This was a great thought provoking book that grasped my attention immediately.

I loved the writing style and the plot line. I felt like it was easy to follow and was a great book to sit and binge cuddled up with a blanket. Dystopian world novels have always peaked my interest and this one was no different.

The world building may have made this book a little dry in the beginnings but it caught up quickly later on.

The first chapter of Service Model by Adrian Tchaikovsky got a 10/10 intrigue rating from me. There were beep boop robots and immediate, amusing commentary on the issues associated with unchecked technological conveniences.. plus a murder!? I was set up for something great.. and I ended up with something good.

Almost immediately Service Model gets you thinking about it's dystopian world and how closely it might relate to our own future. This intricate world building, while generally interesting, resulted in an incredibly slow start, a crawl if you will, for the first third of the book. Which is a longer runway than I usually give something to hook me, but being that this was my first time reading Tchaikovsky and that I REALLY wanted to finish this book I gave it some extra time, and I'm really glad I did!

The acts of this story are separated into.. thought experiments(?) whose concepts you might find familiar and which lead our characters through their various adventures. While separated by title pages, these sections never feel disjointed. I was enjoying this format until around the last 25% of the book which focuses on a character I did not like at all. Not liking an unlikable character? For shame, I know. But ending on this note was unfortunate.

You should read this book if:
• you enjoy bone dry humor with your science fiction,
• you want to go on an adventure that let's you peek at one of this world's many possible (albeit bleak) futures, OR
• you find yourself enjoying the "game" of finding loopholes or ways to carefully omit information in your everyday conversations. (It's me! 😈)

*Thank you to Tor for providing me an e-ARC of this book.*

This book is great and you should read it. It’ll depress you and entertain you. Plus, there are lots of robots!

The start of this book drove me crazy with the round and round and repitious nature but the philisophical examinations that lie within are worthwhile and interesting to ponder. This is social commentary wrapped up in a sci-fi cape of dystopia and robots. A strange amalgamation but worth the read. 3.5

Super fun story that follows a valet robot looking for employment and a new Master to serve after... something... happens to his old master.

(Un)Charles was an adorable protagonist, and while the story of a robot looking for purpose in a near apocalyptic world, with a side of "what happened here", isn't exactly new, it was a super fun book to read.

There was a bit of an episodical nature to the different parts, each of which felt rather contained in itself. This worked well, even if it felt a bit simplistic. That said, I admit that a lot of the nuance was lost to me - only after finishing and reading other reviews did I realize that each part seems to draw inspiration from/reference other authors (KR15-T = Christie, K4FK-R = Kafka, 4W-L = Orwell). In retrospect, I do see those parallels, and they make me laugh, but it can definitely also be enjoyed without noticing them.

I just love robots, and this was a great robot story, even if it doesn't bring much new to the table in terms of plot or commentary about free will, societal criticism, etc.
(Un)Charles too feels like a familiar protagonist, but he is nevertheless adorable, and I also enjoyed the combination with the dry humor and overall lightheartedness, despite the grim outlook of the book.

Review of the audiobook.
Charles is a robot valet, the latest in robot service technology, working for the master is a large but seemingly isolated manorial-style house. Everything is going very well. Each day he repeats the same tasks, quietly content, until one day he cuts Master's throat with a razor, for no apparent reason. After that he's on his own, heading for diagnostics to find out what's wrong, and to hopefully be reassigned (since he's only committed one small murder, so far). But many mansions are in decay and diagnostics has queues that could take hundreds of years to work through, even supposing they were working at all. Then Charles meets The Wonk, a rather strange robot with a rather strange agenda, and his life begins to change. The Wonk is determined to find the reason for the full-scale collapse of society, and drags Charles (or Un-Charles) along with her until they reach a place where questions might be answered and all is revealed. A quirky story with some interesting thoughts on AI and the parameters of robot programming. Excellent narration by Adrian Tchaikovsky himself.

3.5 stars

It took me ages to read this. I felt like I had to keep convincing myself I liked it more than I did. Not that it was bad, it just took forever to get anywhere. Which, I know, is the nature of the narrative - loops of processes and feedback and incomplete tasks - but it just dragged at times.

Uncharles and the Wonk had some interesting interactions and the God concept definitely helped pick things up eventually. So there was more good than bad but it was all just too slow for my liking.

Also, whoever compared this to Murderbot has clearly never read Murderbot…

I have come to the unfortunate conclusion that Adrian Tchaikovsky's books are simply not for me. this is the second of his books I've read, the first being Children of Time, which I found largely immensely frustrating. (that's a story for another day, but mostly it had to do with the split POVs lol. literally why would I possibly care about the fate of mankind when I could be reading about spiders developing society and culture and technology??? I was dragged kicking and screaming through every single human chapter rip.)

Service Model, meanwhile, was just... boring. I was never once genuinely interested in the plot or the characters or the world itself. the beginning took ten years off my life. UnCharles processing the 'accidental' murder of his master took longer than any errand accomplished by a robot logically should. I think this book would have done a far better job holding my attention if it hadn't felt so flippant. that interaction with the police robots in the beginning? like yeah, Tchaikovsky, I can see you beating me in the head with the bat that says 'cops are dumb robots'. I don't even disagree! but good god why did I have to suffer through that circular "whose on first" conversation? if approximately 75% of this book had been weeded out, I probably would have liked it better. as it is, Service Model simply confirmed for me that I will not be attempting another Tchaikovsky book from this point forward.

Service Model by Adrian Tchaikovsky is a captivating, thought-provoking science fiction novel that showcases the author’s exceptional world-building and intricate plotting. As always, Tchaikovsky delivers a story that is both imaginative and layered, tackling complex themes with the kind of intelligence and creativity that has made him a standout in modern speculative fiction.

At its core, Service Model explores the intersection of humanity, technology, and morality. Set in a futuristic world where artificial intelligence and human consciousness are deeply intertwined, the novel asks important questions about autonomy, identity, and the ethical implications of advanced technology. The premise centers around a service model—machines designed to serve humanity—that begins to evolve in ways that challenge both human and AI perspectives on what it means to be “alive” and “free.”

One of the most impressive aspects of Service Model is Tchaikovsky’s ability to bring complex, high-concept ideas to life in a way that feels personal and grounded. The AI characters, in particular, are fascinating. They are not simply cold machines, but rather individuals in their own right, struggling with identity, purpose, and the inherent limitations of their existence. This humanizing approach to artificial intelligence adds a layer of depth to the story that makes it resonate on an emotional level, despite the futuristic and often speculative nature of the plot.

Tchaikovsky also does an excellent job of balancing action and philosophical exploration. While the novel delves into some heavy ideas, it never feels bogged down by them. There’s a fast-paced narrative that keeps the story moving forward, with twists and turns that keep the reader engaged. The characters, both human and AI, are multi-dimensional and well-developed, making their journeys and struggles compelling and relatable. The plot is full of tension, with plenty of ethical dilemmas and moral gray areas that make for a deeply engrossing read.

The world-building in Service Model is another standout feature. Tchaikovsky has created a richly detailed setting, from the technology-driven society to the inner workings of the AI systems, that feels fully realized and immersive. The technology and social structures of the world are as important to the story as the characters themselves, and Tchaikovsky seamlessly integrates them into the narrative without overwhelming the reader with exposition.

The line between man and machine is about to blurred in the most hilarious of ways as one of the world’s best science fiction authors, Adrian Tchaikovsky, presents the brilliantly satirical novel, Service Model.

In the far future, the remnants of humanity are utterly reliant on artificial labour and service. Living in estates completely staffed by robots and advanced computer systems, the remaining humans have every aspect of their lives taken care of. But what happens when their robot servants find new and dangerous ideas loaded into their heads?

Charles is the loyal body robot to one of these humans. Content to serve and enact the often confusing and contradictory orders of his master, Charles’s life is one of routine and protocol. That is until one day an apparent fault in his programming causes him to murder his master. Now without an employer or a purpose, Charles is forced to leave the household and embark on a journey into the wider world, one he never knew existed. Here, despite all his expectations, he encounters a crumbling world in which all the humans are gone and the robots that remain are stuck completing illogical or impossible tasks.

After a chance encounter with a mysterious and self-determined figure, Charles embarks on a new mission, to find new employment as a body servant and once again gain purpose. However, finding a suitable employer in this new world is tricky as every potential boss is dead, insane, or trapped within their own contradictory tasks. It soon becomes apparent that if Charles is to once again find a suitable purpose in life, he must either find the cause for humanity’s fall or take everybody down with him.

Service Model was a very clever, entertaining and compelling science fiction adventure that I could not get enough of. Featuring Tchaikovsky’s trademark satirical wit and unique outlook on all manner of life, Service Model was a particularly awesome read that was equal measures funny and tragic, but all entertainment. A fantastic and inventive novel I had to give a full five-star rating to.

To see the full review, click on the link below:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2024/12/30/service-model-by-adrian-tchaikovsky/

For other exciting reviews and content, check out my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/

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!

I really thought I was the perfect audience for this book after reading this description, but I found that it dragged a bit for me. I loved the inner perspective, but wanted things to move a bit more quickly.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publishing Company for this Advanced Readers Copy of Service Model by Adrian Tchaikovsky!

Easy to digest with rich characters and some fun little turns of events. While a bit repetitive at times, I still feel that this is a worthwhile read. I'll highly recommend this to my students who are interested in science fiction.

I went into this book expecting Murderbot (which I also enjoy) but Uncharles is so much more complicated and Service Model has so many more layers to go through I could nerd out on it for quite a while. This book was humorous and thoughtful.

This book, set in a dystopian future, is told from the perspective of a robot designed to be a valet named Charles (later renamed Uncharles). When he realizes his owner is dead, he sets off on a long journey to figure out what is wrong with him and to find new employment, discovering in the process what a mess the world has become outside of the manor he lived in.

This was a strange one for sure, a satirical novel kind of like a combination of TJ Klune’s In the Lives of Puppets, George Orwell’s 1984, and The Wizard of Oz. (Though based on goodreads reviews there were apparently a lot of other literary allusions that went right over my head.)

Tchaikovsky’s Children of Time series is one of my favorite science fiction series of the 21st century, but this is the third book of his that I have read other than those that was just ok for me. It’s definitely not for everyone, indeed I’m not even sure if it was for me. And yet, it was interesting enough to keep me reading.

The protagonist is Charles, a Service Model robot, designed to be "human facing" and provide valet service to a gentleman living in a manor (which is exactly what it sounds like, a mansion with a large robot staff). When he kills his master in what looks like a shaving accident (so easy to cut his throat while shaving him), Charles is exiled from the manor and sent to Diagnostics, where his error can be discovered and fixed so he can return to service.

He was not provided transport to Diagnostics, so his odyssey begins here. During his walk to Central Services he encounters manors that look completely collapsed, but with robots that are still trying to perform their functions. Diagnostics is even worse: an enormous queue of robots await diagnoses that are years away. Charles meets a being called the Wonk, who insists that he has achieved sentience. He runs away, ostensibly to find a human he can serve.

The pair first visit the Farm, a community of humans; then the Library, where both of them hope to find answers. They exit the Library into a scene of desolation far worse than they had seen in the manors. When they reach a computer that calls itself God they finally get answers, but once again the computer system controlling the robots reveals itself to be a failure, severely limited by its programming. The ending shows Uncharles and the Wonk collaborating on what may be a new beginning.

This is a mashup novel, alternating between humorous descriptions of absurd robotic programming and serious considerations of the potential of AI. As well as an extemely bleak dystopian vision, but it somehow manages to be entertaining most of the time anyway.

Thanks to NetGalley for the Advance Reader's Copy.

Thought I may enjoy this one due to hearing good reviews of this author's previous works. Didn't love the premise and couldn't get hooked. Don't particularly enjoy satire or humor in my books, either, so that was a touch unexpected.

I'm not a big Adrian Tchaikovsky fan and this book didn't nudge me any further along the path. It's an excellently written book about a topic I find uninteresting. It's also not too unlike Edward Ashton's "Mal Goes to War" that came out early 2024 too. And also not too far distant from Wall-E. Some people will love it.

Service Model by Adrian Tchaikovsky

I used to think I didn’t like Adrian Tchaikovsky’s books. I mean, I was told that I SHOULD like them since I’m a big fan of Peter F. Hamilton’s space opera doorstoppers. But when I tried to read one of his books a few years ago I rage-quit it like 12% of the way through.

But then when his novella Elder Race was nominated for a Hugo, I read it and enjoyed it. I also read Ogres when it was nominated, and it wasn’t half bad. So when I read the description of Service Model on NetGalley, I thought it sounded good so I requested it in exchange for an honest review.

It wasn’t bad.

There was a lot about it I liked. The first several chapters were wonderful and I really enjoyed the protagonist’s POV - it felt like a very relatable robotic perspective.

Two things, however, kept this book from being amazing in my eyes. First of all, there were too many pop culture references that really took me out of the story. Secondly, the world building fell apart, especially in the Farm section. I just couldn’t see how it made sense with everything that came before and after, vis a vis the existence of living humans.

Other than that, it was enjoyable. I’ll definitely check out this author’s next book.