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)

Laugh out loud funny Intergalactic espionage.

Assassination by fart. That's really all you need to start this kind of story and it sure does deliver.

fantastic rollicking tale

a perfect choice if you're looking for a combination between comedy and sci Fi. John's work is always a pleasant read with a more old-school feel to it and it was delightful to find one that also poked fun at some of the greats long time fans of sci Fi will know it when they see it.

it's always a pleasure to pick up a new audio book and find out Wil is the narrator. he has become one of my favourites as he delivers a consistent performance. his compelling voice will drag you into the story in a way that feels a lot like reading the actual book.

This was such an adventure!

This was so much fun to listen to! the narrator was a lot of fun to listen to, he had a great range of voices. The story has a bit of humor, and I am a fan of books with death so there is a check mark there. My only regret is that the book has a small moment where it talks about the sheep's coming about and parentage and just drops it a bit. I had a desire to hear more about it, but I guess it might just be me. Other than that, the book was awesome!

on-point sci fi feel good read

I've read some other Scalzi books, Fuzzy Nation, Redshirts, Old Mans War, and I enjoyed all of them. They all have the same quality of good old fashioned good humored quixotic boy meets world to them. The stories are slightly predictable, yet still entertaining.

I don't know why it took me so long to get to this one, I got it on the daily deal, and am not sure why I didn't choose it sooner.

Wil Wheaton is also an excellent narrator. I actually started listening to ths Scalzi books after hearing him perform Ready Player One (an excellent audio book) and will probably continue to look for his works.

Supertastic!! Fantasgical

The most intelligent sci-fi toilet humor I've ever had the pleasure to read (errrr listen to)! Meat!

Highly recommended!!!

cool story

a very cool easy read. funny, interesting and most importantly - it's a story Ihaven't heard before

Entertaining story

Overall a decent story. Good plot twists and turns. Loose ends tied up and no forced love story. I got a bit of a Fifth Element vibe, but not in an overwhelming way. As others have commented on...I can't believe an editor let this book be published with the comical amount of "said"s. Perhaps a little research into alternates for said are in order Mr. Scalzi!

Good and Quirky

Audio book was easy to listen to and easy to get wrapped up in the story. The alien races were quirky but interesting. This book no doubt is Scalziesque. Does John Scalzi dream of electric sheep? I think perhaps.

Great book to have in your regular playlist

I listen to this book when i have nothing new in my playlist. i love sci-fi and this one just gives great visuals...something like fifth element. i love the tie to do androids dream of electric sheep. great narrator, i couldnt turn it off.

Fun book, great reader

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

Yes, it's fast moving and funny. Will Wheaton is a fantastic narrator.

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

He is great to listen to. Each character is clear and distinct. He puts the humor of the book out there but doesn't grandstand or get in the way of the story.

Any additional comments?

Fun, fast and worth it.