Science fiction
All Systems Red
A security android has hacked its own control module and secretly spends its time watching serials while pretending to obey. When a survey mission it guards is attacked, it has to decide how much it cares.
Facts last checked 2026-10-16
- First published
- 2017
- Pace
- Fast
- Length
- Short
- Pages
- 176
- Format
- Book 1 of 8 in The Murderbot Diaries
Read this if you want a short, sardonic space story with a narrator who would rather be left alone.
Skip this if you want a complete, self-contained epic, since it is a novella and the larger story continues in sequels.
The feel
Content warnings
Also reported by Hardcover readers:
Quick answers about All Systems Red
- What is All Systems Red about?
- A security android has hacked its own control module and secretly spends its time watching serials while pretending to obey. When a survey mission it guards is attacked, it has to decide how much it cares.
- Who should read All Systems Red?
- Read it if you want a short, sardonic space story with a narrator who would rather be left alone. Skip it if you want a complete, self-contained epic, since it is a novella and the larger story continues in sequels.
- How long and how fast is All Systems Red?
- It is a fast-paced, short read of about 176 pages, first published in 2017.
- Does All Systems Red have content warnings?
- Content we flag: Violence, Death.
- Can I borrow All Systems Red for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends All Systems Red; the borrow button above searches it for you.
- What should I read after All Systems Red?
- Readers who liked it often move on to A Psalm for the Wild-Built, I, Robot, The Martian.
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Where to get it
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
| Amazon | Check price | Buy new from Amazon |
| Ebook | ||
| Kobo | Check price | Buy ebook from Kobo |
| Google Play Books | Check price | Buy ebook from Google Play Books |
| Audiobook | ||
| Audible | Check price | Buy audiobook from Audible |
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If you loved All Systems Red
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A Psalm for the Wild-Built Another short, humane story about a robot and a person learning to understand one another.
-
I, Robot The classic robot stories that this kind of reluctant machine hero grew out of.
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The Martian Another sarcastic narrator in a dangerous situation with lots of competence and humour.
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