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Hard Luck Hank #6
Robot Farts
Sometimes it’s not easy being a mutant thug.
The space station Belvaille, once the center of civilization, is nearly deserted because of the new government’s policies. Hank makes do by working odd jobs, but he isn’t sure how long those, or the city, can last.
However, there are still some people trying to scratch out a (dis)honest living on Belvaille. Hank concocts a plan to save the city: steal from the countless transports and freighters that pass through the System.
In the meantime, Hank falls in with a tough crowd of freedom fighters who seem determined to overthrow the government. The team goes on exceedingly dangerous assignments, with Hank taking the brunt of the danger.
As if things weren’t bad enough, the Navy set up residence in the System, a powerful alien dignitary is scheduled to arrive, and Hank’s absurdly-competent butler states that his robotic species may declare war on Hank’s home.
It’s up to Hank to fix the problems, find out who is doing what and why, and to try and earn a little cash in the process.
The space station Belvaille, once the center of civilization, is nearly deserted because of the new government’s policies. Hank makes do by working odd jobs, but he isn’t sure how long those, or the city, can last.
However, there are still some people trying to scratch out a (dis)honest living on Belvaille. Hank concocts a plan to save the city: steal from the countless transports and freighters that pass through the System.
In the meantime, Hank falls in with a tough crowd of freedom fighters who seem determined to overthrow the government. The team goes on exceedingly dangerous assignments, with Hank taking the brunt of the danger.
As if things weren’t bad enough, the Navy set up residence in the System, a powerful alien dignitary is scheduled to arrive, and Hank’s absurdly-competent butler states that his robotic species may declare war on Hank’s home.
It’s up to Hank to fix the problems, find out who is doing what and why, and to try and earn a little cash in the process.
369 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 14, 2016
75 people are currently reading
154 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
January 13, 2017
So good!
I just can't get enough of the HLH series. Always extremely funny, and the mysteries are done so cleverly. Along with some of the most creative Sci fi characters ever. I hope he writes at least 100 more books in this series. The one thing that perplexes me, is that this series isn't insanely popular. TELL YOUR FRIENDS!!!
I just can't get enough of the HLH series. Always extremely funny, and the mysteries are done so cleverly. Along with some of the most creative Sci fi characters ever. I hope he writes at least 100 more books in this series. The one thing that perplexes me, is that this series isn't insanely popular. TELL YOUR FRIENDS!!!
March 27, 2017
What can I say if you are reading this you love it. I was laughing so much listening to this audiobook. It's very good therapy. If you love this book you can be my friend. ;)
July 19, 2017
ROBOT FARTS is the latest of the HARD LUCK HANK series that I find consistently entertaining. It's a sci-fi series about the continuing misadventures of an immortal almost (but not quite) indestructible professional thug named Hank. Hank is a fairly awful person and has committed a number of murders for no other reason than he was paid to. He's also a person who has saved the universe on a couple of occasions.
The series is notable for the fact every iteration has the station of Belvaille going through some dramatic change. Sometimes it's the capital of the galaxy, sometimes its a impoverished hellhole, sometimes its a slightly less impoverished hellhole, and other times its (just) the football capital of the galaxy. In Robot Farts, Belvaille has come full circle back to the crime-ridden hellhole it was in the first book with everyone virtually back in the same place they started.
Well, not quite, as Hank has finally discovered he's not a mutant but a member of a long-thought-extinct race of aliens who tend to be as fat as himself (except for Hank's new girlfriend who is the attractive schoolgirl-meets-guerilla on the cover). While Hank is about as apolitical as they come, the allure of sex is something which easily convinces him to go along with said race's plans to get revenge on the present galactic government for their homeworld's destruction. You know, despite not being the government which did it.
There's multiple interesting plots going on in this book, not the least being Hank's attempt to save organized crime on the station by taxing every ship coming through. This, of course, blows up in Hank's face. However, sadly, the series falls back on its least interesting villain to once more make a threat to the galaxy which I felt should be shied away from. Hank is always at his most interesting when he's saving his wallet rather than the universe.
Robot Farts is a decent enough novel with the same likable characters and screw-ups which made the previous novels. This one lies a bit more on continuity than it should as well as too much in the way of "threats to the universe." I'm hoping future installments will be more about Hank trying to line his pockets instead. Still, I'm glad I read it. I'm also sad Hank's girlfriend didn't play a bigger role as she was always entertaining. There's nothing quite so humorous as a die-hard capitalist gangster signed up with an idealistic to the point of stupidity pseudo-communist revolutionary.
8/10
The series is notable for the fact every iteration has the station of Belvaille going through some dramatic change. Sometimes it's the capital of the galaxy, sometimes its a impoverished hellhole, sometimes its a slightly less impoverished hellhole, and other times its (just) the football capital of the galaxy. In Robot Farts, Belvaille has come full circle back to the crime-ridden hellhole it was in the first book with everyone virtually back in the same place they started.
Well, not quite, as Hank has finally discovered he's not a mutant but a member of a long-thought-extinct race of aliens who tend to be as fat as himself (except for Hank's new girlfriend who is the attractive schoolgirl-meets-guerilla on the cover). While Hank is about as apolitical as they come, the allure of sex is something which easily convinces him to go along with said race's plans to get revenge on the present galactic government for their homeworld's destruction. You know, despite not being the government which did it.
There's multiple interesting plots going on in this book, not the least being Hank's attempt to save organized crime on the station by taxing every ship coming through. This, of course, blows up in Hank's face. However, sadly, the series falls back on its least interesting villain to once more make a threat to the galaxy which I felt should be shied away from. Hank is always at his most interesting when he's saving his wallet rather than the universe.
Robot Farts is a decent enough novel with the same likable characters and screw-ups which made the previous novels. This one lies a bit more on continuity than it should as well as too much in the way of "threats to the universe." I'm hoping future installments will be more about Hank trying to line his pockets instead. Still, I'm glad I read it. I'm also sad Hank's girlfriend didn't play a bigger role as she was always entertaining. There's nothing quite so humorous as a die-hard capitalist gangster signed up with an idealistic to the point of stupidity pseudo-communist revolutionary.
8/10
December 12, 2017
So funny. This series constantly has me snorting out loud. I love how Campbell changes the landscape so much from book to book, keeping things fresh.
If books like this were required reading in school along with the morbidly depressing Poe and Romeo/Juliet I think you'd have a lot more readers later in life.
Liam Owen absolutely kills the narration, he IS Hank. The best character/narrator combo ever.
The only negative is that it seemed like this one was just a bit more crude than the rest of the series. I'm not positive, I'm sure I'll end up relistening and updating before long.
Update: Work place relisten. Still so funny.
If books like this were required reading in school along with the morbidly depressing Poe and Romeo/Juliet I think you'd have a lot more readers later in life.
Liam Owen absolutely kills the narration, he IS Hank. The best character/narrator combo ever.
The only negative is that it seemed like this one was just a bit more crude than the rest of the series. I'm not positive, I'm sure I'll end up relistening and updating before long.
Update: Work place relisten. Still so funny.
May 2, 2018
3 1/2
This was definitely better than the last one but not quite as fun or funny as the 3rd and 4th books. The last one was a drag in places whereas this one kept my attention pretty well through. Still it was a mish mash of a story compared to some of the other.
This was definitely better than the last one but not quite as fun or funny as the 3rd and 4th books. The last one was a drag in places whereas this one kept my attention pretty well through. Still it was a mish mash of a story compared to some of the other.
January 7, 2020
He (the author) kills indiscriminately. Some characters are worth saving.
September 24, 2017
It's few years after events of last book and the situation changed again. Hank is back to making criminal deals and dealing with bureaucratic government. Story feels more like the early parts, more Hank and dark humour.
February 11, 2021
Start on book one and just read them all. Among my favorite and most easily recommended books for those who like comedy and space/futuristic settings.
September 24, 2022
While I enjoyed Hank exploring new directions in wardrobe selection, the fat-shaming was difficult to keep ignoring by the time I flipped the last page. Not sure if it was just as bad in the previous ones, but this one felt like unnecessarily overboard on that horse corpse. Especially considering the variety of body types and shapes that exists in the universe, no heads, skinny like a stick bug, big teeth chompers, parts of dead bodies sown together, you would think people would not have an issue with someone with extra 1000 lbs on them.
I was also disappointed in the plot. Usually the plot is predictable and Hank gets lucky a lot, in more ways than one, but in this case things were a bit too convenient and I was left with a lot of questions. For example, the big robot. Who sent it? Why? It doesn't fit conveniently into the big reveal.
I will pick up the next book, if only because I am in dire need of brain candy at the moment. But if the fun brain candy part goes away there won't be a reason for me to continue with the series.
I was also disappointed in the plot. Usually the plot is predictable and Hank gets lucky a lot, in more ways than one, but in this case things were a bit too convenient and I was left with a lot of questions. For example, the big robot. Who sent it? Why? It doesn't fit conveniently into the big reveal.
I will pick up the next book, if only because I am in dire need of brain candy at the moment. But if the fun brain candy part goes away there won't be a reason for me to continue with the series.
May 31, 2020
It seems like Hank might have finally grown-up a little. After all, he's making it work, you know? Life on Bellvaile is not so easy these days, not since the Post-Colmarian Federation Colmarian Federation took over and declared all commerce be bound to its planet of origin. But Hank and his usual crew are getting by. Until Hank goes and starts an interstellar war, that is...
The Hank books are getting better as they go along, which is no great surprise, but is a nice treat. The characters are growing, changing, and sometimes even in positive ways. As with previous books, author Campbell uses a new volume to wreak enormous changes in Hank's universe with the stroke of a pen and, as I've said in reviews of other books in the series, this is a really interesting and intriguing approach to world building. By this point, readers might be forgiven for mis-remembering smaller details of Hank's world and the events therein and Campbell uses this to his advantage to paint Hank into a series of familiar corners all over again.
This is a lot of fun. If you're new to the series, start with number 1. If you've been reading along, strap yourself in for a hell of a ride.
The Hank books are getting better as they go along, which is no great surprise, but is a nice treat. The characters are growing, changing, and sometimes even in positive ways. As with previous books, author Campbell uses a new volume to wreak enormous changes in Hank's universe with the stroke of a pen and, as I've said in reviews of other books in the series, this is a really interesting and intriguing approach to world building. By this point, readers might be forgiven for mis-remembering smaller details of Hank's world and the events therein and Campbell uses this to his advantage to paint Hank into a series of familiar corners all over again.
This is a lot of fun. If you're new to the series, start with number 1. If you've been reading along, strap yourself in for a hell of a ride.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 20, 2017
Hard Luck Hank continues to deliver.
It is surprising how even after 6 books, each book is completely different from the previous ones. There are a few old characters that stick around and new ones that show up. You know you are going to get Hank being a dumb lug and brute forcing his way through the current crisis. But you know what? That's fine.
Basically if you liked the last book, you'll really like this one. Steven Campbell has clearly learned his lesson with the flop that was the third book (and lesser extent fourth book) and continues to grow the series and give us more of what we love.
I still recommend this book to about anyone that likes humor and space fiction.
It is surprising how even after 6 books, each book is completely different from the previous ones. There are a few old characters that stick around and new ones that show up. You know you are going to get Hank being a dumb lug and brute forcing his way through the current crisis. But you know what? That's fine.
Basically if you liked the last book, you'll really like this one. Steven Campbell has clearly learned his lesson with the flop that was the third book (and lesser extent fourth book) and continues to grow the series and give us more of what we love.
I still recommend this book to about anyone that likes humor and space fiction.
August 29, 2017
Finished this one a while ago and forgot to review it. Score was a bit tricky here but in the end a 3.
A lot of the jokes were nailed spot on for me in this story arc heck probably one of my favorite in the series is in this book, but there were also segments where everything was just falling flat for me for a bit which is what really hurt it.
A lot of the jokes were nailed spot on for me in this story arc heck probably one of my favorite in the series is in this book, but there were also segments where everything was just falling flat for me for a bit which is what really hurt it.
November 3, 2018
Always enjoy a good hard boiled sci fi story
This book accomplishes exactly what it sets out to do; entertain. The same Hank you've grown to love throughout the series and more insurmountable odds to overcome in his simple way. Another great addition to recommend the series, thanks Steven!
This book accomplishes exactly what it sets out to do; entertain. The same Hank you've grown to love throughout the series and more insurmountable odds to overcome in his simple way. Another great addition to recommend the series, thanks Steven!
March 3, 2019
This has always been a fun series full of crazy antics from the mutant Hank, and his zany crew of friends. Liam Owen brings them to life as only he can do, making the stories so much more enjoyable. I'd say start the series from book 1 and when you just need a comical uplift from a troop of aliens, give it a try.
January 8, 2017
Great extension of the series!
Hank and his gang have brought me a great break from the grind of reality. I think Robot Farts carries the Hard Luck Hank series very well. I look forward to more reality breaks!
Hank and his gang have brought me a great break from the grind of reality. I think Robot Farts carries the Hard Luck Hank series very well. I look forward to more reality breaks!
January 3, 2022
Robots fart?!
I love reading about Hank's escapades lol his Uncle Frank's non-committal demeanor is the icing on the Hank cake & Cliston just being his brilliant self is the cherry atop lol
I love reading about Hank's escapades lol his Uncle Frank's non-committal demeanor is the icing on the Hank cake & Cliston just being his brilliant self is the cherry atop lol
August 9, 2017
Even funnier than the last one. Don't take life so seriously, enjoy this little break from reality.
September 11, 2017
I completed the Hard Luck Hank Series in less than 3 months. It has been entertaining and engaging the entire time. I love this series.
October 27, 2017
Just couldn't keep my interest. I really liked Hank starting out, but the books are starting to feel too much the same and it's kind of boring. DNF at 23%.
October 31, 2017
Another gem
Steven Campbell manages to keep Hank fresh. This series always keeps me laughing. I would recommend reading any of his books.
Steven Campbell manages to keep Hank fresh. This series always keeps me laughing. I would recommend reading any of his books.
November 3, 2017
Great story!
This has been one of the best series of Sci-Fi books I have read. Written like an old detective mystery. I can only say " Eat Suck, Suckface".
This has been one of the best series of Sci-Fi books I have read. Written like an old detective mystery. I can only say " Eat Suck, Suckface".
January 9, 2018
Hank delivers in the clutch again
Steven Campbell delivers another excellent hard luck hank book. There were moments that literally made me laugh out loud. Love the characters
Steven Campbell delivers another excellent hard luck hank book. There were moments that literally made me laugh out loud. Love the characters
September 14, 2018
It's not old Belleville but it is Hank.
May 11, 2019
This series continues to be the perfect silly, light read. Two thumbs up.
October 19, 2019
Yes Virginia, Robots do fart
Hard Luck Hank always delivers, funny, hard hitting, convoluted. Friends are enemies, enemies are friends, a wild trip. Thanks Hank!
Hard Luck Hank always delivers, funny, hard hitting, convoluted. Friends are enemies, enemies are friends, a wild trip. Thanks Hank!
August 31, 2020
I love Hank books but this might be my least favourite so far... just a bit slower than the rest
May 5, 2021
Great pacing, much lols
Took a break from this series, seems like it's aging well, unlike hank himself. Probably one the best scifi humor in Kindle unlimited.
Took a break from this series, seems like it's aging well, unlike hank himself. Probably one the best scifi humor in Kindle unlimited.
January 8, 2024
Funniest one so far.
July 8, 2025
Lots of action, fun and stupidity :)
March 22, 2017
These books always have me laughing out loud. This one was no exception. FUN
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews