The Android’s Dream by John Scalzi

Let’s get this out of the way first – this book is slightly cheesy. Not that that’s a bad thing. It’s cheesy and in a really enjoyable sci-fi way. To starts off, the title of the book The Android’s Dream is a reference to Philip K. Dick’s Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep.The entire premise of this book revolves around looking for a specific genetically-engineered breed of sheep for intergalactic coronation, the bread being called “android dream.”

Even though I consider the story slightly cheesy, John Scalzi did an amazing job telling the story. There’s never a dull moment in the story. It jumps from plot point to plot point seamlessly without being too predictable. Characters all seem well-rounded and as believable as the they can in a story like this.

This 10 hour and 34 minute book was narrated by Will Wheaton. As much as I loved Will Wheaton in Star Trek, he is a real hit or miss narrator. Sometimes he is great and sometimes he falls flat on his face. Luckily, this is one of those books where he really excels. I don’t believe this has to do with the material. I previously tried to read Redshirts by John Scalzi, which he narrated, and I was not impressed. In fact, it was so bad I put down the book.

Overall 7.5 out of 10
Story 8.5 out of 10
Narration 7 out of 10

This book is available at Audible and Amazon.

Next week we are going to have a double feature. I’m going to review the new reading of Ender’s Game before the movie comes out, as well as reviewing a podcast. We have never done that before, but Welcome to Night Vale is a special podcast. You should really enjoy it, especially if you love HP Lovecraft and Cthulhu.