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Sol System Renegades #0.5
Crapkiller
She just graduated from the Space Corps Academy.
Her first job: staying alive.
Elfrida Goto was expecting a holiday on Ganymede. Not a vermin hunt.
The colony is plagued by rogue genetically engineered critters, and the newly-minted Space Corps agents are expected to pitch in. Elfrida and her best friend take up the challenge, but the hunt turns into a nightmarish ordeal when they get lost in the subterranean caverns.
And, worst of all … they’re not alone.
In this explosive prequel to the Sol System Renegades series, Elfrida Goto’s first assignment takes her to the underbelly of the solar system, where nice girls finish last.
The Sol System Renegades series in chronological order:
Keep Off The Grass (short origin story)
Crapkiller (prequel novella)
The Elfrida Goto Trilogy
1. The Galapagos Incident
2. The Vesta Conspiracy
3. The Mercury Rebellion
A Very Merry Zero-Gravity Christmas (short story)
The Solarian War Trilogy
1. The Luna Deception
2. The Phobos Maneuver
3. The Mars Shock
The Callisto Gambit (the final novel in the series)
Her first job: staying alive.
Elfrida Goto was expecting a holiday on Ganymede. Not a vermin hunt.
The colony is plagued by rogue genetically engineered critters, and the newly-minted Space Corps agents are expected to pitch in. Elfrida and her best friend take up the challenge, but the hunt turns into a nightmarish ordeal when they get lost in the subterranean caverns.
And, worst of all … they’re not alone.
In this explosive prequel to the Sol System Renegades series, Elfrida Goto’s first assignment takes her to the underbelly of the solar system, where nice girls finish last.
The Sol System Renegades series in chronological order:
Keep Off The Grass (short origin story)
Crapkiller (prequel novella)
The Elfrida Goto Trilogy
1. The Galapagos Incident
2. The Vesta Conspiracy
3. The Mercury Rebellion
A Very Merry Zero-Gravity Christmas (short story)
The Solarian War Trilogy
1. The Luna Deception
2. The Phobos Maneuver
3. The Mars Shock
The Callisto Gambit (the final novel in the series)
- GenresScience Fiction
87 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 7, 2015
7 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
About the author
Felix R. Savage
90 books119 followersFelix R. Savage writes hard science fiction, space opera, and comedic science fiction. He has also occasionally been known to commit fantasy.
Felix has a long history associated with rebellion. He was born in the 1970s, a decade of American youth rebelling against the safe culture of their parents. He is married to a wonderful woman and they have two beautiful daughters. Together the four of them live in Tokyo serving their cat overlord and benevolent protector. Felix pounds the keyboard while not translating, delighting in his family, or catering to the whims of the family’s cat. He woke up one day to learn that he was a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, but he continues to keep a low profile, and never stops watching out for any sign the lizard people have found him.
Felix has a long history associated with rebellion. He was born in the 1970s, a decade of American youth rebelling against the safe culture of their parents. He is married to a wonderful woman and they have two beautiful daughters. Together the four of them live in Tokyo serving their cat overlord and benevolent protector. Felix pounds the keyboard while not translating, delighting in his family, or catering to the whims of the family’s cat. He woke up one day to learn that he was a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, but he continues to keep a low profile, and never stops watching out for any sign the lizard people have found him.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 14, 2017
A bit silly and slight, buy never less than entertaining. The blurb compares it to Iain M Banks, but it felt more like Harry Harrison to me (which is no bad thing)
April 11, 2015
Not often do I read a book in one sitting, but today I positively devoured Crapkiller in three hours thirty minutes.
As a fan of the author’s Space Corps universe, I was expecting more of his brilliant narrative, and I was not disappointed in the least. Like the books Crapkiller is a prequel to, this one was a very enjoyable read. Once again I am privy to hard science fiction tempered by humor and excellent dialogue. Once again there is a darkness bordering on horror despite that humor. Once again powerful themes are explored and our insane possible future is sketched out for our consideration.
But this time Elfrida Goto’s hair is pink and she’s not quite the Girl Scout she evolves into in later installments. I confess that I found her wicked disregard for the rules refreshing; she is so crucified in later events that I kinda think she deserves to have that kind of fun more often. Something tells me, though, that the book after The Mercury Rebellion will probably not have too much of that. The solar system is become an ominous place indeed!
Editing was wonderfully done and, perhaps for the first time in the series, I was unable to find any typos whatsoever.
In all, I consider Crapkiller to be an excellent standalone novel (despite being a prequel) and a very appropriate beginning for what is quickly becoming my favorite sci-fi series.
As a fan of the author’s Space Corps universe, I was expecting more of his brilliant narrative, and I was not disappointed in the least. Like the books Crapkiller is a prequel to, this one was a very enjoyable read. Once again I am privy to hard science fiction tempered by humor and excellent dialogue. Once again there is a darkness bordering on horror despite that humor. Once again powerful themes are explored and our insane possible future is sketched out for our consideration.
But this time Elfrida Goto’s hair is pink and she’s not quite the Girl Scout she evolves into in later installments. I confess that I found her wicked disregard for the rules refreshing; she is so crucified in later events that I kinda think she deserves to have that kind of fun more often. Something tells me, though, that the book after The Mercury Rebellion will probably not have too much of that. The solar system is become an ominous place indeed!
Editing was wonderfully done and, perhaps for the first time in the series, I was unable to find any typos whatsoever.
In all, I consider Crapkiller to be an excellent standalone novel (despite being a prequel) and a very appropriate beginning for what is quickly becoming my favorite sci-fi series.
August 8, 2016
Just finished reading “Crapkiller A Prequel to The Sol System Renegades Series”, by Felix R. Savage. This is my first read by this author, but will not be my last. This was a Sci-Fi/Horror/Tongue-in-Cheek type of a read. I found it very interesting, well written and very entertaining. The POCKs (Pieces of Crap with a K) not to be confused with POC (Persons of Color) are half Hamster half Human and in that respect reminded me of “Soylent Green”. This book stands alone in its concepts, and I look forward to reading the rest of this series.
Synopsis: She just graduated from the Space Corps Academy.
Her first job: staying alive.
Elfrida Goto was expecting a holiday on Ganymede. Not a vermin hunt.
The colony is plagued by rogue genetically engineered critters, and the newly-minted Space Corps agents are expected to pitch in. Elfrida and her best friend take up the challenge, but the hunt turns into a nightmarish ordeal when they get lost in the subterranean caverns.
And, worst of all … they’re not alone.
In this explosive prequel to the Sol System Renegades series, Elfrida Goto’s first assignment takes her to the underbelly of the solar system, where nice girls finish last
Synopsis: She just graduated from the Space Corps Academy.
Her first job: staying alive.
Elfrida Goto was expecting a holiday on Ganymede. Not a vermin hunt.
The colony is plagued by rogue genetically engineered critters, and the newly-minted Space Corps agents are expected to pitch in. Elfrida and her best friend take up the challenge, but the hunt turns into a nightmarish ordeal when they get lost in the subterranean caverns.
And, worst of all … they’re not alone.
In this explosive prequel to the Sol System Renegades series, Elfrida Goto’s first assignment takes her to the underbelly of the solar system, where nice girls finish last
May 13, 2018
I recieved this book as part of the SFWA scifi storybundle which I paid for.
I won't lie, I feel straight into the initial trap of this story, which is to say it looked like something very different from what it actually was. And I would say the author drew me into that net perfectly. To me this was an 80s cyberpunk romp with hellcats as the main characters and really I expected it was just going to be good clean multilating and military jargon.
What I really got was just as fun, but certainly a little smarter. We got to see how characters were viscerally changed by their experiences in a metaphorical rather than literal sense. It felt a lot like going into a job for the first time: there's the idea of how the world works and then there's experiencing the world for what it is. And a lot of things that appeared in this book were expanded on to satisfactory conclusions, world building happened and it felt natural, characters were wrong about things and right about other things and those things ended up turning a lot of quick decisions into lasting implications.
In short, I kind of want to read whatever is the sequel to this, and I didn't have to turn my brain off too much. I call that an accomplishment.
I won't lie, I feel straight into the initial trap of this story, which is to say it looked like something very different from what it actually was. And I would say the author drew me into that net perfectly. To me this was an 80s cyberpunk romp with hellcats as the main characters and really I expected it was just going to be good clean multilating and military jargon.
What I really got was just as fun, but certainly a little smarter. We got to see how characters were viscerally changed by their experiences in a metaphorical rather than literal sense. It felt a lot like going into a job for the first time: there's the idea of how the world works and then there's experiencing the world for what it is. And a lot of things that appeared in this book were expanded on to satisfactory conclusions, world building happened and it felt natural, characters were wrong about things and right about other things and those things ended up turning a lot of quick decisions into lasting implications.
In short, I kind of want to read whatever is the sequel to this, and I didn't have to turn my brain off too much. I call that an accomplishment.
October 18, 2018
At first, I did not think I would enjoy this story. While I don't have a problem with flawed heroes, the character flaws in the main characters left me expecting a very different kind of story, one that I would not enjoy. I'm glad a pushed through a bit longer and found that the characters themselves were struggling with who/what they were.
For a short story introducting the characters and this universe, I think it did a pretty good job. The story held my interest and was even hard to put down by the end. I'll likely pick of the next book and see how the series pans out.
For a short story introducting the characters and this universe, I think it did a pretty good job. The story held my interest and was even hard to put down by the end. I'll likely pick of the next book and see how the series pans out.
July 4, 2017
Loved it! First assignment- don't get into trouble on leave. Check. Second assignment - survive test. Sort of check. What is a UN space cadet to do when she stumbles upon an inter-space smuggling operation in the middle of her final test?! Take them down of course! Now on to bigger and better criminals!
February 19, 2018
Everyone's journey has to start somewhere.
For Elfrida Goto, recently graduated from the UN Space Corps, that journey begins on Ganymede.
For Elfrida Goto, recently graduated from the UN Space Corps, that journey begins on Ganymede.
March 15, 2017
This was a page-turner for me, the only reason I didn't finish it in one setting was that I had to get up the next morning!
This is a prequel to the Elfrida Goto trilogy, following Elfrida and her class last test before getting their assignment in the Space Corps. They're taken to Jupiter's moon Ganymede, and given a relatively straightforward, if somewhat bizarre, test. Or is it really so straightforward?
Prior to this, I've so far only read the first book in the series; The Galapagos Incident, but I was interested in knowing more about Elfrida's background before venturing further into the trilogy, and I feel that I have more "meat on the bone" now.
Sure, its rather short, but well worth a read if you are into this series, or perhaps as an introduction to it, I can see it working fine as that.
This is a prequel to the Elfrida Goto trilogy, following Elfrida and her class last test before getting their assignment in the Space Corps. They're taken to Jupiter's moon Ganymede, and given a relatively straightforward, if somewhat bizarre, test. Or is it really so straightforward?
Prior to this, I've so far only read the first book in the series; The Galapagos Incident, but I was interested in knowing more about Elfrida's background before venturing further into the trilogy, and I feel that I have more "meat on the bone" now.
Sure, its rather short, but well worth a read if you are into this series, or perhaps as an introduction to it, I can see it working fine as that.
January 1, 2017
I rather enjoyed this, eventually - despite the unappealing title and at first sight a pair of equally unappealing lead characters. However they came through eventually, as did the also unattractive Kristiansen. The plot device(s) were well thought through and the final outcome and postings were well deserved. I very much liked the CMOT Sandwichmaker (Mr Dibbs - close enough but carefully avoiding plagiarism claims!)
I've already signed up for the next book - which is free, as was this copy,from the author's website.
I've already signed up for the next book - which is free, as was this copy,from the author's website.
February 27, 2017
Wonderful story! Some Space Academy graduates go to Ganymede for R&R. The R&R turns out to be post-grad testing. Their adventures take them wa-a-y past where the instructor expected! I'm hooked!
July 18, 2016
A worthy and very enjoyable prequel to the Solarian Saga.
One wonders if the United Nations Space Agency truly knew quite what they were doing when they recruited Elfrida Goto to their ranks. With her myriad piercings, cotton-candy pink hair and blasé attitude to rules, she does indeed seem an unlikely addition to their ranks. Contrary to all appearances, this nineteen year old rebel without a clue manages to rise to the occasion when her friends and colleagues need her most.
A delightfully offbeat story with quirky characters, wry humour, a suspenseful journey of discovery, all occurring amidst a vividly described backdrop of the icy expanse of Ganymede. It's definitely one that you shouldn't miss.
Highly recommended.
One wonders if the United Nations Space Agency truly knew quite what they were doing when they recruited Elfrida Goto to their ranks. With her myriad piercings, cotton-candy pink hair and blasé attitude to rules, she does indeed seem an unlikely addition to their ranks. Contrary to all appearances, this nineteen year old rebel without a clue manages to rise to the occasion when her friends and colleagues need her most.
A delightfully offbeat story with quirky characters, wry humour, a suspenseful journey of discovery, all occurring amidst a vividly described backdrop of the icy expanse of Ganymede. It's definitely one that you shouldn't miss.
Highly recommended.
August 7, 2016
Be careful of what you eat? Elfrida just wants to get her dream job on Venus working for Space Corps saving people but the last test might be the one that she can't pass.
Their latest assignment is to cull the planet of POCKS which are actually huge hamsters but why the reasons given seem strange. Can she & her two friends find out the truth and get out alive.
Everything is not what it seems, there is smugglers that don't want anything to mess up their plans and even if it means that some young cadets go missing well things happen.
A really strange story and the truth about the hamsters was pretty gross.
I received a copy from the author.
Their latest assignment is to cull the planet of POCKS which are actually huge hamsters but why the reasons given seem strange. Can she & her two friends find out the truth and get out alive.
Everything is not what it seems, there is smugglers that don't want anything to mess up their plans and even if it means that some young cadets go missing well things happen.
A really strange story and the truth about the hamsters was pretty gross.
I received a copy from the author.
August 11, 2016
"This is a test. A test. A test"
The new Space Corps graduates are sent to Ganemede prior to their allocations and, once there, have time for a little R & R before being allocated a final task: not one they had expected - they were asked to hunt hamsters, mutant ones, not dangerous but the size of a dog.
It all sounds a bit odd, but the POCKs are there, and docile - but, of course, there is more to it......
Snappily written and easy to read, this novella packs in loads of tension and surprises. It is fun and fast paced: a great little science fiction story
The new Space Corps graduates are sent to Ganemede prior to their allocations and, once there, have time for a little R & R before being allocated a final task: not one they had expected - they were asked to hunt hamsters, mutant ones, not dangerous but the size of a dog.
It all sounds a bit odd, but the POCKs are there, and docile - but, of course, there is more to it......
Snappily written and easy to read, this novella packs in loads of tension and surprises. It is fun and fast paced: a great little science fiction story
January 24, 2016
Good read
This was a little different but leave it to Felix to let you get so into a book and what's going on in the storyline that at the end he throws in a good little twist that you don't see coming. This was a good read and I think that the next book in the series will have more action now that the characters are known. I will let you know , sorry so late on posting but I had a lot to do over the holidays.
This was a little different but leave it to Felix to let you get so into a book and what's going on in the storyline that at the end he throws in a good little twist that you don't see coming. This was a good read and I think that the next book in the series will have more action now that the characters are known. I will let you know , sorry so late on posting but I had a lot to do over the holidays.
May 14, 2015
This was a great book ! I've been reading a lot of really heavy stuff lately, and decided a scifi thriller sounded like fun. This is a truly original science fiction story, in the classic sense, complete with giant space hamsters and UN space force cadets. Definitely a series I'm looking at reading the rest of.
July 11, 2015
Short but good
Just what you would expect from a training assignment. Star Corps stumbled upon something they weren't expected to. It was enough to impress the Dean and get them cushy assignments. A good little fast read.
Just what you would expect from a training assignment. Star Corps stumbled upon something they weren't expected to. It was enough to impress the Dean and get them cushy assignments. A good little fast read.
July 24, 2015
Will def. read the rest of this series. Plus it will quite likely get my nomination for August series nomination or indie. Space Opera HOOOO!
This was quite a nice snack leading into the main series.
This was quite a nice snack leading into the main series.
September 18, 2015
This was fun. The story is set in a colorful place with man interesting characters. Some places and parts of the plot remind me of some of the pulpy Asimov stories. I will be adding the others of the series to my reading list.
December 9, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed Crapkillers. It kept me entertained and always guessing. They are darn funny parts too. I have recently become a fan of Felix R Savage's work. He has awesome story building talent and a wicked sense of humor.
January 11, 2017
I went into this assuming I'd be getting generic military sci fi, first mission crap. This is nothing like that. It's pretty good, with an interesting, yet somewhat believable look into the future (not sure about the UN running things, but other than that, everything seems believable).
April 15, 2015
I love the book has plenty of surprise in the book with a lot suspend and twist go with it. I would recommend anyone who in to reading mystery, a lot suspend then this book is for you.
July 10, 2015
Great story. Introduction to the series. Very nice action, sci-fi adventure.
September 19, 2015
Very short but funny
August 29, 2019
Great story
I really liked this book nice weird story line that turned out to be very interesting. the hamsters as food was a real twist wonderful imaginative I HIGHLY recommend it!
I really liked this book nice weird story line that turned out to be very interesting. the hamsters as food was a real twist wonderful imaginative I HIGHLY recommend it!
November 29, 2016
This was the first book I have read by this author and enjoyed the mix of science fiction and (at times) dark humour. I am looking forward to the rest of the series.
July 14, 2015
This book was okay. The first SciFi book I have read in a while. Interesting plot line.
April 6, 2017
Easily this is one of the worst books I have ever read. The story and world is interesting the writing is that of a high school creative writing class just awful
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews