Redshirts by John Scalzi
- Method of Obtaining: I received my copy from my local library.
- Published by: Tor Books
- Release Date: 6/5/2012
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 fact 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 expendedon 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.
- I’m a Trekkie – how could I resist?
I’ve been a Star Trek fan since Star Trek: The Next Generation days. My dad was an original Star Trek fan before me. I remember gathering around the television, chowing down on a late night snack of my mom’s homemade cinnamon rolls, and turning on the newest episode of TNG with anticipation making me shiver with excitement. My sisters and I would watch, and then animatedly discuss the show on commercial breaks with my parents. But honestly, I never noticed the Redshirt Syndrome (TM) until fairly recently.
So when I picked up Redshirts by John Scalzi, I was excited to see how he’d handle this.. well homage to what is arguably the best/worst sci-fi show that has been on television. And folks, let me tell you now… Scalzi blew it out of the water.
Seriously, I felt as if I was watching several episodes of my favorite show, and I laughed out loud, uncontrollably, at least once per chapter. I freaking love this book and will be pushing it onto all of my friends to read as soon as they are able to.
It doesn’t matter if you are a Star Trek fan or not. Or even really if you like science fiction – because Scalzi takes a formula that is evident in any adventure/fantasy/science fiction/horror type of show and he plays on it so hard that you will find yourself gasping for air, just like I did.
Bravo, John, Bravo.
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