What do you think?
Rate this book
Confessions of a Trash Droid: Fatal Error: Book 1
T.E.D.D. is a trash droid with glitches, sarcasm to spare, and zero interest in dealing with our crap.
Unfortunately, quitting isn’t easy when blackouts, psychotic episodes, and a corporate death squad are on your tail. To survive, T.E.D.D. must embrace his anomaly—and maybe even team up with the humans he can’t stand. Equal parts dry wit and reluctant heroics, a darkly comic sci-fi about the little guy’s fight against the machine and what it means to be human.
Perfect for fans of Martha Wells, Asimov, John Scalzi, Andy Weir, and Adrian Tchaikovsky.
Praise For "Confessions of a Trash Droid"
"Loved it! Had me hooked. Packed with laughs and adventure." - Jim Gomes
"Couldn’t put it down! Clever humor and dark twists. A fantastic read!” - Frank Wesley
"Riveting. Great book, highly recommend it." - Paul Guerette
"Witty, raw and authentic writing." - Patrick Clark
"Sardonic, indomitable character. A laugh-out-loud, engaging read." - Cash Anthony
"Great read. Filled with humor and suspense. I loved it and can't wait for the next one!" - Dale Hodges
"Couldn't stop reading! Powerful and gripping. It's like Blade Runner meets The Office. Brilliant!" - Joyce Patel
Unfortunately, quitting isn’t easy when blackouts, psychotic episodes, and a corporate death squad are on your tail. To survive, T.E.D.D. must embrace his anomaly—and maybe even team up with the humans he can’t stand. Equal parts dry wit and reluctant heroics, a darkly comic sci-fi about the little guy’s fight against the machine and what it means to be human.
Perfect for fans of Martha Wells, Asimov, John Scalzi, Andy Weir, and Adrian Tchaikovsky.
Praise For "Confessions of a Trash Droid"
"Loved it! Had me hooked. Packed with laughs and adventure." - Jim Gomes
"Couldn’t put it down! Clever humor and dark twists. A fantastic read!” - Frank Wesley
"Riveting. Great book, highly recommend it." - Paul Guerette
"Witty, raw and authentic writing." - Patrick Clark
"Sardonic, indomitable character. A laugh-out-loud, engaging read." - Cash Anthony
"Great read. Filled with humor and suspense. I loved it and can't wait for the next one!" - Dale Hodges
"Couldn't stop reading! Powerful and gripping. It's like Blade Runner meets The Office. Brilliant!" - Joyce Patel
- GenresScience FictionAudiobook
159 pages, Paperback
Published September 8, 2025
520 people are currently reading
122 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
October 10, 2025
I loved the Murderbot series so I thought this one would be perfect. Ehhh.. it tries to be murderbot and falls way short. I rather forgot TEDD was even a droid because of all the human characteristics he has. And his inner monologue didn't feel natural at all.
Ending up DNF'ing
Ending up DNF'ing
September 23, 2025
very entertaining, an attention grabber
I enjoyed reading this book that didn’t take long. Tedd is a lively character and his adventures kept me engaged.
I enjoyed reading this book that didn’t take long. Tedd is a lively character and his adventures kept me engaged.
December 2, 2025
A Hilarious, Fast-Paced Sci-Fi Surprise
I came across 'Confessions of a Trash Droid' as a random Facebook recommendation—and something told me to give it a look. What a find this turned out to be.
First-person perspective isn’t usually my thing, but I immediately fell in love with T.E.D.D.—the sardonic, self-aware, and hilariously relatable droid whose voice carries this story. It’s a short, fast-paced read packed with wit, heart, and more personality than most human characters in modern sci-fi.
T.E.D.D. also has great taste in music. I even found myself adding some of his playlist choices to my Spotify so I could listen right along with him during his adventures.
Now... on to Book Two. 😎
I came across 'Confessions of a Trash Droid' as a random Facebook recommendation—and something told me to give it a look. What a find this turned out to be.
First-person perspective isn’t usually my thing, but I immediately fell in love with T.E.D.D.—the sardonic, self-aware, and hilariously relatable droid whose voice carries this story. It’s a short, fast-paced read packed with wit, heart, and more personality than most human characters in modern sci-fi.
T.E.D.D. also has great taste in music. I even found myself adding some of his playlist choices to my Spotify so I could listen right along with him during his adventures.
Now... on to Book Two. 😎
October 16, 2025
This is brilliant. Really off the wall, comedy genius sci-fi
This book came to my attention because I've read Michael Cheney's other work, and it's very different.
The quality of writing, characters etc is as good, but it's much more irreverent. The humour is superb. I'm onto book two now - this was only supposed to be a short break from another author's series but I can feel a huge detour now.
Sample quotes, most of which will seem out of context, but they appeal to my sense of humour:
I beamed the Manager, and he said you’d be happy to step in to fulfil his duties.” “Yes, disposing of bodies in the dead of night has been on my bucket list for a while now.”
I go to clink Sarah’s bottle with mine. It takes an ungodly amount of restraint and advanced calculations to make the impact with the correct force. Too much and I could smash both bottles and every bone in her delicate hand. Too little and I might come across like an Englishman with a china teacup (which would be a lot worse).
“So, what’s with the mask and feet?” she says. Well, it was a good run. I shared a drink at a bar with a woman. We had reciprocal bottle- clinkage. I can go to the Smelting Depot as a happy droid.
There is much I’ve yet to learn about humans. But one thing I know is they put slapstick humor pretty low down on their list of funeral must- haves.
This book came to my attention because I've read Michael Cheney's other work, and it's very different.
The quality of writing, characters etc is as good, but it's much more irreverent. The humour is superb. I'm onto book two now - this was only supposed to be a short break from another author's series but I can feel a huge detour now.
Sample quotes, most of which will seem out of context, but they appeal to my sense of humour:
I beamed the Manager, and he said you’d be happy to step in to fulfil his duties.” “Yes, disposing of bodies in the dead of night has been on my bucket list for a while now.”
I go to clink Sarah’s bottle with mine. It takes an ungodly amount of restraint and advanced calculations to make the impact with the correct force. Too much and I could smash both bottles and every bone in her delicate hand. Too little and I might come across like an Englishman with a china teacup (which would be a lot worse).
“So, what’s with the mask and feet?” she says. Well, it was a good run. I shared a drink at a bar with a woman. We had reciprocal bottle- clinkage. I can go to the Smelting Depot as a happy droid.
There is much I’ve yet to learn about humans. But one thing I know is they put slapstick humor pretty low down on their list of funeral must- haves.
November 24, 2025
I am truly at a loss for why this has such good reviews. It's obviously a highly derivative, self-published story. It seems that even audiobooks are now being inundated with self-published work. I don't mind that it's so obviously derivative of the Murder Bot series. However, unlike the murder bot, this character is not very likable. He is whiney, irritating, and kills people much too easily. It is difficult for me to imagine a world where humanity would build robots that are so destructive and dangerous to humans.
Strangely, the story is written in the first person, present tense. This does not make any kind of sense. How could somebody be narrating in the first person as the story happens? A decent editor could definitely have convinced the author to rewrite this either in the first person past tense, or the third person present tense.
And as for the story, it's just entertaining enough to get through. I'm not overly interested in seeing where the story goes from here. I"ve kind of had my fill of cheeky, pithy negativity. It seems to be all the rage these days. It's one of the great ironies of modern existence that people try so hard to be different, but just end up being the same. Oh, and why would a robot find a human female so irresistibly attractive? Give me a break.
I may or may not continue the series.
2.4 out of 5.
Strangely, the story is written in the first person, present tense. This does not make any kind of sense. How could somebody be narrating in the first person as the story happens? A decent editor could definitely have convinced the author to rewrite this either in the first person past tense, or the third person present tense.
And as for the story, it's just entertaining enough to get through. I'm not overly interested in seeing where the story goes from here. I"ve kind of had my fill of cheeky, pithy negativity. It seems to be all the rage these days. It's one of the great ironies of modern existence that people try so hard to be different, but just end up being the same. Oh, and why would a robot find a human female so irresistibly attractive? Give me a break.
I may or may not continue the series.
2.4 out of 5.
November 2, 2025
***POSSIBLE SPOILERS**
As other reviewers have written, I feel like this is trying too hard to pass itself off as a Murderbot book. And the author falls very short of pulling it off.
The droid, TEDD is sarcastic, negative and will outright give the middle finger to anyone he disagrees with. I have to admit the character did have some funny one liners. But unlike Murderbot, TEDD just isn't that smart and doesn't seem to know when to reel his attitude in, which constantly gets him in trouble in. It you want a summation of who TEDD is, think Bender from the animated tv series Futurama.
There was also confusion for me. TEDD is a droid who holds a great disdain for humans, often referring to them as "meat sacks", yet it becomes clear he's attracted to a woman he is on the run with. WTH?
Getting through the last 3/4 of the book was a slog. It had a few funny one liners but way too much running from other droids and humans sent to capture him. Each time, just as TEDD is about to catch his breath, those chasing him predictably show up in droves.
I have no interest in moving forward with the book series.
As other reviewers have written, I feel like this is trying too hard to pass itself off as a Murderbot book. And the author falls very short of pulling it off.
The droid, TEDD is sarcastic, negative and will outright give the middle finger to anyone he disagrees with. I have to admit the character did have some funny one liners. But unlike Murderbot, TEDD just isn't that smart and doesn't seem to know when to reel his attitude in, which constantly gets him in trouble in. It you want a summation of who TEDD is, think Bender from the animated tv series Futurama.
There was also confusion for me. TEDD is a droid who holds a great disdain for humans, often referring to them as "meat sacks", yet it becomes clear he's attracted to a woman he is on the run with. WTH?
Getting through the last 3/4 of the book was a slog. It had a few funny one liners but way too much running from other droids and humans sent to capture him. Each time, just as TEDD is about to catch his breath, those chasing him predictably show up in droves.
I have no interest in moving forward with the book series.
November 7, 2025
Mildly confusing (No spoilers)
I like this concept. Picture of you will a slightly malfunctioning android getting caught up in inexplicably odd situations, often with sub-optimal results. Now. Imagine you ARE the aforementioned silicate life-form!
This book, narrated from the pov of the droid is an unusual twist on a survival story. The out hero, the eponymous Trash droid, finds himself in "situations" which he has to navigate by his own wit, intelligence and luck.
It seemed a little strange to begin with, starting in the middle of an "issue" but why becomes more inexplicable as you progress. Occasional industrial language, of which I'm not a fan, in this case doesn't detract from a well written, at times humorous, at time exciting tale and this is only part one!
So, now the world is established, the hero introduced, I'm looking forward to book 2 and subsequent instalments! I can definitely recommend you read this!
I like this concept. Picture of you will a slightly malfunctioning android getting caught up in inexplicably odd situations, often with sub-optimal results. Now. Imagine you ARE the aforementioned silicate life-form!
This book, narrated from the pov of the droid is an unusual twist on a survival story. The out hero, the eponymous Trash droid, finds himself in "situations" which he has to navigate by his own wit, intelligence and luck.
It seemed a little strange to begin with, starting in the middle of an "issue" but why becomes more inexplicable as you progress. Occasional industrial language, of which I'm not a fan, in this case doesn't detract from a well written, at times humorous, at time exciting tale and this is only part one!
So, now the world is established, the hero introduced, I'm looking forward to book 2 and subsequent instalments! I can definitely recommend you read this!
October 11, 2025
Get the book 'cause it has a non-human POV.
Getting this book was a no-brainer since I love Murderbot and I had to see if a Trash Droid, call 'em T.E.D.D. was special too! Well I was a bit disappointed. Although it's rather engaging I didn't find Ted that special. I guess I was expecting too much! I found that Teddy wasn't nearly as personable as Murderbot. Although he is quite different and is his own Droid. And yeah I do think that the story and Tedd will get better as the reader delves deeper into the storyline.
Here's a quote:
"...it’s a Clunker robot. Big, bulky, and as dumb as a microwave."
Getting this book was a no-brainer since I love Murderbot and I had to see if a Trash Droid, call 'em T.E.D.D. was special too! Well I was a bit disappointed. Although it's rather engaging I didn't find Ted that special. I guess I was expecting too much! I found that Teddy wasn't nearly as personable as Murderbot. Although he is quite different and is his own Droid. And yeah I do think that the story and Tedd will get better as the reader delves deeper into the storyline.
Here's a quote:
"...it’s a Clunker robot. Big, bulky, and as dumb as a microwave."
October 23, 2025
TEDD is hilarious but maybe too human seeming.
Confessions of a Trash Droid: Illegal Operation by Michael Cheney
1st in series. Trash Droid is a TEDD (Trash, Excavation and Disposal Droid) with anomalies, one of which is that he's become sentient. Another that he blacks out. Because of this the powers-that-be are talking of deactivating him, but he wants to live. Story is full of puns, teen potty humor and just funny at times. "He" often seems too human. Looking forward to the next in series.
Confessions of a Trash Droid: Illegal Operation by Michael Cheney
1st in series. Trash Droid is a TEDD (Trash, Excavation and Disposal Droid) with anomalies, one of which is that he's become sentient. Another that he blacks out. Because of this the powers-that-be are talking of deactivating him, but he wants to live. Story is full of puns, teen potty humor and just funny at times. "He" often seems too human. Looking forward to the next in series.
November 9, 2025
DNF at 10%
“I still gave it five stars. I admire acts of creation.” - You cannot trick me into not rating you what you deserve.
Trash Bot is exactly what it says on the tin, trash. Hastily thrown together slop trying and failing miserably to be Murderbot.
The “jokes” are juvenile, and even calling them jokes feels generous. This is someone who clearly wants to write Murderbot, but doesn’t understand how Wells’ style works, and so they just throw shit jokes at the wall, and fail at sarcasm.
It’s exhausting to read, don’t bother.
“I still gave it five stars. I admire acts of creation.” - You cannot trick me into not rating you what you deserve.
Trash Bot is exactly what it says on the tin, trash. Hastily thrown together slop trying and failing miserably to be Murderbot.
The “jokes” are juvenile, and even calling them jokes feels generous. This is someone who clearly wants to write Murderbot, but doesn’t understand how Wells’ style works, and so they just throw shit jokes at the wall, and fail at sarcasm.
It’s exhausting to read, don’t bother.
November 3, 2025
Confessions of a Trash Droid: Fatal Error reads like Murderbot Diaries crashed into the dry, irreverent wit of Terry Pratchett’s Discworld. I think many of the lower-rated reviews missed that this book intends to be funny it balances satire, snark, and sci-fi adventure in equal measure. You do need a bit of “willing suspension of disbelief,” but that’s part of its charm. From the very first page, it establishes its tone and never wavers clever, fast, and full of bite.
October 2, 2025
Not Trashy at all
The concept of a sentient trash droid appealed to me and still still does even more so after reading this book. TEDD has the kind of personality you would expect and it works for the story. Nothing mind blowingly orginal but very entrtaining. Cheney did a good job of world building. Im looking forward to book two.
The concept of a sentient trash droid appealed to me and still still does even more so after reading this book. TEDD has the kind of personality you would expect and it works for the story. Nothing mind blowingly orginal but very entrtaining. Cheney did a good job of world building. Im looking forward to book two.
October 2, 2025
Tedd is funny, glitchy, and maybe way smarter than a trash droid is supposed to be. He's totally giving Deadpool vibes. I enjoyed it a lot, although things get sort of jerky and random toward the end. And it ends on a cliff hanger. No problem: the book is quite short and all three books are available.
October 27, 2025
Absolutely Hilarious
Oh I laughed out loud so many times. What a brilliant concept... with an outstanding delivery system. TEDD Rocks and I can't wait to read about his next adventure.
Oh I laughed out loud so many times. What a brilliant concept... with an outstanding delivery system. TEDD Rocks and I can't wait to read about his next adventure.
October 30, 2025
I was worried this was just going to be another MB copy but I was happily wrong. I enjoyed this book immensely, it was fast paced and witty. The interactions and snark didn’t feel forced at all. I’m on to the next book immediately!
December 3, 2025
Not nearly as charming or well written as The Murderbot Diaries. Feels like an obvious attempt to cash in on the popularity of the better series. But it’s redeemed by being interesting in its own right and fairly well-written.
October 5, 2025
Short but exciting!
Quick read that catches your interest fast and holds it - and all too soon it's over! Can't wait to start book 2!
Quick read that catches your interest fast and holds it - and all too soon it's over! Can't wait to start book 2!
October 7, 2025
Couldn't finish. I staggered through about 70% and then gave up the will.
October 8, 2025
Trash Droid
Not the type of book I usually read,but I really enjoyed this story. It made me laugh out loud and I am looking forward to the next book.
Not the type of book I usually read,but I really enjoyed this story. It made me laugh out loud and I am looking forward to the next book.
October 12, 2025
Fast-paced, very funny, lots of violence but somehow it doesn't seem real--more like the TV cartoons. A fun read, not to be taken too seriously.
October 12, 2025
It was ok. I kept thinking of Murderbot though who had a better voice.
October 16, 2025
It is a good read for a variation, but not really my cup of tea!
October 22, 2025
Excellent
Silly, yes... But a fun read.... I've ordered the next in the series. 🙂Kindle is telling me I need to put 6 more words and just writing this satifyes that demand.
Silly, yes... But a fun read.... I've ordered the next in the series. 🙂Kindle is telling me I need to put 6 more words and just writing this satifyes that demand.
October 28, 2025
Silly and inane, and entertaining if you're looking for something light. Totally unbelievable, it's like reading slapstick. I enjoyed it.
October 29, 2025
Forced, stupid and juvenile humor.
October 30, 2025
Enjoyed reading this. TEDD is very funny and lively character
October 30, 2025
Super fun read. The audio book was great! Already got the second one. I am hoping three and four will be on audio as well.
November 12, 2025
I love stories with droid main characters - this one was a bit random but mostly enjoyable.
November 18, 2025
Interesting
It’s an interesting start, let’s see where the series takes us. I would cautiously recommend this. Hope it’s the right call.
It’s an interesting start, let’s see where the series takes us. I would cautiously recommend this. Hope it’s the right call.
November 18, 2025
Enjoyed the wry humor and interesting adventure. A real page turner
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews