SKU: 85901701661

Service Model

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Description

Service ModelService 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 perfect for fans of Douglas Adams. 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

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 – perfect for fans of Douglas Adams.

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

‘Intelligent, funny, ultimately heart-breaking, and unforgettable’ – Stephen Baxter

‘Delightful and very funny’ – New Scientist

Shortlisted for Best Novel at the 2025 Hugo Awards

'Unfolds like a brilliant, horrific game of Clue . . . very clever world-building' - The Wall Street Journal

SPECIFICATIONS:

Author:Adrian Tchaikovsky - Адриан Чайковский

Publisher:Pan Macmillan

Language:English

Publication Date:2025

Number of pages:400 pst

Format:Paperback

Width:129 mm / 5,1'

Height:196 mm / 7,7'

Weight:272 g

ISBN:9781035045686

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SKU: 85901701661

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4.2 ★★★★★
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Product Reviews
A
Verified Purchase
Amazon Customer
San Leandro, US
★★★★★ 5
Great
Size: Medium, Number of Items: 1
I need something that was soft for my three year old and this ball is super great, it not only is the right size but it also fits in his mouth just right. Although he is a super aggressive chewer, the ball toy hasn't been totally destroyed yet and it is easy on his gums. The ball is so durable that got two of these toys just for fun.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 10, 2026
W
Verified Purchase
WMiracle
Waukegan, US
★★★★★ 5
The best!
UPDATE: 08/05/2025 - This is still one of my dog's 2 fav training/play toys. A couple of notes: 1. This is not a chew toy. If your pup is chewing up the rope, that's on you. That being said, you can get 100' of the poly cord rope at Home Depot for like $4.98. You can make nearly 100 ropes out of 100'. How hard is it to replace the rope????? 2. My pup is a now 15 month old Malinois. His original balls, purchase in September 2024 are still in everyday, multiple times per day, play. I did get careless and leave one where he got it and chew the rope. Easily replaced. Nothing to fret over. Yes, that was on me! 3.The foam ball is virtually indestructible! Replace the rope! 4. I noticed the price for the yellow large went from $12 each to $24. THIS will cause me to go elsewhere if they doubled in price. I LOVE these balls but not that much. I noticed they have a new yellow ball that has a strap vs. a rope. I might try that if I need one, but I have 6 of these balls, 2 never used yet, 2 that are virtually new looking, and 2 that have been in play since september 2024. I don't think I'll be buying more any time soon, but if I do need more, I hope they haven't gone up to $24 each. One of my top, go-to training tools. Quality is great other than the shrink wrap around the string joint. It's junk but not essential. Great tug and fetch toy. Essential to teaching a good "out" command (2 are recommended for this).
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Reviewed in the United States on January 11, 2025
R
Verified Purchase
Rosalie
Battle Creek, US
★★★★★ 5
Best dog ball
This is our go to dog toy for our German shepherd. its great for training in sports as well as outings at the beach, considering it floats! Never had him destroy one, so its extremely durable. I like that its a bright color so its easier to locate when i accidently let go of the rope too late and end up whipping it 20 ft into the woods. Easy to clean, all around just a great toy. Also love the large size as having a dog accidently lodge a ball into its throat is a real fear of mine, I do not have to worry about that with this toy. I should also mention the rope is a must, as touching a slobbery ball isn't the greatest feeling in the world and it puts your hands out of harms way. I will forever order these.
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Reviewed in the United States on September 7, 2025
M
Verified Purchase
Mavis Adam
Natrona Heights, US
★★★★★ 4
Great ball, bad rope
Size: Medium, Number of Items: 1, Size: Medium, Number of Items: 1
My dog and I love the starmark ball on a rope tug toys. While this is one of the best tug toys we have found, I am continually disappointed with the quality of the rope. The plastic sleeve comes off the first day, and after that the stitching begins to weaken until the rope ends come apart and the rope slides out of the ball. Is there a way to improve this design so that this toy lasts longer? My dog is not left alone with the toy, it is only used as an interactive tug toy as a training reward. I am updating my review now several months later. I reinforced the rope with a paracord braid and the toy now lasts a very long time. My dog and I play with this toy everyday on our morning hike. He is a large German Shepherd with high ball drive. He carries this ball in his mouth several miles on our morning hike. We play fetch in the fields near our home and in the lake beyond the fields with this toy every day. This toy is his reward in obedience training and we play a lot of tug with it every day. Reinforcing the handle has made a huge difference as the toy lasts and lasts now with the improved rope. Great ball, we will always have a collection of them at our house!
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Reviewed in the United States on September 19, 2020
A
Verified Purchase
AGJ
Pawtucket, US
★★★★★ 5
Great for training and play!
Size: Medium, Number of Items: 1
My German shepherd love this toy! Great to take on walks with you as light weight and can fit in your pocket. Stands up to the toughest of play. Great as reward toy for training in place of treats! We always have one on hand at home or out and about!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on March 18, 2026

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