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)

SF humourist - in a good tradition

In "The Android's Dream" John Scalzi follows a long tradition of writers who perfectly blend SF and humour; Robert Sheckley, Alan Dean Foster, Douglas Adams (brilliant character names), et al; with a touch of Tom Sharpe ("Wilt" in particular). Sweetly, he gives a nod to other classic SF ... including the book's title itself ...

Scalzi is particularly skilled at incorporating the "info dump" (technical or background information that is 'dry' but essential to the plot) within the story telling.

The plot is clean, intelligent, exciting, and touching; with much humour, as I've said. It also has some very unexpected vignettes and turns of story.

The reading perfectly complements the writing. Wil Wheaton's ability to give sense and clarity to the tongue twister names of aliens is nothing short of amazing; and delightful. Pacing, diction, dry tone, accent ... all excellent.

Classic Scalzi

Listened to this one mainly because it was on sale from Audible. It was an enjoyable listen. It has the trademark Scalzi style, a mix of adventure, political and action sci-fi with a big dose of comedy strewn within. It seems to be set in its own universe, although it could blend into any number of other similar "Federation" style storylines. This book has more humor than most, some of it crude, and quite a bit of language. Scalzi fans should really enjoy it, although I don't think this is his best work.

I love this book

This is one of my favorite John Scalzi books. Wil always did a great job bringing this book to life.

Fun Story

Would you listen to The Android's Dream again? Why?

No, the only stories I listen tto twice are educational.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Android's Dream?

The big monster who ate people complaining about watches.

What does Wil Wheaton bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Wil Wheaton is an excellent reader. I have listened to a couple of his stories and he brings a good performance to the story.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

It was not that typ of tory

What a wild ride

This book was bonkers! I thoroughly enjoyed it! Even down to the last little bit I was kept guessing! Kudos to Wil Wheaton for a great performance in the read. Looking forward to my next Scalzi!

Great premise, fun ride and convenient end

Starting with a bizarre intro, Android’s Dream slowly pulls you into a world of hilarious political turmoil. The characters are fun and witty, and the action is well written. The plot accelerates at a fast, exciting pace.

My biggest objection is to the quick and tidy resolution of many complex plot threads right near the end. It’s quite a page turner though.

strange, never guessed the ending. great fun

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

yes, I never guessed where any of this book was going. so NEW. great.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Android's Dream?

sheep, what is a sheep lol

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

the sheep, has to be the sheep. I mean really, it just has to be.

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

the whole thing just GLOB SMACKED me. love this book.

Any additional comments?

MORE PLEASE, I will be rereading this one a time or two. thanks.

More, Please!!!!

Excellent story and narration. I look forward to more from this author/narrator combination. I enjoyed it so much it was difficult to shut it off and go to sleep.

Laughed out loud several times

Good story, takes a shot at religion and government corruption and succeeds in doing it in a very humourous manner. Good character development - human and aliens and the story moves along at a good pace. Downloading another of his books, performed by the same narrator.

A thoroughly ridiculously briliant plot.

The plot of this book is ridiculous. Yet with each more ridiculous plot twist, there are explanations that serve to keep it on the brilliant side of ridiculous, and to keep you reading/listening.

Wil Wheaton does an excellent job as a narrator, and serves to bring the characters to life with the style of someone who is also a geek.