The Guns of Nana Joan

Space Team #5

by Barry J. Hutchison

"This series just keeps getting better and better!" - PRBC, Amazon

The galaxy is at war, and Space Team just can't seem to stay out of trouble.

Following one close-call too many, the team hides out on a tiny backwater moon, hoping the hostilities between Zertex and the Symmorium will all just blow over.

But when first officer Loren's brother is taken prisoner and sentenced to death by the Symmorium, Cal and the others must make a choice - a choice that could spell the end of Space Team forever...

Packed with space battles, giant robots, and a dangerously obese man being sponged down with soup, The Guns of Nana Joan is the hilarious fifth book in the Space Team saga.

Genres: Science Fiction, Humor, Audiobook, Fiction, Space Opera, Comedy, Aliens

304 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 14, 2017

About the author

Barry 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.

Reviews

[Soo · Rating 4 out of 5]

05/06/2020 Notes:

Rating Raised from 3.5 to 4 Stars

One of the more bizarre adventures in the series but it made all of the crew realize that they're a team. =)

10/10/2018 Mini-Review:

Awww, the team is actually getting their act together. Go Space Team! Nana Joan is rather terrifying but in a good way. I hope she shows back up in the series. I thought the middle of the book dragged but I think it was meant to feel like that. Another solid addition to the series. This book had wacko action, lots of silly humor and the true meaning of friendship.

[Meenaz Lodhi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Irresistible! I never get tired or bored with the Space Team. There is a profound sentiment within all the characters, you realize they are as vulnerable as the rest of the mortal beings, but still, their rightness overcomes any desire of leaving behind the dangers. Can't wait for the next installment!

[Wing Kee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Plain junk food fun!

World: The world building is fun, it's basic and falls into the genre cliche and then it plays with those cliches. The tone of the book is really set by the world building and every part of this book is about having fun.

Story: Fun fun fun! The humor is earned and ridiculous, the situations are fun and ridiculous. This continuation of the Space Team adventure is pretty great. The subject matter is heavy with the sibling stuff with Loren and also the war but this book still has a way to make fun of everything and just make you laugh.

Characters: Fun characters that are over the top and have grand emotions that are earned and makes you smile. I love the arc this time with the characters of Space Team and the identity and the emotional bond they share. Good stuff!

It's not fancy food, it's junk food and I love it.

Onward to the next book!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is this the best work of literary fiction? No. Does it make me laugh and escape from this crazy world we live in? Hell yes. Do I love this series? Yes!! The narrator is fantastic and adds so much to the story.
That’s how I justify 5 stars, pure entertainment.

[Wayne Fielding · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just gets better and better

[Veronika Hrancova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is it the best thing I ever read? No, but boy does it make me smile like stupid. Simple, enjoyable fun.

[Bonnie Dale Keck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kindle Unlimited, tho some got free some from ku etc, 'space opera' type genre, definitely worth a read with all the different elements, only reason didn't select full of surprises instead of some twists is because I read a LOT

Space Team is back together again in another adventure then they all aren't, Nob Munch has his adventures with Nana and the Space Teens sort of and it's,more or less, happily ever after well sort of and not for all the usual players. Doesn't make sense? Spoiler free review read the book.

Space Team - Space Team: The Holiday Special - Space Team: The Wrath of Vajazzle - Space Team: The Search for Splurt - Space Team: Song of the Space Siren - Space Team: The Collected Adventures: Volume 1 {Space Team, Space Team: The Wrath of Vajazzle, Space Team: The Search for Splurt -- The Holiday Special available with subscription to email} - Space Team - Space Team: The Wrath of Vajazzle - Space Team: The Search for Splurt - Space Team: The Guns of Nana Joan - Space Team: Return of the Dead Guy COMING SOONISH

[Thomas Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

My title for the Audible review was "Refreshed and Better than Ever". I was actually kind of disappointed in the previous Space Team book, Song of the Space Siren, feeling like the Space Team idea was all used up. I'm really glad I gave the series another chance, because The Guns of Nana Joan is exciting and fun and even a little heartwarming. The story is more complex than the predecessors in the series, and it takes a different direction from what I felt was becoming the Space Team formula. The new characters that are more or less on the good guy side are fun to hear about, and I found myself really rooting for them.

Phil Thron continues to really do a great job with every aspect of relating the story. His narration is well spoken and has great timing and his characterizations are spot on.

[Shawn Dvorak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laugh out loud funny, like the rest of the books in the Space Team universe. This is the funniest so far but is much more than just a humorous read. Throughout the series we've been learn more and more about the backstory of each character, and this time its Mech's and Loren's turn. Mech experience with war is very personal and painful, and he's going to avoid getting involved in the galaxy-wide war brewing between the "shark people" Symmorians and drink company turned evil force Zertex. Staying out the war suits most of the team (kind of hard to tell with Splurt), but Loren's family is deeply involved on the Zertex side. It's only a matter of time before the Space Team's fragile unity is tested.

[Peter R Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love This Series

Hutchison's Space Team is a real team, working together despite differences. In this installment the team is broken up for a substantial time, and while I missed the zany interaction that usually characterizes the Team, there's still plenty of fun to be had as they work to be together again.

As for hilarious dialog, wild plot twists, weird characters, and the further development of the narrative contained in the earlier books, it's all there to enjoy. Get this book, and grab the others if you haven't already done so.

[Christinaraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Space Team books just get better and better with each book. The writing is great and I spend the whole time laughing and shaking my head as I read them. I cannot believe what trouble the gang can get into. I loved re-visiting others from previous books and the one liners were hysterical as usual. Once I started reading I could not put it down. I just had to see what crazy situation came next. If you need a good laugh and crazy one liners, read book 5!

[Nancy Phy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome fantastic wonderful

Thank you Barry, I love your book. It's a great fun fantasy with out all the sex, cussing and horrific blood bath that some writers think they need to sale their books. This was the first of your books I have read but I plan to read all your books. I am a great grandma that enjoys finding book I can let my grandchildren read. I recommend this book to everyone who enjoys a great clean fantasy that even your children can read.

[Trevor · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Space Team are trying to avoid the war on a backwater world, until Loren jets away to try and save her brother. Leaving the rest of the team stranded and Cal working for Nana Joan, who closely resembles a futurama character!! Again, another good book in the series, that draws to a close the ongoing battle with the Zertex President.

[Y.I. Washington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nana Joan Rocks!

I think I want to be Nana Joan when I grow up. She's beyond awesome. And I'll never look at a Five Guys or Dunkin Donuts the same way.

This story was a rollercoaster ride of adventure, emotion and Loren's flying. Mr. Hutchinson's imagination and gift for storytelling are incredible.

[Gary Blevins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another awesome book

I have so fell in love with the characters in the Space Team series. Call, Loren, Miz and Mech. They are funny loyal and lovable. Oh shoot. I forgot Splurt!

We'll worth reading and I'm looking forward to the 6th book!!

[Maraya21 (The Reading Dragon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

💯 Read for the 2020 MacHalo Splendiferous Book Bingo Thingie (MSBBT™) challenge over at the MacHalo Asylum 💯

  
    •• 22. The Universe is Big ••
  

A loud clang shook the ship. It was followed a moment later by a long, drawn-out screeeeech like a chorus of cutlery scraping across plates. Miz grimaced, her sensitive ears taking the brunt of it. Cal gritted his teeth until the ship shuddered abruptly to a stop.
“Kevin!” he groaned.
“I did try to take over, sir,” Kevin chimed. “But she insisted on landing us herself. She can be really rather stubborn when she wants to be.”
“So, I guess we’ve arrived?”
“Not yet, sir. We’re still making our descent. Ms Loren merely hit an orbiting satellite.”
Clung!
“Make that two,” Kevin continued. “You may want to join the others on the bridge, sir. It really is quite a sight.”
Page 41 @12% [Chapter 3]

As awesome as ever! Even I was surprised at how this turned out honestly.. #GoSpaceTeam


Quotes:

She pushed, pulled and twisted the controls, sending the ship into a sequence of moves Cal couldn’t even begin to describe, and never wanted to experience again. The stars and ships on the viewscreen tilted and lurched. His stomach flipped and jiggled. His testicles, for their part, didn’t do very much. Although, to be honest, after that last maneuver he’d be surprised if they ever did anything noteworthy again.
Page 10 @2% [Chapter 1]


Cal sat at the long kitchen table, digging into his third slab of pie with a homemade spoon. He was quite proud of the spoon, having fashioned it himself using a piece of scrap metal, a lot of brute force, and several minutes of creative swearing. Admittedly, it had turned out that the piece of metal wasn’t actually scrap, and was, in fact, quite an important part of the life support systems. But, other than a somewhat alarming period of asphyxiation, there had been no real harm done.
Page 19 @5% [Chapter 2]


A loud clang shook the ship. It was followed a moment later by a long, drawn-out screeeeech like a chorus of cutlery scraping across plates. Miz grimaced, her sensitive ears taking the brunt of it. Cal gritted his teeth until the ship shuddered abruptly to a stop.
“Kevin!” he groaned.
“I did try to take over, sir,” Kevin chimed. “But she insisted on landing us herself. She can be really rather stubborn when she wants to be.”
“So, I guess we’ve arrived?”
“Not yet, sir. We’re still making our descent. Ms Loren merely hit an orbiting satellite.”
Clung!
“Make that two,” Kevin continued. “You may want to join the others on the bridge, sir. It really is quite a sight.”
Page 41 @12% [Chapter 3]


Cal kicked harder on the pedal, but the car’s speed didn’t increase. From the sound the engine was making, they were going at top speed, yet the display on the dashboard suggested the thing had more to give.
“Wait,” said Cal. “Wait… is this thing stick shift?”
He yanked the lever he’d tried earlier. The engine’s whine became a throaty roar and the car shot forwards like a bullet from a rifle, weaving all over the road as Cal struggled to keep it under control.
Panicking, he pressed down his other foot. This turned out to be the brakes. The car stopped immediately, and Cal watched in a sort of stunned silence as Mech was launched off the roof. Despite flailing wildly and hurtling through the air at tremendous speed, the cyborg still found the time to shoot Cal an accusing look, right before he slammed into the back of a delivery truck, crumpling the bodywork like wet cardboard.
Page 213-214 @71% [Chapter 15]


Cal sucked on his bottom lip. “Fonk. Not fast enough. Anyone have any ideas?”
Mech frowned. “Maybe. Do you still heal fast?”
“Yeah, why?”
“How fast, exactly?”
“I don’t know. Fast. Why?”
“I might have a plan,” Mech said. “But you ain’t gonna like it.”
“Oh. OK,” said Cal. “Are you going to like it?”
“Honestly?” Mech’s metal jaw bent into a grin. “It’ll be up there as one of the greatest moments of my life.” He tapped his arm. “Let me just activate recording mode. I’m gonna want to remember this for a long, long time…”
Page 216-217 @72% [Chapter 15]


“What’s the situation?” Cal asked. “You know, other than ‘we’re probably all about to die,’ I mean.”
“We got around a hundred agents out front,” Mech began, then Miz’s gun fired again, and several more people screamed. “We got around eighty-five agents out front,” Mech corrected. He sprayed blaster fire off to his right, then indicated in the same direction. “And some kind of tank rolling in.”
Cal hoisted the missile launcher onto his shoulder. “Leave the tank to me,” he said, then he pulled the trigger before Mech could spoil his fun. To his immense relief, he was pointing it in the right direction. He was also pointing it down at a much steeper than intended angle, and the road just a few feet ahead of them erupted in a ball of fire, singeing Cal’s eyebrows, and knocking him onto his back.
“OK, my bad! My bad,” Cal wheezed, returning to his spot. “Totally misjudged that.”
Page 224-225 @74% [Chapter 16]

[Dee Haddrill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of laugh out loud moments in this very enjoyable Space Team adventure. Phil Thron does an amazing job narrating this series.

[Douglas Owen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Guns of Nana Joan, Space Team V, is another good romp through the universe with Cal and gang. But through this adventure, they are more planet bound than the others.

One thing I see a lot of is a reference to being as good as Douglas Adams. This reference is by "PRBC", but one thing I'll say is Barry J Hutchison is no Douglas Adams. The only similarity is they have Science Fiction satire as a genre of writing.

Let me explain. Barry does not have the writing style to contend with Douglas Adams. He does have a good style, but it is more snarky than entertaining.

And in the line of humour, Barry uses a lot more innuendos than Adams did. Barry's style of writing is not bad, just something to get used to. The amount of humour in "The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy" is far more intelligent than Cal snickering over the name of a snack.

The work is still pleasing to read, but I've noticed a drop in the editing. Instead of being close to perfect it is starting to drop to just okay. I'm finding issues with skipped introductory words or conjunctions. Not enough to kill the enjoyment, just enough that you notice them.

In the last part of this book there appears to be author intervention. One character gains abilities not mentioned or hinted at in the prior books, and it stands out to me. If we had a little foreshadowing of this I could accept it. Think of it this way, in five books you read one of the characters can put their hand through walls. Well in five books that should have came up. But no, not this one.

Read the book to find out what I'm talking about, but till then, off to the next one!

[Harry Hol · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Space Team books are really improving with each instalment. The Guns of Nana Joan is a tightly written, funny adventure with a lot of heart. It's about friendship and family and about being part of something bigger.

Cal and the team are separated and Mech, Miz and Cal have to survive in a rather wretched grubby city where unemployment is punishable by death. The reason for them being stuck Down There (as the city is called) is Lauren, who has run off to save her brother from Zertex.

This book introduces several new characters that seem destined to pop up in later stories. Thankfully the book doesn't feel like it's just setting up something new. It's really about the deepening relationships between Cal and his shipmates. All of this feels genuinely earned and avoids being cheap sentiment.

The same is true about the ending, which satisfyingly wraps up many story lines that have been unraveling for many books. The resolution brought a big smile to my face, even if it wasn't a surprise or twist. Again, it all felt earned and honest, which is a tricky thing to pull off when half your world building is basically silly for the sake of being silly.

The Space Team books are perfect to lift your spirits when you're low. They are well written, the action is exciting and Cal is a fantastic and likeable lead, who MUST be played by Nathan Fillion in the movie. If there is a movie. Which there should be.

If I have one criticism, it's that the middle part focussed mostly on Cal, while I would have loved to see more about how the rest of the gang got on without each other.

Highly recommended, but read the previous books first. Or rather: listen to the excellent audio versions, narrated by Phil Thron.

[Narilka · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Guns of Nana Joan is the fifth in the Space Team series by Barry J. Hutchinson. Cal and the crew of the Untitled, looking to avoid getting drawn in to the conflict between Zertex and the Symmorium, decide it's time to lay low on an out of the way planet. The crew's mini-vacation is put on hold when Loren learns that her brother has been captured and sentenced to death by the Symmorium and rushes off to rescue him, leaving the rest of Space Team stranded with a horrible fate: those left on planet must get jobs or face the consequences.

Within an inane seeming story was some surprisingly deep themes around family vs found family and working as a team. We get some background on Loren's family and their ties to Zertex, which is pretty much as expected. Cal always makes the best of any situation he finds himself in and I loved his interactions with his new co-workers at Nana's restaurant. Nana makes quite an entrance as a bad ass and slightly scary septuagenarian. Nana obviously had an exciting time in her youth! I would love a short story about that or following the adventures Nana and the Space Teens end up on next.

Eventually Space Team does get back together. The conversation between Cal and Mech was heartwarming, though please don't tell Mech I said that.

I listened to the audio book narrated by Phil Thron. Thron continues his excellent narration and nails the silly humorous delivery.

[Ines · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Space Team doesn't want to get involved in the (space) war, but it's hard for them to ignore that Zertex keeps attacking the Symmorium unfairly. And this time, Loren's brother is one of the Zertex generals involved in a war crime against the Symmorium.

This was one of my favourites in the series so far, which is promising since this is already the fifth one I am reading. The silliness flows rapidly without a pause to break the concentration and snap out of space. My brain kept flashing with great sceneries of new planets, civilisations, giant robots, food... And I think I found some references to Douglas Adams in there as well. What a fun series this is! ANd of course, Graphic Audio makes the text even better.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another jolly adventure for Cal et al.

Cal and the Space Team enjoy (or rather endure) more nonsensical capers in this , the fifth ST outing. As usual the joy is in the journey and the amusing dialogue between the Central characters while they get embroiled in surreal stuff.
The Team temporarily separates and Cal briefly forms ST2 with some new young and generally inept acquaintances; lots of bizarre goings-on ensue , the team reforms in stages, unlikely rescues happen and the team overcomes all in the end. Just a normal day in the ST universe. If you enjoyed the first 4 then this will not disappoint! By the end Miz almost tolerates Loren

[Brook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another day, another adventure for the Space Team.

This is my least favorite so far, strong beginning and end, but it lags a bit in the middle. Otherwise, same quality to be expected from this author and this series. Another fine book.

It's been bothering me why this series feels familiar, but I've finally figured it out. Futurama! A lot of the humor and characters are similar to Futurama. Not in a bad way, not in a rip off way, but in a either Barry J Hutchison must be a fan of the show, or it's an AMAZING coincidence.

Still, good book, if you've liked the previous books, get this one too.

[Emz · Rating 4 out of 5]

What can you say about Space Team? Well, they’re a team in space, or are they? Cal is up to his eyes in space problems once again: a bomb on his ship, a crew member with a family emergency, and other crew members who want to go their own way, leaving Cal to fend for himself. He has to deal with strange and deadly customs on a new planet. But you can’t keep Cal down for long. He makes some new space friends and gets a new space career… washing dishes. Not any old dishes, space dishes. Wherever Cal is, chaos and fun are not far behind. So get comfortable, settle down for some space fun with a capital S and F

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the funniest series I’ve ever read, or heard (listened on audible). The narrator Phil Thron is probably the best narrator I’ve ever listened to, bar none. Sometimes you just need to laugh. There is no real swearing because their communication chips don’t allow it so their expletives come out warped (shiz, fonk). The only downside in my book, and it’s a huge downside, is that there is occasional blasphemy. There are no sex scenes but there are some shady characters that raise alarming questions/ideas. These books are not appropriate for any of my children.

[AnnSophia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely my favorite of the series so far. The introduction of Nana and the space teens was a total win they’re hilarious, adorable, and brought a fresh energy to the crew. I really hope they stick around in future books because they were just so much fun. The plot itself was stronger this time too - more cohesive and engaging without losing the chaotic charm. This was the perfect palate cleanser between two heavier reads. Just good, weird space fun with characters I’m unexpectedly attached to.

[Jeff Willis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know how he does it, but Barry Hutchison keeps getting funnier and funnier with every book he writes. This was one of the better books in the series, both from a humor and a storytelling standpoint. I love the way these characters continue to develop and the universe continues to evolve. Normally by this point in a book series I start to lose interest, but I'm still as hooked as I was during the second book, if not more so!

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK well five books on andthe praise I have in regards to this series simply stretches onwards. The storylines get stronger, the action gets more wild and the jokes get better ! well just as good but with a better.. erm... thingy bob type of delivery. The characters are well established and Barry cannot go wrong in his quick paced unexpected delivery of the story line. Expect the unexpected and you still will not have a vague idea of what is going to happen....

[Bryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

GraphicAudio - 4.25 stars. I liked that this one kind of switched things up. The gang broke up and Cal found another 'team' for some time. They worked at a restaurant that morphs in to whatever the customer wants it to be. That concept tripped me out for sometime. So spoiler alert, the gang gets back together and defeats the bad guy. Really enjoy their new ships AI, Kevin. Had some funny moments in there.

[Catherine Belles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok this isn't high brow deep philosophical th. It's action packed spoof of every tv sci fi show ever made. Every single one. It's a funny light series with likeable characters and clear good guy bad guy scenarios and I enjoy it tremendously. I have kindle unlimited and so these are a free read and well worth it.