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.

Saved the best for last.

Okay, let's just get a few things out of the way. Didn't love Will Wheatons delivery-obviously a question of personal taste. And, this is on the author, almost stopped after the first 5 minutes of "Hester said ..... Hanson said... Hester said." And, the story was way too close to a movie that I really like (rest in peace, Alan Rickman). BUT, if you wait it out to the last couple of chapters there are some nuggets of gold, or at least silver, to be found. This book is not prime rib, but I like potato chips too.

Awesome!

A well written comedic space adventure with a hint of serious.... seriously funny! Entertainment done right!

Another Scalzi Experience

Simply put, Scalzi never disappoints the reader. This book is no exception. Great story, well told with a mixture of thoughtful issues, excitement and humor. Add Will Wheaton’s exceptional narration and this book is a definite winner. Buy it ... now!

A Guilty Pleasure

Let's start out with the narration. Wil Wheaton does an amazing job (as always). The story is light and fun (yes, it tries to be heavy and philosophical at a few points, but really, it mostly a fun read). There were a few conversations where the "X said", "Y said" became annoying - but livable. Overall, get it, you will enjoy!

slow to start but very good

a little clunky dialog in the beginning. felt like I was going stop if I heard Will Wheaton say "he said" one more time. But then it starts rolling. Fun book and very good reading.

shaky start, strong finish.

This isn't a long book, maybe going as far as to call it a Flick, and I don't plan to revisit it, but I do recommend it! The early narrative in the book has a very 'x said, y said, x said' repetition, which falls flat after having read the Skalzi's 2006 'Android's Dream' (100% recommend that too). The second half of the book makes up for it though, with philosophy, love and some good old fashioned Science Fiction. Wheaton does a great narration too!

Great story

This is a must if you are a Star Trek Fan, Will does an outstanding job reading.
the book is both fun and gives you something to think about.

A great performance and a great story.

I have a few books by Scalzi, and a few more read by Wheaton, but this is probably the best of the best of the bunch. The story is full of tongue in cheek jabs at various SciFi shows, while still managing to be an engaging story in itself.

At the same time, Wheaton's performance is fitting both for his voice talent and his previous acting experience. The last three chapters especially, were particularly moving.

I highly suggest this book to anyone who's even ever heard of Star Trek.

Fantastically Entertaining

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

This book is a must have for any fan of sci-fi series, especially of Star Trek.

What did you like best about this story?

The author brought interesting and amusing views on the subject of Redshirts, that is so iconic in the Star Trek universe. It was hard to stop listening when I had to, but I was eager to pick up right away. I laughed through the entire book.

A great, original story.

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

Wil Wheaton did a wonderful job portraying all of the characters. I look forward to listening to more stories narrated by Will Wheaton.

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

I wanted to listen to this book all in one sitting, but life got in the way and I was forced to listen in several sittings.

Its Good

Take Star Trek, The Twilight Zone, and the movie Galaxy Quest. throw in references from Star Wars, Dune and The Six Million Dollar Man, and you've got Redshirts a pretty funny, and touching story.