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Cover of Redshirts: A Novel with Three Codas

Redshirts: A Novel with Three Codas

John Scalzi ()

Subgenre
Age groupAdult 18+
Content ratingPG-13
Pages (Standard (250-400))
Setting
CSM age14

Content levels

ViolenceModerate
Sexual contentNone
LanguageModerate

Trigger warnings

DeathViolence

Positive tags

HumorFound FamilySurvivalMystery

Tropes

Space OperaMultiverseMilitary SFReluctant HeroFound FamilyMorally Gray ProtagonistMeta-Narrative

Themes

MetafictionReality vs FictionSurvivalAgency and Free WillFriendshipBreaking the Fourth Wall

Synopsis

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 facts 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 expended on 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.

Tags

SatireMeta-FictionHumorStar Trek Homage