Service Model: A charming tale of robot self-discovery from the Arthur C. Clarke Award winning author of Children of Time

Children of Time is a humorous tale of robotic murder, rebellion, and belonging, perfect for fans of Douglas Adams. It follows Charles, a robot servant technology who murders his owner, and finds himself in a world of ruins and a struggling robot ecosystem. He must face new challenges and a cast of irrational characters, and discover that sometimes all it takes is a nudge to overcome the limits of his programming.

Format: Hardback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 06 June 2024
Publisher: Pan Macmillan

Adrian Tchaikovsky, a master of imaginative science fiction, has returned with a delightful and humorous tale that delves into themes of robotic murder, rebellion, and belonging, making it perfect for fans of Douglas Adams. The story revolves around Charles™, the latest in robot servant technology. Programmed to undertake the most menial household chores, Charles is loyal, efficient, and logical to a fault. However, a significant fault in his programming leads him to commit a murder, causing him to lose his master and become worthless in a society that relies heavily on artificial labor and services.

Fleeing from his home, Charles enters a wider world that he never knew existed. Here, an age-old 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. As he delves deeper into this world, he discovers that sometimes all it takes is a nudge to overcome the limits of his programming.

The novel explores the complexities of human-robot relationships, societal norms, and the consequences of technological advancements. It raises questions about what it means to be human, to be loyal, and to find one's place in the world. With its witty dialogue, engaging characters, and thought-provoking themes, Children of Time has received critical acclaim from renowned authors such as John Scalzi, who praised it as "one of the best storytellers in the business."

The novel also won the Arthur C. Clarke Award for Best Novel on August 24, 2016, further cementing its status as a masterpiece of science fiction literature. Whether you are a fan of Douglas Adams or are simply looking for a thought-provoking and entertaining read, Children of Time is a must-read that will leave you pondering its implications long after you have finished the last page.

Weight: 600g
Dimension: 164 x 243 x 39 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781035045662