Agent to the Stars

By: John Scalzi

Narrated by: Wil Wheaton

Length: 8 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's summary

The space-faring Yherajk have come to Earth to meet us and to begin humanity's first interstellar friendship. There's just one problem: They're hideously ugly and they smell like rotting fish. So getting humanity's trust is a challenge. The Yherajk need someone who can help them close the deal. Enter Thomas Stein, who knows something about closing deals. He's one of Hollywood's hottest young agents. But although Stein may have just concluded the biggest deal of his career, it's quite another thing to negotiate for an entire alien race. To earn his percentage this time, he's going to need all the smarts, skills, and wits he can muster.

©2005 John Scalzi (P)2010 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

“Narrator Wil Wheaton animates the slapstick text with a tone that is appropriate for the story of a young Tinsel Town agent whose other clients are either equally deranged or aren't making him much money.” ( AudioFile)

Quite a surprise

Any additional comments?

The book was a fascinating glimpse into Hollywood and a unique perspective on first contact. The writing and acting were top notch. I really felt like Tom was a real person. The nearly unflappable and reasonable manner that Tom Stein, the protagonist, presented to situations that would send many catatonic felt real. I've rarely felt so close to characters in a book - they felt and sounded like real people.

Loved it. Clever, Funny and Interesting

I thoroughly enjoyed the book. The story went places I did not expect and the narration was excellent. Woof!

A fun book!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, because it's a fun read. Not to be taken too seriously, similar to Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy.

What did you like best about this story?

The premise is ridiculous and fun. Good writing, funny and I warmed up to Wheaton's performance.

Which character – as performed by Wil Wheaton – was your favorite?

Probably Joshua, although I think he did a good job with most of the characters. Wheaton's performance of Joshua seemed to fit the character particularly well.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Nose plugs not included.

Good Listen!

Would you listen to Agent to the Stars again? Why?

I don't know. I may in a few years, once I've forgotten the details, it was enjoyable, and easy to follow.

What other book might you compare Agent to the Stars to and why?

Ready Player One, just because both were read by Wil Wheaton.

Have you listened to any of Wil Wheaton’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes, it ranks right up there with Ready Player One. I'd definitely recommend listening to something else between, otherwise you may accidentally assign voices to previous characters :)

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

initially - no, but toward the end, yeah, I couldn't wait to hear what happened.

Any additional comments?

It was slow to start, but once I got hooked, I was definitely hooked.

I loved this book!

This is the first John Scalzi I've ever read but it certainly won't be the last. I very much enjoyed Wil Wheaton as the narrator as well. I was very sad and somewhat grumpy that the book ended- it was that good.

Not My Typical Genre

I picked this up because it was on sale, but I loved it. It's not as heavy Sci-fi, and it's pretty funny.

Definitely Different

This is one of the best sci-fi novels I have read in a long time. Highly recommended.

Good and bad...

The story actually started out great with a few memorable characters, but the alien twist was just weird, and while it was supposed to be the center of the story, it didn't fit; this coming from someone who only listens to YA Fantasy or Sci-fi. Ending was like falling off a cliff.

Hard to stop listening.

Fun story, great narration, not a borring listen. I could listen to it again. I would place this book on my top ten audible listens to date. John Skalzi is one of my favorite authors, and Wil Wheaton is the best narrator I have heard so far. Just my opinion.

Hello from/through hollywood

There is always some absurdity in Scalzi's narratives this time the aliens communicate by smells. Now that I think about it, ants do the same. May not be by smell but by pheromones. The ending was brilliant! Maybe that's how they will do it if they come by. What better way to introduce yourself.

Brilliant plot excellent narration as always Scalzi and Wheaton.