Science fiction · Fantasy · Adventure
Redshirts
Ensign Andrew Dahl joins the flagship of a space fleet and notices that junior crew members die on away missions at an alarming rate while the officers somehow survive. The crew starts to ask why.
Facts last checked 2026-10-16
- First published
- 2012
- Pace
- Fast
- Length
- Medium
- Pages
- 318
- Format
- Standalone
Read this if you like comic science fiction that knows exactly which television clichés it is teasing.
Skip this if you want serious science fiction or characters you will remember deeply.
The feel
Content warnings
Also reported by Hardcover readers:
Quick answers about Redshirts
- What is Redshirts about?
- Ensign Andrew Dahl joins the flagship of a space fleet and notices that junior crew members die on away missions at an alarming rate while the officers somehow survive. The crew starts to ask why.
- Who should read Redshirts?
- Read it if you like comic science fiction that knows exactly which television clichés it is teasing. Skip it if you want serious science fiction or characters you will remember deeply.
- How long and how fast is Redshirts?
- It is a fast-paced, medium read of about 318 pages, first published in 2012.
- Does Redshirts have content warnings?
- Content we flag: Death.
- Can I borrow Redshirts for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends Redshirts; the borrow button above searches it for you.
- What should I read after Redshirts?
- Readers who liked it often move on to The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, All Systems Red, Good Omens.
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Where to get it
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
| Amazon | Check price | Buy new from Amazon |
| Ebook | ||
| Kobo | Check price | Buy ebook from Kobo |
| Google Play Books | Check price | Buy ebook from Google Play Books |
| Audiobook | ||
| Audible | Check price | Buy audiobook from Audible |
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Because you might love it
If you loved Redshirts
-
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy The classic of comic science fiction, with a similar love of cosmic absurdity.
-
All Systems Red Another sarcastic, short, modern science-fiction story that is more focused on a single voice.
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Good Omens A comic fantasy with the same playful, self-aware way of using a familiar story.
Science fiction
