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.

Bad female acting, great drunk acting, mostly good

A terrific concept with a number of hilarious moments--If you're a particular type of Star Trek geek, anyway--marred in the audio by the fact that Wil Wheaton, who is PERFECT whenever he has to play someone drunk or panicking, makes no attempt to distinguish between male and female voices. This is especially jarring in Chapter One where a character named Dahl (male) meets and talks with one named Duvall (female), but it's a problem throughout in a story that identifies all characters by last names, and where sex/gender jokes are a regular part of the banter. If you've read the basic description and you're interested in a Star Trek parody, I can't see how this would disappoint you. Scalzi is smart and good and he delivers. Also, ends on a series of surprisingly sweet notes.

Fun and quirky

Quirky and fun like many of his books. I've never thought about the life of those who are extras in a series. It was a fun take on this. The three final chapters might have been better interwoven into the story as flash chapters rather than set aside.

So much fun!

Where does Redshirts rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Top of the stack

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

Korenski is easily the funniest character and I love the Chekov flavour added to the character

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

Yes! I"m only on chapter 18 and am enjoying it so much that I had to review it before I finished it!

Any additional comments?

Admittedly, this book is probably much more enjoyable for us Star Trek fans. Everyone can likely could find some humour in the "Red Shirts" concept, the humour, tone, and references are Star Trek all the way. And of course, listening to "Ensign Crusher" narrate the story makes it even funnier. I can picture Wil Wheaton fighting with himself to not laugh out loud through most of the narration. So glad I downloaded this!

Finally the story of the Red Shirts

Really funny and creative... especially to a Trek fan, but the coda (epilogues) were probably unnecessary. Will Weaton was great as usual.

I just couldn't stop listening.

Make sure you listen through all the codas, they are some of the best parts.

He said, She said

Good story, but Scalzi really overused the word “said” to the point it is very distracting. I really liked his other books, but this one was almost impossible. This Audible title really is in need of an editor that understands dialogue for the spoken word.

Every, Every Star Trek fan should listen to this!

Wil Wheaton's voice only enhances this story. It is completely in the vein of what Star Trek is and what some of us fans think it is behind the scenes. This book takes you a typical journey its twists, turns, and yeah I saw that coming. Then out of nowhere it hits you with a spin you expected but didn't figure it would be that. Without giving away the plot or too many details, all I can say is listen, laugh, and enjoy a different view of the Star Trek universe.

For a Good Time...Listen!!

I don't know why it took me so long to get around to this book, but I'm sure glad that I finally did!

Let me preface this by stating that I am pretty biased in favor of anything narrated by Wil Wheaton, but this was by far one of the most fun books I've read and/or listened to in a LONG time. Not one for spoilers I won't give anything away, but I will say that I was thrown for an absolute loop in the best way by this story. Highly recommend!

Great fun!

Loved the book, though the 3 codas seemed unnecessary. I would rather have left the book with the story begging my last memory of it.

Not too whippy.

Interesting premise; lost in the delivery. He said, and she said, on and on! However, I have not written a story that can best Mr. Scalzi's effort.

This was a Two for One purchase, so I think it is ineligible for return.