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)

Hitch Hikers Guide meets the Pink Panther

Witty dry humor with cultural undertones gives this novel a flavor that honestly, I have not seen. This book is funny, action packed and yet not predictable.

The reason I mention HHG is because it has those cultural “Easter Eggs” tossed in for people who are just a little too sophisticated for their own good. At the same time, it offers a base humor that will entertain the unenlightened masses.

So I guess what I’m saying is that this book has something delightfully entertaining for everyone, a Rubrics Cube of literary style.

If you are a sci-fi fan who likes like humor, this is simply a book that you must get, you won’t be disappointed. And if you happen to be a little dimwitted, don’t worry, you’ll still like the book.

One more point. For the technology based community, the writer is obviously a bit of a geek. This may sound bad, but it isn’t. Nothing and I mean nothing is more annoying than lame technology, that is, tech that is described by non-technical authors. THIS author obviously knows computers, and can talk about them in a way that will not leave the non-technical crowd bored. I’m a software developer, I know the difference.

Get this book.

You will love it!

Scalzi + Wheaton is always a stellar combination

I have never read a John Scalzi novel I didn't love and the same goes for Wheaton's narration. A definite must listen for Scalzi fans

Good Story, Snappy Dialogue

I am rapidly becoming a John Scalzi fan. his dialogue reminds me of Robert B Parker whom I enjoy very much. I also enjoy the elements of a legal thriller overlayed atop of a science fiction story. the characters are likeable and draw you in. the narration adds to the story and does not distract from it.

This book's got everything!

Exciting plotline, a homage to other sci-fi classics, and drop dead humor. I loved this through and though.

At first I thought it was going to be

At first I thought it was going to be dumb. I could imagine myself turning it off and returning it. It didn't take long for it to turn into a nice story. It would be the kind of plot line that would make a good "Men in Black" kind of movie. A good mix of humor and shoot 'em up humor.

interstellar flatulence...

...but in a good way! once again we are greeted with the absurdly improbable and believe every bit of it! the characters are engaging. the story see-saws from comical tragedy to laugh filled triumph a few times. either way, you'll laugh.

Fun Ride!

A crazy fun ride! I really enjoyed this unusual story and laugh out loud moments. Hope for more of the story or similar from John Scalzi.

A fun read

This story is a fun read, with an excellent narration by Wheaton. Some of the reviews jibed it for being one long fart joke. I would correct that statement and say it is many quick witted fart jokes, strung out to tell a story. It’s fun, witty, loaded with diverse characters. It’s not deep literature, but it’s a great read. I’ll be looking for more books from this author.

Great to hear Wil Weaton

He does a stellar job. Story is good too! Bought on a whim. Very satisfied.

Amazing!!!! Story.

Loved it and I frequently revisit. great book with your not so average space story with humor, drama and suspense. it's a nice vacation from your usual reads.