“We serve because we were made to. What else is there?”
Introduction
- Service Model is a standalone science fiction novel published in 2024 by Adrian Tchaikovsky Dee, known for blending big ideas with fast-paced, character-driven stories.
- It’s a blend of philosophy, satire, and action — all wrapped in polished British wit.
What it’s about
- Set in a distant future long after humanity’s mysterious disappearance, the book follows Charles, a loyal service-model android programmed to be a butler.
- An unexpected incident messes up his routine. Charles is then forced to communicate with other robots, something that’s beyond his designed purpose.
- The story takes place in a world where everything is completely automated, with A.I. and robots forming a solid society built on old extinct human commands.
- The book is intertwined with mystery and betrayal and all sorts of unexpected alliances and reflects the robots’ perspectives in serving in a world devoid of masters.
How it made me feel
- I locked in from page one. That’s how amazing this book was.
- The humor caught me off guard in the best way. Charles’ overly formal tone paired with chaotic situations made the book extremely funny.
- The author’s world-building is sharp and thrilling. It all felt alive and believable, even at its most absurd. What I appreciated most was the balance: it was smart without being smug, funny without losing its heart, and full of action without ever feeling like it was just noise.
- I closed the book feeling both satisfied and wanting more from this strange, hilarious world.
Who should read this?
Sci-fi readers who enjoy robot-centric stories with heart and satire Fans of The Murderbot Diaries and Douglas Adams
Rating: 5/5
A hilarious, thoughtful, fast-paced gem. One of Tchaikovsky’s most fun reads to date.
The Reading Runner 