Listen free for 30 days

  • Agent to the Stars

  • Written by: John Scalzi
  • Narrated by: Wil Wheaton
  • Length: 8 hrs and 49 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (325 ratings)

Pick 1 audiobook a month from our unmatched collection.
Listen all you want to thousands of included audiobooks, Originals, and podcasts.
Access exclusive sales and deals.
Premium Plus auto-renews for $14.95/mo + applicable taxes after 30 days. Cancel anytime.
Agent to the Stars cover art

Agent to the Stars

Written by: John Scalzi
Narrated by: Wil Wheaton
Try for $0.00

$14.95 a month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy Now for $31.27

Buy Now for $31.27

Pay using card ending in
By confirming your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions of Use and Amazon's Privacy Notice. Tax where applicable.

Publisher's Summary

The space-faring Yherajk have come to Earth to meet us and to begin humanity's first interstellar friendship. There's just one problem: They're hideously ugly and they smell like rotting fish. So getting humanity's trust is a challenge. The Yherajk need someone who can help them close the deal. Enter Thomas Stein, who knows something about closing deals. He's one of Hollywood's hottest young agents. But although Stein may have just concluded the biggest deal of his career, it's quite another thing to negotiate for an entire alien race. To earn his percentage this time, he's going to need all the smarts, skills, and wits he can muster.

©2005 John Scalzi (P)2010 Audible, Inc.

What the critics say

“Narrator Wil Wheaton animates the slapstick text with a tone that is appropriate for the story of a young Tinsel Town agent whose other clients are either equally deranged or aren't making him much money.” ( AudioFile)

What listeners say about Agent to the Stars

Average Customer Ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    194
  • 4 Stars
    101
  • 3 Stars
    22
  • 2 Stars
    5
  • 1 Stars
    3
Performance
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    230
  • 4 Stars
    51
  • 3 Stars
    9
  • 2 Stars
    4
  • 1 Stars
    0
Story
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    169
  • 4 Stars
    91
  • 3 Stars
    25
  • 2 Stars
    6
  • 1 Stars
    3

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Tee
  • 2018-07-05

Wacky and fun

This story is unique and enjoyable. It is funny, with good lines, and the story moves at a good pace.

I really enjoyed Wil Wheaton’s narration. He brought the book to life, and I’m reminded of his rendition of another fast-paced John Scalzi masterpiece, Locked In. Wil Wheaton is equally adept as a quick witted broker, a sassy alien, a smart young lady, an airy blonde, and slimeballs (yes there are some in this book). Above all, his rendition of a certain historical female rebel character was so believable that I feel he ought to be nominated for an (audiobook) Oscar - if only such an award existed.

All in, a good audiobook if you feel like curling up for some light listening.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

an early story but still good

Rumour has it that this was John Scalzi's first novel. If so, he got it out of the park on the first try. Yes, there are some helpful coincidences, but there are always going to be some of those, otherwise you get the story that isn't worth telling.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Hollywood Aliens that aren't Hollywood Aliens

I have enjoyed all of the Scalazi books I have listened to, and particularly when they are narrated by Wil Wheaton. Tom Stein, a Hollywood agent ends up having to represent a group of space aliens to people of earth.

It was an amusing story, well narrated and well done.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

A Cosmic Delight

"Agent to the Stars" by John Scalzi is a science fiction gem that blends humor, heart, and interstellar intrigue in a delightful concoction. Scalzi, known for his witty and engaging writing style, takes readers on a joyous ride through the cosmos, delivering a narrative that is as entertaining as it is thought-provoking.

At the heart of the story is the protagonist, Tom Stein, a savvy Hollywood agent handed the peculiar task of representing an alien race to humanity. Scalzi's portrayal of Tom is a triumph, as he manages to make the character simultaneously relatable and larger-than-life. Tom's journey from dealing with diva actors to navigating the intricacies of intergalactic diplomacy is both hilarious and heartwarming.

The novel's premise is refreshingly unique, offering a fresh take on the age-old question of first contact. Scalzi injects the narrative with his trademark humor, providing laugh-out-loud moments that make the story a sheer delight to read. The witty banter, clever dialogue, and satirical commentary on the entertainment industry add layers of entertainment that set this book apart.

Scalzi's world-building skills shine in "Agent to the Stars." He effortlessly creates a universe where humanity's first encounter with extraterrestrial life is not only plausible but also thoroughly entertaining. The alien species introduced in the novel is both fascinating and endearing, and Scalzi explores themes of understanding, empathy, and cooperation in the face of the unknown.

The pacing of the novel is spot-on, keeping readers engaged from start to finish. The narrative seamlessly balances moments of levity with more profound reflections on human nature and our capacity for growth. Scalzi's ability to infuse a lighthearted tone without sacrificing substance makes "Agent to the Stars" a standout in the science fiction genre.

In summary, "Agent to the Stars" is a stellar achievement by John Scalzi, showcasing his storytelling prowess and knack for blending humor with insightful commentary. This book is a must-read for fans of science fiction who appreciate a good laugh while exploring the complexities of the human condition. Scalzi's imaginative narrative and memorable characters make "Agent to the Stars" a captivating journey into the cosmos that leaves readers with a smile on their faces and a newfound appreciation for the absurdity and beauty of the universe.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
  • eb
  • 2023-11-14

Fun book

Sweet and very funny story with an original idea. The narration was pitch-perfect as well.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Ethics? We don't need no stinkin' ethics!

This is a very odd story. It contains John Scalzi's peculiar sense of humor, scathing satire of paparazzi and Hollywood, sobering discussion about the holocaust, and aliens who are much better adjusted than the other characters.

I had trouble with some of the ethical issues in this book, until I realized that the protagonist was a talent agent, and therefore had no moral compass. For a first novel, not bad.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Great SciFi romp

With Wil Wheaton's excellent narration, this story is a great little ride into the life of Agent Tom and his alien client Joshua. Thoroughly enjoyable. This could definately be a movie along the line of Galaxy Quest

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent story. Better than I expected.

I really enjoyed this story. I wasn't sure what to expect and I was totally surprised how good the narrator read this story to us. I highly recommend this.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

What a twist at the end!

I really enjoyed the book, the further I went through the story, the more I got into it. Very funky and touching at the same time, we quickly get attached to the characters, both human and extra terrestrial. I would have taken more, and what a punch at the end!

Annie Johanne

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Sci-Fi Comfort Food

Fun, hopeful, and light-hearted.
Wil did a great job bringing the characters to life.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!