The purpose of Thrifty Thursday is to read a book which was free (at some point).
Audible freebie on October 19, 2017 (currently $14.95 at Audible and $9.29 at Barnes & Noble as of writing this post)
Overall rating 4.02 with 9,803 ratings and 1,431 reviews
The Dispatcher by John Scalzi Narrator: Zachary Quinto
Published by Audible on October 4, 2016
Genres: Science Fiction
Length: 2 hours, 18 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Purchased
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible, Libro.fm, Barnes & Noble
One day, not long from now, it becomes almost impossible to murder anyone - 999 times out of a thousand, anyone who is intentionally killed comes back. How? We don't know. But it changes everything: war, crime, daily life.
Tony Valdez is a Dispatcher - a licensed, bonded professional whose job is to humanely dispatch those whose circumstances put them in death's crosshairs, so they can have a second chance to avoid the reaper. But when a fellow Dispatcher and former friend is apparently kidnapped, Tony learns that there are some things that are worse than death and that some people are ready to do almost anything to avenge a supposed wrong.
It's a race against time for Valdez to find his friend before it's too late...before not even a Dispatcher can save him.
I can’t remember how this freebie became available but I am very happy to have The Dispatcher. It was a short and fascinating story. The blurb handles the plot basics so I won’t repeat them. It’s a unique premise and thought-provoking as it plays out with real people and their lives (and deaths). I liked this a lot and have purchased several other audiobooks from this author.
Narration:
I enjoyed the narration at 1.25x speed. Zachary Quinto did well with the voices, a great performance to which I was absorbed in listening.
Listen to a clip here:
These are only Kindle freebies I get, or ones through author newsletters which anyone can sign up and get for free. I don’t include things like Kindle Unlimited or Prime Free Reading (I do have it). Both Tantor and Audible have occasional free audios (to anyone) and I do include those. Since I one-click on 1-2 freebies a day or probably at least 5 a week, I came up with this feature to make sure I start reading them.
So I have thought about doing a Thrifty Thursday Challenge someday. For now, what I think would be fun is if you have read and reviewed a freebie, link up to your review (Goodreads, blog, facebook or wherever) below.
Add your review link here:
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About John Scalzi
Born: May 10, 1969
Lived in: LA’s Eastern San Gabriel Valley; Chicago; Fresno, CA; Sterling, VA; Bradford, OH
Education: The Webb Schools of California; The University of Chicago (AB, Philosophy with Allied Fields)
Employment: Film Critic/Columnist; Writer/Editor; Freelance writer; Novelist
Personal: Married. One child. Several pets.
Bibliography: It’s here. New York Times best seller in fiction. Awards won include the Hugo, the Locus, the Audie, the Seiun and the Kurd Lasswitz. Recipient of the 2016 Governors Award for the Arts in Ohio. Works translated into 20+ languages.
Other: Creative Consultant for the Stargate: Universe television series. Writer for the video game Midnight Star, by Industrial Toys. Former president (7/10 – 6/13) of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America. Executive Producer for Old Man’s War and The Collapsing Empire, both currently in development for television.
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I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 2018 Audiobook Challenge
- COYER BSBB
This was my first Scalzi book. It was a freebie for members of Audible. I really enjoyed it. Such an interesting concept.
Melanie @ Hot Listens & Books of My Heart
I really enjoyed it also. It makes me excited to move on into other Scalzi works I have purchased but not yet read.
Like Melanie… It was also my first Scalzi book. I downloaded it for free from Audible as well. I really enjoyed this one – the narration was perfect for the character and storyline. It’s such a unique and interesting concept. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks. I enjoyed it because it was so different but I think that is probably why I read scifi interspersed with other genres. New ideas.
I love this author and enjoyed listening to this one as well. Great review Anne
Thanks Kimberly. It was really gave me some things to consider. I love that.
I grabbed this one when it was free as well and really had a good time with it. Some of the freebies turn out to be gems.
I thought it was a gem too. I’m glad you enjoyed it as well.
that’s an author I’m really curious to try!
I have purchased several of his books on audio and look forward to listening to more, since this one was such a pleasure.