Scan barcode
asdvj's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
superally's review against another edition
4.0
I have enjoyed what I have read of Scalzi's work and will continue to consume it. He seems to thrive on the fun scifi romp and I am here for it. I enjoy the original lighthearted take on scifi he brings and thought this books was a thoroughly enjoyable read.
mstepbass's review
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
therealkathryn's review against another edition
4.0
Funny, clever and with some neat plot twists. Very enjoyable escapist read.
khosch's review against another edition
4.0
I really liked this, Scalzi's first book I think. Interesting premise, but the real value is in the acerbic humor. Congratulations, John Scalzi!
francosteen's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Ok. I can't stop reading Scalzi books. This is my fourth since the end of December (Starter Villain, of course)
When I read the latest from an author I haven't read before, and they have a plethora of older books that I didn't previously know about, I'm wary of the quality or how much I might enjoy them. Plenty of authors can and have changed how they write or what they write about, and maybe I like their newer stuff over their older stuff, or vice versa. With John Scalzi though? I am LOOOOOOOVING everything I have read so far (in order so far: Starter Villain, The Kaiju Preservation Society, Fuzzy Nation, this book, and now about to start Redshirts).
His books are just so damn enjoyable. Really fun, really original, interesting plots, lovable/fun characters, and really great dialogue (I've said that in all the other reviews I've done for his books).
So this book - an agent to an alien race? What? Just sounds weird but oh geez is it a good read. I loved all the characters, human and alien. And canine! Scalzi does an incredible job writing the details of his hard-to-believe stories. He adds themes of political, philosophical, moral, or ethical issues in a very digestible and entertaining way. It's kind of hard to describe him, but the book blurbs you see on so many of his books just ring true.
When I read the latest from an author I haven't read before, and they have a plethora of older books that I didn't previously know about, I'm wary of the quality or how much I might enjoy them. Plenty of authors can and have changed how they write or what they write about, and maybe I like their newer stuff over their older stuff, or vice versa. With John Scalzi though? I am LOOOOOOOVING everything I have read so far (in order so far: Starter Villain, The Kaiju Preservation Society, Fuzzy Nation, this book, and now about to start Redshirts).
His books are just so damn enjoyable. Really fun, really original, interesting plots, lovable/fun characters, and really great dialogue (I've said that in all the other reviews I've done for his books).
So this book - an agent to an alien race? What? Just sounds weird but oh geez is it a good read. I loved all the characters, human and alien. And canine! Scalzi does an incredible job writing the details of his hard-to-believe stories. He adds themes of political, philosophical, moral, or ethical issues in a very digestible and entertaining way. It's kind of hard to describe him, but the book blurbs you see on so many of his books just ring true.
jsterling91's review against another edition
funny
slow-paced
3.25
I love his later works, but this was not there yet. It is long winded and the plot gets convoluted. There are some funny moments, and i don't think i could write something as good as my first book, but id say skip it unless you are a diehard fan.
tilltab's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0