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The Game of X

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The Game of X

By: Robert Sheckley
Narrated by: Oliver Wyman
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About this listen

From the very beginning of his career, Robert Sheckley was recognized by fans, reviewers, and fellow authors as a master storyteller and the wittiest satirist working in the science fiction field. Rediscover - or discover for the first time - a master of science fiction who, according to the New York Times, was "a precursor to Douglas Adams".

All secret agents need to look out for William Nye, now known as Agent X. His recruitment was simple and his legend is brilliant but un-earned. Somehow, he thinks he's the best there is and we all know how pride goeth before a fall. The master of SF hilarity and biting social satire creates a spy world that has gathered praise from the greats of the genre.

©1965 Robert Sheckley (P)2014 Audible Inc. Action & Adventure Espionage Literature & Fiction Spies & Politics Thriller & Suspense Witty Funny
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This was entertaining enough, reminiscent of the early James Bonds. It got a bit too silly and it’s grating how the book is entirely about men, with just a passing mention of women, who also seem to just consist of hair and tits. Makes me grateful times have moved on a bit.

Amusing but not aged well

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Fun, funny, action-packed. And apparently a review requires 15 words, so 13, 14, 15... done :)

Great listen

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I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and listened to it all in a single sitting!
I thought at the start that it would turn ot to be boring but this book was anything but boring.
Having research alot of the real MI6 spies it didn't surprise me that Agent X seemed to be a lone ranger and plans were not Always throughly thought out before sending an Agent into a very delicate situation.
I would definitely recommend this book, it was very good fun!

The Unexpected Agent X

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A very enjoyable listen, especially if you've been to Venice. No great message or philosophy, just a romp in the 'Great Game'.

Great Fun

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Tongue in cheek, swashbuckling romp. occasional laughs, one good belly laugh, a lot extremely tedious padding. Quite enjoyed it, wouldn't bother with another. Narration very good.

Better than some

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Enjoying life in Europe and almost out of money, young American Nye accepts a job offered by long time friend, George: to trap a spy. An incompetent who somehow muddled through, this is a silly but amusing novella which definitely made me smile. Written in the first person, narrator Clive Wyman convincingly becomes the fantasy spy, Nye, aka Agent X, his well modulated voice easy to enjoy
A good pairing of text and reader.
A fun story from Robert Sheckley, available to download for free until 23rd June, 2022, from the Audible Plus programme. Thanks, Audible

"An envious facility for self deception."

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A short spy story that doesn't take itself too seriously. The short chapters are perfect for a gentle commute to work and back. Narration is very personable with good accents adding to the fun.

Great fun!

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