Agent to the Stars

While this volume is typical John Scalzi (direct to the point / bare bones), it is also not typical John Scalzi. The hollywood setting results in a humorous take on first contact and the plot that develops ends with some novel results. I throughly enjoyed it; you will, too.

I hate reading scripts. That's why this novel took me forever to finish. (about 6 weeks) It's also why I give it only three stars. It could've been a lot shorter. I've read several Scalzi novels. This one's the slowest by far. Several times I considered dropping it for the script-like dryness. Until I put snarky Ryan Reynolds in the role of Tom. I swear there was an audible "click." I mean, it was still too slow (for me) (I read too much, I guessed what would happen) but some of the dialog cracked me up, and while several references date it, I never hold that against fiction. You have to start somewhere if you're launching a science fiction story from your current world.

If you're newer to science fiction, this story may be great for you. I'd probably have loved it in my 20s.

This was enjoyable enough, but it wasn't great. Three stars sounds like a bad review, but I don't mean it to be. The book doesn't have a lot of depth, or character development , or witty dialogue. It does have an interesting premise, and it moves along at a good pace. It would be a nice beach read.

This is one of Scalzi's earlier works and justifiably helped create his current reputation. An interesting plot, great characters and, of course, well-written. At the top of my list of science fiction works.

...but this book made me chortle, guffaw, and grin like a fool.

I absolutely love this story. I haven't enjoyed reading something this thoroughly since I originally read the "Hitchhiker's Guide" original trilogy.

It reads like a movie. Someone has to have options on this thing, right?

My only slight negative is that there is a long anti-climax after you pretty much know how everything is going to wrap up, but I still had such a good time with the writing that I completely forgive that aspect.

Read it!

As Scalzi himself tells, this was written as test to see if he is up to writing novels. It is his first novel ever, originally released as sort of shareware on his web site. So one should not really expect it to be up to par with his brilliant later masterpieces. It really aint that bad as book when you dont have too much expectations about it to start with. Also it is not as much science fiction as it is about hollywood and entertaining industry.

...for Scalzi. Yes, this book was written at the end of the 90s and was his "first" novel (published online). It's a good read, humorous if you like you Science Fiction that way; but it is a "starer" novel which can be seen in the development of the plot.

I won't go into the specifics, but yes, an alien species hires an agent since they are so horrifying and disgusting. What makes the book feel like a starter novel is that the author tends to "spring" plot developments (for example: two of the main characters falling in love and getting married) with no build up and no reason to.

It's still a good read, something perfect for a sleepless night or a Sunday when you have nothing else to do.

A very enjoyable account of the first encounter with a visiting alien species. Contemporary and not heavy into sci fi. Could be appreciated by anyone moderately into film culture. Light and easy to read.

Great read, along the lines of "Hitchhikers Guide To the Galaxy". A pleasant suprise after reading his other SF offerings. So far I have not read anything from Scalzi that I would not urge anyone to read, the man is excellent!

A great twist on the classic first contact novel, with enough inside jokes thrown in to make any nerd (science fiction or Hollywood alike) chuckle continuously. As many other reviewers have said, buy this and you won't stop reading (or laughing) until its over.

I love Scalzi's take on a prospective first encounter between our species and another. As per usual, his characters are very well developed and his plots are never boring! Fantastic dialogue and a snappy pace make this a book that's hard to put down.

The author says this was early work. Hard to tell from my perspective. A fun read: humor, plot- and character- development, and smoothly-flowing dialog make this selection a grand way to spend a few hours in John Scalzi's universe