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Flat Space
Arnold Birchwood always believed the world was flat, but he could never prove it. When an alien spaceship crashes outside his house, he suddenly gets his chance. With the help of his friends - Eudox, a green space alien pretending to be from Texas, Sam Duval, a professional complainer who has huffed too much government mind control gas, and Corpsy, a stone-cold dead corpse - Arnold sets out into orbit to show everyone that the world is flat once and for all! Flat Earthers in space, the real reason the moon landing was faked, where the arrow in the Fedex logo is really pointing, the identity of the secret fifth Teletubby, the meaning of crop circles, and the true nature of the evil conspiracy that runs the world - all in Flat Space, a hilarious new comedy from author Andrew Stanek.
234 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 20, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
August 21, 2019
This book is a failure. It fails by its own standards. It tries to be funny. It’s not. Of course, humour is subjective and it may simply be what the writer finds humorous is at odds with my opinion. The author seems to think that constantly repeating the same slapstick joke (one character hitting another character every time the second character says something stupid) is funny. It’s not. He, the author, seems to think that having a character constantly say something that is totally absurd and nonsensical is funny. It’s not. He seems to think that things that come out of your nose are funny. It’s snot.
Also, probably not worth mentioning as it is only a pet peeve of mine but the author uses the dreaded Oxford Comma! TWICE!
All is not lost. I think there is a very fine and intelligent author trying to get out (this is not a closet reference). If I were to advise him (which I suppose I am) I would say ‘if you thought more and spoke less your words would be of more value’. Or I’d say something witty.
Also, probably not worth mentioning as it is only a pet peeve of mine but the author uses the dreaded Oxford Comma! TWICE!
All is not lost. I think there is a very fine and intelligent author trying to get out (this is not a closet reference). If I were to advise him (which I suppose I am) I would say ‘if you thought more and spoke less your words would be of more value’. Or I’d say something witty.
May 23, 2019
Libro divertido para pasar el rato. Quizá demasiado largo y de humor un poco simple. Tiene su toque sarcástico y el tema está bien adaptado a los (estúpidos) tiempos que corren, por eso no le doy solo una estrella.
October 23, 2018
This book was pretty funny and made me laugh quite a few times. I'm tempted to take a star off because it's the third book I've read by this author without a single reoccurring or important woman character and I'm starting to feel a little left out of the fun. Ladies can be morons too! :( Just because it's a comedy doesn't mean it needs be a sausage fest, that's a 1970s way of looking at comedies. Technically Eudox isn't a man ( even though they're not a woman either ) though, so I'll leave it with five stars.
February 10, 2019
Note: I only read up to 44% of the book so this is a partial review.
I really, really wanted to like this book. I was optimistic from reading the synopsis that it was akin to the humor in Hitchhiker's Guide. I can definitely see why that would be included but it just seemed a little stale.
The humor is forced. Almost as if it's saying. "LOOK! THIS BOOK IS JUST LIKE HITCHHIKER'S GUIDE!"
There were parts I found humorous. Most of those had to do with Eudox.
The concept: The concept is actually a really good one. I think Flat Earthers are hilarious and I liked that a lot of the concepts talked about are ones that I have heard before. I was surprised when it turned out to be true and the moon was a space station. The Rotarions being real actually was something I didn't expect. I was hoping they weren't actually but I think that's just personal preference.
Sam: This character is dumb but way more dumb than ever could be possible. He was supposed to be immensely unintelligent but this was taken almost way far. The opening scene with him was funny and I had high hopes. But he became far more annoying. And his obsession with Corpsy went from humorous the first few interactions to old. Like a joke that just kept going long after it should have died.
Arnold: He was the most unlikable character of the bunch. His smugness just made him unreadable. And I am not a complete pacifist but he hits Sam WAY too much. He hits him all the time and him hitting Sam is just not funny at all. So it injects a lot of non-funny violence which brings down the comedic mood.
Eudox: I actually liked this character. His constant updates to the headquarters were a little annoying because he would have learned a lot more about our culture than he was updating in his device. But I did like his cool humor because I imagined him rolling his eyes when he was saying it.
Like I said, I really wanted to like the book but I just couldn't. I usually can read a book like this in a couple of days but struggled to even get less than halfway. The concept and Eudox makes this a solid two stars and I enjoyed those parts of it.
I really, really wanted to like this book. I was optimistic from reading the synopsis that it was akin to the humor in Hitchhiker's Guide. I can definitely see why that would be included but it just seemed a little stale.
The humor is forced. Almost as if it's saying. "LOOK! THIS BOOK IS JUST LIKE HITCHHIKER'S GUIDE!"
There were parts I found humorous. Most of those had to do with Eudox.
The concept: The concept is actually a really good one. I think Flat Earthers are hilarious and I liked that a lot of the concepts talked about are ones that I have heard before. I was surprised when it turned out to be true and the moon was a space station. The Rotarions being real actually was something I didn't expect. I was hoping they weren't actually but I think that's just personal preference.
Sam: This character is dumb but way more dumb than ever could be possible. He was supposed to be immensely unintelligent but this was taken almost way far. The opening scene with him was funny and I had high hopes. But he became far more annoying. And his obsession with Corpsy went from humorous the first few interactions to old. Like a joke that just kept going long after it should have died.
Arnold: He was the most unlikable character of the bunch. His smugness just made him unreadable. And I am not a complete pacifist but he hits Sam WAY too much. He hits him all the time and him hitting Sam is just not funny at all. So it injects a lot of non-funny violence which brings down the comedic mood.
Eudox: I actually liked this character. His constant updates to the headquarters were a little annoying because he would have learned a lot more about our culture than he was updating in his device. But I did like his cool humor because I imagined him rolling his eyes when he was saying it.
Like I said, I really wanted to like the book but I just couldn't. I usually can read a book like this in a couple of days but struggled to even get less than halfway. The concept and Eudox makes this a solid two stars and I enjoyed those parts of it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2022
How I got hooked into reading another Stanek book is beyond me. Oh no, it was a freebie on bookbub and I didn’t recognise the author until it was too late.
At best it was mildly amusing (Very mildly) at worst, it was drab and cliched.
I finished the book because I started it but it was more endurement than enjoyment.
Too much trying to make fun of conspiracy theories and too much trying to be funny with ‘smart’ double entendres or just basic ‘dad jokes’.
I’m sorry, I’m sure the writer is a lovely guy but this one really missed the mark for me.
Less impressed than with “you’re dead sign here” which did have some genuinely funny bits.
The best bit from ‘Flat Space’ is the following passage.
“If you believe everything everyone tells you, you are an idiot. But at the same time, if you refuse to believe anything everyone else tells you, you are just as big of an idiot.”
At best it was mildly amusing (Very mildly) at worst, it was drab and cliched.
I finished the book because I started it but it was more endurement than enjoyment.
Too much trying to make fun of conspiracy theories and too much trying to be funny with ‘smart’ double entendres or just basic ‘dad jokes’.
I’m sorry, I’m sure the writer is a lovely guy but this one really missed the mark for me.
Less impressed than with “you’re dead sign here” which did have some genuinely funny bits.
The best bit from ‘Flat Space’ is the following passage.
“If you believe everything everyone tells you, you are an idiot. But at the same time, if you refuse to believe anything everyone else tells you, you are just as big of an idiot.”
June 3, 2019
This book is a little like Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy without quite the skill of Douglas Adams' storytelling ability. The plot is just as bizarre and the characters equally unique. We have a green alien who wears a cowboy hat upside down and claims to be from texas, a conspiracy nut complete with tinfoil hat, and a dead guy named Corpsy zooming in on a space ship and picking up a brainless earthling named Sam and they go flying off on a mission to save the earth from being turned from flat to a sphere. Confused? Me too, but i was highly amused. This was just a fun book from start to finish.
February 16, 2019
If you are looking for the space info to be complete and correct this book will drive you nuts. If you are looking for a good laugh, a book that makes fun of just about everything and just when you decide they can't do anything any crazier they do. This book is for you. I enjoyed it, my 9 year old grandson enjoyed it and it drove my daughter crazy. The teacher says she needs to make sure the 9 year old understands what he is reading.
July 14, 2019
Laugh out loud as the conspiracies threaten our world!
If you love a conspiracy theory, a bit of slapstick and a good laugh you’ll love this story. I love the way the theories are woven into this story and then twisted and turned and then twisted a bit more. I found myself laughing out loud in places. It’s an easy read and well worth passing a lazy day getting a few laughs as you read this one.
If you love a conspiracy theory, a bit of slapstick and a good laugh you’ll love this story. I love the way the theories are woven into this story and then twisted and turned and then twisted a bit more. I found myself laughing out loud in places. It’s an easy read and well worth passing a lazy day getting a few laughs as you read this one.
June 20, 2021
I really loved this book. I found it very humorous and the characters extremely interesting. The story had me hooked and I am really hoping for a sequel, I want to know what everyone is up to, especially Corspy. Andrew Stanek has become one of my favorite authors now, I am pretty much guaranteed a good story when I start one of his books. I put him up there with Douglas Adams and Christopher Moore because I have read at least now 5 of his books and have not been disappointed yet.
November 12, 2018
Insane fun
While I left the book concerned about one of its characters' future well-being, I laughed a lot and marveled at the author's ability to juggle so many twisted concepts, keep them logically straight, and have them land in a neat rectangular pile with a cherry on top, none the worse for wear. I'm going to buy another of his books right now.
While I left the book concerned about one of its characters' future well-being, I laughed a lot and marveled at the author's ability to juggle so many twisted concepts, keep them logically straight, and have them land in a neat rectangular pile with a cherry on top, none the worse for wear. I'm going to buy another of his books right now.
February 12, 2019
An amusing sci-fi adventure that pokes a lot of fun out of the ridiculous flat-earther beliefs and a fair few other conspiracies too.
Overall I enjoyed the book but, did not find it at the same level of humour as the writings of Mr Adams and Mr Pratchett. Though for my money the humour level picked up in the 2nd half.
Overall I enjoyed the book but, did not find it at the same level of humour as the writings of Mr Adams and Mr Pratchett. Though for my money the humour level picked up in the 2nd half.
June 3, 2019
After 3 chapters, here is what you will find: this is an introductory book of satire for 8 year olds. I'm joking of course, but the humor is childish and dull and Stanek appears to be writing this for elementary students. This was supposed to be an entertaining conspiracy novel, but it turns out to be a book filled with a highly annoying lead character who will just drive you nuts. Avoid.
October 9, 2019
Interrupted constantly by a 'too chatty' author
The premise of this book was interesting but after just a couple of dozen pages I was put off by an author who just won't shut up.
Could have been a good book but with all the unnecessary interruptions I just couldn't be bothered to find out.
The premise of this book was interesting but after just a couple of dozen pages I was put off by an author who just won't shut up.
Could have been a good book but with all the unnecessary interruptions I just couldn't be bothered to find out.
January 29, 2019
Funny???
Not sure how to review this story. While it did have some humorous moments, I was often confused by the flow of events. Maybe the author's intention was to confuse the reader and create a humorous outcome. Not sure... I did enjoy the read but I am confused.
Not sure how to review this story. While it did have some humorous moments, I was often confused by the flow of events. Maybe the author's intention was to confuse the reader and create a humorous outcome. Not sure... I did enjoy the read but I am confused.
January 30, 2019
Odd, very odd.
Although this was humorous at times for me, in reality I found the humor quite 'dry.'
Certainly not a laugh out loud kinda thing, it did just seem to go on and on and on and on.....
Well, you get the picture....
Although this was humorous at times for me, in reality I found the humor quite 'dry.'
Certainly not a laugh out loud kinda thing, it did just seem to go on and on and on and on.....
Well, you get the picture....
January 31, 2019
Loved the premise and expected more from the description. However, it read like a 6th grade creative writing assignment. I chuckled a bit at the preface but with the writing style and awful lack of plot, I couldn't get past the first two chapters.
February 14, 2019
Enjoyed it tremendously! Haven't read a book that made me laugh out loud in years and found this one to be both humorous and very clever.
Enjoyed it tremendously! Haven't read a book that made me laugh out loud in years. Both humorous and cleverly written.
Enjoyed it tremendously! Haven't read a book that made me laugh out loud in years. Both humorous and cleverly written.
March 6, 2019
A humorous look into how easily it can be to manipulate people in todays world. A simple story that has a lot of parallels to the people we all know in our lives. Where conspiracies and tales become truths.
April 30, 2019
'As described'
But of fun, some interesting dialogue. Actually managed to make me LOL once or twice (I'm easily amused) If it hadn't been for You Tube I wouldn't have known there actually are people who believe in flat earth. Guess it's a social commentary of sorts?
But of fun, some interesting dialogue. Actually managed to make me LOL once or twice (I'm easily amused) If it hadn't been for You Tube I wouldn't have known there actually are people who believe in flat earth. Guess it's a social commentary of sorts?
January 1, 2026
I found the most of the book utterly bizarre and unpleasantly absurdist, making me wonder if the book was just mostly incoherent. The final 10% of the book finally put everything together for me, and made it a totally readable story overall.
January 30, 2019
poorly put together overly wordy unenjoyable had to put the book down at least s times disgusted that I started reading it or picked it back up
February 3, 2019
Hilarious
This book is not well written or even terribly well thought out it’s just lots of fun and should be read by everyone.
This book is not well written or even terribly well thought out it’s just lots of fun and should be read by everyone.
February 7, 2019
I liked the twist, the rest was meh
The beginning and end of this book are probably the best parts, but getting from one to the other just felt like one long overly drawn out joke.
The beginning and end of this book are probably the best parts, but getting from one to the other just felt like one long overly drawn out joke.
February 8, 2019
An attempt at humor
Not great, but I forced myself to finish it. It could have been a decent short story. Sorry, this is my first negative review.
Not great, but I forced myself to finish it. It could have been a decent short story. Sorry, this is my first negative review.
February 12, 2019
This was not humorous to me
I enjoy good humor (humour). This book did not come close. I stopped reading after 3 chapters. Accordingly, 2 stars is a generous rating for me.
I enjoy good humor (humour). This book did not come close. I stopped reading after 3 chapters. Accordingly, 2 stars is a generous rating for me.
February 18, 2019
Great
Quirky, witty and amusing with a fabulous twist at the end. Will stretch your mind without you even realising. Great.
Quirky, witty and amusing with a fabulous twist at the end. Will stretch your mind without you even realising. Great.
February 19, 2019
I soon lost interest in it. The "humour" was very childish, and not amusing. I abandoned the "story" after about 50 pages, as it wasn't getting any better.
March 26, 2019
Did not finish. It just didn’t work for me. It missed my sense of humour and took a detour elsewhere.
April 9, 2019
Funny.
April 22, 2019
Entertaining in a truly sill way. Not as good a read as "You are Dead."
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews