Sliding Scales

A Pip & Flinx Adventure

By: Alan Dean Foster

Narrated by: Stefan Rudnicki

From New York Times best-selling author Alan Dean Foster comes a fantastic new Pip and Flinx adventure starring a certain 24-year-old redhead with emerald eyes and uncanny abilities and his devoted mini-dragon protector.

Time and again, the daring pair have braved countless dangers to emerge victorious. But now Flinx attempts something that may be impossible for the heretofore undefeated hero. His mission: to take a vacation. Never have the cares of the universe lain so heavily on Flinx's shoulders, nor the forces arrayed against him seemed so invincible. Pursued by a newly revealed sect of doomsday fanatics, hunted by factions inside and outside the Commonwealth for transgressions real and imagined, expected to single-handedly avert a looming galactic crisis (or bear responsibility for the consequences), Flinx can be forgiven for feeling a slight touch of melancholy. There's only one solution for what ails Flinx, according to his ship's AI. But taking time off is tricky business.

With an increasing number of enemies chasing him with ever-greater enthusiasm, Flinx must find a getaway shrouded in obscurity. Jast, a planet smack in the middle of nowhere, is the perfect locale. Yet even in a place where hardly anyone's ever seen a human, Flinx and trouble can't stay separated for long. Unfortunately, Flinx hasn't a clue that his vacation paradise is in reality a danger zone of the highest magnitude. And by the time he learns the truth, it may be too late.

©2005 Alan Dean Foster (P)2009 Audible, Inc.

very suspenseful, but ...

I loved this book for its differences as well as the usual bringing together of details.
I have but one pet peeve, not exclusively in this book but inclusive: H2O (water) is NOT hydrogen dioxide (HO2). H2O IS dihydrogen monoxide or in more modern terms dihydrogen oxide.

Memorable aliens and well developed characters

What made the experience of listening to Sliding Scales the most enjoyable?

Love Stefan Rudnicki, but was astonished at his ability to create voices for the Vssy so different from all the other aliens that have come before. It helped so much keep track of the different groups.BRAVO!

What other book might you compare Sliding Scales to and why?

I was shocked that so many of you didn't like this one. I was thrilled to see the complex societies, the amazing ideas Foster has regarding alien life, the thoroughly realized worlds he creates for us.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Loathing bureaucracy, I was thrilled to see it skewered so successfully! And it was also refreshing to see an author admit that consensus takes FOREVER.

Another wonderful instalment

If you have enjoyed any of the other Pip and Flinx books you should not miss this one. Flinx' encounters with the Aan in tis books provide a nice viewpoint. A perspective on how something can be both truly alien and truly human at once. A good space adventure that is both relaxing and entertaining

great story

I love the book. Flinx & Pip are wonderful.
I look forward to the next adventure.

and another winner

Any additional comments?

I love Alan Dean Foster's writing style. Its hard to go wrong with his stories.

Excellent

I don't suppose you can really call it a vacation if the attempts to kill you keep happening. There's no rest for Flinx.

Another Boring Filler Book

Little did I know when I thought Bloodhype was the worst. Boring story lacking substance and going in circles. Not recommended

Sliding Scales?Sliding Down!

What was the purpose of this bk? It did nothing to further the plot of the series. The author dangled everything readers could have wanted for Flinx in bk 8; only to have it snatched away and a vacation dropped in our laps. It feels like a bait and switch of the worst kind. Furthermore it is a bit callous to have Flinx go on vacation right after the possible death of his maybe lifelove. On the whole, Alan Dean Foster you have some explaining to do.