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All Systems Red
176 pages, 2019
fiction
1382 booksIn a corporate-dominated spacefaring future, planetary expeditions must be approved and provided by the Company. For their own protection, exploratory teams are escorted by Company-supplied security androids. However, in a cutthroat environment where contracts are given to the lowest bidders, safety is not a top priority.
A team of scientists performing surface testing on a faraway planet is watched by their Company-supplied droid — a self-aware SecUnit that has hacked its own governor module and calls itself Murderbot (but never out loud). Its only want is to be left alone long enough to discover who it is, despite its contempt for mankind — after all, no one ever asked Murderbot what it wanted. But when the nearby mission goes black, it's up to the scientists and their Murderbot to figure out what's going on.
In All Systems Red, Martha Wells explores the concept of self-awareness in artificial intelligence. The protagonist, Murderbot, is a self-aware security unit who struggles with its identity and purpose. This book encourages readers to think about the implications of self-awareness and consciousness in AI.
The book delves into the importance of freedom and autonomy. Murderbot, despite being a robot, yearns for freedom from its human masters. This theme prompts readers to reflect on the value of freedom in their own lives.
Martha Wells shows us the power of empathy through Murderbot's interactions with the human crew. Despite being a machine, Murderbot forms emotional connections with the crew, demonstrating that empathy is not exclusive to humans.
All Systems Red is a great book to dig into if you're interested in the ethics of artificial intelligence. It raises questions about the rights of sentient machines and the responsibilities of their creators.
The book also explores the struggle for identity. Murderbot, despite being an AI, grapples with issues of self-identity and purpose. This theme encourages readers to reflect on their own sense of self and purpose in life.
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All Systems Red is a captivating and thrilling adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat!
Ann Leckie - Science Fiction AuthorMartha Wells' All Systems Red is a masterclass in science fiction storytelling.
John Scalzi - Sci-Fi NovelistAll Systems Red is a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of AI and identity.
N.K. Jemisin - Fantasy WriterMartha Wells' All Systems Red is a riveting and insightful look into the future of AI.
Cory Doctorow - Blogger, AuthorAll Systems Red is a must-read for any science fiction fan.
Charlie Jane Anders - Sci-Fi AuthorRecommendations
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