Redshirts

A Novel with Three Codas

By: John Scalzi

Narrated by: Wil Wheaton

Length: 7 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's summary

Ensign Andrew Dahl has just been assigned to the Universal Union Capital Ship Intrepid, flagship of the Universal Union since the year 2456. It’s a prestige posting, and Andrew is thrilled all the more to be assigned to the ship’s Xenobiology laboratory. Life couldn’t be better…until Andrew begins to pick up on the facts that (1) every Away Mission involves some kind of lethal confrontation with alien forces; (2) the ship’s captain, its chief science officer, and the handsome Lieutenant Kerensky always survive these confrontations; and (3) at least one low-ranked crew member is, sadly, always killed.

Not surprisingly, a great deal of energy below decks is expended on avoiding, at all costs, being assigned to an Away Mission. Then Andrew stumbles on information that completely transforms his and his colleagues’ understanding of what the starship Intrepid really is…and offers them a crazy, high-risk chance to save their own lives.

©2012 John Scalzi (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

I love this book!

I love the story! Yes, it was a lot of he said she said at the beginning of the book. But it either goes away or you get used to it. I actually like the second half better than the first. Unexpected, and yet, expected. But in a lovely way.

Rip Roaring Fun

I don't think I have ever read a more self-aware book. I laughed so much during this book. A lot of the time, I was laughing at the sheer ridiculousness of the story. I loved the way Scalzi brought in just about every science fiction trope that I can think of and worked it into the story. I loved the silliness in the story. I thought it was hilarious (as in private joke hilarious) that Wil Wheaton was reading this story. Really, I just loved this book. It's not this amazing work of fiction that will go down in history as the greatest story ever. But it is tons of fun. I have never watched the Star Trek series but I have watched science fiction and thought this was so much fun. I have a feeling if I was a Star Trek fan, I would have had even more fun with the story. If you're a sci-fi fan, I recommend you check this book out.

Mostly A Good Book

First let me say I am not usually a big fan of getting shorts books via Audible. I am always iffy about the value. But I felt this book had enough going for it to push it over the edge.

Let me say it is an enjoyable story and I am happy I got it. In particular Wil Wheaton really makes the book with an excellent job. While I have seen him in a lot of tv and dvd roles I wasn't sure what to expect with him as a reader. He was able to bring a lot of emotion to the characters and really bring the story to life.

As to the story itself. The first 25% is really good. I was really into it and loved where it was going and what it was doing. The second 25% was fairly predictable and a bit slower but still fun. The 3rd 25% was still good but seemed to be going by the numbers and closed off the main story. I felt so much more could have been done with the premise and was disappointed that the author seemed to choose the easy way out. The final 25% was mostly a waste. It was made up of the codas and didn't seem to really add anything interesting. By the way the main plot ended I had hoped things would have gone in a different direction but alas no.

In the end while I did enjoy the book and loved the narration it ended up being less than it could have been which is too bad. I would still recommend it to people who like things like Star Trek and sci fi with comedy but I can't say it is anything awesome.

okay story, but "shut up Wesley!"

honestly not Scalzi's best work, but not bad, however it was made almost painful to finish due to Will Wheaton's awful, flat, lazy performance. Honestly I don't really get why some like Wheaton as a narrator.

Great twist

I can totally see why this won a Hugo!

You have to bear with a few too many “said X” that are more pronounced because of it being the audio version, but hang tight. It’s worth it.

So much more than just a Star Trek parody.

So much more than just a Star Trek parody. You won't believe where the story takes you.

This was a funny idea turned into a too cute novel

Scalzi tried to write the funny story that he knew was out there in the idea of the red shirts trope. It felt to me like he was forcing an idea. It was fun, but not great. I only kind of liked it (for a Scalzi novel, which is still better than a lot of other novels). Wheaton definitely saves the show with his amazing narration and many inside jokes that only a Star Trek alumni could pull off.

Great Narration

I recently discovered John Scalzi's stories and find his writing entertaining and a fun listen. Redshirts is a concept story based loosely on the fabled Star Trek abuse of crew who were identified by their red shirts and who always seemed to die in some horrible way. Scalzi's story moves quickly and takes a few twists and turns that are quite unexpected.

I enjoyed the novel, but the true brilliance of the book comes from the three "coda" stories at the end. These are some of the best short stories around, which contrast poignant emotion with the more light-hearted novel. The final coda was an absolutely terrific love story, brilliantly read by Wil Wheaton.

Wil Wheaton's reading is spot on. I'm wary of books read by celebrity talent, but Wheaton shows a range of voice and emotion that brings out the characters, the wry dialog, and the emotions of the book. He's more than up for the task and I look forward to hearing more stories he's narrated.

80's Beverly hills 90210 meets Star Trek

I was well impressed as I listened to this book I thought the idea was very good and that it was entertaining, perhaps this would make a good movie and that I must send a copy to my friend who lives in the the U.S.
Then in the last quarter section the characters seemed to turn from amusing to annoying, whining like spoilt L.A high school kids. I don't want to ruin it for anyone but the ending is just sentimental and vomit inducing , only suitable for the most hardcore Oprah Winfrey fan.

Fun read especially for star trek fans

After listening to Wil read ready player one I didn't feel he brought as much to this book but the story and thought provoking idea was enjoyable.