Service ModelService Model Task List Item No. 1 Become self aware . . . A witty tale of robotic murder, rebellion and belonging from the master of science fiction, Adrian Tchaikovsky perfect for fans of Douglas Adams. 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

Service Model

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

A witty tale of robotic murder, rebellion and belonging from the master of science fiction, Adrian Tchaikovsky – perfect for fans of Douglas Adams.

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 world he never knew existed. Human hierarchy is disintegrating, 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

_{Shortlisted for Best Novel at the 2025 Hugo Awards}

'Unfolds like a brilliant, horrific game of Clue . . . very clever world-building' - The Wall Street Journal

SPECIFICATIONS:

Author:Adrian Tchaikovsky - Адриан Чайковский

Publisher:Pan Macmillan

Language:English

Publication Date:2025

Number of pages:400 pst

Format:Paperback

Width:129 mm / 5,1'

Height:196 mm / 7,7'

Weight:272 g

ISBN:9781035045686