Description

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 (TM), 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

Publisher Review

Intelligent, funny, ultimately heart-breaking, and unforgettable — Stephen Baxter, author of Proxima A wonderful examination of the pitfalls of AI and a plausible prediction of the collapse of mankind . . . A fabulous read, as I have come to expect from one of our finest sci-fi and fantasy authors — James Oswald, author of the Inspector McLean series Picking up an Adrian Tchaikovsky book is proof you love your brain and want it to be happy — John Scalzi, author of Starter Villain Brilliant science-fiction and far-out world-building — James McAvoy, actor (Split, X-Men: First Class) One of the most interesting and accomplished writers in speculative fiction — Christopher Paolini, author of Eragon and Fractal Noise [Adrian Tchaikovsky] writes incredibly enjoyable sci-fi, full of life and ideas — Patrick Ness, author of The Knife of Never Letting Go Unfolds like a brilliant, horrific game of Clue . . . very clever world-building * The Wall Street Journal *