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The Earthman Jack Space Saga #1
Earthman Jack vs. the Ghost Planet
Jack Finnegan only has to worry about dealing with school bullies, suffering through detention with his homeroom teacher, and getting noticed by the girl of his dreams... at least until an army of evil aliens invade Earth. Suddenly, this teenage slacker finds himself at the center of a galaxy-spanning conflict - where the lives of everyone on the planet are in jeopardy, soldiers use Quantum Physics to become superheroes, and the enemy uses some mysterious form of magic to make themselves practically unstoppable. The secret to ending the conflict and saving the universe may lie in a powerful ancient spaceship, which it seems can only be flown by Earthmen. Now, Jack and a rag-tag group of allies must overcome impossible odds, defeat an unkillable enemy, rescue the princess of the galaxy, and save the universe from a threat more terrifying than any it has ever faced. Can this underachiever rise to the occasion and become the hero Earth needs? The fate of all life in the galaxy may rest in his hands.
642 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2013
125 people are currently reading
1080 people want to read
About the author
Matthew Kadish
16 books186 followersMatthew Kadish is an independent author and world-recognized evil genius. When he isn't writing or being evil, he enjoys relaxing at the beach and videos of puppies. Much like Scottish cuisine, most of his literary works have been based on dares. He currently lives in Las Vegas and always bets on black, because Westley Snipes has yet to steer him wrong in life. He is the most talented author ever. His mother tells him so every day.
Visit www.EarthmanJack.com and get a *special edition* copy of my book Earthman Jack vs. The Ghost Planet for free! (It's only for a limited time, so hurry up!)
Visit www.EarthmanJack.com and get a *special edition* copy of my book Earthman Jack vs. The Ghost Planet for free! (It's only for a limited time, so hurry up!)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
April 6, 2015
DNF at 7%
Sheldon, why don't you start us off?
Pitchers, approach your mounds. Annnnnd play ball!
I hate the Lego Movie. I hate its cliche Chosen One plot. I hate its barely hidden consumerism message. I hate the reason Wild Style ended up with Emmet is because he's the hero and she's the fucking trophy.
If you're going to do the Chosen One plot, hide it a little better, is all I'm asking. We didn't find out Harry Potter's prophecy until book 5. Earthman Jack's special status is presented with all the subtlety of Brussels sprouts on a white plate. Mash it up and hide it in a pie.
Strike one!
Batter up!
It's so nice to see middle-grade books promoting stalking. Molding the minds of the Christian Grays of tomorrow.
Later, Anna gets harassed by a dumb jock and Jack swoops in and saves the day. Because rape culture in real life isn't enough, we have to shove it down the throats of kids, too.
Strike two!
This fucking passage:
WHY. Why do we need to know this shit? I'm too lazy to quote the entire thing, but he goes on to describe Matt's attire and does the same thing to his entire social circle.
This book doesn't need to be 600+ pages. Unnecessary descriptions like this should've been shaved off.
Strike three! And you're out!
I'm not putting up with this crap for 600+ pages. I have a life—and better books.
ARC provided by Netgalley
Sheldon, why don't you start us off?
Pitchers, approach your mounds. Annnnnd play ball!
He wasn't the smartest earthman there was, nor the strongest, nor the best leader the planet had to offer... And though he would arguably become one of the greatest heroes this universe has ever known, he did not start out that way.
I hate the Lego Movie. I hate its cliche Chosen One plot. I hate its barely hidden consumerism message. I hate the reason Wild Style ended up with Emmet is because he's the hero and she's the fucking trophy.
If you're going to do the Chosen One plot, hide it a little better, is all I'm asking. We didn't find out Harry Potter's prophecy until book 5. Earthman Jack's special status is presented with all the subtlety of Brussels sprouts on a white plate. Mash it up and hide it in a pie.
Strike one!
Batter up!
"A normal guy would have taken the hint and moved on by now. But Jack felt in his gut that there was something there, some connection between Anna and him, almost like they were destined to be together."
It's so nice to see middle-grade books promoting stalking. Molding the minds of the Christian Grays of tomorrow.
Later, Anna gets harassed by a dumb jock and Jack swoops in and saves the day. Because rape culture in real life isn't enough, we have to shove it down the throats of kids, too.
Strike two!
This fucking passage:
"First off, there was his best friend Matt Nolan, who'd been Jack's partner in crime since the two of them got into a fight over who got to play with the Mighty Morphing Robot Ninja in first grade. Matt's mom was white, and his dad was black, but on the color scale, Matt tended to skew on the lighter end—a fact that really annoyed him..."
WHY. Why do we need to know this shit? I'm too lazy to quote the entire thing, but he goes on to describe Matt's attire and does the same thing to his entire social circle.
This book doesn't need to be 600+ pages. Unnecessary descriptions like this should've been shaved off.
Strike three! And you're out!
I'm not putting up with this crap for 600+ pages. I have a life—and better books.
ARC provided by Netgalley
July 28, 2014
Okay, I'm going out on a limb here. The last (and only time) I wrote a review of a book before I finished the book I had to go back and revise the star rating down. But, I can't help myself. Given my current record at writing timely reviews, I had better write this one while I can. So, here it goes. (Mr. Kadish, please don't let me down.)
Okay, first off, this is probably best classified as young adult. By that I mean good for middle school (Jr. High) and up (to middle aged grumpy dudes like me and geriatric oldsters). The plot is not incredibly unique, and I've already thought of many movies and TV shows that I've seen reading this book (and I'm only 33% of the way through, mind you). If you wanted to dissect it, you could break it apart to characters, plot, execution (which is this books strength), humor, etc. and likely not be impressed with the parts.
Thank God we don't have to do that! First off, once something reaches the 5 multiple of "things this reminds me of" I stop saying it's like anything. It is impossible to make it "like" thirty different things. And if it was the one thing in the universe that could successfully do that (aside from having to issue a green card to Kadish for being an illegal alien from an "off world nation") that in itself makes this unique. So, if you’re an image reader that only sees similarities then…Egad, Butch, give it a rest. You need get a hold of yourself, throw in the towel and just enjoy a read for a change will ya? and while you’re at it there is a cool, goofy sweet romantic element in this book too so make an appointment with the wizard to get you a new heart before you catch the Scarecrow on fire and the Lion soils his armor!
Okay, done now...well, not done, but... you get the idea, back to my philosophical and very technical analysis of this collection of databytes and electricity known as a digital book. (Wow, I got to brush up on my Geekish some. That sounded lame.)
Don't get the wrong impression …Yes, that is a road sign that "Hugh is going off of the map again, and you need to buckle up ‘cause the ride can get bumpy…” My synopsis, description etc. is this.
Dude, this is SO COOL! and FREAKIN' AWSOME! For those of you who don't speak geriatric retired Navy dude that is a positive statement about the impact of this story. I know it's kind of technical and tricky.
The first thing you'll realize reading this is that, this is just fun to read. The characters are funny, only Jack is interesting at first,... well Anna too ("Dude she's freakin' HOT!") but by the 15% mark the main characters have grown very interesting. There is a mystery, albeit short lived, about who and why and I'll even go so far as to say it's a bit transparent in parts. I knew what was going to happen and I couldn't wait to get there reading! (Like I said, FUN! sophistication and complexity doesn't beat fun, unless it is also fun).
The second thing, some of you will notice...those of you as accomplished in reading the subtleties of the "Force" as I. Heh, better Geekish nerdism this time? …(sigh)… Man, somebody just called and told me my Geek/Nerd Club card has expired! Do those things expire?) Where was I? Oh yea, reading the subtleties of the force. (Just imagine an Alex Guinness voice here.)
What makes books like this special for me is when I find those nuggets of information about living life and overcoming obstacles. What really sells that to me, is when I start reading and I start thinking...you know... give that guy a better haircut, take him out of the trailer and stick him a beat up old house crank the video game back to Atari 1600 and ...yeah... "He could have been me in High School."
Of course that's ridiculous. Heh... psst, you’re supposed to nod your head and mumble, "oh, yeah, right not you, Hugh. You were never that much of a nerd." When I pause after statements like that.
As ridiculous as it is, I felt that way. Was anyone else 5' 4" inches tall and a whopping 120 lbs. soaking wet with a rock in their pocket as a junior in High School?. My only choice was going geek, or staying home. And once you go geek you never...
(Okay, I’m still working on that one...make a squeak?..eew... moving on, please stay with the tour bus... nothing to see here.)
I mean how far outside of the world of the beautiful people did I believe myself to be. My circle of very loyal friends who also existed in the dork zone instead where football players and cheerleaders hung out half wanting to be in the other camp, half making up reasons to think we were the lucky ones. And, what I believe to be true of anyone in my shoes, "boy, I could dream of things (wonderful things)", and wouldn't you know it?
This was the kind of "what if" fantasy day dream that kept me entertained when I might otherwise be down on myself and worried about being a sum total with less potential and life than those around me. I was quiet, dyslexic and odd. I so would have wanted to be Jack it aint funny. In books, and stories I could fly, fight monsters and, every now and then, rescue a beautiful (and hopefully grateful) princess. As an aging grumpy old man, it's so nice to get a chance to go back there. Not to High School, who'd want that, but to those great stories of my youth.
There is also a good message about loss and overcoming the grief of it. And a fantastic statement by Mr. Shepherd about taking responsibility for your life that, I now know, as a man half of a century old, is absolutely true, just as I know the secret to overcoming loss of a person close to you is by making new friends and having new experiences to remember. I also know how much I wouldn't have wanted to hear that crap when I was 16.
So this is why this book is rated 4.5 and I'm only through a third of it. I started reading it and felt transported, in a good way, back to the boy I once was. This time, I could be back in “the day,” without the fear and panic that I wallowed in through most of my existence in High School. It’s a fun, exciting, action packed story that, in the back of my mind that tiny voice whispers to me as I read...
"They will probably come back for me...."
Then the greatest and most beautiful part of reading begins. The next thing I know, I'm running with Jack and Anna and there are gobs of wicked gnarly aliens shooting some of red shi... er… stuff at us. (Just don't tell my wife about Anna, that was high school, you know? Some things are better left unsaid.)
Sure, I know it's just a story. But it's just a really fun, exciting story of the kind that feels great to be in again.
Summary - 4.5 stars. Taking a risk by rating and reviewing early and it's just a fun read. Family story--appropriate for anyone from junior high school age (Middle School) to "heading for the Nursing Home."
As long as this story stays as fun as it had been, I'll be looking forward to the next one.
I love a fun story!
Okay, first off, this is probably best classified as young adult. By that I mean good for middle school (Jr. High) and up (to middle aged grumpy dudes like me and geriatric oldsters). The plot is not incredibly unique, and I've already thought of many movies and TV shows that I've seen reading this book (and I'm only 33% of the way through, mind you). If you wanted to dissect it, you could break it apart to characters, plot, execution (which is this books strength), humor, etc. and likely not be impressed with the parts.
Thank God we don't have to do that! First off, once something reaches the 5 multiple of "things this reminds me of" I stop saying it's like anything. It is impossible to make it "like" thirty different things. And if it was the one thing in the universe that could successfully do that (aside from having to issue a green card to Kadish for being an illegal alien from an "off world nation") that in itself makes this unique. So, if you’re an image reader that only sees similarities then…Egad, Butch, give it a rest. You need get a hold of yourself, throw in the towel and just enjoy a read for a change will ya? and while you’re at it there is a cool, goofy sweet romantic element in this book too so make an appointment with the wizard to get you a new heart before you catch the Scarecrow on fire and the Lion soils his armor!
Okay, done now...well, not done, but... you get the idea, back to my philosophical and very technical analysis of this collection of databytes and electricity known as a digital book. (Wow, I got to brush up on my Geekish some. That sounded lame.)
Don't get the wrong impression …Yes, that is a road sign that "Hugh is going off of the map again, and you need to buckle up ‘cause the ride can get bumpy…” My synopsis, description etc. is this.
Dude, this is SO COOL! and FREAKIN' AWSOME! For those of you who don't speak geriatric retired Navy dude that is a positive statement about the impact of this story. I know it's kind of technical and tricky.
The first thing you'll realize reading this is that, this is just fun to read. The characters are funny, only Jack is interesting at first,... well Anna too ("Dude she's freakin' HOT!") but by the 15% mark the main characters have grown very interesting. There is a mystery, albeit short lived, about who and why and I'll even go so far as to say it's a bit transparent in parts. I knew what was going to happen and I couldn't wait to get there reading! (Like I said, FUN! sophistication and complexity doesn't beat fun, unless it is also fun).
The second thing, some of you will notice...those of you as accomplished in reading the subtleties of the "Force" as I. Heh, better Geekish nerdism this time? …(sigh)… Man, somebody just called and told me my Geek/Nerd Club card has expired! Do those things expire?) Where was I? Oh yea, reading the subtleties of the force. (Just imagine an Alex Guinness voice here.)
What makes books like this special for me is when I find those nuggets of information about living life and overcoming obstacles. What really sells that to me, is when I start reading and I start thinking...you know... give that guy a better haircut, take him out of the trailer and stick him a beat up old house crank the video game back to Atari 1600 and ...yeah... "He could have been me in High School."
Of course that's ridiculous. Heh... psst, you’re supposed to nod your head and mumble, "oh, yeah, right not you, Hugh. You were never that much of a nerd." When I pause after statements like that.
As ridiculous as it is, I felt that way. Was anyone else 5' 4" inches tall and a whopping 120 lbs. soaking wet with a rock in their pocket as a junior in High School?. My only choice was going geek, or staying home. And once you go geek you never...
(Okay, I’m still working on that one...make a squeak?..eew... moving on, please stay with the tour bus... nothing to see here.)
I mean how far outside of the world of the beautiful people did I believe myself to be. My circle of very loyal friends who also existed in the dork zone instead where football players and cheerleaders hung out half wanting to be in the other camp, half making up reasons to think we were the lucky ones. And, what I believe to be true of anyone in my shoes, "boy, I could dream of things (wonderful things)", and wouldn't you know it?
This was the kind of "what if" fantasy day dream that kept me entertained when I might otherwise be down on myself and worried about being a sum total with less potential and life than those around me. I was quiet, dyslexic and odd. I so would have wanted to be Jack it aint funny. In books, and stories I could fly, fight monsters and, every now and then, rescue a beautiful (and hopefully grateful) princess. As an aging grumpy old man, it's so nice to get a chance to go back there. Not to High School, who'd want that, but to those great stories of my youth.
There is also a good message about loss and overcoming the grief of it. And a fantastic statement by Mr. Shepherd about taking responsibility for your life that, I now know, as a man half of a century old, is absolutely true, just as I know the secret to overcoming loss of a person close to you is by making new friends and having new experiences to remember. I also know how much I wouldn't have wanted to hear that crap when I was 16.
So this is why this book is rated 4.5 and I'm only through a third of it. I started reading it and felt transported, in a good way, back to the boy I once was. This time, I could be back in “the day,” without the fear and panic that I wallowed in through most of my existence in High School. It’s a fun, exciting, action packed story that, in the back of my mind that tiny voice whispers to me as I read...
"They will probably come back for me...."
Then the greatest and most beautiful part of reading begins. The next thing I know, I'm running with Jack and Anna and there are gobs of wicked gnarly aliens shooting some of red shi... er… stuff at us. (Just don't tell my wife about Anna, that was high school, you know? Some things are better left unsaid.)
Sure, I know it's just a story. But it's just a really fun, exciting story of the kind that feels great to be in again.
Summary - 4.5 stars. Taking a risk by rating and reviewing early and it's just a fun read. Family story--appropriate for anyone from junior high school age (Middle School) to "heading for the Nursing Home."
As long as this story stays as fun as it had been, I'll be looking forward to the next one.
I love a fun story!
April 21, 2018
I don't even know where to begin with this review. There is sooo much going on in my head about it, so much that I want to write, but I'm afraid giving even the least bit of information will ruin the excitement of finding out for yourself when you read the book.
As Matthew states at the end, he included everything he loved growing up: "sci-fi, adventure, video games, comic books, pretty girls, superheroes, magic and various other totally awesome things." If you are a fan of any one of those THIS book needs to be the next one you read.
I read from 10:15pm to 2:10am finishing this book, forcing myself to stay awake and avoiding all things that could possibly distract me from getting to the ending because each page brought more and more reasons why I NEEDED to see what would happen next - gut-busting humor (the one-liners from the anti-hero and his group had me laughing out loud, which I'm sure made me look crazy since I'm not always reading in the peace of my own home); breath-holding, heart-beating-out-of-your-chest moments of anticipation, excitement and adventure. Truly an amazing book - with some REALLY great characters that are not perfect, which makes you like them even more - and I can't wait to read the next one.
As Matthew states at the end, he included everything he loved growing up: "sci-fi, adventure, video games, comic books, pretty girls, superheroes, magic and various other totally awesome things." If you are a fan of any one of those THIS book needs to be the next one you read.
I read from 10:15pm to 2:10am finishing this book, forcing myself to stay awake and avoiding all things that could possibly distract me from getting to the ending because each page brought more and more reasons why I NEEDED to see what would happen next - gut-busting humor (the one-liners from the anti-hero and his group had me laughing out loud, which I'm sure made me look crazy since I'm not always reading in the peace of my own home); breath-holding, heart-beating-out-of-your-chest moments of anticipation, excitement and adventure. Truly an amazing book - with some REALLY great characters that are not perfect, which makes you like them even more - and I can't wait to read the next one.
September 11, 2016
The first book in The Earthman Jack Space Saga by Matthew Kadish. Jack is just a kid in high school that is doing the best he can. But it seems that the teachers have it out for him and fate is not kind. He has his eye on a young classmate but he knows she is out of his league. But then stuff happens and he finds himself in a race to save, well, everyone.
Okay, The Last Starfighter meets Guardians of the Galaxy meets Star Wars meets Star Trek meet... Well, there were pieces of many sci-fi movies and shows and I really loved it. This is not something I would normally pick up to read but I am so glad I have discovered Goodreads and can find books out of my normal genre to enjoy. The book doesn't really end on a cliffhanger but the story isn't totally done either. A fun, humorous, adventurous tale!
Okay, The Last Starfighter meets Guardians of the Galaxy meets Star Wars meets Star Trek meet... Well, there were pieces of many sci-fi movies and shows and I really loved it. This is not something I would normally pick up to read but I am so glad I have discovered Goodreads and can find books out of my normal genre to enjoy. The book doesn't really end on a cliffhanger but the story isn't totally done either. A fun, humorous, adventurous tale!
August 7, 2013
If you love epic adventure books...
If you love witty dialogue...
If you love getting the most amazing deal ever...
...you need to get this book.
At the time of writing this review, this book was selling on Amazon for about a buck. About 1/3 of the way into it, I did something I have never done and will probably never do again – I sent a message to the author telling him he was crazy for letting this book go so ridiculously cheap. I actually felt like I totally ripped him off. This book could rival anything put out by one of the big publishing houses and if it had a price of $10 - $15 on it, I still think it would be worth buying.
This is the first in a series, but it’s not like a lot of other series books. This one is pretty long and can be read as a stand alone...but after you read it, you will be glad there is more to come. I love the universe the author has created. The characters are amazing, the science seems plausible and the story did exactly what I most want a story to do for me – it played out like a movie in my mind and I got lost in it.
If I were to compare this to other books I have read, just to give you an idea of the genre it would be in and the quality of the writing because the stories themselves aren’t similar, I would say Percy Jackson, Artemis Fowl, and even Harry Potter (before the end when it just got so serious).
There is only small thing in the book that I didn’t like. There is a part in the story when our heroes have made it out of the pit, they have crept down the stairs and are before one of the Void Lord avatars. Rather than spouting something evil or setting off alarms, it proceeds to explains things to them. It was a bit of an infodump...not to say I didn’t like getting a little background, but this was too convenient and it didn’t make sense to me that this thing was telling them all of this. That’s it. A couple of pages in about five hundred. Everything else was, in my opinion, perfect!!
If you love witty dialogue...
If you love getting the most amazing deal ever...
...you need to get this book.
At the time of writing this review, this book was selling on Amazon for about a buck. About 1/3 of the way into it, I did something I have never done and will probably never do again – I sent a message to the author telling him he was crazy for letting this book go so ridiculously cheap. I actually felt like I totally ripped him off. This book could rival anything put out by one of the big publishing houses and if it had a price of $10 - $15 on it, I still think it would be worth buying.
This is the first in a series, but it’s not like a lot of other series books. This one is pretty long and can be read as a stand alone...but after you read it, you will be glad there is more to come. I love the universe the author has created. The characters are amazing, the science seems plausible and the story did exactly what I most want a story to do for me – it played out like a movie in my mind and I got lost in it.
If I were to compare this to other books I have read, just to give you an idea of the genre it would be in and the quality of the writing because the stories themselves aren’t similar, I would say Percy Jackson, Artemis Fowl, and even Harry Potter (before the end when it just got so serious).
There is only small thing in the book that I didn’t like. There is a part in the story when our heroes have made it out of the pit, they have crept down the stairs and are before one of the Void Lord avatars. Rather than spouting something evil or setting off alarms, it proceeds to explains things to them. It was a bit of an infodump...not to say I didn’t like getting a little background, but this was too convenient and it didn’t make sense to me that this thing was telling them all of this. That’s it. A couple of pages in about five hundred. Everything else was, in my opinion, perfect!!
August 11, 2013
An amazing book that was a joy to read. From the ups of Jack's romance, learning of his "special abilities", and kicking ass throughout the book; to the downs, the destruction, death, and sorrow that follows jack everywhere. Constantly keeping you on your toes and enjoyment abound i would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a good read.
May 31, 2014
Find This and Other Reviews At Craves The Angst.
I was graciously gifted this copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
5 Outstanding, Out-Of-This-World Stars!
Storytelling At It’s Best! I Loved This Action-Packed Adventure From Beginning To End!
The Review:
First, let me say, this is not my typical reading genre. Admittedly, I’m somewhat of a geek. I love watching movies and tv shows in the sci-fi genre and I love awesome cool aliens and space travel type action but I don’t normally read it. I’m usually turned off by the overly scientific terminology, or the “contraterrene” this and the “superluminal” that so I dont read it much. However, this book? It was so much fun and flowed so well that when I hit the end of 665 printed pages, I felt like no time had passed at all. I already have plans for a re-read! It’s without a doubt one of the best YA book I’ve ever read and if all fantasy/sci-fi reads were like this one, I’d read nothing but that genre!
Story...
Jack Finnegan is your average teenage boy. He comes from a normal, if not impoverished life, he’s an only child in a single parent household and he likes the prettiest girl in school for which he knows he doesn't stand a chance in all the universe of hooking up with, let alone to actually form complete sentences around. He’s of average intelligence, average looks and he loves spending his time playing video games. Some might even consider him a slacker.
But one heroic decision and one massive event takes his life from ordinary to extraordinary.
If Jacks small Earthly life had one arch nemesis, it’s definitely the school bully J.C. and his band of hooligans who he tries his best to ignore. But when the day comes where J.C. starts harassing the girl he’s been crushing on all school year, it’s time to take action. Jack intervenes and that one moment changes everything. A quick, if somewhat limited friendship forms between Anna and Jack but Anna’s not like other girls. And when an alien invasion happens on Jack and Anna’s first night out, Jack gets caught up in way more than he ever expected.
Mammoth flying ships, space travel, evil alien hostels, explosions, a gargantuan swarm of “eat anything” space bugs, kidnappings, death, loss, shocking and painful events, one cranky robot, a life stealing ghost planet, enemies, fun, adventure... unexpected friendships.. this book has it all. From the first page to the last, Earthman Jack is one thrilling, entertaining, harrowing calamity after another.
This book is filled with lots of action to keep your mind moving, enough romance to make you smile, enough angsts to keep your heart invested and a lot of snarky back-talk to amuse you as Earth and Jack get caught up in a war between an army of evil aliens and the protectors of the universe. Everyone is in danger from the Deathlords, who want to eradicate the universe from all they claim unworthy of existence, which unfortunately, includes everyone and everything except them.
Characters...
I really found myself attached to each of the characters. They were all wonderful in their own way and even though some were not from “this planet”, they were totally relatable.
Jack quickly became one of my all time favorite YA hero’s. This fifteen year old was full of life and courage. There was literally nothing about him I disliked. From his quippy one liners to the real emotions he invoked in me while he suffered through tragedy or found joy in the little things like riding around in a spaceship or seeing a new breed of alien for the first time, I experienced his fear, struggle and excitement through the fantastic writing. He never gave up, never backed down! He has a whole slew of new experiences to deal with and he takes them in stride. Jack has to endure some pretty horrific things on his quest and as he’s the only one left to command the single, most powerful alien ship thats the only thing standing between the wicked Deathlords and total universal annihilation, he has to find his strength and be the hero he never knew he could be.
In the Band...
The author creates a surprising but phenomenal band of daredevil's to delight us with and though not all make it to the end, they all inspire and bring a most entertaining, brighter light to the canvas which is confirmation of this authors incredible talent to tell a story and make you fall in love with his characters.
The fearless princess, the valiant defender, the brainy scientist, the indestructible warrior, the testy swashbuckler and of course the maniacal evil genius. Though these are the main characters in the story, there is a whole collection of red shirts we get the pleasure of meeting and each and every one of them are sui generis! I loved them all and what they brought to the story.
The Wrap Up:
In two words.. Earthman Jack is EPICALLY BRILLIANT! I actually experience an emotional high when I was done reading this book. From the first page I was totally sucked in. I’m in my thirties and though this book is in the young adult genre, anyone of any age can find enjoyment while reading it. It has everything you could possibly want in an adventure. And with the impressive writing that just flowed from one page to the next, the non-stop action through all three “episodes”, the sweet little romance blossoming between Jack and Anna, the angst while experiencing all the loss the characters endure and the amazing and interesting friendships that are formed, this book is a must read. It embodies everything I loved from my childhood in this genre and as familiar as it was, it was also unique and had me cheering from my readers chair!
And the best part? There’s a second book on it’s way. I can’t wait!
I was graciously gifted this copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
5 Outstanding, Out-Of-This-World Stars!
Storytelling At It’s Best! I Loved This Action-Packed Adventure From Beginning To End!
The Review:
First, let me say, this is not my typical reading genre. Admittedly, I’m somewhat of a geek. I love watching movies and tv shows in the sci-fi genre and I love awesome cool aliens and space travel type action but I don’t normally read it. I’m usually turned off by the overly scientific terminology, or the “contraterrene” this and the “superluminal” that so I dont read it much. However, this book? It was so much fun and flowed so well that when I hit the end of 665 printed pages, I felt like no time had passed at all. I already have plans for a re-read! It’s without a doubt one of the best YA book I’ve ever read and if all fantasy/sci-fi reads were like this one, I’d read nothing but that genre!
Story...
Jack Finnegan is your average teenage boy. He comes from a normal, if not impoverished life, he’s an only child in a single parent household and he likes the prettiest girl in school for which he knows he doesn't stand a chance in all the universe of hooking up with, let alone to actually form complete sentences around. He’s of average intelligence, average looks and he loves spending his time playing video games. Some might even consider him a slacker.
But one heroic decision and one massive event takes his life from ordinary to extraordinary.
If Jacks small Earthly life had one arch nemesis, it’s definitely the school bully J.C. and his band of hooligans who he tries his best to ignore. But when the day comes where J.C. starts harassing the girl he’s been crushing on all school year, it’s time to take action. Jack intervenes and that one moment changes everything. A quick, if somewhat limited friendship forms between Anna and Jack but Anna’s not like other girls. And when an alien invasion happens on Jack and Anna’s first night out, Jack gets caught up in way more than he ever expected.
Mammoth flying ships, space travel, evil alien hostels, explosions, a gargantuan swarm of “eat anything” space bugs, kidnappings, death, loss, shocking and painful events, one cranky robot, a life stealing ghost planet, enemies, fun, adventure... unexpected friendships.. this book has it all. From the first page to the last, Earthman Jack is one thrilling, entertaining, harrowing calamity after another.
This book is filled with lots of action to keep your mind moving, enough romance to make you smile, enough angsts to keep your heart invested and a lot of snarky back-talk to amuse you as Earth and Jack get caught up in a war between an army of evil aliens and the protectors of the universe. Everyone is in danger from the Deathlords, who want to eradicate the universe from all they claim unworthy of existence, which unfortunately, includes everyone and everything except them.
Characters...
I really found myself attached to each of the characters. They were all wonderful in their own way and even though some were not from “this planet”, they were totally relatable.
Jack quickly became one of my all time favorite YA hero’s. This fifteen year old was full of life and courage. There was literally nothing about him I disliked. From his quippy one liners to the real emotions he invoked in me while he suffered through tragedy or found joy in the little things like riding around in a spaceship or seeing a new breed of alien for the first time, I experienced his fear, struggle and excitement through the fantastic writing. He never gave up, never backed down! He has a whole slew of new experiences to deal with and he takes them in stride. Jack has to endure some pretty horrific things on his quest and as he’s the only one left to command the single, most powerful alien ship thats the only thing standing between the wicked Deathlords and total universal annihilation, he has to find his strength and be the hero he never knew he could be.
In the Band...
The author creates a surprising but phenomenal band of daredevil's to delight us with and though not all make it to the end, they all inspire and bring a most entertaining, brighter light to the canvas which is confirmation of this authors incredible talent to tell a story and make you fall in love with his characters.
The fearless princess, the valiant defender, the brainy scientist, the indestructible warrior, the testy swashbuckler and of course the maniacal evil genius. Though these are the main characters in the story, there is a whole collection of red shirts we get the pleasure of meeting and each and every one of them are sui generis! I loved them all and what they brought to the story.
The Wrap Up:
In two words.. Earthman Jack is EPICALLY BRILLIANT! I actually experience an emotional high when I was done reading this book. From the first page I was totally sucked in. I’m in my thirties and though this book is in the young adult genre, anyone of any age can find enjoyment while reading it. It has everything you could possibly want in an adventure. And with the impressive writing that just flowed from one page to the next, the non-stop action through all three “episodes”, the sweet little romance blossoming between Jack and Anna, the angst while experiencing all the loss the characters endure and the amazing and interesting friendships that are formed, this book is a must read. It embodies everything I loved from my childhood in this genre and as familiar as it was, it was also unique and had me cheering from my readers chair!
And the best part? There’s a second book on it’s way. I can’t wait!
April 29, 2014
http://koeur.wordpress.com/2014/04/29...
Publisher: Privateer
Publishing Date:April 2014
ISBN: 9780991064717
Genre: SciFi
Rating: 2.2/5
Publisher Description: Jack Finnegan only has to worry about dealing with school bullies, suffering through detention with his homeroom teacher, and getting noticed by the girl of his dreams… at least until an army of evil aliens invade Earth. Suddenly, this teenage slacker finds himself at the center of a galaxy-spanning conflict – where the lives of everyone on the planet are in jeopardy, soldiers use Quantum Physics to become superheroes, and the enemy uses some mysterious form of magic to make themselves practically unstoppable.
Review: Cover art is pretty good.
This was built for the YA reader, yet some adults will have a good time with it. This novel attempts to combine a lot of elements; adventure, budding love, teen angst, dry wit, strange alien characters and a reluctant hero. This novel is better utilized for adults that missed their plane to Bora Bora and have 6 hours to kill.
Earthman Jack is the last ummm…..earthman, whom has the lost ancients ship at his command. He survives the destruction of Earth with the Princess of the galaxy and her cohorts. There were parts of this novel VERY reminiscent of the “Last Starfighter” movie, what with the video game training/starship flying parallel. This has a whole heck of a lot of ridiculousness coupled with serious instances (earth blowing up etc.).
The author utilized the tried and true overuse of verbs and adjectives to expedite scenes and glibly describe character responses. The word “actually” was used 108 times. “grumbled” 73 times. “mumbled”, 39 times. “growled”, 69 times. “muttered”, 78 times. Fug. Besides the painful overuse of certain words that grind on my psyche every time they come up, there was the “Ole scallywag space alien pirate” shtick that lessens any novels believability. Really. Alien space pirates that talk like Captain Sparrow’s mates on the Black Pearl…..fug me. There is just no way you can visually render pirate aliens, let alone one called ‘Scallywag’. It is even lame to attempt an insult of such magnitude on the reader.
That all said, the novel was entertaining and definitely does not take itself seriously, so why should I? It is glib and transient and glides along the edges of a “Hitchikers Guide to the Galaxy”. Only the Deathlords are not funny, in any way, shape or form. Zarrod, the supreme Deathlord is not real convincing in that he regales others about himself…”I am supreme….Omega…culler of worlds…blah, blah blah”. The author kills of the most interesting man in the Galaxy, Paragon Shepherd. I mean, wtf? He mentors Jack, is going to train him as a Paragon, saves everyone’s life multiple times, has kewl armor and wields badass weapons. Really? BANG! Yur dead. Fuggin A’.
It is kind of too bad that the story-line spent most of it’s time embedded on the Deathlord’s ship with Jack and his cohorts constantly being recaptured here and there. This novel might have been better served with an adventurous escape across the galaxy, discovering ancient alien ruins on their quest to uncover the hidden secret of the universe and stop the tyrannical Deathlords. Plays better for the YA crowd. Instead we get a whole lot of interaction with Deathlords on their ship, or on Jack’s ship with one destination….the ghost planet. Ho hum.
This was a surprisingly long-winded read and despite the novels word over-use and static placement or lack of movement, I enjoyed the story-line. It just needs to be tightly edited and pointed in a more interesting direction.
Publisher: Privateer
Publishing Date:April 2014
ISBN: 9780991064717
Genre: SciFi
Rating: 2.2/5
Publisher Description: Jack Finnegan only has to worry about dealing with school bullies, suffering through detention with his homeroom teacher, and getting noticed by the girl of his dreams… at least until an army of evil aliens invade Earth. Suddenly, this teenage slacker finds himself at the center of a galaxy-spanning conflict – where the lives of everyone on the planet are in jeopardy, soldiers use Quantum Physics to become superheroes, and the enemy uses some mysterious form of magic to make themselves practically unstoppable.
Review: Cover art is pretty good.
This was built for the YA reader, yet some adults will have a good time with it. This novel attempts to combine a lot of elements; adventure, budding love, teen angst, dry wit, strange alien characters and a reluctant hero. This novel is better utilized for adults that missed their plane to Bora Bora and have 6 hours to kill.
Earthman Jack is the last ummm…..earthman, whom has the lost ancients ship at his command. He survives the destruction of Earth with the Princess of the galaxy and her cohorts. There were parts of this novel VERY reminiscent of the “Last Starfighter” movie, what with the video game training/starship flying parallel. This has a whole heck of a lot of ridiculousness coupled with serious instances (earth blowing up etc.).
The author utilized the tried and true overuse of verbs and adjectives to expedite scenes and glibly describe character responses. The word “actually” was used 108 times. “grumbled” 73 times. “mumbled”, 39 times. “growled”, 69 times. “muttered”, 78 times. Fug. Besides the painful overuse of certain words that grind on my psyche every time they come up, there was the “Ole scallywag space alien pirate” shtick that lessens any novels believability. Really. Alien space pirates that talk like Captain Sparrow’s mates on the Black Pearl…..fug me. There is just no way you can visually render pirate aliens, let alone one called ‘Scallywag’. It is even lame to attempt an insult of such magnitude on the reader.
That all said, the novel was entertaining and definitely does not take itself seriously, so why should I? It is glib and transient and glides along the edges of a “Hitchikers Guide to the Galaxy”. Only the Deathlords are not funny, in any way, shape or form. Zarrod, the supreme Deathlord is not real convincing in that he regales others about himself…”I am supreme….Omega…culler of worlds…blah, blah blah”. The author kills of the most interesting man in the Galaxy, Paragon Shepherd. I mean, wtf? He mentors Jack, is going to train him as a Paragon, saves everyone’s life multiple times, has kewl armor and wields badass weapons. Really? BANG! Yur dead. Fuggin A’.
It is kind of too bad that the story-line spent most of it’s time embedded on the Deathlord’s ship with Jack and his cohorts constantly being recaptured here and there. This novel might have been better served with an adventurous escape across the galaxy, discovering ancient alien ruins on their quest to uncover the hidden secret of the universe and stop the tyrannical Deathlords. Plays better for the YA crowd. Instead we get a whole lot of interaction with Deathlords on their ship, or on Jack’s ship with one destination….the ghost planet. Ho hum.
This was a surprisingly long-winded read and despite the novels word over-use and static placement or lack of movement, I enjoyed the story-line. It just needs to be tightly edited and pointed in a more interesting direction.
October 17, 2015
Jack dreaded each day of school knowing he would receive endless taunts from the "macho" bullies as he had since early grade school after his Dad had simply left. His mother did the best she could working long hours as w waitress in their small town's diner. She just was never there to see that Jack got off in time to catch the bus and to do any chores or laundry. The one good reason to attend class was the new girl in school...beautiful, shy, quiet and unresponsive to friendly gestures by the other students. Jack did have a few other friends but his main objective was to get the new girl, Anna's, attention. Little did he know what events would evolve from there! His reality was about to completely change! Remarkably, his video skills were going to be put to the test!
This was a very fast paced story with a solid build up, great, creative character development, action, adventure and extreme reality! The scenes were portrayed well and more than adequately visualized. The Literary skills ad imagination was superb! However, I feel it was too graphically violent for most of the younger audience it was written for.
Along with the violent action & Zombies, there was a little romance, intrigue and a lot of humor. Additionally, a few positive messages were given to inspire youth.
The Book Title was perfect. Although very eye-catching to the "browser" I felt the boy on the cover was too comically portrayed associated with the hero in the story. Jack was a developing teenager and somewhat "geeky" but hopefully not that awkwardly unappealing. (Personally, I found him very endearing and pictured as somewhat attractive)
Recommended for youth ages 13 +. I give it a Four and a Half Stars rating
*I was sent this book in exchange for an honest review, of which I have given.
This was a very fast paced story with a solid build up, great, creative character development, action, adventure and extreme reality! The scenes were portrayed well and more than adequately visualized. The Literary skills ad imagination was superb! However, I feel it was too graphically violent for most of the younger audience it was written for.
Along with the violent action & Zombies, there was a little romance, intrigue and a lot of humor. Additionally, a few positive messages were given to inspire youth.
The Book Title was perfect. Although very eye-catching to the "browser" I felt the boy on the cover was too comically portrayed associated with the hero in the story. Jack was a developing teenager and somewhat "geeky" but hopefully not that awkwardly unappealing. (Personally, I found him very endearing and pictured as somewhat attractive)
Recommended for youth ages 13 +. I give it a Four and a Half Stars rating
*I was sent this book in exchange for an honest review, of which I have given.
August 26, 2013
Ok, this book was a jolly good romp in sci-fi fantasy land. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, and fully intend to share it with my 8yo son.
What's to love:
1. This book is FUN. As in 15 rolls of mentos and 126 bottles of diet soda in the school parking lot during chemistry class FUN.
2. This book is FUN. As in all your teenage movie/videogame daydreams come true.
3. This book is FUN. Oh? I've said that already? Well it is. Seriously.
4. This book is full of fully lovable good-guys and completely despicable bad-guys. Seriously- the angst ridden bad-boy/girl-because-life-sucks as a hero thing? So over it. Thank you very much.
5. This book is absolutely ridiculous, and revels in it.
6. This book is well written enough that in very few places did I get pulled out of the story by the writing. For a first-time, self-published author, that is IMPRESSIVE. In the words of my 5yo- 9000 thumbs up.
What's not to love:
1. The little things that a good editor would have caught- for example, "make due" instead of "make do".
2. A few places where the obviously allusive dialogue pulled me out of the story. Mind you, there were only a couple of these that bothered me, but the ones that did really stuck out like sore thumbs.
Finally, I found the author's indication that if you leave a less than 5 star review of his book, you should simply not waste your (his) time to be in poor taste. I like this book. I really like this book. It's a great book, can't wait to read the sequel. . . but I'm sorry. It's not quite a 5-star book.
TL:DR Go buy a copy for your kindle and read it. You won't be sorry. :)
What's to love:
1. This book is FUN. As in 15 rolls of mentos and 126 bottles of diet soda in the school parking lot during chemistry class FUN.
2. This book is FUN. As in all your teenage movie/videogame daydreams come true.
3. This book is FUN. Oh? I've said that already? Well it is. Seriously.
4. This book is full of fully lovable good-guys and completely despicable bad-guys. Seriously- the angst ridden bad-boy/girl-because-life-sucks as a hero thing? So over it. Thank you very much.
5. This book is absolutely ridiculous, and revels in it.
6. This book is well written enough that in very few places did I get pulled out of the story by the writing. For a first-time, self-published author, that is IMPRESSIVE. In the words of my 5yo- 9000 thumbs up.
What's not to love:
1. The little things that a good editor would have caught- for example, "make due" instead of "make do".
2. A few places where the obviously allusive dialogue pulled me out of the story. Mind you, there were only a couple of these that bothered me, but the ones that did really stuck out like sore thumbs.
Finally, I found the author's indication that if you leave a less than 5 star review of his book, you should simply not waste your (his) time to be in poor taste. I like this book. I really like this book. It's a great book, can't wait to read the sequel. . . but I'm sorry. It's not quite a 5-star book.
TL:DR Go buy a copy for your kindle and read it. You won't be sorry. :)
June 28, 2014
I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
I really liked this fun sci-fi. It had planet busting alien ships, bullies, evil robots, heroes and a princess.
I must admit I started this book with a groan. The introduction was a rather wordy 'historical' look back from the future and I wondered what I'd gotten myself into. Kids my daughter's age would be a great audience for this book but I know from experience she would have lost interest reading the introduction and put it down.
But then the story started and my initial opinion was completely and humbly forgotten.
Earthman Jack got ambitious and didn't let up.
With each new challenge, Jack grew up a little more. Who would have thought mastering video games would one day save your life? Honestly, I don't think that anyone other than a fifteen year old Gamerbox master could have pulled this off. Surrounded by great sidekicks and bad guys who get plain worse every time you turn around, Jack faces every plot twist with more guts and humour than I thought possible.
Earthman Jack vs the Ghost Planet is a fun and exciting for everyone galactic adventure. Like the car chase that doesn't let up, this one takes over and drives you along. I truly look forward to finding out what Kadish does with this amazing world (err, eight star systems) he's created.
I really liked this fun sci-fi. It had planet busting alien ships, bullies, evil robots, heroes and a princess.
I must admit I started this book with a groan. The introduction was a rather wordy 'historical' look back from the future and I wondered what I'd gotten myself into. Kids my daughter's age would be a great audience for this book but I know from experience she would have lost interest reading the introduction and put it down.
But then the story started and my initial opinion was completely and humbly forgotten.
Earthman Jack got ambitious and didn't let up.
With each new challenge, Jack grew up a little more. Who would have thought mastering video games would one day save your life? Honestly, I don't think that anyone other than a fifteen year old Gamerbox master could have pulled this off. Surrounded by great sidekicks and bad guys who get plain worse every time you turn around, Jack faces every plot twist with more guts and humour than I thought possible.
Earthman Jack vs the Ghost Planet is a fun and exciting for everyone galactic adventure. Like the car chase that doesn't let up, this one takes over and drives you along. I truly look forward to finding out what Kadish does with this amazing world (err, eight star systems) he's created.
July 20, 2013
Great book! Jack, like Harry Potter, draws you into his life from the very beginning. An unlikely hero, this teenager steps up when circumstances choose him to save the world from an army of Deathlords bent on destroying it, one planet at a time. It's an exciting read, with tender moments thrown in as Jack forges new friendships and loses people he loves. Kadish develops interesting characters and creates easy to read, flowing, often humorous, dialogue. Scene after scene, I felt as though I were watching this on the big screen instead of reading it as an ebook. Although it's a young adult novel with some typical teenage angst, it is so well written that all age groups will enjoy this first Earthman Jack book. My only problem with the book is that I have to wait for the sequel to find out what happens next to Jack and his friends. I'm looking forward to reading other books by this author.
April 23, 2022
3.5 rounded up to 4. This book abounds with tropes. It so gimmicky. It is a parody on steroids. It contains some pretty stereotypical characters and some that are really little more than caricatures. It’s both unoriginal and completely unlike anything I’ve ever read. It is not particularly well written and has some truly cheese ball lines…. And it is one of the best, most fun reads I’ve had in a long time. I laughed out loud. I loved the one liners. I wouldn’t go so far to say that it’s so bad it’s good, because I don’t think it’s bad, I actually think it so good, but it’s something like that. Loved it! Would highly recommend. I wish I wasn’t so tired. I will try to articulate better exactly what I loved about this, but really, I should’ve hated it and instead felt the exact opposite. I even bought the next book in the series. So there’s that. Just do yourself a favor and read it. Great literature it is not. Highly, highly recommend. Thanks for the recommendation, mi hermana!
September 9, 2015
Check out my Booklikes Blog, Dang Rover: Cover to Cover
The Value of a Star: Ratings Explained
Harry Potter, meet Earthman Jack...
WOW Wow wow wow wow wow wow. Wow.
Okay, so pretend that poor, destitute J.K. Rowling was sitting in that little coffee shop writing Harry Potter in 2014 instead of 1995. After those 12 publishing houses turned her down (true story), she might have tried digital self publishing--not a possibility 20 years ago--where her goal would be to sell Harry Potter for cheap (even free) just to generate word of mouth enough to finance the second book in the series. If she's lucky, the right people will read her little book, she'll get a bunch of positive reviews on Amazon and Goodreads, and eventually be able to fulfill her dream of getting the story that lives only in her head out into the hands of readers where it will change the world. It's worked for others (see Hugh Howey, E.L. James), so why not her? Of course, that's not how it happened for Jo and Harry. The 13th publishing house was Bloomsbury...and the rest is history. But can you imagine all the Harry Potters out there, waiting for the right person to find their story?
Ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to introduce you to Earthman Jack. He's the self-published brain child of author Matthew Kadish, and I think Jack is the world's next Harry Potter. He just needs your help.
To say Earthman Jack vs. The Ghost Planet is AWESOME would be the understatement of the year. I loved every page. In fact, I'm tempted to say this may be the most fun I've EVER had reading--and I've read a lot of books.
There's so much I'd like to say about this independently-published treasure. For example, I'd love to fill pages with quotes of some of the most witty, charming, and just plain funny dialogue I've ever read. Or I could write about the characters and tell how endearing they are despite their faults and how they are heroic and brave even though they are scared to death. Maybe you'd like to hear about the themes of love, friendship, owning the consequences of your actions, being true to your heritage, and what it means to be a true hero that fill the spaces between all the words. Of course I should go on and on about the story and how it pulled me along like an unstoppable force, keeping my pulse racing and a smile on my face the whole time.
But I won't go into any of that, because as great as all that was, it wasn't the best part. The best thing about Earthman Jack vs. The Ghost Planet is how much PURE FUN I had reading it. And before I'd even finished the book myself I started reading it out loud to my kids, and they are loving it and laughing out loud in all the right places.
Allow me to get sappy for a minute, but with all honesty--Earthman Jack vs. The Ghost Planet is why I love to read. And I really want to read book number two, Earthman Jack vs. The Secret Army. So hurry and write Matthew Kadish!
The Value of a Star: Ratings Explained
Harry Potter, meet Earthman Jack...
WOW Wow wow wow wow wow wow. Wow.
Okay, so pretend that poor, destitute J.K. Rowling was sitting in that little coffee shop writing Harry Potter in 2014 instead of 1995. After those 12 publishing houses turned her down (true story), she might have tried digital self publishing--not a possibility 20 years ago--where her goal would be to sell Harry Potter for cheap (even free) just to generate word of mouth enough to finance the second book in the series. If she's lucky, the right people will read her little book, she'll get a bunch of positive reviews on Amazon and Goodreads, and eventually be able to fulfill her dream of getting the story that lives only in her head out into the hands of readers where it will change the world. It's worked for others (see Hugh Howey, E.L. James), so why not her? Of course, that's not how it happened for Jo and Harry. The 13th publishing house was Bloomsbury...and the rest is history. But can you imagine all the Harry Potters out there, waiting for the right person to find their story?
Ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to introduce you to Earthman Jack. He's the self-published brain child of author Matthew Kadish, and I think Jack is the world's next Harry Potter. He just needs your help.
To say Earthman Jack vs. The Ghost Planet is AWESOME would be the understatement of the year. I loved every page. In fact, I'm tempted to say this may be the most fun I've EVER had reading--and I've read a lot of books.
There's so much I'd like to say about this independently-published treasure. For example, I'd love to fill pages with quotes of some of the most witty, charming, and just plain funny dialogue I've ever read. Or I could write about the characters and tell how endearing they are despite their faults and how they are heroic and brave even though they are scared to death. Maybe you'd like to hear about the themes of love, friendship, owning the consequences of your actions, being true to your heritage, and what it means to be a true hero that fill the spaces between all the words. Of course I should go on and on about the story and how it pulled me along like an unstoppable force, keeping my pulse racing and a smile on my face the whole time.
But I won't go into any of that, because as great as all that was, it wasn't the best part. The best thing about Earthman Jack vs. The Ghost Planet is how much PURE FUN I had reading it. And before I'd even finished the book myself I started reading it out loud to my kids, and they are loving it and laughing out loud in all the right places.
Allow me to get sappy for a minute, but with all honesty--Earthman Jack vs. The Ghost Planet is why I love to read. And I really want to read book number two, Earthman Jack vs. The Secret Army. So hurry and write Matthew Kadish!
July 26, 2013
I was asked to review this book by the author.
First of all I do not normally read SciFi anything, other than WWZ. I am primarily a romance novel reader and SciFi in written form has never engaged me. With that said I must say that I am a HUGE SciFi movie/TV show fan.
Earthman Jack vs. The Ghost Planet
AWESOME!!!
My first thought was ‘Great what did I get myself into’. I was surprisingly interested in the story line as it first started out. As the chapters went on, which were long chapters; I thought what a nice story of Jack, a Gamer. As I continued to read I felt something really familiar but I couldn’t place it. By chapter 10 I realized this story had bits of several of my favorite 80’s SciFi movies, Flight of the Navigator, The Last Starfighter, Tron, Starman and many others from my childhood. I loved the flash back it gave me. By Chapter 14 all hell broke loose and continued on from there with bits of every movie or show I have seen, Serenity, Firefly, Star Wars, Pitch Black, Riddick, Stargate, SG1, SG Atlantis, SGU (the ship) and many many more that have given me the visual for what I was reading. Needless to say I LOVED, let me repeat LOVED what I was reading. It had all the pieces of all my favorite blockbusters as well as a few B movies. I could not put this down with the exception of needing some sleep. All characters were memorable. I loved the robot Heckubus (man servant or Evil Genius), who seemed to remind me of a cross between C3PO and Number 5 from Short Circuit, comic relief/sarcasm. Grohm – the “Big Guy” was smarter than he seemed on the outside. Then of course we have the pirate, not quite Jack Sparrow but just as snarly/suspicious but struggling with his idea of who he wants to be and who society sees. I was not happy to see a key character go but I understood what it did to the teenagers Jack and Anna. Their growth, especially Jacks, was advanced greatly due to the death of Shepherd. I was half expecting Jack’s dad to show up as one of the bad guys, but glad he wasn’t.
This was VERY long and for a romance novel reader I needed to see the end. I was very impressed by the depth of characters and the explanations as to who they were and why they were valuable to the story, to end at the length of a romance novel; those characters could not have been introduced and explained, even the ship was a character. Every aspect was important therefore warranting the length of the novel. Do not expect to get through this fast but do expect to enjoy each character fully and also feel as you have become one of the characters. I did feel like I was standing there with them all.
So I give this book the HIGHEST rating possible. Well worth the read.
First of all I do not normally read SciFi anything, other than WWZ. I am primarily a romance novel reader and SciFi in written form has never engaged me. With that said I must say that I am a HUGE SciFi movie/TV show fan.
Earthman Jack vs. The Ghost Planet
AWESOME!!!
My first thought was ‘Great what did I get myself into’. I was surprisingly interested in the story line as it first started out. As the chapters went on, which were long chapters; I thought what a nice story of Jack, a Gamer. As I continued to read I felt something really familiar but I couldn’t place it. By chapter 10 I realized this story had bits of several of my favorite 80’s SciFi movies, Flight of the Navigator, The Last Starfighter, Tron, Starman and many others from my childhood. I loved the flash back it gave me. By Chapter 14 all hell broke loose and continued on from there with bits of every movie or show I have seen, Serenity, Firefly, Star Wars, Pitch Black, Riddick, Stargate, SG1, SG Atlantis, SGU (the ship) and many many more that have given me the visual for what I was reading. Needless to say I LOVED, let me repeat LOVED what I was reading. It had all the pieces of all my favorite blockbusters as well as a few B movies. I could not put this down with the exception of needing some sleep. All characters were memorable. I loved the robot Heckubus (man servant or Evil Genius), who seemed to remind me of a cross between C3PO and Number 5 from Short Circuit, comic relief/sarcasm. Grohm – the “Big Guy” was smarter than he seemed on the outside. Then of course we have the pirate, not quite Jack Sparrow but just as snarly/suspicious but struggling with his idea of who he wants to be and who society sees. I was not happy to see a key character go but I understood what it did to the teenagers Jack and Anna. Their growth, especially Jacks, was advanced greatly due to the death of Shepherd. I was half expecting Jack’s dad to show up as one of the bad guys, but glad he wasn’t.
This was VERY long and for a romance novel reader I needed to see the end. I was very impressed by the depth of characters and the explanations as to who they were and why they were valuable to the story, to end at the length of a romance novel; those characters could not have been introduced and explained, even the ship was a character. Every aspect was important therefore warranting the length of the novel. Do not expect to get through this fast but do expect to enjoy each character fully and also feel as you have become one of the characters. I did feel like I was standing there with them all.
So I give this book the HIGHEST rating possible. Well worth the read.
June 10, 2014
I received this from NetGalley for a review.
I'll never see the word "kitten" in the same way again! There are about 4 (seriously, I think there were literally only 4) instances where earthly foul language is used, appropriately for the most part. The words pissed, crap and ass are the culprits. If your a stickler with zero tolerance for your youth, then you might want to pass on this book.
A wild, whacky, thrilling ride! Once the action starts it doesn't let up. The book is long, book description says 680 pages whereas on my Nook it showed up as 488 pages. For the majority it didn't seem to be that lengthy. There were a few times I found myself thinking; a few parts could be cut. But truthfully, I enjoyed the detailed ride. It played out like a movie in my head.
Lots of action. Jack is a wise-cracking young teen with heart, you can't help but like this character. There is subject matter dealing with bullies and standing up to them. Many issues that youth deal with are found here in varying degrees, crushes, bully's, video gaming, homeroom, teachers, Physics, teacher/student relationship, home life, single parenting, friendships, etc. Add to that... other worldly contact with alien life. There is space travel, space fighting, all the while the universe is in peril. So many different characters both to love and despise. Some times the storyline is a bit cheesy, but for some reason that just adds to the enjoyment factor here. Did I mention - NON STOP ACTION? Yes, loads upon loads of action, thrills, daring feats. Also, there are several moments of heart break, that almost made me cry. One very cool spaceship, one very annoying robot, a tough loveable princess, death-lords and more. Many jokes and laugh out loud moments too. Hovercrafts, electric death balls, plasma rays, mines, and space bugs and one gruesome frightening tornado as well.
Favorite things: Jacks patented strategy numbers!
Character: Has to be Grohm
Favorite phrase: We're Kittened!
I look forward to more stories about earthman Jack.
I'll never see the word "kitten" in the same way again! There are about 4 (seriously, I think there were literally only 4) instances where earthly foul language is used, appropriately for the most part. The words pissed, crap and ass are the culprits. If your a stickler with zero tolerance for your youth, then you might want to pass on this book.
A wild, whacky, thrilling ride! Once the action starts it doesn't let up. The book is long, book description says 680 pages whereas on my Nook it showed up as 488 pages. For the majority it didn't seem to be that lengthy. There were a few times I found myself thinking; a few parts could be cut. But truthfully, I enjoyed the detailed ride. It played out like a movie in my head.
Lots of action. Jack is a wise-cracking young teen with heart, you can't help but like this character. There is subject matter dealing with bullies and standing up to them. Many issues that youth deal with are found here in varying degrees, crushes, bully's, video gaming, homeroom, teachers, Physics, teacher/student relationship, home life, single parenting, friendships, etc. Add to that... other worldly contact with alien life. There is space travel, space fighting, all the while the universe is in peril. So many different characters both to love and despise. Some times the storyline is a bit cheesy, but for some reason that just adds to the enjoyment factor here. Did I mention - NON STOP ACTION? Yes, loads upon loads of action, thrills, daring feats. Also, there are several moments of heart break, that almost made me cry. One very cool spaceship, one very annoying robot, a tough loveable princess, death-lords and more. Many jokes and laugh out loud moments too. Hovercrafts, electric death balls, plasma rays, mines, and space bugs and one gruesome frightening tornado as well.
Favorite things: Jacks patented strategy numbers!
Character: Has to be Grohm
Favorite phrase: We're Kittened!
I look forward to more stories about earthman Jack.
September 18, 2014
I received a free copy of this book on netgalley in return for an honest review and quotes taken from this uncorrected version, subject to change in the final edition.
The Plot: Jack Finnegan is average in almost every way possible for a teenage boy. After pining over the prettiest girl in school, Anna, Jack gets his chance to finally be her hero by intervening when school bully J.C. and his friends start harassing her. While on his first date with Anna, an alien invasion occurs and Jack is swept up into the action. Jack is the last surviving “earthman” as he escapes the destruction of Earth with the Princess of the galaxy and her cronies.
The Thoughts: I am not going to do a full-blown review for this book because I spent most of it skimming. There was so much potential in this book that I felt really deflated that most of the book took place on the Deathlord’s ship rather than SPACE! The entire galaxy and beyond was Kadish’s oyster and he didn’t really use it. Hopefully he takes advantage of inter-planetary adventures in the next installments of this saga. There were numerous things I couldn’t get past, including the excessive use of the same vocabulary throughout the book and the space pirates. Ugh, the space pirates were annoying.
I wouldn’t recommend this to any of my friends because it is more of a middle grade level read and a bit too young for adults. Having said that, I would probably not recommend this to younger readers if you have no tolerance for words like piss and ass. I would definitely read some of the more positive reviews before making a decision because it seems a lot of people really enjoyed this book, it just wasn’t my cup of tea.
The Plot: Jack Finnegan is average in almost every way possible for a teenage boy. After pining over the prettiest girl in school, Anna, Jack gets his chance to finally be her hero by intervening when school bully J.C. and his friends start harassing her. While on his first date with Anna, an alien invasion occurs and Jack is swept up into the action. Jack is the last surviving “earthman” as he escapes the destruction of Earth with the Princess of the galaxy and her cronies.
The Thoughts: I am not going to do a full-blown review for this book because I spent most of it skimming. There was so much potential in this book that I felt really deflated that most of the book took place on the Deathlord’s ship rather than SPACE! The entire galaxy and beyond was Kadish’s oyster and he didn’t really use it. Hopefully he takes advantage of inter-planetary adventures in the next installments of this saga. There were numerous things I couldn’t get past, including the excessive use of the same vocabulary throughout the book and the space pirates. Ugh, the space pirates were annoying.
I wouldn’t recommend this to any of my friends because it is more of a middle grade level read and a bit too young for adults. Having said that, I would probably not recommend this to younger readers if you have no tolerance for words like piss and ass. I would definitely read some of the more positive reviews before making a decision because it seems a lot of people really enjoyed this book, it just wasn’t my cup of tea.
August 3, 2013
well done Matthew Kadish once again you rocked it !
this book is so action packed all the way with sci-fi eat your heart out not only will teenagers love it adults will too.
Earthman Jack vs. The Ghost Planet is not the kind of book i personally read with it being all action packed but i am glad that i did. i found the book wonderful easy to read and the humor in the book was awesome.
most people will choose one of the main characters to like in a book and in this book it is ether Jack or Anna but for me i liked the book for a hole different reason, i fell in love with all the other characters in the book. first was shepherd and professor green and then when Jack meets Scallywag, Heckubus and Grohn they all become the ones i wont to know about and there the ones that kept me reading. with all the bad stuff going on around them it was these characters that had me hooked line and sinker and wanting more, i cant wait to read the next one in the series and when it comes out in paper back i will be buying it for my sons' and nephews to read too.
once again well done Matthew your are an amazing writer keep up the amazing work.
this book is so action packed all the way with sci-fi eat your heart out not only will teenagers love it adults will too.
Earthman Jack vs. The Ghost Planet is not the kind of book i personally read with it being all action packed but i am glad that i did. i found the book wonderful easy to read and the humor in the book was awesome.
most people will choose one of the main characters to like in a book and in this book it is ether Jack or Anna but for me i liked the book for a hole different reason, i fell in love with all the other characters in the book. first was shepherd and professor green and then when Jack meets Scallywag, Heckubus and Grohn they all become the ones i wont to know about and there the ones that kept me reading. with all the bad stuff going on around them it was these characters that had me hooked line and sinker and wanting more, i cant wait to read the next one in the series and when it comes out in paper back i will be buying it for my sons' and nephews to read too.
once again well done Matthew your are an amazing writer keep up the amazing work.
April 19, 2014
This book is about Jack, a teenage misfit who just happens to come across a really attractive alien princess while the Earth is being destroyed. Together they flee and set off on a galactic adventure to save the universe. This book really reminded me a lot of the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. It has a lot of humor, over-the-top situations, and just plain wackiness. But there is also a really strong YA SciFi adventure here too and some really lethal adversaries. There is also a little coming of age and discovering one's potential like maybe Star Wars or The Last Starfighter. And there is also romance, and grief, and love. This was a really great read that I didn't want to put down. There were only a few places where it slowed a bit for me (and maybe could have helped with more humor or action), but those were few and far between. Overall a new favorite 5 star for me and I really think everyone should check it out. This will be the start of a great new series.
November 12, 2014
What a fun read! Jack is fifteen years old, lives with his mom and is consistently late for school. He is also bullied. There is a girl named Anna who in his dreams is his "dream girl. ". Anna comes to his house one day and Jack's life is changed forever. He goes out on a date with her. However on the date, they are in a diner when they are attacked by weird looking men who are after Anna. Jack is suddenly living a different life which includes ancient civilizations, unknown languages, spaces and armies. As he learns more about Anna, his life is changed even more. Will he save Anna? Will he survive? How will it end?
This novel will keep you on the edge of your chair but you won't want to stop reading. It was very well written.
Disclaimer: I received a digital galley of this book free from the publisher from NetGalley. I was not obliged to write a favourable review, or even any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
This novel will keep you on the edge of your chair but you won't want to stop reading. It was very well written.
Disclaimer: I received a digital galley of this book free from the publisher from NetGalley. I was not obliged to write a favourable review, or even any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
May 30, 2014
The first chapter or so of Earthman Jack vs The Ghost Planet really sets the foundation of who Jack is and his current life difficulties. We learn more about some others at the school. Then Jack gets noticed by his dream date and they go out for a burger.
Then the whole world changes for Jack. We can finally see the benefit of those arcade games he is addicted to.
Earthman Jack vs The Ghost Planet is written for the teen and young adult as a sci fi fantasy. I loved it. The language suits all ages. The plot develops well and is complex but not difficult to follow. The characters are believable. I was sad to see some go.
It’s one of those books you race through to find out what happens, then re-read to absorb.
Full review - http://wattletreelane.com/earthman-ja...
I received a free advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Then the whole world changes for Jack. We can finally see the benefit of those arcade games he is addicted to.
Earthman Jack vs The Ghost Planet is written for the teen and young adult as a sci fi fantasy. I loved it. The language suits all ages. The plot develops well and is complex but not difficult to follow. The characters are believable. I was sad to see some go.
It’s one of those books you race through to find out what happens, then re-read to absorb.
Full review - http://wattletreelane.com/earthman-ja...
I received a free advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
August 14, 2013
This book takes inspiration from a wide gamut of the scifi world, everything from Hitchiker's Guide to Star Wars. It is an epic that unfolds at a nice steady clip, held together on a backbone of self-deprecating humor. I do admit some trepidation when reading the the introduction--which basically proclaims the novel to be the most popular story in the history of the universe--but I did really enjoy it. The cast of characters develops nicely through the action sequences, and I'm looking forward to learning more about them in the sequels as much as the evolution of the story arc. The boldness of the writing reflects the attitude and advice on which Jack relies in the face of insurmountable trouble. You can't go wrong with a self-proclaimed evil genius robot named Heckubus Moriarty!
August 6, 2015
I received a free copy of this book for review.
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This is one of those books that makes me hate the fact that I have a 'real' job and a 'real' life. I did not want to put it down. A rollicking adventure through space; aliens, ancient civilizations, impossible to kill antagonists, budding romance, maniacal robots and so much more keep the action going. Once you jump on this ride, you just hold on and enjoy.
In a wonderful break from a number of modern novels, this book left me with a sense of satisfaction at the end rather than the frustration and anger I generally feel that the next book hasn't been released yet. And yet...I know there will be more adventures and I just can't wait to get my hands on them!
I give it an A+.
MORE!
This is one of those books that makes me hate the fact that I have a 'real' job and a 'real' life. I did not want to put it down. A rollicking adventure through space; aliens, ancient civilizations, impossible to kill antagonists, budding romance, maniacal robots and so much more keep the action going. Once you jump on this ride, you just hold on and enjoy.
In a wonderful break from a number of modern novels, this book left me with a sense of satisfaction at the end rather than the frustration and anger I generally feel that the next book hasn't been released yet. And yet...I know there will be more adventures and I just can't wait to get my hands on them!
I give it an A+.
January 11, 2015
This book, although it might be overwhelming in size, is one of the best science fiction's I've read. It mixes the elements of science and magic perfectly. It has really interested me in quantum physics, and it explains it in pretty simple ways, even a science-failing high school student would understand (though I bet the author barely scratched the surface of quantum physics). I recommend this book to middle schoolers and up because it doesn't have very hard words to comprehend most of the time. Girls and boys would both enjoy this book. They don't have to love science fiction, but should enjoy reading fiction. I rated this book 5 out of 5 stars because it was a great, exiting story with a pinch of humor every once in a while. I never wanted to put it down.
January 16, 2016
Jack Finnegan is 15 and about to be catapulted into a magical world he could never have imagined. A world consisting of a beautiful princess who needs saving from the cruel Deathlords.
While Jack is extremely likable and resourceful, can he become the superhero the world needs? This is an exciting tale with wonderfully written battle scenes. At times the images were so vivid, I felt I was part of a sci fi video game!
I highly recommend this book to all who seek hair-raising adventure, appreciate a good sense of humor no matter how corny, and long to experience a world of wonder. Begin your adventure with Jack today!”
While Jack is extremely likable and resourceful, can he become the superhero the world needs? This is an exciting tale with wonderfully written battle scenes. At times the images were so vivid, I felt I was part of a sci fi video game!
I highly recommend this book to all who seek hair-raising adventure, appreciate a good sense of humor no matter how corny, and long to experience a world of wonder. Begin your adventure with Jack today!”
August 24, 2013
Fun ... completely implausible but fun though just slightly too 'teenagerish' for my personal taste. I read quite a bit of 'young adult' but this seemed, in many places, to be just a little younger than that, not enough to be annoying, just something I noticed occasionally. Oddly enough, it seemed most noticeable to me with the two main characters.
I'm definitely a character driven reader, but have to say that with this book, my favorite character was one of the secondary characters, the sentient robot, which reminded me just a bit of the Star Wars character R2-D2, which I always loved.
I'm definitely a character driven reader, but have to say that with this book, my favorite character was one of the secondary characters, the sentient robot, which reminded me just a bit of the Star Wars character R2-D2, which I always loved.
October 1, 2013
I think this book is by far the best book among the best books i can think up, mostly because if i ever wrote a book it would be just like that one. This book is incredibly funny and not to mention awesome. It can be cheesy at times, what with some of the one-liners, but it totally rocks with others. I still can't get the robot off my mind, especially its initial encounter with the earthman. I've always thought of the scenario in mind, but Kadish really brought to life, and boy did i laugh...I still laugh whenever I remember him mention "the revolution" lol...great book...awesome...read it.
May 8, 2016
Although it was very long,the book was pretty good.I haven't watched Star Wars but I think the characters are kinda similar to it.Male heroes,rescuing princesses,evil dark lords and robots.AND YEAH,QUANTUM PHYSICS.
WHICH LEAVES US WITH THESE QUESTIONS:
-WHEN IS THE SEQUEL COMING OUT?
-WILL MATTHEW KADISH BE ABLE TO PUBLISH HIS NEXT BOOK?
-ANY MORE CHARACTERS THAT ARE GONNA DIE?
-IS THE GREAT EVIL GENIUS OF 8 STAR SYSTEMS GONNA WATCH MORE PLANETS EXPLODE?
ALL-IN-ALL IT DESERVES A FIVE-STAR! MWUAHAHAHA
WHICH LEAVES US WITH THESE QUESTIONS:
-WHEN IS THE SEQUEL COMING OUT?
-WILL MATTHEW KADISH BE ABLE TO PUBLISH HIS NEXT BOOK?
-ANY MORE CHARACTERS THAT ARE GONNA DIE?
-IS THE GREAT EVIL GENIUS OF 8 STAR SYSTEMS GONNA WATCH MORE PLANETS EXPLODE?
ALL-IN-ALL IT DESERVES A FIVE-STAR! MWUAHAHAHA
May 20, 2014
Best book I ever read!!!!! most enjoyable , fun , fabulous story! Can't wait for the next book! Love the very real characters believable action and humor of this book. It is slam-bang action packed - you will laugh, and shed a tear or two. My husband kept asking me what I was reading and finally asked me for a summary and then finally asked me for the book. Totally recommended that our library try to get it for this summer!!!
I wholeheartedly recommend this book no matter what age you are!!!!!!
I wholeheartedly recommend this book no matter what age you are!!!!!!
December 7, 2016
I have been an avid reader my entire life. This has, by far, been one of the best books I have read in years. It drags you into Jacks world as he takes on one challenge after another. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes to be spurred away to adventure! Jim Selby
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