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Title: Agent to the Stars
Author: John Scalzi
Genre: Humorous SF
Thingummies: 4
Synopsis: A Hollywood agent abruptly finds himself representing an alien race intent on image-managing their introduction to humanity.
Thoughts: This, Scalzi's first novel, reads like his blog voice--gleefully snarky. Hollywood agent Stein, his no-nonsense assistant, his kooky clients, his dastardly rivals, and especially the sarcastic, pop-culture-savvy aliens themselves are all delightful. The solution Stein finds is ethically disturbing, but it's explored in full (and does rather seem like the kind of thing an agent might come up with).
There are a couple flaws. Scalzi is inconsistent on exactly how familiar the aliens are with Earth culture--they know their classic TV, but seem unfamiliar with some very common human expressions. Stein's boss has a mysterious past hinted at but never quite explored. And the climax happens mostly in press releases, which is an effective gimmick but drags on a little too long.
This is fluff. Hilarious, well-executed fluff that may not advance the art in any particular way, but will keep you wildly entertained for the entire ride.
Author: John Scalzi
Genre: Humorous SF
Thingummies: 4
Synopsis: A Hollywood agent abruptly finds himself representing an alien race intent on image-managing their introduction to humanity.
Thoughts: This, Scalzi's first novel, reads like his blog voice--gleefully snarky. Hollywood agent Stein, his no-nonsense assistant, his kooky clients, his dastardly rivals, and especially the sarcastic, pop-culture-savvy aliens themselves are all delightful. The solution Stein finds is ethically disturbing, but it's explored in full (and does rather seem like the kind of thing an agent might come up with).
There are a couple flaws. Scalzi is inconsistent on exactly how familiar the aliens are with Earth culture--they know their classic TV, but seem unfamiliar with some very common human expressions. Stein's boss has a mysterious past hinted at but never quite explored. And the climax happens mostly in press releases, which is an effective gimmick but drags on a little too long.
This is fluff. Hilarious, well-executed fluff that may not advance the art in any particular way, but will keep you wildly entertained for the entire ride.
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Date: 2012-01-24 05:46 pm (UTC)From:no subject
Date: 2012-01-24 06:04 pm (UTC)From: