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)

Lighthearted and fun, this book pulls you in.

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

I would recommend "The Android's Dream" to anyone who is looking for a fun and intriguing mystery set in a world where aliens are abound and, what might have started as a fan of "Dick jokes" (P.K. Dick), expertly crafted with characters that feel real and enjoyable to be around.

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

The most memorable moment was the visit to the mall. There is a lot of tension, as the characters are going to have a very strange and awkward conversation on a date and the whole night changes when events ensue and nearly level the mall.

Fun, fun, fun... Laugh out loud fun

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

If you enjoy, foar out concepts and sci-fi you will enjoy the book. It is so funny. Chapter one had me laughing out loud in the car on my way to work. Death by flatulence, yes juvenile, but once you understand the story and why it took place you will love it.

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

Chapter one, great. but the entire book was a fun ride

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

All are good.

Any additional comments?

Fun, light and entertaining. If you just need something to lighten the load, kick your feed up, grab a glass of wine and listen. You will enjoy.

Freaking love Scalzi

Any additional comments?

I have listen to evey thing Scalzi has written. I wasn't even a sci-fi reader until I was introduced to his books. This is a awesome book. Very entertaining.

ehh

Not bad, but not good either, not many authors can put out top quality books, and then have some duds.. I think this is a dud, but it's only my opinion, and my opinion is also that this author has put out some of my favorite books to date! I do not recommend

Good tale with sufficient twists to keep it interesting

Fun listen. Not my usual cup of tea but I admire the author's ability to take the reader into untraveled areas. Occasionally a bit too strange but if the reader trusts the author to sort out a convoluted plot twist, the reader will be rewarded.

Funny as hell

Scalzi's sense of humor at its finest. His usual take of casual, day to day contact between humans and aliens works well with this story 7n particular, given that it looks at the absurdity of life as a given. Crazy things like this happen all the time but they aren't so faraway from this plot line. And the jabs at Scientology are particularly amusing (though the Church of the Evolved Lamb is decidedly more competent).

What a fun romp!

Lots of unexpected twists and turns. I love what a smart ass Scalzi is. The reader did a good job of getting across the attitude of the story.

Funny sci fi - pleasently surprized - Fun Fun Fun!

The amazing thing about this story is that it is today but it is also tomorrow. I mean India and Pakistan don't like each other, America is still the de facto leader of the world and the middle east is, well, middle east, and yet there are aliens and we are colonizing space while being the underdogs. I also like the way the author geeks out over technology.

I will say this is the most fun I had listening to a book. In my mind it played like a perfect summer blockbuster. I will attribute this to the narrator, who did a masterful job.

I just want to spoil the book for everybody!

Girl meets Sheep meets Boy meets Bad Guys

Only John Scalzi could come up with something this imaginative.

The story's twists and turns as each of the subplots present themselves combined with Scalzi's "tongue in cheek" style makes this a very enjoyable listen. Was sorry to see the story end.

hysterical

This has been the best comedy that I have read since the passing of Douglas Adams!