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. 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