The Android's Dream

By: John Scalzi

Narrated by: Wil Wheaton

Length: 10 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's summary

A human diplomat creates an interstellar incident when he kills an alien diplomat in a most unusual way. To avoid war, Earth's government must find an equally unusual object: A type of sheep ("The Android's Dream"), used in the alien race's coronation ceremony.

To find the sheep, the government turns to Harry Creek, ex-cop, war hero and hacker extraordinaire, who with the help of Brian Javna, a childhood friend turned artificial intelligence, scours the earth looking for the rare creature. And they find it, in the unknowing form of Robin Baker, pet store owner, whose genes contain traces of the sheep DNA. But there are others with plans for the sheep as well: Mercenaries employed by the military. Adherents of a secret religion based on the writings of a 21st century science-fiction author. And alien races, eager to start a revolution on their home world and a war on Earth.

To keep our planet from being enslaved, Harry will have to pull off the greatest diplomatic coup in history, a grand gambit that will take him from the halls of power to the lava-strewn battlefields of alien worlds. There's only one chance to get it right, to save the life of Robin Baker - and to protect the future of humanity.

©2006 John Scalzi (P)2010 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"With plenty of alien gore to satisfy fans of military SF and inventive jabs at pretend patriotism and self-serving civil service, Scalzi delivers an effervescent but intelligent romp." ( Publishers Weekly)

Enjoyable overall

Had to get past the first chapter, which was primarily a fart joke. Overall a pretty enjoyable tale in line with Scalzi's style.

Good, but not itching for the next.

Funny and witty, this author certainly draws from inspirations like Douglas Adams. A good sci-fi story with smart, likable characters and a fun "world." He balances real emotion with humor quite well. There were plenty of twists and turns that I wasn't expecting.

Wil Wheaton does a good job narrating, but nothing exceptional.

For me, the book bounced around a bit too much, maybe shared information that wasn't really relevant. Sometimes I found myself drifting. Still enjoyed it.

a lighter take on a Scalzi space drama

A fun, lighter side of the Scalzi space world. Wheaton is a good orator but uses, literally, his own voice only. And that is fine, but don't expect voice acting. This is one man reading a book to you in his own voice only. Otherwise it's a twisty space dramedy worth the listen.

What Delightful Silliness

What delightful silliness. Douglas Adams would have enjoyed it, or think Carl Hiassen-like science fiction. Sends up venal politicians and diplomats, with a jab at Scientology to boot, all in an exciting, well written, delightful romp.

Thoroughly enjoyable

My first Scalzi novel, would read more.

There were a few sections of over-exposition followed by death of a minor characters who had learnt the startling new details which moved the story along for the reader, but left the protagonists oblivious. This annoyed me, but I’m not sure why, I’m reasonably sure Pat Rothfuss’ approach of only telling the story from the protagonists view isn’t widely adopted.

I felt that Scalzi hooked me with some action and some good but relatively light Worldbuilding and then as he slowly reeled me in with added layer upon layer of depth.

He arguably could have written a good light sci fi action novel without that depth, but the book is so much better for it

entertaining, thought-provoking, and Sassy

This is my new favorite science-fiction novel.
Wil Wheaton does an amazing job narrating an amazing book. The author really understands the human condition's need for interaction with religion, government, and each other and puts all of these elements together into a narrative that explores some of the less sensible parts of each one of these categories. It was full of just the right combination of action and comedy, and I did not want to stop listening.

Too Many F Bombs

My husband, who is in the construction industry, even found the language in this book to be offputting instead of humorously over the top. I like Scalzi's original storytelling but like it even less.

He went from Tapeworm to Goerthe....

If you enjoy Scalzi, don't hesitate to pick this up. All of the heart and technical brilliance that one would expect. Harry Creek may stand as my favorite Scalzi creation. Very unconventional story, expertly told and immensely enjoyable.

Loved it!

Great story and a fantastic reading by Wil Wheaton! Would highly recommend this one

Very entertaining

Great world building, excellent narrator, very enjoyable. I've been struggling to find good audiobooks lately, but this one held my attention.