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.

A look from the other side of the mirror...

What did you love best about Redshirts?

This book does a nice job of switching perspectives to tell a story from the perspective of those who are mere plot devices in popular science fiction. The action is intentionally overplayed, which contributes well to the overall environment being built. The three codas were also interesting and fun to experience. The ending of the book was also very enjoyable, and completely surprising in the context of the genre.

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

Wil does an excellent job narrating this book. He adds depth to the characters and makes them come to life.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

The ending of the book was very touching and very well done.

Entertaining concept, but...

Would you try another book from John Scalzi and/or Wil Wheaton?

I might try another book from each, but not together. I'll need to compare to see whose talent brought this story down.

What did you like best about this story?

I really liked the alternate reality theory. The characters were entertaining and have good interaction.

Did Wil Wheaton do a good job differentiating all the characters? How?

Sorry, no. There was no difference between character voices, other that an occasional accent which came and went and traveled from character to character.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

No, not at theater prices. Definitely a "wait for the DVD".

Any additional comments?

Not sure if it was Wheatons narration or Scalzis writing, but single sentence statements followed by "(character name) said" get kind of annoying after the first thousand times. But on the plus side, since the characters all sound the same, it does help keep track of who is speaking.

Something is not quite right with the universe

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

I've had that feeling, perhaps you have too. This is a great read for anyone who has loved the TV sci-fi genre. Why do the low ranking members of the away team likely not to return?

Who was your favorite character and why?

This is Andrew Dahl's slow realization after receiving his prestigious assignment to the xenobiology lab aboard the Universal Union's flagship the Intrepid.
First every away mission involves a confrontation that turns lethal. Second, the captain, first officer and other high ranking members of the command crew always survive and third, one low ranking crew member is always killed.

Which scene was your favorite?

A great deal of energy is expended below decks to avoid being chosen for away missions. This is largely managed by one crewman who has managed to make himself invisible on board ship.

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

Not necessarily one I would sit through in one sitting, you certainly could. I usually always enjoy Wil Wheaton's performances.

Any additional comments?

There are 3 "codas" at the end that wrap up some loose ends and shows some alternate perspective to the events that transpire. A satisfying read all around.

Good Geek fun

This a quirky book well read and fun. But all that said it a not for everyone. I recommend this to Star Trek type geek (like me) or people to like books that explore ides of braking the wall be between the writer and the character. There is something interesting about the idea of a class of people who seem to exist only to be kill trying to change their role.

A Tour de Star Trek

Scalzi has another winner in this book! He's a master of his craft, holding suspension, using precise language, and keeping that action high. It's definitely a page turner. The story concept was cool, and the execution was flawless to my judgement. Good book! Makes ya think.

Wow

I just finished this book and it was great!! If you have ever been a fan of Star Trek you need to read this.

So enjoyable in so many ways

Great story told in a wonderful way. If you enjoy science fiction in any form, I expect you'll enjoy Redshirts too.

Great book better performance

a funny and then moving performance by Wheaton. The story is initially fun and nostalgic for any Trek fans out there, and then rife with cleverness and entertaining conceits.

Just stop half way through

This book is a fun tongue-in-cheek parody of Star Trek, specifically the Original Series. As a Star Trek fan, I enjoyed the book, until about half way through.

Near the half way point, the book takes a substantial turn and the characters leave the spaceship that they called home up to that point. I really did not care for the book after this turn and was disappointed that it consumed the remaining half of the book.

Also, the book "ends" with about two hours left, with a few Coda stories that take place after. The Coda stories do not continue the enjoyment from the first half of the book and are fairly forgettable.

Wheaton is a good reader, but it was sometimes difficult to differentiate character voices.

Overall, I liked where this book started, but the author should have taken the resolution elsewhere.

AUDIBLE 20 REVIEW SWEEPSTAKES ENTRY

Another good Scalzi

Any additional comments?

Star Trek fans will love it. Without giving too much away. The travel to the past was good fun.