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Space Team #2
The Wrath of Vajazzle
Suicide Squad meets Galaxy Quest, in this fast-paced, laugh-out-loud novel from the author the Independent calls, "the new Terry Pratchett."
After saving an alien race and its god from a sentient zombie virus, Cal Carver and the crew of the Dread Ship Shatner are feeling pretty pleased with themselves.
Unfortunately, the creator of the zombie virus is out for revenge, and has recruited the galaxy's deadliest - and oldest - assassin, Lady Vajazzle, to hunt Space Team down. But when Vajazzle discovers the crew is under the protection of a wolf-like species known as the Greyx, she is forced to implement a Plan B so diabolical it threatens to plunge the entire star system into chaos.
With time running out, Cal must find a way to outmaneuver and outgun the galaxy's greatest killer before she murders his friends, butchers the Greyx, and buys the whole galaxy a one-way ticket to total annihilation.
After saving an alien race and its god from a sentient zombie virus, Cal Carver and the crew of the Dread Ship Shatner are feeling pretty pleased with themselves.
Unfortunately, the creator of the zombie virus is out for revenge, and has recruited the galaxy's deadliest - and oldest - assassin, Lady Vajazzle, to hunt Space Team down. But when Vajazzle discovers the crew is under the protection of a wolf-like species known as the Greyx, she is forced to implement a Plan B so diabolical it threatens to plunge the entire star system into chaos.
With time running out, Cal must find a way to outmaneuver and outgun the galaxy's greatest killer before she murders his friends, butchers the Greyx, and buys the whole galaxy a one-way ticket to total annihilation.
Audible Audio
First published November 28, 2016
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About the author
Barry J. Hutchison
50 books735 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 190 reviews
July 16, 2017
Space Team: The Wrath of Vajazzle by Barry J. Hutchison is book two but can be read without having to have read book one first. It is a crazy, weird, bizarre, and fun book that must have been written while on drugs or the reader needs to be while reading! This is one of the strangest books I have read but somehow I liked it! What does that say about me? It had all kinds of crazy creatures, a goofy but loveable (sort of) human, equally not likable but likable companions on the ship, and a robot that is the strangest robot I have ever hear of. Their adventure is even stranger. Some of this book I smiled at, some I just groaned, other parts I smirked, and others I just shook my head. I did enjoy it. The narration was ok but forced I think to try to make it better but I think it was good on its own. I think the narration took something away. Not sure what would have been better but I don't think the narration fit all the way. It was just "ok". I was given the audio to listen/read and the review was voluntary. I enjoyed the book itself and probably would have enjoyed it more just reading it.
March 10, 2020
This is not literature, but it's pure silly fun from beginning to end! I am loving every page in this series and I am not exactly sure why. It is not very innovative, it is not ground breaking, it is not a true science fiction in a classical sense, and for a book that offers plenty of laughs, it is full of horrible things happening and some very tender and touching moments between the characters. The rag-tag gang of misfits flying on the Shatner since the first book together, are created in a way that is vivid and memorable, despite all of them to be a pain in the ass in one way or another. As much as I myself get annoyed by Cal's constant verbal vomit, I learned to ignore it as his survival mechanism and started to only see his positive and earnest, always ready for a smile persona showing through the see of bullshit 😃. The rest of the good guys are perfect for each other, and the bad guys are really, really good at being evil and bad👹👽👿.
So, if you are feeling like something light and funny, but still able to touch your heart, I would strongly recommend this series!
Vajazzle, ha😃!
So, if you are feeling like something light and funny, but still able to touch your heart, I would strongly recommend this series!
Vajazzle, ha😃!
November 7, 2019
✨ Read for the 2019 KU Shitathon™ challenge - [Yearly Edition] - over at Maraya's Cave Of Freaking Wonders ✨
◼ Book: #1 of 2 -- Month: February ◼
#1. Space! ★★★★★
#3. Spaaaaaaaace! ★★★★★
Remember how fucking excited I was after finishing Book #1? This might, like, shock you, but I am equally fucking excited after finishing this one too!
As I mentioned in my review of Book #1, I started reading this right after I was done with the first one. I shit you not, I was already 20% in by the time I realised I hadn't marked Bk #1 as read and written a review for it.
No, I didn't do the same thing with this one and Book #3. Unfortunately. I wasn't supposed to have started this one at this point in time but my impulse control wires shortcircuited for a while and there I was reading, so I hastily added it as part of my Shitathon schedule. Brilliantly done, I know.
So, as I've mentioned already this was fucking great! The overall vibe is similar to the first, the plot is quite a bit simpler but it doesn't deduct from the scheme of things. There is quite a lot of character & relationship development happening here and as it seems that is where the majority of the focus lies. It all blended together seamlessly though.
I can't go into details. I mean I can. But I won't. #suffer
Fine, I won't go into too much detail.
We have the usually unusual mega combo of shenanigans, action & humour. We have an assassin, a psycho villain with that dazzling smile and worms. We have things dying, things getting eaten, things blowing up, things getting tossed, things throwing down, things going poof. We have it all, you will want for nothing!
My advice: Drop everything and start reading this fucking series. Yesterday.
Quotes On Sale Here:
◼ Book: #1 of 2 -- Month: February ◼
#1. Space! ★★★★★
#3. Spaaaaaaaace! ★★★★★
It was easy to assume that an intelligent person would always beat an idiot, but if the idiot had no idea of the rules and just made up his own, then it became a somewhat more difficult game to win.
~ Hayel Sinclair, President of the Zertex Corporation
Page 70 [27%]
Remember how fucking excited I was after finishing Book #1? This might, like, shock you, but I am equally fucking excited after finishing this one too!
As I mentioned in my review of Book #1, I started reading this right after I was done with the first one. I shit you not, I was already 20% in by the time I realised I hadn't marked Bk #1 as read and written a review for it.
No, I didn't do the same thing with this one and Book #3. Unfortunately. I wasn't supposed to have started this one at this point in time but my impulse control wires shortcircuited for a while and there I was reading, so I hastily added it as part of my Shitathon schedule. Brilliantly done, I know.
So, as I've mentioned already this was fucking great! The overall vibe is similar to the first, the plot is quite a bit simpler but it doesn't deduct from the scheme of things. There is quite a lot of character & relationship development happening here and as it seems that is where the majority of the focus lies. It all blended together seamlessly though.
I can't go into details. I mean I can. But I won't. #suffer
Fine, I won't go into too much detail.
We have the usually unusual mega combo of shenanigans, action & humour. We have an assassin, a psycho villain with that dazzling smile and worms. We have things dying, things getting eaten, things blowing up, things getting tossed, things throwing down, things going poof. We have it all, you will want for nothing!
My advice: Drop everything and start reading this fucking series. Yesterday.
Quotes On Sale Here:
January 17, 2022
It's been a while since I've had a humorous read so it was time to load up the second Space Team book, The Wrath of Vajazzle. Yeah, that's really the title and, yes, I wanted to snicker right along with Cal every time that ridiculous name is mentioned. Because it is the name of one of the deadliest, and oldest, assassins in the galaxy, who happens to have been hired by Zertex to hunt down Cal for causing Zertex some embarrassment.
I don't know how the author managed it but he found a balance between laugh out loud/eye roll humor, absurdity, a couple of fairly horrible things and even some touching moments. We get to know Cal and the crew a little better with a lot of backstory for Miz and some insight into her species civilization. Things kinda, sort of, mostly work out even if there is one unexpected dangling plot thread at the end. Not a cliff hanger. Definitely a hook for book 3.
I listened to the audio book narrated by Phil Tron. Tron delivered yet another spectacular performance.
Fonk that was fun. Book 3 will be rotating in soon. I need to see what kind of mischief that little ball of green goo has gotten up to.
I don't know how the author managed it but he found a balance between laugh out loud/eye roll humor, absurdity, a couple of fairly horrible things and even some touching moments. We get to know Cal and the crew a little better with a lot of backstory for Miz and some insight into her species civilization. Things kinda, sort of, mostly work out even if there is one unexpected dangling plot thread at the end. Not a cliff hanger. Definitely a hook for book 3.
I listened to the audio book narrated by Phil Tron. Tron delivered yet another spectacular performance.
Fonk that was fun. Book 3 will be rotating in soon. I need to see what kind of mischief that little ball of green goo has gotten up to.
March 29, 2019
Pure junk food joy!
World: The world building is solid, it does what it’s suppose to do, give the story a stage to play on. There are some nice little bits and pieces here but most of it is SF tropes and that’s fine, the world is not the main character in the books.
Story: Fun little romp that continues the tone and fun of the first book. There is the continuing story of the Space Team running from the corporation and also the new story for this book about the wolf people. It’s standard action adventure SF fare and it hits all the beats that you would expect from a book like this. It’s not incredibly deep and reads like an episode of Firefly (which I’m sure inspired it somewhat) and that’s fine.
Characters: The characters are the heart of this book and though they are not highly original and they do all fall in to archetypes for the genre but they are fun. The banter is snappy and on point, the humour self aware and quippy. I really enjoy Lauren and her ship flying skills that for some reason makes me giggle.
A good continuation of the story, this is junk food through and through and it’s good junk food.
Onward to the next book!
World: The world building is solid, it does what it’s suppose to do, give the story a stage to play on. There are some nice little bits and pieces here but most of it is SF tropes and that’s fine, the world is not the main character in the books.
Story: Fun little romp that continues the tone and fun of the first book. There is the continuing story of the Space Team running from the corporation and also the new story for this book about the wolf people. It’s standard action adventure SF fare and it hits all the beats that you would expect from a book like this. It’s not incredibly deep and reads like an episode of Firefly (which I’m sure inspired it somewhat) and that’s fine.
Characters: The characters are the heart of this book and though they are not highly original and they do all fall in to archetypes for the genre but they are fun. The banter is snappy and on point, the humour self aware and quippy. I really enjoy Lauren and her ship flying skills that for some reason makes me giggle.
A good continuation of the story, this is junk food through and through and it’s good junk food.
Onward to the next book!
November 9, 2021
Loving this series
March 6, 2020
4.5 Stars for Narration by Phil Thron & for Story
Mini-Review:
From the start, I decided to not take this story seriously because that would ruin some of the fun. It's chock full of standard off-colored, bad comic moments that are so bad that you have to laugh kind of humor. Yet, the real beauty of the series is how well the author establishes the characters, alien cultures and space hijinks.
I only expected this book to go along the lines of the last one. A zany adventure where the gang stumbles over their share of troubles. That happened and a whole lot more. I didn't expect to see character growth or get into the their pasts in any meaningful manner. That happened too.
This was a fun story from the start to finish and it definitely grew on me the more I listened to it. I can't wait to see what will happen next because the gang can't do without their mascot, Splurt.
Mini-Review:
From the start, I decided to not take this story seriously because that would ruin some of the fun. It's chock full of standard off-colored, bad comic moments that are so bad that you have to laugh kind of humor. Yet, the real beauty of the series is how well the author establishes the characters, alien cultures and space hijinks.
I only expected this book to go along the lines of the last one. A zany adventure where the gang stumbles over their share of troubles. That happened and a whole lot more. I didn't expect to see character growth or get into the their pasts in any meaningful manner. That happened too.
This was a fun story from the start to finish and it definitely grew on me the more I listened to it. I can't wait to see what will happen next because the gang can't do without their mascot, Splurt.
July 12, 2017
Hilarious TV series just waiting to happen.
August 22, 2018
Ebook (from KU)
Grade: C/C-
Not a review, just some thoughts for personal reference. Spoilers.
I'm not going to do a recap of of the events in this book, partly because they just weren't memorable enough (for the most part) for me to take the time. But I will note some of my general impressions, which were mixed.
There were things I liked about this book. Mostly how the the team is coming together. Because of the events of the story, we learn more about Miz's backstory. I still find her irritating, but it was good to have her fleshed out a bit more. We also learn a bit more about Cal when the team returns to a devastated Earth. It's obvious that Cal had a trauma in his life years before (seems it was the death of a wife and daughter due to unknown causes). His relationship with his parents was also strained to non-existent (also for unknown reasons since they didn't appear to be bad people). I assume we'll learn more in future books--although I'm pretty undecided if I'll continue long enough to find out. I've gone from pretty intensely disliking Cal and finding him annoying as hell to having more generous thoughts about him (altho he's still annoying). He's not a self-absorbed shyster, but is pretty committed to the rest of the team--there's no way he was leaving Miz or Splurt behind even if it meant serious consequences for him. And he held out against intense physical torture when he could have rolled over. So, not irredeemable.
As with the first book, the humor was very broad--heck, just look at the name of the book. Hardy har har. It's way too Mel Brooks/Jim Carrey for me--a little goes a loooong way. Not that I found it unfunny--there were times I was really amused--but it just tried so hard all the time when a little subtlety here and there would have been welcome. I'm sure there are probably some pop culture references that went over my head--I say that because I'm pretty sure I did catch a Red Dwarf reference--so maybe I'm not getting the full experience. (But, I compare the books to the Bobiverse books and there's no comparison in humor or pop culture references.)
So, even tho this book dragged for me and I didn't like it as much as the first, I'll continue with book 3--it's already in my library and I also really do want to find Splurt, who's become a favorite.
Grade: C/C-
Not a review, just some thoughts for personal reference. Spoilers.
I'm not going to do a recap of of the events in this book, partly because they just weren't memorable enough (for the most part) for me to take the time. But I will note some of my general impressions, which were mixed.
There were things I liked about this book. Mostly how the the team is coming together. Because of the events of the story, we learn more about Miz's backstory. I still find her irritating, but it was good to have her fleshed out a bit more. We also learn a bit more about Cal when the team returns to a devastated Earth. It's obvious that Cal had a trauma in his life years before (seems it was the death of a wife and daughter due to unknown causes). His relationship with his parents was also strained to non-existent (also for unknown reasons since they didn't appear to be bad people). I assume we'll learn more in future books--although I'm pretty undecided if I'll continue long enough to find out. I've gone from pretty intensely disliking Cal and finding him annoying as hell to having more generous thoughts about him (altho he's still annoying). He's not a self-absorbed shyster, but is pretty committed to the rest of the team--there's no way he was leaving Miz or Splurt behind even if it meant serious consequences for him. And he held out against intense physical torture when he could have rolled over. So, not irredeemable.
As with the first book, the humor was very broad--heck, just look at the name of the book. Hardy har har. It's way too Mel Brooks/Jim Carrey for me--a little goes a loooong way. Not that I found it unfunny--there were times I was really amused--but it just tried so hard all the time when a little subtlety here and there would have been welcome. I'm sure there are probably some pop culture references that went over my head--I say that because I'm pretty sure I did catch a Red Dwarf reference--so maybe I'm not getting the full experience. (But, I compare the books to the Bobiverse books and there's no comparison in humor or pop culture references.)
So, even tho this book dragged for me and I didn't like it as much as the first, I'll continue with book 3--it's already in my library and I also really do want to find Splurt, who's become a favorite.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2023
A great continuation of the Space Team series, our merry band of misfits find themselves the targets of the dreaded assassin, the Lady Vajazzle! The silliness of this book is extensive, but always in a way that makes you laugh. Cal is a fantastically oblivious goof whose character is made real by the excellent narration of Phil Thron.
July 7, 2017
Not quite as good as the first book. The continuing saga of the Space Team who blunder their way through the galaxy against competent foes, because... they fight for the right. Somewhat amusing and readable.
March 16, 2020
Book 2. I wanted some humor as a side dish to my Coronavirus anxiety, and this book was funnier than book 1. I'd rate it as a mildly entertaining space farce. Younger readers might find it hilarious. I think I just wasn't in the mood.
January 9, 2022
This is such a fun series!! I enjoy these audio books so much. They make me laugh out loud. This dysfunctional team is a go to whenever I need to chase the blues and cold winter days away. Highly recommend!!
4.5 stars
4.5 stars
September 10, 2023
Really enjoyed this book it's got great characters it's very funny and has a good story what more can I ask for
August 8, 2024
Full Disclosure: I listened to this series through audible…and the narration (non-dramatized) added so much to the story, it’s a very good series as is but the narration of it added so much pizazz.
September 29, 2024
Graphic Audio brought me back to this series. This time with the intent of getting through the whole thing but in the Graphic Audio version.
This was definitely enhanced by this amazing production. Characters, plot and situation are so much easier to keep track of. It's still a nonsense situation comedy but comes across a tad more normalish with the production making changes in tone easier to catch. I still however didnt like the plot as much though.
Found it still was kinda simple, exciting moments but I kinda got bored.
---------
Good junk food, humor is still really catchy with the jokes broken up by plot, world building and character building.
The world is expanded on especially for one of the characters, her situation, her world and family. It's all very surface level though and still wish there was more to offer but it was serviceable to get the plot going with this book. The world also remains very zoomed in still, you get an idea that there is a big universe out there but it's still very vague and shadowy so it feels a bit meaningless.
The characters are enjoyable too, I'm really loving the main cast of characters and their misadventures and companionship being built up more. The MC though still feels a bit soulless as he's just the comedic relief for now. It does get old but luckily the book has an end in sight right when I'm losing interest. So good timimg/pacing to keep engaged and an ending right where it needs to be.
The plot is fun and sorta ok with its pacimg too. It's silly, dumb and nonsensical at times but it's where the humor comes from as well. The nonsense of their situation is the running joke. Its enjoyable and ends right when the running joke gets stale. The plot threads sorta droned on a bit though when it came to parts moving though. I got bored a few times because the plot really wasn't interesting with its complexity but interesting with its simplicity in that jokes can be dug from it. The simpleness though made the running joke start to get stale and any focus on the plot starting to show it's less enjoyable moments. Not as big of a deal though, the shorter book format really seems to be working here, it's interesting long enough to the point where you start looking for when the book is about to end and are pleasantly surprised that it's soon.
Overall this is becoming a easy series to recommend to anyone wanting something easy on the mind and wants junk food to get cozied up to for brief enjoyable entertainment. It's nothing rememberable yet but I feel like after a while with this series I'd be getting more and more attached to these characters and it'll start feeling more meaningful eventually. Just hope the humor can show variety or some change in tone could help with variety.
This was definitely enhanced by this amazing production. Characters, plot and situation are so much easier to keep track of. It's still a nonsense situation comedy but comes across a tad more normalish with the production making changes in tone easier to catch. I still however didnt like the plot as much though.
Found it still was kinda simple, exciting moments but I kinda got bored.
---------
Good junk food, humor is still really catchy with the jokes broken up by plot, world building and character building.
The world is expanded on especially for one of the characters, her situation, her world and family. It's all very surface level though and still wish there was more to offer but it was serviceable to get the plot going with this book. The world also remains very zoomed in still, you get an idea that there is a big universe out there but it's still very vague and shadowy so it feels a bit meaningless.
The characters are enjoyable too, I'm really loving the main cast of characters and their misadventures and companionship being built up more. The MC though still feels a bit soulless as he's just the comedic relief for now. It does get old but luckily the book has an end in sight right when I'm losing interest. So good timimg/pacing to keep engaged and an ending right where it needs to be.
The plot is fun and sorta ok with its pacimg too. It's silly, dumb and nonsensical at times but it's where the humor comes from as well. The nonsense of their situation is the running joke. Its enjoyable and ends right when the running joke gets stale. The plot threads sorta droned on a bit though when it came to parts moving though. I got bored a few times because the plot really wasn't interesting with its complexity but interesting with its simplicity in that jokes can be dug from it. The simpleness though made the running joke start to get stale and any focus on the plot starting to show it's less enjoyable moments. Not as big of a deal though, the shorter book format really seems to be working here, it's interesting long enough to the point where you start looking for when the book is about to end and are pleasantly surprised that it's soon.
Overall this is becoming a easy series to recommend to anyone wanting something easy on the mind and wants junk food to get cozied up to for brief enjoyable entertainment. It's nothing rememberable yet but I feel like after a while with this series I'd be getting more and more attached to these characters and it'll start feeling more meaningful eventually. Just hope the humor can show variety or some change in tone could help with variety.
October 16, 2017
While I didn't find this one quite as funny as the first, that's not really a knock on it - the first one is hilarious. This one gets a bit more of a serious tone to it, like the first one did deeper in, but still maintains a great comic feel to it. What threw me for a bit of a loop with this is realizing just how little time has passed since the series started. For some reason, you feel like this crew is so well-acquainted, and yet they've only been together a couple of weeks. It lends a familiarity and yet sense of awkwardness to many of their interactions, which magnifies the comedy. Great stuff.
August 28, 2017
( Format : Audiobook )
"Worst pilot ever."
A comedy science fiction story, rather than a sci fi story with comedy: very different. And whilst it has the potential to be a very funny film, given excellent actors playing it for real (as opposed to for laughs as there is sufficient built into the text already, for example the astonishingly bad piloting of Lauren, able to accidentally land on the only building within a thousand miles of desert), I did not enjoy it as a book.
This was by no means the fault of narrator Phil Thorn, who read flawlessly with good intonation and understanding, and expression of the text as well as giving individual and differentiated voices to the various protagonists. A good performance, although I did increase the listening speed to 1.25, finding his pace just a tad too slow.
The book is well written and immaginative in content. If near slapstick humour is your thing, this is probably for you. Sadly, it did not appeal to me. My thanks, however, to the rights holder who freely gifted me a copy of the book, via Audiobook Boom.
"Worst pilot ever."
A comedy science fiction story, rather than a sci fi story with comedy: very different. And whilst it has the potential to be a very funny film, given excellent actors playing it for real (as opposed to for laughs as there is sufficient built into the text already, for example the astonishingly bad piloting of Lauren, able to accidentally land on the only building within a thousand miles of desert), I did not enjoy it as a book.
This was by no means the fault of narrator Phil Thorn, who read flawlessly with good intonation and understanding, and expression of the text as well as giving individual and differentiated voices to the various protagonists. A good performance, although I did increase the listening speed to 1.25, finding his pace just a tad too slow.
The book is well written and immaginative in content. If near slapstick humour is your thing, this is probably for you. Sadly, it did not appeal to me. My thanks, however, to the rights holder who freely gifted me a copy of the book, via Audiobook Boom.
December 7, 2016
A fun and funny journey into space!!
As a huge fan of Douglas Adams and sci-fi comedy I have been looking for a good series and I have found it. Eagerly awaiting the next one!
As a huge fan of Douglas Adams and sci-fi comedy I have been looking for a good series and I have found it. Eagerly awaiting the next one!
February 16, 2017
Another great book! I love these guys, totally a cross between Guardian's of the Galaxy and The Blues Brothers! Already onto the 3rd book.
Splurt, love the Splurt so much.
Splurt, love the Splurt so much.
May 16, 2019
I laughed so hard I cried.
May 1, 2024
This series is epically funny and since I need to lift my spirits and smile I've decided to listen to them all again. And, they make me laugh, smile and cry. I love these guys!
February 22, 2023
Nearly a year ago before reading this I encountered the works of J.D. Kirk I also discovered that Kirk publishes children’s books as Barry Hutchison, and other adult fiction as Barry J. Hutchison. I have read 19 stories published under the Kirk Name and I am now branching out to the ones under the Hutchinson names. This is the 11th I have read under one of the Hutchison names. He is coming up on 200 books across the three pen names, and books he has ghost written. If I had known that or I might not have picked up this first one. Friends call me a ‘completionist’ in that when I find an author I like, I try to read everything they have published. I have enjoyed all I have read from his pen and this one was no different. This is the second in the Space Team Series I have read, and I have read the first in the spin off Deadman Detective Series.
The description of this novel is:
“Suicide Squad meets Galaxy Quest, in this fast-paced, laugh-out-loud novel from the author the Independent calls, "the new Terry Pratchett."
After saving an alien race and its god from a sentient zombie virus, Cal Carver and the crew of the Dread Ship Shatner are feeling pretty pleased with themselves.
Unfortunately, the creator of the zombie virus is out for revenge, and has recruited the galaxy's deadliest - and oldest - assassin, Lady Vajazzle, to hunt Space Team down. But when Vajazzle discovers the crew is under the protection of a wolf-like species known as the Greyx, she is forced to implement a Plan B so diabolical it threatens to plunge the entire star system into chaos.
With time running out, Cal must find a way to outmaneuver and outgun the galaxy's greatest killer before she murders his friends, butchers the Greyx, and buys the whole galaxy a one-way ticket to total annihilation.”
One online description also exclaims:
Featuring murderous senior citizens, a moon of death, and a pointy stick that could change the fate of the universe, Space Team: The Wrath of Vajazzle is the second relentlessly funny science fiction book in the bestselling Space Team series by award-winning author, Barry J. Hutchison.”
This was another fun read. Again there is a lot of slap stick humour. Some over the top antics, and at times it is definitely laugh out loud funny. This book and the series reminds me of several series and authors, most of whom, I read when I was much younger. So in a way it was like a jump back in time for me. The first to come to mind was Harry Harrison’s Stainless Steal Rat series with his Bill the Galactic Hero series, the next was Robert Asprin’s Phule’s Company Series, it also brought to mind the works of Tom Holt and of course the comparison to Douglas Adam’s Hitchhiker Series are going to abound. But for all the sense of a mash up of these other series there is something different about this offering, and that is even more evident in this second offering in the series. The series now comprises 12 novels and 4 published short stories or novellas. Recently Hutchison in an article talked about how the first in this series was written to learn about self publishing so he could speak to school students about it. I for one am thankful he took the gig and started along this pat. And I think that has to do with Hutchinson’s characters and sense of humour. And the characters in this story are wild. Delenn in Babylon 5 states:
“Of course it is, for the simple reason that no one else would've ever built a place like this. Humans share one unique quality. They build communities. If the Narns or the Centauri or any other race built a station like this, it would be used only by their own people, but everywhere humans go, they create communities out of diverse and sometimes hostile populations. It is a great gift and a terrible responsibility, one that cannot be abandoned.”
Cal a low-level con man, who is scooped up from Earth by the Zertex corporation to help stop an intergalactic war, is that type of character. He builds community and he tags this odd assortment or military personnel, criminals, and a shape shifting blob and forges them into the Space Team. In this second story there is a lot of action, some body humour, and also some serious moments.
I freely admit I have greatly enjoyed all the books by Hutchinson that I have read to date, no matter what name they are published under. This one is a fun read in an entertaining series, it is shaping up to be a terribly humorous series. It has more of a Young Adult feel to it than mainline adult fiction to me, but I am certain it will have fans in both categories. There are currently 12 novels, a collection of short stories and I believe some graphic novels or comics set in this universe, the short stories we also available as single eBooks. So if you enjoyed the first two there is a lot of reading ahead still. I look forward to some of the other stories set in this world and exploring Hutchinson’s many other works. A great second story in what should be a highly entertaining series to help hold me over till the next DCI Logan or his new DI Heather Filson series book comes out from Barry’s alter ego J.D. Kirk.
The description of this novel is:
“Suicide Squad meets Galaxy Quest, in this fast-paced, laugh-out-loud novel from the author the Independent calls, "the new Terry Pratchett."
After saving an alien race and its god from a sentient zombie virus, Cal Carver and the crew of the Dread Ship Shatner are feeling pretty pleased with themselves.
Unfortunately, the creator of the zombie virus is out for revenge, and has recruited the galaxy's deadliest - and oldest - assassin, Lady Vajazzle, to hunt Space Team down. But when Vajazzle discovers the crew is under the protection of a wolf-like species known as the Greyx, she is forced to implement a Plan B so diabolical it threatens to plunge the entire star system into chaos.
With time running out, Cal must find a way to outmaneuver and outgun the galaxy's greatest killer before she murders his friends, butchers the Greyx, and buys the whole galaxy a one-way ticket to total annihilation.”
One online description also exclaims:
Featuring murderous senior citizens, a moon of death, and a pointy stick that could change the fate of the universe, Space Team: The Wrath of Vajazzle is the second relentlessly funny science fiction book in the bestselling Space Team series by award-winning author, Barry J. Hutchison.”
This was another fun read. Again there is a lot of slap stick humour. Some over the top antics, and at times it is definitely laugh out loud funny. This book and the series reminds me of several series and authors, most of whom, I read when I was much younger. So in a way it was like a jump back in time for me. The first to come to mind was Harry Harrison’s Stainless Steal Rat series with his Bill the Galactic Hero series, the next was Robert Asprin’s Phule’s Company Series, it also brought to mind the works of Tom Holt and of course the comparison to Douglas Adam’s Hitchhiker Series are going to abound. But for all the sense of a mash up of these other series there is something different about this offering, and that is even more evident in this second offering in the series. The series now comprises 12 novels and 4 published short stories or novellas. Recently Hutchison in an article talked about how the first in this series was written to learn about self publishing so he could speak to school students about it. I for one am thankful he took the gig and started along this pat. And I think that has to do with Hutchinson’s characters and sense of humour. And the characters in this story are wild. Delenn in Babylon 5 states:
“Of course it is, for the simple reason that no one else would've ever built a place like this. Humans share one unique quality. They build communities. If the Narns or the Centauri or any other race built a station like this, it would be used only by their own people, but everywhere humans go, they create communities out of diverse and sometimes hostile populations. It is a great gift and a terrible responsibility, one that cannot be abandoned.”
Cal a low-level con man, who is scooped up from Earth by the Zertex corporation to help stop an intergalactic war, is that type of character. He builds community and he tags this odd assortment or military personnel, criminals, and a shape shifting blob and forges them into the Space Team. In this second story there is a lot of action, some body humour, and also some serious moments.
I freely admit I have greatly enjoyed all the books by Hutchinson that I have read to date, no matter what name they are published under. This one is a fun read in an entertaining series, it is shaping up to be a terribly humorous series. It has more of a Young Adult feel to it than mainline adult fiction to me, but I am certain it will have fans in both categories. There are currently 12 novels, a collection of short stories and I believe some graphic novels or comics set in this universe, the short stories we also available as single eBooks. So if you enjoyed the first two there is a lot of reading ahead still. I look forward to some of the other stories set in this world and exploring Hutchinson’s many other works. A great second story in what should be a highly entertaining series to help hold me over till the next DCI Logan or his new DI Heather Filson series book comes out from Barry’s alter ego J.D. Kirk.
November 27, 2025
My Rating - 5/10
Barry Hutchison's Space Team: The Wrath of Vajazzle is the second installment in the comedic sci-fi series following the adventures of the galaxy's most dysfunctional crew. Having enjoyed the first book's fresh, anarchic energy, I was eager for more. Unfortunately, this sequel feels less like a bold new mission and more like a slightly repetitive retread of familiar ground.
The book's greatest strength remains its protagonist, Cal Carver. A fast-talking conman from Earth, his pop-culture references and anachronistic wisecracks are a consistent source of humor. The supporting cast including the stoic warrior Mech, the shape-shifting Splurt, and the long-suffering cyborg, Kevin, have their moments to shine, and their dysfunctional dynamic is often genuinely funny. Hutchison's writing is breezy and packed with gags, ensuring the pages turn quickly.
However, the law of diminishing returns begins to set in here. The central plot, which involves a megalomaniacal villain with a truly absurd name (even by this series' standards), feels thin and serves primarily as a vehicle for a series of chaotic set pieces. While these are inventive, they lack the novelty of the first book, and the humor, which relies heavily on sarcasm and absurdity, starts to feel a bit one-note. A little of Cal's shtick goes a long way, and without a more substantial plot to ground it, the constant quipping can become exhausting rather than endearing.
My main issue with The Wrath of Vajazzle is that it doesn't seem to develop its characters or the overall series arc in a meaningful way. It plays it safe, delivering more of what worked in the debut but failing to add significant depth or stakes. The villain, for all the build-up, is more of a cartoonish gag than a genuine threat, which undermines any tension the story attempts to build.
Space Team: The Wrath of Vajazzle is by no means a bad book. However, for readers hoping for the series to evolve and build upon its promising foundation, this entry may feel like a missed opportunity. It's a mildly entertaining diversion, but it lacks the thrust to propel the series to new heights. I'll likely read the next one, but my hopes will be tempered.
Barry Hutchison's Space Team: The Wrath of Vajazzle is the second installment in the comedic sci-fi series following the adventures of the galaxy's most dysfunctional crew. Having enjoyed the first book's fresh, anarchic energy, I was eager for more. Unfortunately, this sequel feels less like a bold new mission and more like a slightly repetitive retread of familiar ground.
The book's greatest strength remains its protagonist, Cal Carver. A fast-talking conman from Earth, his pop-culture references and anachronistic wisecracks are a consistent source of humor. The supporting cast including the stoic warrior Mech, the shape-shifting Splurt, and the long-suffering cyborg, Kevin, have their moments to shine, and their dysfunctional dynamic is often genuinely funny. Hutchison's writing is breezy and packed with gags, ensuring the pages turn quickly.
However, the law of diminishing returns begins to set in here. The central plot, which involves a megalomaniacal villain with a truly absurd name (even by this series' standards), feels thin and serves primarily as a vehicle for a series of chaotic set pieces. While these are inventive, they lack the novelty of the first book, and the humor, which relies heavily on sarcasm and absurdity, starts to feel a bit one-note. A little of Cal's shtick goes a long way, and without a more substantial plot to ground it, the constant quipping can become exhausting rather than endearing.
My main issue with The Wrath of Vajazzle is that it doesn't seem to develop its characters or the overall series arc in a meaningful way. It plays it safe, delivering more of what worked in the debut but failing to add significant depth or stakes. The villain, for all the build-up, is more of a cartoonish gag than a genuine threat, which undermines any tension the story attempts to build.
Space Team: The Wrath of Vajazzle is by no means a bad book. However, for readers hoping for the series to evolve and build upon its promising foundation, this entry may feel like a missed opportunity. It's a mildly entertaining diversion, but it lacks the thrust to propel the series to new heights. I'll likely read the next one, but my hopes will be tempered.
June 17, 2019
The Wrath of Vajazzle
The Wrath of Vajazzle, Space Team II, is just as interesting and fun as the first Space Team. One of the best things about the series besides the tongue in cheek writing, is the editing.
I like reading well edited work, and it is good to see such. Barry is a self-published author, just go to the publishers website to find out. Go to the publisher's website and you'll see it. Only books by this author are there and thus self-published.
I actually love supporting self-published or small press publishers. They make the world of writing so nice and neat for first time authors. But then again, things happen that need to be resolved in every novel.
This work is very edited, but not perfectly edited. There are a few slips that happened throughout the writing that show Barry is dong almost a perfect job. But yes, the errors are well under the 5% acceptable rate, and this is a good thing. My main issue is with the cover of this book. It's okay, I guess, but comes across as so cut and paste. The covers were what held me back from reading the work.
A good cover is worth its weight in gold. I've seen so many people pick up a book only to discard it due to cover art issues. I run a Facebook grou to help authors. It's called The Cover Critiquers. The group is members only so if you want to join message the mods. You need to be an author to join, so no graphic artists looking for work.
Going forward I would suggest Barry find a better graphic artist to build the covers for him. The cut and past feel will disappear and he'll probably see a huge jump in sales just because of that one change.
The Wrath of Vajazzle, Space Team II, is just as interesting and fun as the first Space Team. One of the best things about the series besides the tongue in cheek writing, is the editing.
I like reading well edited work, and it is good to see such. Barry is a self-published author, just go to the publishers website to find out. Go to the publisher's website and you'll see it. Only books by this author are there and thus self-published.
I actually love supporting self-published or small press publishers. They make the world of writing so nice and neat for first time authors. But then again, things happen that need to be resolved in every novel.
This work is very edited, but not perfectly edited. There are a few slips that happened throughout the writing that show Barry is dong almost a perfect job. But yes, the errors are well under the 5% acceptable rate, and this is a good thing. My main issue is with the cover of this book. It's okay, I guess, but comes across as so cut and paste. The covers were what held me back from reading the work.
A good cover is worth its weight in gold. I've seen so many people pick up a book only to discard it due to cover art issues. I run a Facebook grou to help authors. It's called The Cover Critiquers. The group is members only so if you want to join message the mods. You need to be an author to join, so no graphic artists looking for work.
Going forward I would suggest Barry find a better graphic artist to build the covers for him. The cut and past feel will disappear and he'll probably see a huge jump in sales just because of that one change.
January 27, 2023
The Wrath of Vajazzle continues the adventures of the Space Team, with a focus on incompetence that borderlines on stupid, but instead manages to be both funny and yet deeper than it looks. I'm going to be honest, it's not my usual cup of tea because it takes itself so lightly, so I'm surprised I've made it this far with high opinions.
The sequel opens up the universe, introducing the Greyx, Vajazzle, and a bunch more locations. We bring back the original group of well-meaning idiots and put them through the meat grinder (in particular, for every annoying comment Cal drops, the universe forces him to experience pain in equal measure). Everything about the team's interactions from firefights to the silence of waiting is filled with comedic tension. It works, it really does.
Sadly, Vajazzle is one-dimensional, which is a shame because the previous novel had introduced antagonists that were realistic rather than moustache-twirling villains. Fortunately, her intellect and brilliance makes up for a rather boring personality.
Personally, I think Space Team can only be read in small doses. But it delivers plenty of entertainment during that time. Recommended.
The sequel opens up the universe, introducing the Greyx, Vajazzle, and a bunch more locations. We bring back the original group of well-meaning idiots and put them through the meat grinder (in particular, for every annoying comment Cal drops, the universe forces him to experience pain in equal measure). Everything about the team's interactions from firefights to the silence of waiting is filled with comedic tension. It works, it really does.
Sadly, Vajazzle is one-dimensional, which is a shame because the previous novel had introduced antagonists that were realistic rather than moustache-twirling villains. Fortunately, her intellect and brilliance makes up for a rather boring personality.
Personally, I think Space Team can only be read in small doses. But it delivers plenty of entertainment during that time. Recommended.
July 31, 2022
A fabulous escapist read. Laughs and surprises galore.
I really enjoyed the first book in the series but wondered if the humour and crazy plots would be sustainable for another instalment. How wrong I was!!
Our intrepid space team of mismatched friends continue their quest through the realms of deep space but as usual their journey does not proceed smoothly. Dastardly enemies both old and new seek to thwart Cals plans and nearly succeed! I just couldn't put the book down.
I think that I maybe the oldest fan, sorry, space fan of this series but fortunately my sense of humour never grew up with me as I am firmly on the level with Mr Hutchison.
I'm looking forward to the next book as Splurt is my favourite character, I wish that I had a companion like him (yeah, I know). I'm glad that Cal champions him, no wonder Splurt likes to emulate him, a true friend.
BUT I want to make this great series to last as long as possible and not rush it, so I've found a short series of a totally unrelated genre, to intersperse with it.
This is a great escapist read that takes you away from the increasingly crazy real world that's evolving around us.
I really enjoyed the first book in the series but wondered if the humour and crazy plots would be sustainable for another instalment. How wrong I was!!
Our intrepid space team of mismatched friends continue their quest through the realms of deep space but as usual their journey does not proceed smoothly. Dastardly enemies both old and new seek to thwart Cals plans and nearly succeed! I just couldn't put the book down.
I think that I maybe the oldest fan, sorry, space fan of this series but fortunately my sense of humour never grew up with me as I am firmly on the level with Mr Hutchison.
I'm looking forward to the next book as Splurt is my favourite character, I wish that I had a companion like him (yeah, I know). I'm glad that Cal champions him, no wonder Splurt likes to emulate him, a true friend.
BUT I want to make this great series to last as long as possible and not rush it, so I've found a short series of a totally unrelated genre, to intersperse with it.
This is a great escapist read that takes you away from the increasingly crazy real world that's evolving around us.
September 11, 2017
In this the 2nd outing from the aptly named Space Team with our hero Cal yet again trying to escape from another Galaxy threatening disaster.
With many a purloined song , quick whit and some judicious hiding behind his teammates ,the adventure is carried along at a nice pace ,with many humours interjections and Earth pop quiz remembrances thrown in for our enjoyment.
Whilst our band of merry misplaced heroes attempt to fly a ship, argue how things should be named and work that damn sapce shower, political problens and one of the oldest and strangest assassins is sent to apprehend them.
If serious scifi and explanations are what you like then this is definitely not for you.
if you just like a merry adventure with lots of Monty Python and Galaxy Quest style humour is your cup of tea then this will have you a fan in no time at all.
Narration is very capable and actually made me like one of our heroes Mech more than Cal as i listened to what he would say in repsonse so many a silly quip.
With many a purloined song , quick whit and some judicious hiding behind his teammates ,the adventure is carried along at a nice pace ,with many humours interjections and Earth pop quiz remembrances thrown in for our enjoyment.
Whilst our band of merry misplaced heroes attempt to fly a ship, argue how things should be named and work that damn sapce shower, political problens and one of the oldest and strangest assassins is sent to apprehend them.
If serious scifi and explanations are what you like then this is definitely not for you.
if you just like a merry adventure with lots of Monty Python and Galaxy Quest style humour is your cup of tea then this will have you a fan in no time at all.
Narration is very capable and actually made me like one of our heroes Mech more than Cal as i listened to what he would say in repsonse so many a silly quip.
June 15, 2023
Cal, our main man, leads his crew through the intricacies of a complicated universe. Nah! Only kidding, Cal is smashing and breaking all the norms. On Earth, he ducked and dived, ran and hid, did a bit of this and that. Now, Earth is infested with a plague, and he's doing the same thing but on a larger playground. Cal's diverse crew helps him on his journey to boldly go where no con-man has gone before.
There's a pilot who unfortunately can't fly a spaceship; she's sort of winging it. Then there's a cyborg with a dial like a microwave oven—full power to defrost. From being weak as a kitten but super intelligent, to being super strong but as intelligent as a sack of rocks, which is a bit of a major design flaw. Lastly, there's a female werewolf with a chip on her shoulder, and a green blob called Splurt.
Funny, amusing, smart, and inventively witty banter, with sarcastic quips—a roller coaster of an adventure. You've gotta love Cal, a cheeky chappie.
There's a pilot who unfortunately can't fly a spaceship; she's sort of winging it. Then there's a cyborg with a dial like a microwave oven—full power to defrost. From being weak as a kitten but super intelligent, to being super strong but as intelligent as a sack of rocks, which is a bit of a major design flaw. Lastly, there's a female werewolf with a chip on her shoulder, and a green blob called Splurt.
Funny, amusing, smart, and inventively witty banter, with sarcastic quips—a roller coaster of an adventure. You've gotta love Cal, a cheeky chappie.
March 8, 2020
Author, Barry J. Hutchison, is an absolute favourite of mine. I have listened to nearly all Barry's audiobooks to date and have thoroughly enjoyed everyone of them and will be listening to them more than once. I have had the best laughs listening to this book and the entire series. Makes a very entertaining drive to work.
Audiobook narrator, Phil Thron, is my all time favourite narrator after first hearing him with another of Barry's books "The Sidekick's initiative'. Phil is an amazing narrator, bringing the characters personalities alive and the bloopers he includes at the end of many of his narrations are an excellent touch. I follow Phil on Facebook and his appreciation of his audience is very evident.
Audiobook narrator, Phil Thron, is my all time favourite narrator after first hearing him with another of Barry's books "The Sidekick's initiative'. Phil is an amazing narrator, bringing the characters personalities alive and the bloopers he includes at the end of many of his narrations are an excellent touch. I follow Phil on Facebook and his appreciation of his audience is very evident.
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