Service Model: A funny, dystopian tale for fans of Douglas Adams, shortlisted for Best Novel at the Hugo Awards
ANT
• Instant access to your digital edition.
• Read anytime, anywhere, on your favorite device.
• No shipping — your book is delivered digitally.
• Simple, secure access after purchase.
Instant digital delivery after purchase.
Discover another great read to add to your digital library.
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. Service Model is perfect for fans of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams.
‘Intelligent, funny, ultimately heart-breaking, and unforgettable’ – Stephen Baxter, author of Proxima
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, author of Starter Villain
‘Delightful and very funny’ – New Scientist
Shortlisted for Best Novel at the 2025 Hugo Awards
Specifications
Frequently asked
Do I need an account to download?
No. After purchase, you can access your ebook directly from the order confirmation or download page.
What if a copy arrives damaged?
Contact us and we’ll help you access the file or provide a replacement download if needed.