CDF Lieutenant Harry Wilson has one simple task: Watch an ambassador’s dog while the diplomat is conducting sensitive negotiations with an alien race. But you know dogs - always getting into something. And when this dog gets into something that could launch an alien civil war, Wilson has to find a way to solve the conflict, fast, or be the one in the Colonial Union’s doghouse.
"The Dog King" is a tale from John Scalzi's The Human Division, a series of self-contained but interrelated short stories set in the Old Man's War universe.
©2012 John Scalzi (P)2013 Audible, Inc.
"Best Episode Yet!!!!"
I really liked this episode.
A bit different than the rest, there are several funny points here, Wilson is a good character....
And c'mon, a title that says "the dog king" is interesting in a space theme book. What is really good in this series is how everyone keeps on pointing the blame and faluts toward Wilson.
Cheers
I'm a big fan of SF/F/Horror, and all things in between and out.
"Wondering if This Series is For You?"
If you've been keeping an eye on this series, but haven't been sure whether to give it a shot or not, this is the episode for you. It's under an hour long, filled with fun SF stuff, humor, dog-eating alien plants (relax, it's totally fine), and completely self-contained, and as entertaining as you'd expect from Scalzi.
I personally found it to be the right balance of ridiculous SF fun at the ideal length. For less than a dollar, it's hard to beat.
"sci-fi with humor"
This story has a serious subject - peace in the universe- (or at least "lets have enough friends to scare off the enemies") - but the fate of a cute puppy could make or break diplomatic talks.
the real emotions and the fun elements.
I loved the narration. One man can get so many tones to make the storey seamless. I love it when one character is angry with another and I just forgot it was all being read by one person.
It takes a lot for a book to make me laugh or cry, but this one kept me interested and brought a smile once or twice.
Great series so far. I have my favourite characters but even the stories with a different focus keep me interested.
My wife says she can read me like an open book. Though she regrets not being able to shut me up the same way. :)
"Poor Harry Wilson..."
(Continuing my on-going editorial from Eps 1-6.)
Harry is indeed one of my favs. But, then again, I grew up with him in the Old Man's War series.
But, as I alluded in my previous review (Ep 6) I'm struggling with not really finding myself caring as much for other characters who were newly introduced in this series. But that's not because they're not colorful and animated in their own right, rather I think the disjointedness of the serial format keeps me at arms length because our "revisit" time with these characters isn't as frequent a touchpoint as a novel would afford.
Harry, on the other hand... well, we know Harry already from his quirks as one of the original "Old Farts" in Old Man's War. Long live Harry. :)
"Like detective stories but not Sci Fi?"
Reminds me of the short stories/novellas written in the mystery/whodunnit/Ellery Queen magazines. You don't need a sci fi background to enjoy this "who dunnit" (sort of). This series is going from strength to strength in a gentle. no challenging way. Well written
I can find a book to love in any genre -- a beautifully written classic, an interesting mystery or sci-fi, a trashy romance. Bring it!
"Delightful Short Story"
In my opinion, this book is the only standalone story in this series since The B-Team (first episode). It is clever and humorous, yet within the realm of The Human Division sci-fi background. I would definitely recommend this for a light 58-minute listen!
"Top Notch!"
This is a very good but short story. Great narration. Kept me smiling the hole listen.
"One of the better parts of this series"
This short story is classic John Scalzi. Harry Wilson has one simple job to do, watch the Ambassadors dog. What could possibly go wrong? Everything of course, so Harry has to do the things no one else would think of and try to save the day or at least the dog.
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"Light, Witty and Fun"
Another solid episode in Scalzi's "The Human Division" ongoing series. This one was light, witty and funny, and a lot of fun. Definitely one of the most enjoyable episodes to date. Also good if you like dogs. :)