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Space Team: The Collected Adventures: Volume 1
From Book 1:
A laugh-out-loud, action-packed space adventure series from the author critics are calling "the unholy offspring of Douglas Adams and Terry Pratchett."
When petty criminal, Cal Carver, is locked in a cell with a deranged, semi-naked cannibal, he suspects his life has hit its lowest point. He is mistaken.
Abducted by aliens and whisked across the galaxy, Cal is thrown into a team of misfits and criminals, and sent on a top secret mission for the President of Space. And that's when everything starts to go very, very wrong...
This box set collects the first three bestselling adventures of Cal Carver and the crew of the dread ship Shatner, by multi-award-winning author, Barry J. Hutchison:
Space Team Space Team: The Wrath of Vajazzle Space Team: The Search for SplurtReviews for the Space Team series:
"If you want something fun and adventurous to read to get you out of the everyday slog of normal, human life, then read this "space" book. You won't regret it, and you're guaranteed to laugh out loud."
"I haven't laughed so hard at a science fiction book since, well, never! If all scifi were like this, everyone would be reading it!"
"Move over Douglas Adams, Space Team is on your tail."
"If you want to laugh out loud then be prepared to change your pants and put this one on your list."
"I rarely give out five-star reviews for books - generally save those for life-changing reads- but I think Space Team, for what it aims to be, deserves the highest praise I can deliver."
"This was the most fun I've had reading a book in a long time. If you're a fan of Douglas Adams or Terry Pratchett, just hit the Buy button."
"Buy this book! You will NOT regret it! Laugh till you wet your pants!"
743 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 24, 2017
260 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
About the author
Barry J. Hutchison
50 books732 followersBarry J. Hutchison is an award-winning author, screenwriter and writer of comics. Having written over 70 books for children and teenagers, Barry is now writing books for adults. Space Team is his first grown-up novel.
Barry lives in the Highlands of Scotland with his wife, two children, and irritatingly upbeat dog.
Barry lives in the Highlands of Scotland with his wife, two children, and irritatingly upbeat dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
January 30, 2022
I read this for a bet. Ok, not quite a bet - more of a "you read one of mine, and I'll read one of yours" challenge - but, either way, I only finished it out of sheer bloody-mindedness. It deserves two stars because it kept my other half amused for hours, but it's not my cup of tea.
December 29, 2019
Not funny just dumb
This seemed to be off to a good start. A bad day that keeps getting worse might be humorous. I made it to chapter 5 and decided my filter for nonsense was already full. Hard to believe anyone enjoyed this enough to read the entire series. Of course I didn't like Alice in Wonderland either, so maybe the problem is me.
This seemed to be off to a good start. A bad day that keeps getting worse might be humorous. I made it to chapter 5 and decided my filter for nonsense was already full. Hard to believe anyone enjoyed this enough to read the entire series. Of course I didn't like Alice in Wonderland either, so maybe the problem is me.
January 27, 2021
Actually 4.55 stars
For all of you who long for more books in the style of The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, or Mercury Falls, or other such humorous space / science-fiction, Space Force is for you. Its cast of extremely lovable characters, most of whom have quick sardonic wit, gallivant around saving their (and other’s) hides from existential threats to themselves, planets and civilizations. It’s all in a days work for the erstwhile “Team” (some of whom refuse to be called as such) in this trio of stories bundled into a book.
I am so pleased to have stumbled onto this series. I’ve been reading so much serious stuff lately, and it feels so good to laugh. There were many times where I just had to stop reading and enjoy grinning & chuckling for a few moments before continuing on. There might have even been some laughter tears involved.
The only reason this doesn’t get 5 stars is because I reserve that for generationally incredible books. Ones that I lower down after finishing, say “Whoa”, and immediately read again. Space Team isn’t quite that. But for readers that like fast paced space-ranging adventures, with inventive space tech and clever stories told with wit & charm, and a desire to simply enjoy an easy ride, I recommend this opening salvo of this series. I’m moving on to the next book immediately.
For all of you who long for more books in the style of The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, or Mercury Falls, or other such humorous space / science-fiction, Space Force is for you. Its cast of extremely lovable characters, most of whom have quick sardonic wit, gallivant around saving their (and other’s) hides from existential threats to themselves, planets and civilizations. It’s all in a days work for the erstwhile “Team” (some of whom refuse to be called as such) in this trio of stories bundled into a book.
I am so pleased to have stumbled onto this series. I’ve been reading so much serious stuff lately, and it feels so good to laugh. There were many times where I just had to stop reading and enjoy grinning & chuckling for a few moments before continuing on. There might have even been some laughter tears involved.
The only reason this doesn’t get 5 stars is because I reserve that for generationally incredible books. Ones that I lower down after finishing, say “Whoa”, and immediately read again. Space Team isn’t quite that. But for readers that like fast paced space-ranging adventures, with inventive space tech and clever stories told with wit & charm, and a desire to simply enjoy an easy ride, I recommend this opening salvo of this series. I’m moving on to the next book immediately.
July 12, 2023
Solid 4 star junk food series. I loved it!
I wrote individual reviews for the first two books on goodreads. Those were solid 4 star entertainment. Definetly a fun episodic silly TV show feel to every book so far. The writing had been amazing for the first two books due to great character writing and action focused plots. World building could use more work though, i felt the scope was zoomed in too much at times and I kinda didn't really know how the universe operated as much as I wish I did to give some more context to what's going on.
The 3rd book was no different, another enjoyable 4 star read. It's funny, high camp and moved a plot along in a way that it never feels like it drags.
Nothing particularly masterful about any of what is going on but I don't think the book is trying to be, it's definetly a yummy appetizer type of book that can be read in between those more denser experiences.
I'm definitely eager to get into the rest of the series and casually follow along to what next adventure this crew gets into.
I wrote individual reviews for the first two books on goodreads. Those were solid 4 star entertainment. Definetly a fun episodic silly TV show feel to every book so far. The writing had been amazing for the first two books due to great character writing and action focused plots. World building could use more work though, i felt the scope was zoomed in too much at times and I kinda didn't really know how the universe operated as much as I wish I did to give some more context to what's going on.
The 3rd book was no different, another enjoyable 4 star read. It's funny, high camp and moved a plot along in a way that it never feels like it drags.
Nothing particularly masterful about any of what is going on but I don't think the book is trying to be, it's definetly a yummy appetizer type of book that can be read in between those more denser experiences.
I'm definitely eager to get into the rest of the series and casually follow along to what next adventure this crew gets into.
March 11, 2018
As advertised, the novels strive for a Douglas Adams style of humor, but with fast-paced stories that intentionally riff off of "Star Trek." At first, I wasn't feeling the humor: the cadence of the jokes (the timing if you will) was a bit off. But it improved as it went on, certainly by the second book. The humor is more punchy, more character-driven than what you find in the Hitchhiker books, which was more focused around the matter-of-fact absurdity of that universe.
If you can appreciate lines like “it was a face that had known beauty and wanted nothing to do with it” (probably not the exact quote but close), then you’ll enjoy reading these books. The next time I’m in need for some humorous reading material, I’ll likely pick up the next set of books in this series.
If you can appreciate lines like “it was a face that had known beauty and wanted nothing to do with it” (probably not the exact quote but close), then you’ll enjoy reading these books. The next time I’m in need for some humorous reading material, I’ll likely pick up the next set of books in this series.
March 6, 2018
Three stars, but almost four. It's a fun diversion. Some of the jokes are corny, but I've gotten some genuine laughs. It's over the top, but I enjoyed it enough to pick up the next set of three books. When your mind is cooked from a day of work and you don't want to see the depressing news, read this instead of watching some mindless TV. OK, the books are a little... not mindless, but certainly don't make your brain hot with a lot of thought.
I'm having trouble reviewing this series. Suffice it to say that I'm reading more, with a smile.
I'm having trouble reviewing this series. Suffice it to say that I'm reading more, with a smile.
October 27, 2018
A great book to have handy to fill in gaps in the day.
Waiting to pick up kids from school. In doctors waiting room. Pull out these books. Characters interact in a entertaining way. It’s a lot of fun. But it’s pausable...maybe because it’s a little predictable. This doesn’t detract from the book. I will still buy more. It means I can read them comfortably in small chunks without staying up all night or neglecting the family 😂.
Waiting to pick up kids from school. In doctors waiting room. Pull out these books. Characters interact in a entertaining way. It’s a lot of fun. But it’s pausable...maybe because it’s a little predictable. This doesn’t detract from the book. I will still buy more. It means I can read them comfortably in small chunks without staying up all night or neglecting the family 😂.
May 4, 2017
Fun escapism.
I know this series will not be for everyone. There are a lot of gags telegraphed from far away. It borrows heavily from certain other sources. But it still captivated me and kept me reading until the end. It was descriptive enough without being tedious. Just a great way to escape for a while.
I know this series will not be for everyone. There are a lot of gags telegraphed from far away. It borrows heavily from certain other sources. But it still captivated me and kept me reading until the end. It was descriptive enough without being tedious. Just a great way to escape for a while.
August 29, 2018
Loads of unexpected twist and a quirky sense of humour make this series compelling reading which is only let down at the final hurdle by a small error Involving matter transport and the main protagonist (or lack of the former) failing to extricate from a sticky situation despite having the means to do so.
June 10, 2017
What a blastoff
This set is a real hoot. I LOL's my head off a couple times. The action (& reaction) grabbed my attention and refused to let me set my Fire down (though unconsciousness did). I am going to buy a space team tee then start saving up for the next set.
This set is a real hoot. I LOL's my head off a couple times. The action (& reaction) grabbed my attention and refused to let me set my Fire down (though unconsciousness did). I am going to buy a space team tee then start saving up for the next set.
February 10, 2018
Often seen the term 'laugh out loud' and thought "yeah right" but in this case it is actually true
Often heard the term 'laugh out loud funny' but always thought "yeah right" but in this case it's true. Honest
Often heard the term 'laugh out loud funny' but always thought "yeah right" but in this case it's true. Honest
March 8, 2018
Nice break time read.
Some of the humor can be a bit low brow. All in all, it was an easy read and it was enjoyable. It is nice that you don't have to read a ton of bad language in this book. This would be fine for your typical late ten to read.
Some of the humor can be a bit low brow. All in all, it was an easy read and it was enjoyable. It is nice that you don't have to read a ton of bad language in this book. This would be fine for your typical late ten to read.
July 8, 2018
Not great literature, but hey, some very exciting parts. The team really develops after the first book. I read the first three volumes and just ordered the second three. Hope all for well with the team.
January 18, 2019
Very funny
What can be said about Space team. Well written, funny, enjoyable characters who you can care about and laugh at and with. Pure escapism. Will definitely be reading more.
What can be said about Space team. Well written, funny, enjoyable characters who you can care about and laugh at and with. Pure escapism. Will definitely be reading more.
April 3, 2020
Space adventure at it's funniest!
Hard to put these books down. You'll be reading along on an entangled suspense, then, blam, you will be spuing coffee. I suggest you drink water as it is less messy.
Gripping tale of twists and turns and funny, funny, funny!
Hard to put these books down. You'll be reading along on an entangled suspense, then, blam, you will be spuing coffee. I suggest you drink water as it is less messy.
Gripping tale of twists and turns and funny, funny, funny!
June 13, 2017
Fun read
This was an enjoyable read that would be great for young teen and up. It's funny and has no bad language or sex.
This was an enjoyable read that would be great for young teen and up. It's funny and has no bad language or sex.
June 14, 2017
Funny clever and fast paced. It's a bit like red dwarf when it was still funny. Almost enjoyable collection like people have said if you like Douglas Adams and Pratchett this is worth reading.
June 14, 2017
Snarky Witted Space Adventures
Five disparate individuals find themselves on the same ship sharing adventures, sometimes willingly. They grow closer by caring about each other.
Five disparate individuals find themselves on the same ship sharing adventures, sometimes willingly. They grow closer by caring about each other.
July 12, 2017
Such fun!
Fans of Hitchhikers Guide will enjoy this book. I laughed a lot. Well written and I nominate Simon Pegg to play Cal in the movie.
Fans of Hitchhikers Guide will enjoy this book. I laughed a lot. Well written and I nominate Simon Pegg to play Cal in the movie.
July 18, 2017
Great fun
I always enjoy good dialogue, especially humerous dialogue.. You have ept and inept the author has a cast of both in almost all characters.
I always enjoy good dialogue, especially humerous dialogue.. You have ept and inept the author has a cast of both in almost all characters.
November 24, 2017
Light entertainment. Don't expect great literature or Hugo level SiFi but for a quiet evening somewhat humorous diversion it will fill the time.
January 27, 2018
Wow
One of the silliest things I've ever read, in a good way. It's like Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy if it were written by Robin Williams.
One of the silliest things I've ever read, in a good way. It's like Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy if it were written by Robin Williams.
February 7, 2018
I don't laugh out loud often while reading, but I did here...repeatedly. It is full of snark and wit, but also doesn't skimp on characters and plot. Fun light reading.
April 26, 2018
Too funny
This story was too funny. I tried not to laugh out loud. Especially when I was reading at work. I liked all three books.
This story was too funny. I tried not to laugh out loud. Especially when I was reading at work. I liked all three books.
November 8, 2018
Funny!
Not the typical sci-fi. It’s crazy. It’s funny. It’s weird. The characters are hilarious. I’ll read more of the series.
Not the typical sci-fi. It’s crazy. It’s funny. It’s weird. The characters are hilarious. I’ll read more of the series.
January 20, 2019
I want to be on the team!
This series makes me laugh out loud at inappropriate moments. I an hardly wait to see what Cal and the Space Team will be up to next!
This series makes me laugh out loud at inappropriate moments. I an hardly wait to see what Cal and the Space Team will be up to next!
February 28, 2019
Just fun!
Easy to read and a lot of laugh out loud moments. Will definitely be checking out the rest of the series.
Easy to read and a lot of laugh out loud moments. Will definitely be checking out the rest of the series.
March 23, 2019
Fun read that kept me wanting more.
April 23, 2019
Awesome book!
This book was recommended to be by my friend Dawn. This book does not disappoint. It was fluid and just amazing.
This book was recommended to be by my friend Dawn. This book does not disappoint. It was fluid and just amazing.
January 20, 2020
One of the funnest science fiction series I have ever read. Ridiculously entertaining! Might be the most I have ever laughed reading.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews