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  • The Dispatcher

  • Written by: John Scalzi
  • Narrated by: Zachary Quinto
  • Length: 2 hrs and 18 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (1,033 ratings)

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The Dispatcher cover art

The Dispatcher

Written by: John Scalzi
Narrated by: Zachary Quinto
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Publisher's Summary

Winner, 2017 APA Audie Awards - Original Work

Zachary Quinto - best known for his role as the Nimoy-approved Spock in the recent Star Trek reboot and the menacing, power-stealing serial killer, Sylar, in Heroes - brings his well-earned sci-fi credentials and simmering intensity to this audio-exclusive novella from master storyteller John Scalzi.

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.

©2016 John Scalzi (P)2016 Audible, Inc.

What the critics say

"Quinto has a perfect hardboiled noir manner, which is exactly what you’d want for Valdez." ( Locus Magazine)

What listeners say about The Dispatcher

Average Customer Ratings
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Great short story

This was short but what a great story. I need to investigate his other books to see if the world building includes the story and history of dispatchers.

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1 person found this helpful

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Something new in fantasy

Not what I expected. I really liked this little novella and the unexpected twists. The characters were great and the narrator kept me listening.

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different

this was an interesting read. the story is very well written and I can't wait to start the second one !!

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    4 out of 5 stars

Good solid Sci-Fic Mystery

Set in a world with an unexplained miracle (so sci-fi with a touch of magical realism)

I confess I downloaded this because of the narrator, and was not disappointed!

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Great short Sci fi novel

Very interesting, and very well narrated. I was kept entertained from start to finish.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Wonderful surprise.

Only listened because it was free. It was fantastic and I would pay for more!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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Enjoyable listen, a bit of mystery

I really enjoyed this audiobook and will look for more from this author in the future. I would recommend if you enjoy a short sci-fi.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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Nice little story.

Nice little story. No profound meaning, but has some insight. Would be curious to hear more.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Anticlimactic

Zachary Quinto was great, but the story was a little short and never really got going.

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Worth the.listen

What a thought provoking plot In this age where there is little resolution of anything it did my soul good to be left with a sense of completion. Well done!

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