Second Course

Hal Spacejock #2

by Simon Haynes

Rex Curtis is trying to save his freight company from bankruptcy, and the last thing he needs is a cheeky freelancer stealing his best customers.

Hal Spacejock, cheeky freelancer, is fighting for survival in the cut-throat interstellar cargo business. The last thing he needs is a powerful enemy.

Second Course: Two headstrong men on a collision course, in a Galaxy barely room enough for one.

Genres: Science Fiction, Comedy, Humor, Fiction, Space Opera, Speculative Fiction

365 pages, Paperback

First published March 6, 2006

About the author

Simon Haynes is the author of the Hal Spacejock, Harriet Walsh and Hal Junior (MG) series. He divides his time between writing fiction and computer software, with the occasional bike ride thrown in for a laugh.

Simon lives in Perth, Western Australia.

Reviews

[Fred Hughes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another rousing adventure with Hal Spacejock who is both the worst starship captain ever and the luckiest person alive !

Clunk gets to play some more parts in the story as he is sold, junked, restored into anther robot body and then transfers back to hos old body.

As usual Hal is totally fooled by a pretty face and does a bunch of stupid things that end up okay - see first line about Hal -.

Lots of action, bad guys and adventures.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy this series. Humorous science fiction. Wonky.

[Polly · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you liked the first book, then this one is a must-read. It's been years since I've had this much fun reading a book. I found it to be an excellent mix of a good old classic-style sci-fi adventure and light-hearted humour.

[R · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really love Hal Spacejock. He's a good hearted kind of jerk.

Weirdly enough being a kind hearted Jerk works for him. But Hal has a bad reputation in the space freight hauling world. Supposedly he takes freight and dumps it, and takes passengers and drops them off on dead workds, leaving them to starve and die.

It's true that he tries to cut corners to stay ahead of the competition but it's not true about the bad stuff he's meant to have done. Plus, cutting corners isn't working out for him.

So, with loans mounting up and the bank after him to repay a debt to them, he takes on some frieght that HAS to arrive ON TIME. But little does he know, that one competitor, a man called Rex Curtis, whose also in the freight business, and who owns a very big company; is on the very brink of collapse. So Rex feels that Hal is a threat to his companys future, so he decides to deal with Hal by hiring a young woman called Sofia Polarov. Rex has her over a financial barrel, and she is in desperate need of a work permit or she will be deported back to her home planet which is something she desperately doesn't want. Rex tells her to do a favour for him and delay Spacejock. Keep him so busy that he misses the bank deadline for delivering their freight, therefore losing their contract. That will keep the banks from going to him and other small traders to move their freight and that way Rex Curtis business will continue to run.

The story that unfolds is funny, charming, full to the brim with scene after funny scene of action and suspense. And the characters are briliant, who would think you could become so fond of a Robot?
I absolutely love Clunk the robot who belongs to Hal. He's the co pilot, or the pilot if you want the facts. Hal is a basic pilot, he's basically good at telling the ship's computer when to fly. That's the extent of his flying skills.
Clunk is also funny too he makes me laugh all the time.

Then there is Lucy. She's orange. Orange and hairy. Orange, and hairy with teeth. She's an stowaway passenger who only wants to go home. She adds an interesting twist to this lovely funny story.

These Hal Spacejock books would be brilliant if they were made into a series of programs. That I would love to see. They would be really cool.

I'm really looking forward to the next book. If its as good as this one, it will be great.

[Bonnie Dale Keck · Rating 5 out of 5]

kindle unlimited

Hal Spacejock’s cargo business is going so well he’s considering getting into passengers ... especially the beautiful and mysterious Sonya Polarov. Meanwhile, Rex Curtis runs the galaxy’s biggest freight company, and he’s sick of independent pilots stealing his cargo jobs. He’s determined to make a statement by destroying the biggest nuisance of them all: Hal Spacejock. And all he has to do is ensure Hal’s latest cargo job ends in disaster. Unaware of the threat and distracted by Sonya, Hal’s time-sensitive cargo sits aboard his ship while the deadline looms ever closer. If he doesn’t get a move on, the late fees will ruin him ... and cost him his life into the bargain.



These novels are self-contained, with a beginning, a middle and a proper ending. They're not sequels, they don't end on a cliffhanger, and you could start or end your journey with any book in the series. Some events from earlier books are referenced in later ones, so it makes sense to read them in order, but it's not essential.

There's also a new spin-off series, Harriet Walsh, featuring the popular Peace Force character from Hal Spacejock 4: No Free Lunch.



Hal Junior 1: The Secret Signal: science fiction for ages 8-12
Hal Junior 2: The Missing Case: science fiction for ages 8-12
Hal Junior 3: The Gyris Mission: science fiction for ages 8-12

Hal Spacejock 1: A robot named Clunk
Hal Spacejock 2: Second Course
Hal Spacejock 3: Just Desserts
Hal Spacejock Omnibus One {Hal Spacejock Omnibus One Hal Spacejock #1-3, PLUS a bonus short story: Hal Spacejock Visit/4.2}
Hal Spacejock 4: No Free Lunch
Hal Spacejock 4.1: Framed
Hal Spacejock 4.2: Visit
Hal Spacejock 5: Baker's Dough
Hal Spacejock 6: Safe Art
Hal Spacejock 7.1: Big Bang
Hal Spacejock 7.2: Big Bang
Hal Spacejock 7.3: Big Bang
Hal Spacejock 7.4: Big Bang
Hal Spacejock 7.5: Big Bang
Hal Spacejock 7.6: Big Bang
Hal Spacejock 7.7: Big Bang
Hal Spacejock 7.8: Big Bang
Hal Spacejock 7.9: Big Bang
Hal Spacejock 7.10: Big Ban
Hal Spacejock 8: Double Trouble

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Earlier this year, I picked up a novel (re)named 'Hal Spacejock 1: A robot named Clunk.

I enjoyed it, but thought it was nothing special.

Recently, I saw an advert on Facebook (I think), for the first three of the Hal Spacejock (yes, that's the real name of one of the characters!) novels and a bonus short story for 99pence. As I'd been reading a lot of heavier fare recently, and as it was only 99p, I thought I would pick it up.

And, I have to say, I enjoyed this one (the second in that collection) more than I remember enjoying the first, complete with a few actually laughed-out-loud moments!

[Anita Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one is even funnier than the first. Hal is (unknowingly (of course)) going up against a powerful freight magnate who is set on destroying him for good with the help of a sexy henchwoman with a smiley henchbriefcase. In between those and his natural idiocy, Hal keeps stumbling from one hilarious disaster to the next, expertly helped by his robotic sidekick, Clunk.

[Greg Koch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

It is kind of like reading with a friend standing by. I started out not liking this book, now for some damnable reason I look forward to reading the next in the series. I find myself rooting for the hapless hero, and other important characters. It has made the Quarantine a bit more bearable.

[Kathleen Esche · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clunk is the best!

Clunk is the robot in the book and is a great character. The books are easy reads and include some humor. A great read for getting away from the more stressing things in life. I recommend the book!

[Alexander Keane · Rating 4 out of 5]

It felt like the characters had a little more life to them this time around. Clunk is still trying his best to be useful, Hal is trying to make money to keep flying any way possible.

Overall, it's a pretty fun light hearted humorous story.

[M L Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent

Great read, really funny had me laughing out loud on several occasions. The growing relationship between Hal and Clunk is great, very much !one the proverbial old married couple constantly bickering but totally in love with each other.

[Edward Glaser · Rating 4 out of 5]

And, another... Joke filled, oddly written novel...

...In the Hal Spacejock series, is done...

So... What's left? Why... To, get onto the next one...

That's... What's left...

So, bring on... The irreverence, of its semi-engaging... Oddly humorous... Prose...

[Stuart Ridgway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great fun and some solid sci-fi to boot. Love reading these in between the heavy stuff.

[Hayley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hope Hal and Clunk have an official fanclb, I'd join for sure... Right after I finish book 3!!

[Trevor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hal and Clunk return with a new ship and a new business plan, unfortunately Hal came up with the idea!! Good story as Hal and Clunk muddle through, what should be a simple delivery.

[Brian Layman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one more than th 1st

[Charles Yoder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hal Spacejock is unbelievably stupid at times, but it is fun to read about him.

[Veronik Durocher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good!

I'm at book 7 (just starting it) and that series gets better and better with each book! Went from good to excellent!

[Melanie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Book is nowhere near as funny and clever as the author thinks. Should have read the reviews for the first book in the series….

[Chase · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another adventure with Hal and his robot Clunk and the ever sarcastic NavCom. We listen to this book before falling asleep at night and it has worked well to help us unwind at the end of the day.

[Jim Vanzino · Rating 3 out of 5]

An excellent addition to the series. This one actual had me laughing out loud a few times! I will also say that this book was definitely a step up in the series with a great plot arc and much more definition throughout the writing. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoyed the Red Dwarf or Hitchhikers series. Great job by the author and I’ll look forward to continuing the series!

[Éric Kasprak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before reading the first book I was wondering if this comedic sci-fi series would be my Pink Panther; my answer was a tentative yes, stating the overall quality of the story, the writing and the comic action but the lack of the equivalent of Peter Sellers genius. After reading the second book, I can safely say that (even without the M. Sellers genius) this series is definitely my book equivalent of the Pink Panther movies. Good writing, perfect pacing, solid story and lovable characters make this comedic sci-fi a serious space adventure. That's the key here: the author takes his sci-fi adventuring seriously and it is reflected in the plot, the action and the overall quality of the book. The story in this second book is a real step-up from the somewhat burlesque style of the first one and it makes the comedy that much better. Hal Spacejock might not be a Peter Sellers but we Simon Haynes is definitely a Blake Edwards at the helm. Bravo!

[Barra buntseitig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Die komplette Rezi gibt es auf unserem Blog

(...)
Grad nen Tag nichts zu tun? Keine Lust auf schwere Kost? Lust auf Lachen und ein paar irrwitzige Flugmanöver und Hackangriffe auf Computer? Dann ist man hier richtig. Es braucht weder ein Happy End, einen Cliffhanger noch einen Sternenkrieg. Reicht doch wenn man auf 400 Seiten knapp 1-2 Tage im Leben eines Hal anschauen kann, der nur Unfug anstellt, aber im richtigen Moment zur Stelle ist. Es gibt übrigens keine Szene die direkte Vorlage für das Cover war. Aber es spiegelt das Verhältnis von Hal und Klunk auf schönste Weise wieder. Wenn das nächste Mal einer mit einem Pad vor Hal steht, weil er mal wieder nicht liquide ist und die Tankstelle ihm mit entsprechenden Maßnahmen droht und sich sofort seine Bank meldet wegen überzogenem Konto und die Versicherung, weil sie für Dummheit nicht haften - und die kleine DNA Nadel seine Unterschrift ersetzt und ihn in den Finger sticht… ja DANN kann man sich sicher sein, dass Klunk mit dem Erste-Hilfe-Koffer schon in der Luftschleuse zur Passagierrampe wartet und ihn großzügig verarztet, während das Navcom sich in den unendlichen Weiten seiner Datenströme kringelt vor Lachen und damit die Kaffeemaschine einmal mehr lahm legt.

Abgesehen davon aber, gibt es immerhin auch den Verdachtsmoment, wie die Serie weiter verlaufen könnte, denn zufällig sind Hal und Klunk ja auf dem Planeten einer längst vergessenen Zivilisation mit Materietransmittern auf die Spur gekommen. Na ja gut im Kampf mit Rex und seinem super böse ‚Feinde eliminieren‘-Roboter: Tinker ist dieser Bunker, den sie da gefunden haben, verschütt gegangen, aber was soll’s. Wenn sich Hal durch eines auszeichnet, dann dadurch total unberechenbar zu sein. Wobei… nein: er wird dorthin zurückkehren! Ziemlich berechenbar.

Urteil: Warum hat noch niemand Unterwäsche erfunden die nach Außen vernäht ist? Charmantes Buch!

[Mark Ford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well...............

Is Hal what people would call an 'idiot savant'?, without the savant of course.

Nice to see that Hal and Clunk are still going about their business, even though Hal is still a major drain to his own success, without the robot Clunk, Hal would be sunk and possibly doing 50 to life in some godforsaken hellhole of a prison, being someones' (a big hairy, tattooed muscleman by the name of CRUSHER) love-toy.

Sonya, a possible love interest?, does he know what to do with a woman?, will Clunk have to show him? Can he handle a mature relationship with an adult of the opposite sex?
If he handles women like he handles the Volante he'll need the navcomp to date her.

His mouth engages at full speed to any given event whilst his brain and common sense are still at the start line looking for crayons.

The delivery of cargo should be an easy task for any normal person, but Hal is anything but normal, He's likeable enough but he is a magnet for possible disaster due to his ability to not think things through before committing his ship and Clunk to potential death and destruction.

I did enjoy the tale and will almost certainly purchase the next instalment of Hals ham fisted attempts to eke out a living in the big boys universe.

[Akhilesh Mritunjai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read, slow in beginning but picks up pace

Ok, so this is the second book in the series and really the job of this book is Hal's character development. Really, believe it or not that character does have a character and author tries hard to convince you how and why Hal behaves. It was quite predictable what Hal will do in a particular circumstance after that, so the surrounding circumstances pick up the slack and keep the story interesting.

Good read so far, in to the next...

[Colin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Haynes’s timing is good—at times too good; the gags sometimes head straight for the punch-line without giving the reader time to orient himself, and the characterization is good.

For the full review of this and the first Hal Spacejock, click here.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This deserves a 4.5. It was better than book 1. It basically had a travelogue through part of it, which I don't like, but the author handled it well and it did not lower the rating. Solid story line. Plan on reading more.

[Nyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun read; much better than the last.

[NullusAnxietus]

Second installment of a great series. Couldn't put this down! Found myself laughing out loud many times then reading stuff to my wife.
Highly reccomend!

[Martin Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellent space adventure in the series...