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)

Bold move to start a book with a Fart

This was a roller coaster of action that you could never quite see where the turns where coming! I love Wil Wheaton as narrator as he has the right amount of sass to bring such an odd tale to life.

So happy I took a chance on this book!

It had an excellent balance of action, world-building, and wit. I would 100% read/listen to more books by this author if they’re like this! I enjoy sci-fi world-building - but if an author’s not careful the story can stall out and become a chore. I think Scalzi knows this and out in enough action, moving parts, and comedy to make sure the entire journey is entertaining. The characters aren’t super deep - but enough that you get a sense of who they are, makes them likeable/unlikable as appropriate, and there are such a variety of characters - that anything deeper would be unnecessary and halt the momentum of the story.

The performance was great as well - good projection, inflection, and sense of timing. And Wil Wheaton’s voice lends itself well to a mix of constant low key sarcasm and genuine emotion.

Do Evolved Sheep Dream?

I quite enjoyed this story. It's a bit predictable at times, but it was very amusing.

I found Wil Wheaton's reading to be excellent. His performance kept me in the story at times my attention might have wandered if I had been reading myself.

My favorite Scalzi book

I read this book probably once a year, this is the first time I've listened to an audio version. I'm glad I did.

Fun and Interesting Story with a Great Narrator

What did you love best about The Android's Dream?

This is a great offbeat sci-fi story, complete with evil aliens, world domination schemes, and plenty of intrigue. There were also many surprise twists, and some pretty funny moments.

What other book might you compare The Android's Dream to and why?

I was reminded of Star Trek episodes at certain points, but really, I can't think of another book similar to this one. The story was very unique.

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

I really liked his rendition of the Nidu (sp?) aliens, and also his intonation of the "prophecies". Overall, his narration was very enjoyable. He was funny, and easy to listen to.

A random fun listen, enjoyable

A fast paced action novel with random connections to nearly everything. You will enjoy the ride.

awesome 👌

had a great time listening 👌 😌 🙌 really enjoyed the characters and the overall quality

would recommend

Loved it. Entertaining and easy to follow. lots of violence but not gore. Nonsense.

Great SciFi book

great story, well written, awesome narration by Wil Wheaton. I know absolutely adore John scalzi and his writing style. multiple thumbs up

A fun adventure

My personal favorite scalzi book because it has the right mix of action and interesting plot. Wil Wheaton brings it alive with his excellent narration.