Secondhand Spaceman

Secondhand Spaceman #1

by Rachel Aukes

Frank's a lousy space repo man. His luck's lousier.

Kidnapped by a cantankerous alien boss, Frank Woods's plans to be a truck driver takes a wild turn when he's forced to take over his deadbeat dad's job… or else.

Life as a space repo man isn't as bad as Frank it's worse.

With only his father's dilapidated spaceship and a glitchy AI mentor, Frank embarks on a perilous career repossessing everything from illegal tech to stolen aliens. He quickly learns that most aliens aren't very nice and none of them like their things repossessed.

Can Frank beat all the odds and survive as a space repo man, or is he going to end up on some alien's dinner plate?

Get Secondhand Spaceman now to follow Frank through dangerous repo jobs as he struggles to make a living… and maybe even inadvertently destroys the galaxy. If you’re a fan of Firefly, Star Wars, or Indiana Jones, you’ll love this fast-paced galactic thrill ride!

Genres: Science Fiction, Novella, Fiction, Space

156 pages, Paperback

First published February 5, 2024

About the author

Rachel Aukes is the bestselling author of over forty books, including 100 Days in Deadland, which made Suspense Magazine’s Best of the Year list. She writes in a number of genres, including science fiction, fantasy, horror, thriller, and more. Her series includes Waymaker Wars, Space Troopers, Flight of the Javelin, Fringe, Deadland Saga, Colliding Worlds, and Guardians of the Seven Seals. Her novels have repeatedly been Amazon Top 100 bestsellers and #1 bestsellers in Horror, Post-Apocalyptic, Space Fleet, Space Marine, Galactic Empire, Colonization, Alien Invasion, and Cyberpunk. When not writing, Rachel can be found flying old airplanes with an incredibly spoiled dog over the Iowa countryside.

Reviews

[carol. · Rating 2 out of 5]

This definitely suffered reading right after finishing Robert Bennett's Divine Cities trilogy. The writing was an immature stream of consciousness that sounded almost exactly like a twenty-year-old decided to set some words on the page. As the protagonist is an alien abductee from community college where his aspiration was to become a truck driver. I suppose this is what passes for characterization. In a surprise move, he's forced to become an indentured servant for an alien (definitely a weird privileged take, but I went with it).

I was getting definite Arthur Dent vibes at the beginning:

"I woke to a blinding light and the pungent stink of sweaty gym socks. The gray floor under me looked like it’d started out as white a long time ago."

But, alas, they soon passed because Aukes forgot the kind of humor that made Adams so priceless and settles instead for teenage-level sarcasm and gross-out.

"The plumbing leaked, and I’m not talking about just the sink. The toilet leaked, too, which was extra disgusting since it didn’t even use water."

The science is randomly applied here, so there will be long passages explaining some sort of science thing ('warp gates') and then an off-hand remark about the 'hundreds of alien races, most of which are humanoid.' I also questioned her basic grasp of, well, space. Riddle me this one, Bill Nye:

"—feeling the brutal temperature and the sensation of a vacuum is what convinced me: this was no hallucination."

The most interesting thing about it is that while the framing seems like it will be tropey--main character teams up with an AI ship--the ship is kind of an asshole to him. To be fair, it's not hard to see why. I kept reading for the magic gestalt, the miraculous pull-the-team together, but it wasn't like that at all, and I enjoyed having those expectations thwarted.

What it really reminded me of is Robert Asprin's Myth series, with a jerk mentor and a gullible and incompetent human. So, might work best if you are channeling your inner early teen when reading.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very fast paced, fun and engaging story that has an inventive plot, relatable characters, and the author's ability to create a vivid and humorous universe with a refreshing take on the science fiction genre.

I really liked the MC’s personality and their sense of humour when finding themselves in hilarious and dangerous situations. I love the world building especially as its in space, I found it to be very imagination inspiring and a real page turner.

On the whole a book filled with humour, adventure, and a cast of unique alien characters with a mix of action, humour, and unexpected twists that keep you engaged from start to finish. I think it’s a great choice for those looking for a quick, entertaining read that combines the thrill of space adventure with the absurdity of everyday life..

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really amusing story! I really enjoyed all of it, laugh out loud at times, daft at others, a fun sci fi book, with a some what dry humour. Some action & adventure as well as a sarcastic AI, the perfect mix for great escape! A really fun read!

[Terry Engel · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable read. Loved the snarky computer! Frank is just a kid but makes a life change from future truck driver to space ship captain. Talk about career change.
The banter between Frank and the computer is great.
Can’t wait for the next one.

[Oleksandr Zholud · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a SF novella, first in the series, so it sets up a scene. I read it as a part of the monthly reading for December 2024 at SFF Hot from Printers: New Releases group. Actually, I was the one who suggested it to the group, after checking the Nebula site for 2024 novellas, which may end up nominated for major SFF awards and checking high ratings here on GR.

The story starts with an extract from some kind of contract for new intergalactic reclamation agents (with a lot of fines if a job isn’t completed correctly) and then shifts to the modern-day USA where 19-years-old Frank Woods was kidnapped by a beautiful girl he ogled on his way to classes at a community college, which had to make him a truck driver upon graduation. Instead, he appears on a spaceship and the beauty is actually a hologram over an ugly alien. It turns out that Frank’s missed father was working for this alien as a reclamation agent till his untimely gory death and, according to the contract, now his son is an indentured laborer till he pays out daddy’s debt (in like 80 years).

Frank gets Daddy’s spaceship with a sentient AI and his first task. It turns out that the ship is held together by a prayer and duct tape, while the AI enjoys making a laughing stock from the captain. Frank is also not the brightest star, so he flies around learning the ropes of his new profession.

While some dialogues and adventures are funny, the whole story sounds rather immature (what else to expect from a guy dreaming of being a truck driver?) and actually is more a space fantasy like StarWars than an SF.

[Kara Dennison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our protagonist is Frank Woods, a run-of-the-mill college kid whose biggest aspiration is to become a truck driver. But that all goes away when he's abducted by an alien and press-ganged into a gig as an intergalactic repo man. Or, to be more precise, his deadbeat dad willed the job to him. With a lifetime of debt to pay off and an inherited ship (and its deadpan sarcastic AI) to get him there, Frank will have to navigate alien encounters, red tape, system failures, and GOD themselves to get his job done.

Secondhand Spaceman has a relatively fun premise and wastes no time getting down to business, but the story itself appears to fluctuate between what it does best and what it wants to do. At its peaks, Frank is coming to terms simultaneously with the trauma of his youth and the terror of his new situation, discovering more about himself and with the potential to become a really capable, really unlikely hero. In its troughs, it leans into the sort of Guardians of the Galaxy quippy referential humor that's hit-or-miss even at the best of times. The books are engaging, intriguing, and even legitimately funny when the one-liners are relaxed and Frank is allowed to interact with his new reality in an honest way. Should future books embrace that, this series has some genuine promise.

[Elysa · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Secondhand Spaceman" is a delightful sci-fi novella. A Terran is kidnapped and forced to become a space repo man alone on a ship with only a sarcastic computer for company. It's fun, fast-paced, and adventurous. There's cool science stuff, blaster fights, and a snappy ship's computer. I already preordered book two after reading this book in one sitting.

Thank you to NetGalley and Waypoint Books for a free ebook in exchange for an honest review.

[Lynsey is Reading · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was like if Peter Quill (aka Star-Lord) got snatched up and kidnapped off into space at the age of 19 instead of 8.

Teenager Frank's life is not going well. His girlfriend has just left him for his best friend, his Dad abandoned him years ago, his mum has passed away, and he's just been abducted by an alien on his way into class.

Lol.

Turns out, his dad didn't abandon him. Funny story- he was also kidnapped by the same alien that just took Frank and now Frank is on the hook to complete his Dad's contract as an intergalactic repo man.

Shennanigans ensue.

*****

It's hard with such a short book to decide how I feel quite yet so I settled on 3 stars (which means I liked it). But it feels a bit like when you're in the first 30% of a full-length book where you're enjoying yourself fine but you're not totally invested yet, ya know?

Luckily, this is a planned series of novellas. A serialised story, if you will. So there will be more opportunities to get to know Frank and the other characters in future instalments.

I'd say Secondhand Spaceman would make an excellent palate cleanser in between bigger tomes and would be enjoyed by anyone into absurdist SFF or those looking for a short and fun one-sitting read!

[Keith · Rating 4 out of 5]

So all the other reviews are saying the same thing and it’s true it is very ‘Guardians of the galaxyesque. And it’s worth a read too,
Defo have a looksee if the GOTG is up your street..


I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Shelby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this in a giveaway.

Fun space adventure with rude aliens, a sarcastic AI spaceship and a human forced to be a space repo agent. I had a good time reading this. It was funny at times, interesting and easy to read.

[Gordon Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not, strictly speaking, a novel; it’s the promising first episode of a Space Opera serial. It is short, episodic, light, and irreverent to both modern life and Sci-Fi convention.

Don’t expect any sort of scientific plausibility or day-to-day veracity. It’s not that kind of Sci-Fi. If a guy needs to open a hatch on the ship and feel the cold of outer space, he just does it, and we have to assume that some scientific magic keeps the atmosphere from blowing out of the room. On the other hand, some of the invented tech is quite interesting. The description of artificial gravity and its idiosyncrasies is fascinating. Most of the tech is well thought out, with just enough explanation to let us believe in it.

While the plotline requires the main character to spend a lot of the story talking to himself or his ship, there is a constant stream of minor conflicts that keep the action going as well.

The success of the tale hinges on the personality of Frank, the hero. He may be a poorly educated, impulsive teenager, but he is endearing in his own way, and doesn’t blame others (except his father, who dumped him in this mess) for his problems. All the new difficulties that crop up as the adventure progresses are strictly caused by his own personality traits.

The other characters play their parts nicely (or nastily, as the case may be), especially his ship, Fetch, whose sense of humour helps keep the dialogue light. The aliens are imaginatively conceived, but just too different for us to get a picture of what they really look like. None of the specific species stay in the frame for long enough for us to develop a relationship, which is pretty standard in episodic Sci-Fi. 

In all, this episode is put together with more skill than the average, and it fulfills all the requirements of the lighter end of the Space Opera spectrum. The writing style is smooth and well edited.

In other words, it’s not deathless prose, but it’s really a fun read. Highly recommended for all Space Opera fans, especially in the Young Adult bracket.

This review was originally published on Reedsy Discovery.

[Erin J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secondhand Spaceman is a fast, funny, and refreshingly irreverent entry into the space opera genre one that doesn’t take itself too seriously and is all the better for it.

Frank Woods never planned on becoming a space repo man, but when he’s forcibly dragged into inheriting his deadbeat father’s job, survival becomes his primary career goal. Armed with a barely functional ship and a glitchy AI companion, Frank is thrown into a galaxy filled with hostile aliens, absurd rules, and constant danger. What follows is a brisk, episodic adventure that leans hard into humor, chaos, and character-driven mishaps.

This first installment is clearly designed as a serial episode rather than a traditional novel, and it works well in that format. The pacing is quick, the conflicts keep coming, and the story never overstays its welcome. Scientific realism takes a back seat to fun, but the invented technology and worldbuilding are imaginative enough to feel internally consistent without bogging the story down in explanations.

The real strength of the book lies in its protagonist. Frank is flawed, impulsive, and often in over his head, but he’s also surprisingly endearing. His problems are almost always of his own making, which makes his journey entertaining rather than frustrating. The standout supporting character is his ship’s AI, Fetch, whose dry humor and personality elevate the dialogue and keep the tone light.

While the alien races are imaginative, they appear briefly typical of episodic sci-fi so the focus remains firmly on Frank’s survival and growth rather than deep interspecies relationships.

Overall, Secondhand Spaceman delivers exactly what it promises: a lighthearted, well-written, and entertaining space adventure. It’s not epic or philosophical sci-fi but it doesn’t try to be. Instead, it offers sharp humor, solid pacing, and an engaging lead character that makes you want to immediately continue the series.

Highly recommended for fans of humorous space opera, episodic sci-fi, and character-driven adventures especially younger adult readers or anyone looking for an easy, fun read.

[Heather Warner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super fun and fast read-full of humor and satire and lots of aliens that seem pretty human in attitude! Loved all the alien descriptions and all the characters-who knew AI’s could be so sarcastic?! If you are looking for an energetic and entertaining read then this is the novella for you! Can’t wait to start the next one in the series. Top book and definite fave of the year.

“Frank's a lousy space repo man. His luck's lousier.
Kidnapped by a cantankerous alien boss, Frank Woods's plans to be a truck driver takes a wild turn when he's forced to take over his deadbeat dad's job… or else.
Life as a space repo man isn't as bad as Frank it's worse.
With only his father's dilapidated spaceship and a glitchy AI mentor, Frank embarks on a perilous career repossessing everything from illegal tech to stolen aliens. He quickly learns that most aliens aren't very nice and none of them like their things repossessed.
Can Frank beat all the odds and survive as a space repo man, or is he going to end up on some alien's dinner plate?
Get Secondhand Spaceman now to follow Frank through dangerous repo jobs as he struggles to make a living… and maybe even inadvertently destroys the galaxy. If you’re a fan of Firefly, Star Wars, or Indiana Jones, you’ll love this fast-paced galactic thrill ride!” (From the book blurb)

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is nicely contained, somewhat humorous, and consistent. I didn't really like the main character because he is an ordinary, blue collar type without a strong personality. He's thrown in difficult situations and essentially has to just accept whatever happens.
The strength of the story lies in that the various characters all fit their roles (the unhappy boss, the sarcastic ship AI, and various unsavory aliens) and the scientific elements are plausible. That makes the story feel familiar and comforting. There are a few twists (such as Frank freeing what he thinks is an innocent fairy).
Frank, the main character, is suddenly kidnapped from his college, waking up in space to find he must take over his dead father's contract to repossess stolen items for Starshine Seizure Specialists. He is given a beat-up spaceship, powered by the personable AI, Fetch and given tickets to fulfill by seizing items for aliens who hire his company. He learns on the job, but is guided by Fetch, who provides all the explanations and back story Frank needs. I liked Fetch much more than Frank.
This is a novella so we are just introduced to Frank's new life of space travel and encountering fierce aliens. I may read the other books in the series, to see the role Fetch plays.

[Marti · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found Secondhand Spaceman just a bit of light, silly entertainment with quite a lot of black humor (which I do like). Frank’s repeated survival despite overwhelming odds just didn’t make any sense to me. He has absolutely nothing going for him. His complete ignorance of the old, broken down spaceship’s operation and his inability to repair any of it, along with his refusal to ask the computer, Fetch, to teach him is not believable. Throw in trained, armed thug aliens and con men who unnecessarily let him live, and you have a story that makes no sense. One lucky catch at repoing an object might occur but the others? Nawww, never happen to this guy.

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Rachel Aukes, Waypoint Books, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a quick, easy read of a story that had a Guardians of the Galaxy vibe. The main character, Frank, is kidnapped off Earth and forced to work as a repo man taking jobs from his boss and others to earn money and eventually his freedom.

The book moved along quickly and was entertaining but it was short. I look forward to future adventures that take on more complexity and depth.

[Manie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Frank Woods lost his father when he was but four years old. That is what he was told.
Then Frank got abducted. By an alien.
And taken into indentured service for his father's debt as a space repossessor.
Which is where everything is his life got turned upside down.
Author Rachel Aukes certainly had a field day with this light hearted romp where Frank got turned into a man mostly at a loss in an alien dominated universe where just about anything goes.
Enjoy.

[Kateblue · Rating 1 out of 5]

I hate books (and TV shows and movies) where the protagonist gets pushed around all the time. And that is all that happened here. Maybe if the ship's computer had at least been an ally instead of a jerk, it would have been ok. I really disliked this

I'm so glad it was so short. I never would have made it through, otherwise. And I am not encouraged to read any more of the author's books.

[Viking Jam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review: I wanted to give this novella a five start rating but it was just too dang short. A galactic repo man is not a new thing under the sun but the writing talent is. What is great about this version is the multitude of weird aliens at every stop. The writing flows really well and the wit is well invented. Fun read.

Rating: 4.2

[Ronald Spitzer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read full of humor and gives lots of laughs. This is not a deep book. This is a quick light read and well worth its price. Don't look for the character to learn real fast, but that is a lot of the fun. This author knows how to write humor:) I recommend this book for a quick light read for those times you really something light.

[Robin R Finch · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ridiculous

I received this book as a Goodreads give away. The only reason this is getting even a one star rating is that I did not find any grammatical errors in it. The storyline, the characters and the entire book is done with so much tongue in cheek, it becomes just a head shake.

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun read

This is a cool short story. I enjoyed it right from the beginning. Being a repo man in space has its challenges. It’s fun watching this guy learn the trade. Going on to the second book now. I received this first book on Goodreads but purchased the second to keep going.

[Brenda Mcallister · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story just not enthralled with the lead character. Kidnapped to fulfill his father's contract by aliens, he was pretty useless. Ok so planned on being a truck driver not space jockey just not very bright or interesting.

[Shandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5. I enjoyed this one. The banter between the ship and Frank was fun. Will likely continue the series.

[Alexandre Jorge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun and quick..

[Shawn Steenwyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun story

Love the premis of this story, and the mC is fun to follow xant wait to see what happens in book two and if he gets out of this contract eventually

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frank Woods is on his way to class when he is kidnapped by a jellybean looking alien who is now his boss in a repo venture.

[Dr susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great, albeit dark, sci fi adventure

The worldbuilding is a little campy (it's supposed to be), and Frank is a likeable narrator. But he really can't catch a break.

[Les · Rating 4 out of 5]

A light, fun read.

[Eric Prater · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun read!

Woohoo! Who knew space repo could be so much fun! Lots universe building going on here, but it sure resembles earth! Headed out for no. 2!