A great start to a consistently excellent series

humour is hard to do in books but this series nails it. Likeable characters, simple but engaging plot, and fantastically performed

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Beam Me Up, Snarky!

Space Academy Dropouts is quintessential Phipps (and Suttkus too). I’ve survived the rollercoaster of several of Phipps’s novels before and, I think, all of their joint works. Most notably for me is Lucifer’s Star which was the book which introduced me to both authors.
So what do I mean with that opening statement? The common thread throughout the novels I’ve read is a balancing act between parody/comedy/bathos with a serious, at times deep underlying story. The dialogue is always snappy and with a lot of sarcasm, some innuendo, and a metric shedload of pop culture references. This novel is no exception, though there’s an obvious slant towards classic sci-fi. While this can be a tricky thing to make work, the authors succeed here in no small part because of the decision to give the main character (Vance) an in-setting reason for knowing all of these references. This combines both author’s knack for examining tropes within the genre and either deliberately leaning into them for comic effect or subverting them for the dramatic. It’s this tension between, and please excuse the cliché, the sublime and the ridiculous which gives the whole work its verve.
It’s very much an action filled ride with more twists than an Einstein-Rosen bridge, all while maintaining a humorous tone, despite the often dark implications of much of the events of the story. If you loved Star Trek, Star Wars and any film, series, or novel with Space or Star in the title, you’ll find something to appreciate in the gentle fun poked at those classics.

A word on the narration--very much fit the character, perfect choice if you ask me.

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“Sorry, I have a really good explanation. I just have to think of it”

I love Charles’ brand of fast-paced humour and snark and I love all of the Supervilliany series but I actually think this is my favourite novel of his so far and I can’t wait to get a hold of more!
Jeffrey as usual is a perfect fit for these books with great pacing and character voices.
Just great all round!

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A great combination of author and narrator

What a great listen. Jeffery Kafer brings it to life in is usual, excellent way. I really enjoy the writing style of CT Phipps and this new book is no exception (with Michael Suttkus who's also written some other great collaborations with CTPhipps)
I really like that this book doesn't take itself too seriously and openly pokes fun at the SF genre and stereotypes. There have been some proper laugh out loud moments in this book which is not good when you're sat on the train on your own! It's very binge-worthy and I really hope that like the other series CT Phipps has written and Jeffery Kafer narrated, like the Supervillainy Saga, there are more instalments to come.

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1 person found this helpful

Space Humour

Sci-fi is not something that I would normally I’d pick up but I’m pleased I did. The reason I picked it up was because I like the authors other work and this is definitely up to his usual standard.

The is humour throughout even though plot revolves around some missing star killing missiles.

The world building is very Star Trek around a federation and opposing empire. The story revolves a crew of misfits with a newly dropped out space cadet who gets promoted above his experience. The characters are well written and no one is what they seem.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the story and am looking forward to book 2.

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So funny with unexpected view points

Thoroughly enjoyable listen, fantastic narrator as always with Jeffery, he's fantastic at bringing that edge of dark humour with lashings of sarcasm to life and doesn't miss a beat with his timing.
The story is great with something for everyone I am looking forward to the next instalment and am now off to grab it if it's out.

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