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A review by leandrathetbrzero
Service Model by Adrian Tchaikovsky
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I didn't think it was possible this close to the end of the year, but we may have found my new favorite book of 2024...
Actual Rating: 5.0 stars
Pub Date: 04 June 2024
Reading Format: physical book
*NOTE: While the audiobook is relatively accessible, I would recommend having access to the ebook or physical copy if possible. This is due to the speech style performed between robots. I could see it being confusing at the beginning, preventing the reader from initially connecting with characters.
Charles is a dedicated valet. Even as the world outside the manor is falling apart, he ensures that his tasks queue is cleared by the end of each day and harmony is maintained to his master's (albeit contradictory) satisfaction. That is, until Charles murders his master...
It is rare that I am predicting a 5-star rating as early as I did with Service Model, but I found myself immediately invested in our main character robot, the dying civilization around him, and his quest to find meaning (*cough cough* new employment). This novel has numerous elements that I can see so many readers gravitating towards:
— lovable characters and humorous dialogue (dry humor especially)
— themes of personhood & humanity, climate fiction, found friendship, grief & trauma, and patience
— characters travelling and interacting with numerous groups aka "a journey narrative"
— cozy tone to a plot that simultaneously handles difficult topics
— beautiful, thought-provoking prose (there were so many lines I wanted to underline!)
Needless to say, while this was my first experience with Adrian Tchaikovsky's writing, it will not be my last. I can easily recommend this novel to those who are looking for a lovely blend between A Psalm for the Wild-Built and the Murderbot series.
Thank you NetGalley and Tor Publishing for an E-ARC copy in exchange for this honest review!
Actual Rating: 5.0 stars
Pub Date: 04 June 2024
Reading Format: physical book
*NOTE: While the audiobook is relatively accessible, I would recommend having access to the ebook or physical copy if possible. This is due to the speech style performed between robots. I could see it being confusing at the beginning, preventing the reader from initially connecting with characters.
Charles is a dedicated valet. Even as the world outside the manor is falling apart, he ensures that his tasks queue is cleared by the end of each day and harmony is maintained to his master's (albeit contradictory) satisfaction. That is, until Charles murders his master...
It is rare that I am predicting a 5-star rating as early as I did with Service Model, but I found myself immediately invested in our main character robot, the dying civilization around him, and his quest to find meaning (*cough cough* new employment). This novel has numerous elements that I can see so many readers gravitating towards:
— lovable characters and humorous dialogue (dry humor especially)
— themes of personhood & humanity, climate fiction, found friendship, grief & trauma, and patience
— characters travelling and interacting with numerous groups aka "a journey narrative"
— cozy tone to a plot that simultaneously handles difficult topics
— beautiful, thought-provoking prose (there were so many lines I wanted to underline!)
Needless to say, while this was my first experience with Adrian Tchaikovsky's writing, it will not be my last. I can easily recommend this novel to those who are looking for a lovely blend between A Psalm for the Wild-Built and the Murderbot series.
Thank you NetGalley and Tor Publishing for an E-ARC copy in exchange for this honest review!