, it feels like a skimming of the surface rather than a satisfying immersion. Tense action scenes deliver on excitement, but then we’re right back to square one: Murderbot being sarcastic and uninterested.
If you’re looking for light, witty sci-fi with a healthy dose of snark, this novella could be a fun break from heavier reads. But for anyone seeking rich world-building, complex characters, or a deep dive into AI ethics, All Systems Red might leave you feeling shortchanged. It’s a quick snack, not a full meal, perfect for fans of sci-fi humor who don’t mind a “just here for the jokes” approach.
All Systems Red is a clever concept that doesn’t quite reach its potential. Murderbot’s cynical humor shines, but it also wears thin, and the lack of depth in both the story and setting kept me from truly connecting with the characters. This novella may be worth a read if you want some sci-fi-lite with a side of sass—but don’t expect a profound exploration of AI or humanity.
