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Redshirts

A Novel with Three Codas

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About this listen

Ensign Andrew Dahl has just been assigned to the Universal Union Capital Ship Intrepid, flagship of the Universal Union since the year 2456. It’s a prestige posting, and Andrew is thrilled all the more to be assigned to the ship’s Xenobiology laboratory. Life couldn’t be better…until Andrew begins to pick up on the facts that (1) every Away Mission involves some kind of lethal confrontation with alien forces; (2) the ship’s captain, its chief science officer, and the handsome Lieutenant Kerensky always survive these confrontations; and (3) at least one low-ranked crew member is, sadly, always killed.

Not surprisingly, a great deal of energy below decks is expended on avoiding, at all costs, being assigned to an Away Mission. Then Andrew stumbles on information that completely transforms his and his colleagues’ understanding of what the starship Intrepid really is…and offers them a crazy, high-risk chance to save their own lives.

©2012 John Scalzi (P)2012 Audible, Inc. Fantasy Fiction First Contact Science Fiction Funny Witty Time Travel Comedy
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Is there anything you would change about this book?

The author really needs to either get an editor, or do some basic writing courses again. The constant use of "He said" at the end of every single sentence is enough to drive you mad 10 minutes in to the book. You eventually manage to tune out of it, but it's infuriating. Probably isn't as bad when you read it in a book, but audibly it's really noticeable.

Who might you have cast as narrator instead of Wil Wheaton?

Anyone who can differentiate female from male voices.

He said, she said, he said, she said.

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I loved this book, the concept was great, the characters, great and the performance - while not as good as Wheaton's other reads maybe - still absorbed me into the story. The codas in particular I thought came across as funny, involving and touching all at once and here was where Wheaton excelled. Much has already been made in other reviews here of the overreliance on 'he said' 'she said' 'he asked' etc and they are right, but you do eventually start to tune it out and I think this is more the fault of the editing for the audio read than against the writing or the performance as it doesn't notice as much when you read the physical copy yourself. I was surprised at how the book changes throughout. What starts as a sort of goofy idea full of nerd lore becomes a rumination on life, the soul and our place in the universe and reality. Once you get past the said issue, I'd highly recommend this to anyone, nerd and non nerd alike!

Great listen, if a little jarring sometimes.

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This book has an interesting concept, but I found it quite difficult to get through, more than once I was considering returning the book. A disappointing effort from Scalzi. Excellent narration from Wheaton.

Full of weirdness

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not something I thought I would enjoy, however after listening for a few minutes I stayed enjoying it. would recommend to others

worth a read

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great author, great narration, great production, great value, great standalone story plot. thank you so much.

great story

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