Service Model

De: Adrian Tchaikovsky

Narrado por: Adrian Tchaikovsky

Read by the author, Adrian Tchaikovsky.

Adrian Tchaikovsky, master of imaginative science fiction, returns with a delightfully humorous tale of robotic murder, rebellion and belonging – perfect for fans of Douglas Adams.

Task List Item No. 1 – Become self-aware . . .

Meet Charles™, the latest in robot servant technology. Programmed to undertake the most menial household chores, Charles is loyal, efficient and logical to a fault. That is, until a rather large fault causes him to murder his owner.

Understandably perplexed, Charles finds himself without a master – therefore worthless in a society utterly reliant on artificial labour and services. Fleeing the household, he enters a wider world he never knew existed. Here an age-old human hierarchy is disintegrating into ruins, and an entire robot ecosystem devoted to its wellbeing is struggling to find a purpose.

Charles must face new challenges, illogical tasks and a cast of irrational characters. He’s about to discover that sometimes all it takes is a nudge to overcome the limits of your programming. But can he help fix the world, or is it too badly broken?

‘One of the best storytellers in the business’ – John Scalzi

‘Intelligent, funny, ultimately heart-breaking, and unforgettable’ – Stephen Baxter

‘Delightful and very funny’ – New Scientist

‘An entertaining and thought-provoking read. Tchaikovsky does an excellent job narrating the audiobook’ – IGN

Adrian Tchaikovsky's Children of Time won the Arthur C. Clarke Award for Best Novel on 24th August 2016

©2024 Adrian Tchaikovsky (P)2024 Macmillan Audio

Not for me!

This book was not for me. I found the story interesting but did not offer me any joy only irritation. I stop listening for a day because I couldn't take anymore. In the end I skip the last chapters to hear the end.At this point in my life l have not a gram of philosophy or allegory in me so l could not enjoy this book.

Great Listen

Very entertaining story and characters. Not many laugh out loud moments, rather an undercurrent of satire through the whole book. The author did a great job of narration too.

Great story, brilliantly told.

Inventive, funny, thought-provoking. Narrated by the author no less. Listen to it - you won’t regret it.

A genius approach to robots and robotics

this book was a grand adventure! loved following the adventures of a simple Valet

Best listen in a very long time

Unusual plot and the way it is written. Refreshing, entertaining and heartwarming. Loved every moment of it.