Review: The Kaiju Preservation Society by John Scalzi is a total blast of a sci-fi book

As a seasoned reader with a penchant for sci-fi tales that offer both entertainment and emotional depth, I found myself utterly captivated by Scalzi’s “The Kaiju Preservation Society.” Having traversed through countless genre novels, I can confidently say that this book strikes the elusive balance between fun and fulfillment exceptionally well. It’s like a well-timed punchline in a stand-up comedy set—it makes you laugh, but it also leaves you feeling good long after the joke is over.

As the year progresses and books pile up in bookstores, I’ve been making room in my schedule not just for new publications, but also for older books I’ve long intended to explore but haven’t yet. One of the most recent ones I’ve finished is “The Kaiju Preservation Society” by John Scalzi…and let me tell you, I had an absolute ball with this book! So, I feel compelled to share my thoughts with you all, hoping that you too will enjoy this delightful read.

Previously, I had delved into several works by John Scalzi, such as “Old Man’s War” and “Starter Villain”, and found them all captivating. However, “The Kaiju Preservation Society” stood out with its blend of entertainment, science, and adventure that created a delightful experience in light science fiction. Essentially, I had enjoyed all the John Scalzi books I’d encountered up until now, but “The Kaiju Preservation Society” might just be the one that won my heart.

The format may have been a factor in that: I devoured The Kaiju Preservation Society over a few days on a road trip, listening to the audiobook version narrated by Wil Wheaton. So this review will be a little different than the norm. First I’m going to talk about the book itself, and then I’ll get into the audiobook and how Wheaton’s narration made it even more of a good time. There will be mild spoilers for the setup of The Kaiju Preservation Society.

Review: The Kaiju Preservation Society by John Scalzi is a total blast of a sci-fi book

Book review: The Kaiju Preservation Society by John Scalzi

If you’ve previously come across any books by John Scalzi, you’ll recognize some common elements in “The Kaiju Preservation Society“. You can find humor, intriguing worldbuilding, a blend of science, action, and pop culture references; Scalzi is renowned for creating engaging novels that are both entertaining and easy to understand. This book maintains the same standard, and it spans approximately 250 pages, ensuring a quick read regardless of your preferred format.

The plot revolves around Jamie Gray, a food delivery man struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic, who encounters an old acquaintance with an intriguing job proposition. Eager for change in his life, Jamie accepts the offer without knowing the specifics. What he does learn is that he’ll be involved in protecting massive, extraordinary creatures. It doesn’t take long before he realizes these animals are not ordinary exotic pets but rather kaiju – as large and menacing as one might imagine.

Fundamentally, the Kaiju Preservation Society is an organization dedicated to investigating and safeguarding colossal, Godzilla-esque creatures that inhabit another world, preventing them from entering our realm and causing destruction, or humans from trespassing in theirs with malicious intent. Spread across various global locations, the novel primarily focuses on Tanaka Base – a place reminiscent of a summer camp populated by science enthusiasts, all engrossed in kaiju research or base management. Jamie, our protagonist, is more involved in the maintenance aspect; he’s essentially the strongman, lifting and moving things around. After his previous employer, a rival to Uber Eats and Grubhub, wronged him, Jamie finds satisfaction in this low-key role.

Jamie ventures to a locale reminiscent of a giant monster summer camp, assisting in releasing pheromones to guide or deter these colossal creatures as per the scientists’ wishes. Along the way, he forges new relationships with individuals possessing varying degrees of sharp wit, learns some intriguing truths about his past workplace, and gains insights into himself. The plot may seem preposterous, but it aligns perfectly with Scalzi’s penchant for embracing the absurd, ultimately enhancing the book’s appeal. The narrative also includes entertaining tales of how actual monsters in the story have influenced our own world, critique on how corporate ambition sacrifices human lives for financial gain or personal profit, and introspection on the transformative power of exploring the unknown and its impact on personal growth.

In the concluding section of his book, Scalzi shares how he penned “The Kaiju Preservation Society” following a long battle with a demanding novel that he ultimately discarded. Instead, he crafted this enjoyable adventure, describing it as akin to a “pop song,” designed to amuse and provide some comfort rather than plunge us into the soul-crushing depths of literature. I wholeheartedly agree with his assessment. Primarily, “The Kaiju Preservation Society” is delightful and endearing, excelling in this regard. However, it also offers a greater depth compared to works like “Starter Villain,” resulting in a read that is not only entertaining but also rewarding by its final chapters. Achieving such a balance can be trickier than it appears, so I was thrilled when I finished “The Kaiju Preservation Society” and could only express warm sentiments about the literary journey it provided.

The Kaiju Preservation Society is a stellar audiobook

Let’s delve briefly into the discussion about the audiobook version, specifically. As I previously stated, this audiobook is narrated by Wil Wheaton, a figure well-known for his long-standing association with Star Trek: The Next Generation and his continued work in sci-fi circles. It’s hardly debatable that Wheaton can deliver an excellent audiobook performance. However, what truly captivated me about The Kaiju Preservation Society is how perfectly Wheaton’s nerdiness complements Scalzi’s writing style. All the characters in this novel are die-hard nerds who immerse themselves in sci-fi literature and discuss intricate aspects of physics and biology, so when Wheaton highlights certain points with his unique emphasis, it significantly enhances the content.

In a more casual and engaging style: He’s got a knack for portraying various characters using distinct voices, yet never overdoes it to the point of distraction. Unlike some narrators who blend seamlessly with their characters, Wil Wheaton maintains his unique identity throughout, occasionally adopting a French Canadian accent or altering his pace slightly. I find this approach quite effective and enjoyable.

It seems that reading “The Kaiju Preservation Society” with Wheaton as the narrator is just as enjoyable as you’d anticipate. His laughter-tinged delivery brings an infectious joy to the story, making it an entertaining journey from beginning to end. You can almost sense his amusement bubbling up while he reads, giving the audiobook a delightful vibe. With its catchy rhythm, this book truly offers a fun and engaging experience that I’d be eager to repeat with more Wheaton/Scalzi collaborations or even revisit “The Kaiju Preservation Society” itself. In fact, I appreciated it so much that I ended up purchasing a physical copy to reread at my leisure.

Verdict

The Kaiju Preservation Society is an absolute delight, offering an engaging sci-fi journey that’s ideal if you’re seeking a more lighthearted read packed with emotional depth, surprising plot twists, and thrilling scenes. It showcases many of John Scalzi’s signature elements, such as his witty humor, while masterfully blending drama and science fiction antics better than most. To top it off, Wil Wheaton’s lively narration makes for an entertaining audio experience, making it a fantastic choice for long car rides or similar occasions.

2024-10-23 16:41

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