Fuzzy Nation

By: John Scalzi

Narrated by: Wil Wheaton, John Scalzi - introduction

Length: 7 hrs and 19 mins

Publisher's summary

In John Scalzi's re-imagining of H. Beam Piper's 1962 sci-fi classic Little Fuzzy, written with the full cooperation of the Piper Estate, Jack Holloway works alone for reasons he doesn't care to talk about. On the distant planet Zarathustra, Jack is content as an independent contractor for ZaraCorp, prospecting and surveying at his own pace. As for his past, that's not up for discussion.

Then, in the wake of an accidental cliff collapse, Jack discovers a seam of unimaginably valuable jewels, to which he manages to lay legal claim just as ZaraCorp is cancelling their contract with him for his part in causing the collapse. Briefly in the catbird seat, legally speaking, Jack pressures ZaraCorp into recognizing his claim, and cuts them in as partners to help extract the wealth.

But there's another wrinkle to ZaraCorp's relationship with the planet Zarathustra. Their entire legal right to exploit the verdant Earth-like planet, the basis of the wealth they derive from extracting its resources, is based on being able to certify to the authorities on Earth that Zarathustra is home to no sentient species. Then a small furry biped - trusting, appealing, and ridiculously cute - shows up at Jack's outback home. Followed by its family. As it dawns on Jack that despite their stature, these are people, he begins to suspect that ZaraCorp's claim to a planet's worth of wealth is very flimsy indeed and that ZaraCorp may stop at nothing to eliminate the fuzzys before their existence becomes more widely known.

©2011 John Scalzi (P)2011 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

• Audie Award Winner, Science Fiction, 2012

“[Scalzi’s] style and skill make it a highly entertaining read. It succeeds both as a new novel from a talented writer and as a tribute and gateway to Piper’s work.” ( Wired)

"It’s a wonderful book.... [T]he way that Scalzi puts that wonderful novel of Piper’s into a fresher context is cynically lovely.... Year’s best? Yeah, one of them." ( The San Diego Union-Tribune)

“A perfectly executed plot clicks its way to a stunning courtroom showdown in a cathartic finish that will thrill Fuzzy fans old and new.” ( Publishers Weekly)

Couldn’t stop

Again great work by Scalzi and performance by Wheaton. Very happy to stay up very very late till the end.

Great listen. Lots of fun

I don’t often leave reviews but I really enjoyed this book. Good dialogue and entertaining story. I normally just listen while drinking but found myself listening to this outside of the car because I didn’t want to stop listening. I normally listen to books that are part of a series, but this was a great stand alone book. Reminded me of books from the bobiverse and “Ready Player One”. Narration by Wil Wheaton was great

I loved every minute

great twist and turns. loved it all reader was more than great. looking for more.

Wow!

As with the Locked in Series, this book was excellent. And Per your introduction, Wil Wheaton was the right person to narrate this book as well as the other two. Not since Marion Bradley Zimmer have I found an author who could renew my interest in SCI-FI. Truly enjoyable experience.

Incredible Story Done So Well

This was one of the most enjoyable books I have listened to in a very long time. Incredibly crafted story performed to perfection. This ranks with the best science fiction ever. Truly exceptional!

Great story, great performance!

This was an enthralling story told by an excellent storyteller performed by an outstanding narrator, and, yes, a very funny choice of actor knowing his history.

Worthy!

Having read both Piper's original story long ago and now this one.....? I do believe Piper would've loved it! I know I certainly enjoyed it very much.
No, no spoilers here. I advise you to get it.

Nice retelling of an interesting story

I find myself really liking this story of an antihero, discovering a new people, fighting a corrupt corporation, legal cunning, all in a futuristic setting. Also, explosions. To be exact; a dog setting off an explosion... allegedly.

For those that did not know this book is a re-imagining of H. Beam Piper's classic Little Fuzzy. We find Jack Holloway as he discovers a seam of unimaginably valuable jewels on the planet Zarathustra , which is about to make Jack a very rich man along with his employer, ZaraCorp. However, their legal right to exploit the might be challenged by the native small furry biped creatures that shows up at Jack's home. Jack soon finds out that these seemingly animals might actually be people. In this case ZaraCorp has much to lose and they may not be willing to let go so easily.

What's great about this book is its wit and its social discovery of a people. I would say that this book has a good start, slows a little to set up some plot and background, and then really gets witty around halfway through during some trials. Overall, it is an interesting book.

I will say that I am a Wil Wheaton and I feel that he does a good job here. However, Wil doesn't even try to make female characters sound feminine with his voice.

Super Sci-fi

I loved this story. There are adorable furry aliens with some interesting twists and turns. Couldn't stop listening till the end. Wil Wheaton was just fantastic! I'll definitely be looking for more audio books narrated by him!

Buy this book!!!!

Despite the fact that John Scalzi never disappoints, I was really hesitant to get this book because the plot sounded so hokey. Then it popped up on a 2 for 1 offer so I took the plunge. Now I'm ashamed for doubting Scalzi's ability to weave a fantastical plot into a great story. Like his other titles, this is the kind of book that you can listen to with your kids. Actually, this is the kind of book you should listen to with your kids, because the life lessons in it are ones about thinking beyond ones self and how they should treat other creatures, will help them become better people.