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Space Team #10
Sting of the Mustard Mines
The Space Team Universe has been changed forever! Having journeyed through time in order to restore peace to the galaxy, Cal Carver and Space Team are a little dismayed to find out they may have inadvertently made things even worse. Whoops. Captured by an unfamiliar alien species, the crew is banished to a life of slavery in the Mustard Mines of Moktar, where they come face to face with the sinister Manacle - a terrying new enemy whose diabolical agenda is worse than any they have encountered before. With the clock ticking and thousands of lives at stake, Space Team must race across the galaxy, stop Manacle's evil scheme, and save the day once more. But first, they have to escape... Featuring space gnomes, sand stomachs, and the sexiest facial paralysis in history, Space Sting of the Mustard Mines is the tenth explosive adventure in the Space Team series, and the perfect jumping-on point for new readers. THE SPACE TEAM Space Team Space The Wrath of Vajazzle Space The Search for Splurt Space Song of the Space Siren Space The Guns of Nana Joan Space Return of the Dead Guy Space Planet of the Japes Space The Time Titan of Tomorrow Space The King of Space Must Die Space Sting of the Mustard Mines Space Sentienced to Death Space The Hunt for Reduk Topa
370 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 25, 2018
198 people are currently reading
213 people want to read
About the author
Barry J. Hutchison
52 books736 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 68 reviews
July 31, 2020
*** 4.44 totally subjective stars ***
"...“Isn’t it obvious?” he said, grinning. “That was the elephant of surprise. And you, my robotic friend, are totally fonked.”
― Barry J. Hutchison, Sting of the Mustard Mines...
And this is what we, the loyal readers are - totally fonking in love with this crew! Well, my personal favorite is Splurt, and in this case I don't think even Cal Carver has anything to complain about. Who doesn't love this adorable green blob who can always cheer you up just by being there and can get your ass out of any type of trouble, even the bad ones. Especially the bad ones!
After some as to be expected heroics on Earth, Cal and company lend themselves in a bit of trouble, crash-landing on a really unappealing planet, then once again get captured and enslaved to work in the Mustard Mines of Moktar... Hahaha! Mustard Mines! Where does he come up with such ridiculous and hilarious stuff??? Turns out, the miner frivolities they allowed themselves while "fixing" the current timeline, were not that minor in consequences...
"...“Get them on the space phone right now!” Cal urged. He sat up straighter and smoothed down the front of his Dorothy on the Streets, Blanche in the Sheets t-shirt.”
― Barry J. Hutchison, Sting of the Mustard Mines...
Cal's wardrobe suffers... He also suffers. Which leads me to the one thing that makes me nervous in the series - Barry sure is pushing it with Cal's healing mojo! I am worried for the guy. We know how fast it reached its limits last time, I wonder if we are going to have him totally normal soon, or if this is going to become a paradoxical "new normal" for him and he is almost unkillable from now on... I can't wait to see 😎
The series continues to be funny, touching at times, and full of pop-culture references from the 80's and 90's. This one had the best dance opening scene EVER in a book!!! It was worth reading for that alone! If you are a fan of comedic Sci-Fi, this is a MUST-READ!
"...“Isn’t it obvious?” he said, grinning. “That was the elephant of surprise. And you, my robotic friend, are totally fonked.”
― Barry J. Hutchison, Sting of the Mustard Mines...
And this is what we, the loyal readers are - totally fonking in love with this crew! Well, my personal favorite is Splurt, and in this case I don't think even Cal Carver has anything to complain about. Who doesn't love this adorable green blob who can always cheer you up just by being there and can get your ass out of any type of trouble, even the bad ones. Especially the bad ones!
After some as to be expected heroics on Earth, Cal and company lend themselves in a bit of trouble, crash-landing on a really unappealing planet, then once again get captured and enslaved to work in the Mustard Mines of Moktar... Hahaha! Mustard Mines! Where does he come up with such ridiculous and hilarious stuff??? Turns out, the miner frivolities they allowed themselves while "fixing" the current timeline, were not that minor in consequences...
"...“Get them on the space phone right now!” Cal urged. He sat up straighter and smoothed down the front of his Dorothy on the Streets, Blanche in the Sheets t-shirt.”
― Barry J. Hutchison, Sting of the Mustard Mines...
Cal's wardrobe suffers... He also suffers. Which leads me to the one thing that makes me nervous in the series - Barry sure is pushing it with Cal's healing mojo! I am worried for the guy. We know how fast it reached its limits last time, I wonder if we are going to have him totally normal soon, or if this is going to become a paradoxical "new normal" for him and he is almost unkillable from now on... I can't wait to see 😎
The series continues to be funny, touching at times, and full of pop-culture references from the 80's and 90's. This one had the best dance opening scene EVER in a book!!! It was worth reading for that alone! If you are a fan of comedic Sci-Fi, this is a MUST-READ!
October 1, 2018
I’m really overwhelmed and amazed at Barry J. Hutchison’s vivid, creative and unique imagination! He just outdones himself with each installment! The emotional combination is fantastic, fought with a perfect sarcastic humour. Plentiful action, hilarious, emotive moments, impressive solutions to impossible situations. Love this series, and never want it to end!!!
February 13, 2020
Fonking great. Still makes me laugh. Phil Thron is great for this series. He's the shizz.
October 5, 2018
I have read most of Barry J's books and have found them fun and a "good read" (if you like funny, silly, very clever science fiction.)
This one started well, but then, it was kind of like it got to point where the whole story took place in one location, with the same mustard and wasp issues. I guess I should have known based on the title. And not enough Splurt for me...
Being a big fan of Barry J, I always enjoy his books. This time I wanted a bit more. Maybe moving occasionally to the Ketchup fields?
This one started well, but then, it was kind of like it got to point where the whole story took place in one location, with the same mustard and wasp issues. I guess I should have known based on the title. And not enough Splurt for me...
Being a big fan of Barry J, I always enjoy his books. This time I wanted a bit more. Maybe moving occasionally to the Ketchup fields?
June 30, 2020
06/30/2020 Notes:
The outtakes at the end are still hilarious. lol
This one has a lot of great moments but so much happened that it was hard to appreciate the good parts before another one smashed into your face. Kinda like a haunted castle ride that can go in any direction. lol
The outtakes at the end are still hilarious. lol
This one has a lot of great moments but so much happened that it was hard to appreciate the good parts before another one smashed into your face. Kinda like a haunted castle ride that can go in any direction. lol
March 31, 2022
Soooooo funny
Read
December 4, 2022Another fonking great Space Team book.
April 25, 2019
Yes I'm a super fan, drooling and sobbing with every new book.
Sue me. I get more enjoyment from the books of Barry Hutchinson than I've ever gotten from any book. I think I could only be happier if they were made into movies but movies true to the books, not some ignorant directors 'vision'.
This episode begins with a crash into a forbidding planet. Much terror and pain (for Cal) ensues. I'm not going to tell you if they escape...ohhh cheeky! But at some point they meet deadly wasps, and Cal imbibes really hot mustard. I'm not telling you which happens first - that way it will be a surprise.
There's more, don't drink milk while reading unless you enjoy it Splurting out of your nose. Had to get that precious one in there. I'm not ashamed to admit I love Splurt, it's an international inter-galatic inter-dimensional inter-species kind of thing. You wouldn't understand.
Sue me. I get more enjoyment from the books of Barry Hutchinson than I've ever gotten from any book. I think I could only be happier if they were made into movies but movies true to the books, not some ignorant directors 'vision'.
This episode begins with a crash into a forbidding planet. Much terror and pain (for Cal) ensues. I'm not going to tell you if they escape...ohhh cheeky! But at some point they meet deadly wasps, and Cal imbibes really hot mustard. I'm not telling you which happens first - that way it will be a surprise.
There's more, don't drink milk while reading unless you enjoy it Splurting out of your nose. Had to get that precious one in there. I'm not ashamed to admit I love Splurt, it's an international inter-galatic inter-dimensional inter-species kind of thing. You wouldn't understand.
November 14, 2018
Another fun romp in the Space Team universe, but something about this one... I don't know. I think it just felt like too much setup with not enough payoff, not enough questions answered. We get our usual dose of the team being the team, and that's the real reason we read it - after all, Barry could write about these characters debating local building code and it'd be hilarious. But to be perfectly honest, it felt like something was missing with this one. It lacked the punch of the previous 9, but not in such a way that it wasn't enjoyable. Maybe the setup will make #11 shoot higher than the rest, we'll see.
Incidentally, the line about Miz winning the gold at the Evisceration Games was probably the single funniest thing in the entire book.
Incidentally, the line about Miz winning the gold at the Evisceration Games was probably the single funniest thing in the entire book.
October 18, 2018
Another delightfully silly book
I love sci-fi. I love humour. When the 2 cab be brought together so well, it's a genuine pleasure turning each page.
Barry J. Hutchison might possibly be (I don't know him personally, so I can't really comment) completely insane judging by the books that he produces but they're such fun to read that that really doesn't matter. He's just a star in this particular genre, certainly one of the best I've come across and I read just about everything.
If you enjoy the fusion of weirdness that is humorous sci-fi, then Barry J. Hutchison is an author you need to read.
I love sci-fi. I love humour. When the 2 cab be brought together so well, it's a genuine pleasure turning each page.
Barry J. Hutchison might possibly be (I don't know him personally, so I can't really comment) completely insane judging by the books that he produces but they're such fun to read that that really doesn't matter. He's just a star in this particular genre, certainly one of the best I've come across and I read just about everything.
If you enjoy the fusion of weirdness that is humorous sci-fi, then Barry J. Hutchison is an author you need to read.
September 30, 2018
The best comedic space series about a human, two alien chicks, a mechanical dude and a ball of sentient green jello ever written, anywhere, by anyone!
I can't get enough of Space Team. I'm considering having Barry kidnapped so I can force him to write faster. Something like Stephen King's Misery but without the car crash.
Hear that Barry? Write faster!
Seriously, another fantastic book, I can't wait for the next one!
I can't get enough of Space Team. I'm considering having Barry kidnapped so I can force him to write faster. Something like Stephen King's Misery but without the car crash.
Hear that Barry? Write faster!
Seriously, another fantastic book, I can't wait for the next one!
February 2, 2023
A cracking read, back up to expectations.
The opening alone, shows that BJH is back in top form after a book that wasn't tip top, with a dream sequence that gets funnier every time you read it (yes, I've read it a few times).
The fabulous space team encounter, yet again, problems whilst slaving away in a mustard mine. Cals experience with mustard reminded me, too cruelly, of scoffing a spoonful of English mustard as child, courtesy of a sister who thought it was funny (still make her life hell) by running laps around the garden......don't laugh!!!!....it was hell!!!
So, who is Manacle? Indeed even I've sorted that out.
A great read for all Spaceteam fans. Sadly, only two more books to go......will space them out.
The opening alone, shows that BJH is back in top form after a book that wasn't tip top, with a dream sequence that gets funnier every time you read it (yes, I've read it a few times).
The fabulous space team encounter, yet again, problems whilst slaving away in a mustard mine. Cals experience with mustard reminded me, too cruelly, of scoffing a spoonful of English mustard as child, courtesy of a sister who thought it was funny (still make her life hell) by running laps around the garden......don't laugh!!!!....it was hell!!!
So, who is Manacle? Indeed even I've sorted that out.
A great read for all Spaceteam fans. Sadly, only two more books to go......will space them out.
October 4, 2018
Easy read, full of actual humor.
This is a wonderful, quick, easy books to read. Perfect for reading before bed or laying on a beach. The writing is succinct, the characters are well-developed, and the humor is excellent. This is one of the few series that actually causes me to laugh out loud. I read voraciously, and Barry's books are some of my favorite reads.
He keeps a very fast pace, and writes compelling stories. Even though the books are rather short, you still feel like you've been on a Grand Adventure. I can't recommend enough everything he writes the people who don't take life too seriously, and who enjoy good solid sci-fi with a heavy dose of humor added in.
This is a wonderful, quick, easy books to read. Perfect for reading before bed or laying on a beach. The writing is succinct, the characters are well-developed, and the humor is excellent. This is one of the few series that actually causes me to laugh out loud. I read voraciously, and Barry's books are some of my favorite reads.
He keeps a very fast pace, and writes compelling stories. Even though the books are rather short, you still feel like you've been on a Grand Adventure. I can't recommend enough everything he writes the people who don't take life too seriously, and who enjoy good solid sci-fi with a heavy dose of humor added in.
April 14, 2019
3.5 stars
I've found this entire series very entertaining and this one was no exception,
I'm rating it low however because once you get to the mines part of it the whole thing seems to come to a screeching halt. instead of the characters interacting or doing something random sketches happen with random people just to fill up the page.
It's not a bad book, in fact I still had fun with it. I just found it a bit weak comparatively. The author himself probably knew that too which is why there is an odd reliance on toilet humor and,,, genitals. Just genitals. Because listing all the nicknames urban dictionary has for vagina is funny I guess.
I've found this entire series very entertaining and this one was no exception,
I'm rating it low however because once you get to the mines part of it the whole thing seems to come to a screeching halt. instead of the characters interacting or doing something random sketches happen with random people just to fill up the page.
It's not a bad book, in fact I still had fun with it. I just found it a bit weak comparatively. The author himself probably knew that too which is why there is an odd reliance on toilet humor and,,, genitals. Just genitals. Because listing all the nicknames urban dictionary has for vagina is funny I guess.
January 12, 2019
This book was funny but...it just stagnated a bit from overuse of Cals healing ability. They are always in danger but his time it was mostly Cal and he rarely escaped it and just got horribly injured while we wait for him to heal over and over and over. I wasn't feeling the mud character it was like a jar jar binks moment for me he didn't really add to it only subtracted. He was just uninteresting. Cal was still Cal with his jokes and stupidity which saved the story. Overall I enjoyed the book more than not but it felt a tad forced. Hope the latest release is back to "space" basics.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2018
Would recommend
This series is honestly my favorite. If I were stranded on a deserted island, this would be the one set of books I would want to have on me. Besides a set of books on how to survive being stranded on a deserted island. That might take precedence.
But anyways. This book was epic. I should have been studying for the SAT. I should have been doing homework. I should have been working on my college applications. I read this instead. Was it worth it? Yes.
This series is honestly my favorite. If I were stranded on a deserted island, this would be the one set of books I would want to have on me. Besides a set of books on how to survive being stranded on a deserted island. That might take precedence.
But anyways. This book was epic. I should have been studying for the SAT. I should have been doing homework. I should have been working on my college applications. I read this instead. Was it worth it? Yes.
August 7, 2025
As someone who absolutely hates mustard, I fully empathized with the crew being stuck in the Mustard Mines. This one leaned more into plot and vibes than character development, which is fine but it didn’t leave much to hold onto. Still, I’m intrigued to see how this storyline plays out in later books. I think there are only three left (for now), but it seems like the author plans to keep going... so we’ll see. The adventures are still fun...even if this one didn’t hit as hard.
October 13, 2018
Space Team are back, thinking they have fixed the time line and hoping for a safer, better Space universe. Obviously, being Space Team nothing ever goes as planned and they soon find themselves deep in trouble. As usual a fun adventure from Barry, that moves at a nice pace, they are all good characters and are all needed for the dynamic to work.
May 24, 2019
3.5 stars
Still clever, but they spent too much time getting beat up. It was kinda cringy. Also the thought popped into my head "here we go again". I'm not sure how many more times you can rehash the "we screwed up! - we'll fix it!" plot. I'll probably be here until the end, but unless Hutchison ups his game it's going to lose its charm.
Great narration
Still clever, but they spent too much time getting beat up. It was kinda cringy. Also the thought popped into my head "here we go again". I'm not sure how many more times you can rehash the "we screwed up! - we'll fix it!" plot. I'll probably be here until the end, but unless Hutchison ups his game it's going to lose its charm.
Great narration
June 6, 2019
Space team is back!
I'd taken a break from the main story like to read the Dan Deadman books, as well as some others. I had forgotten how funny these books were.
Elephant of surprise.....priceless.
The story wasn't the best in the series, but definitely made up for it in the funny.
I can't wait to start the next book!
I'd taken a break from the main story like to read the Dan Deadman books, as well as some others. I had forgotten how funny these books were.
Elephant of surprise.....priceless.
The story wasn't the best in the series, but definitely made up for it in the funny.
I can't wait to start the next book!
September 6, 2021
From now on, I'm going to introduce the phrase "elephant of surprise" into conversation with new acquaintances. If they look blankly at me, let's just say they won't be on my Christmas card list :)
More of the usual in this Space Team outing, but who cares, really, about the space time continuum or who rules the galaxy, and all that shizz? We all read these for the characters and the interplay between them, and the old jokes and the new. At this stage, Loren's inability to fly the ship is as comfortable a gag as your gran's constantly calling your male dog "she", and I will NEVER tire of Mech's disgust at Cal's adding "space" as a prefix to pretty much every noun he uses. Miz is fantastic too, and Kevin, of course, is the hilariously not-too-helpful AI. The introduction of Garunk was a load of fun too, and a pity we had to leave him...having sex with gnomes, or munchkins, or whatever they were...
More of the usual in this Space Team outing, but who cares, really, about the space time continuum or who rules the galaxy, and all that shizz? We all read these for the characters and the interplay between them, and the old jokes and the new. At this stage, Loren's inability to fly the ship is as comfortable a gag as your gran's constantly calling your male dog "she", and I will NEVER tire of Mech's disgust at Cal's adding "space" as a prefix to pretty much every noun he uses. Miz is fantastic too, and Kevin, of course, is the hilariously not-too-helpful AI. The introduction of Garunk was a load of fun too, and a pity we had to leave him...having sex with gnomes, or munchkins, or whatever they were...
August 19, 2022
So, for some reason this one didn't sit with me. I think it was because, while I knew the team would get out of the situation, it was too 'real' and I just felt horrible for the Space team. They go through tough times at every corner, but this one just felt uncool for some reason. There was some funny parts and some new things introduced, but not my favorite of the series.
September 25, 2024
I'm starting to notice a lot of dead space in these books, where the narrator or characters will blather on needlessly in a way just to elongate the book. That's a little bit annoying.
However, this book had a lot of really fun parts. I adore the character Garunk (sp?) almost as much as I do Kevin.
A decent continuation of the disastrous fables of Space Team.
However, this book had a lot of really fun parts. I adore the character Garunk (sp?) almost as much as I do Kevin.
A decent continuation of the disastrous fables of Space Team.
September 28, 2018
Insane.
I love these books and am always excited when a new one comes out. They never disappoint, with the jokes, the madness and the elephant of surprise that is lurking around every corner.....space corner of course!
I love these books and am always excited when a new one comes out. They never disappoint, with the jokes, the madness and the elephant of surprise that is lurking around every corner.....space corner of course!
October 15, 2018
Just What the Dr. Ordered
I can't thank Barry enough for introducing the world to Space Team. This series continues to bring entertainment and utter hilarity. My only complaint is that this novel ended.
I can't thank Barry enough for introducing the world to Space Team. This series continues to bring entertainment and utter hilarity. My only complaint is that this novel ended.
October 14, 2018
Another Winner
As always, I loved this book. Ten novels in, and the Space Team universe is still wonderful. This installment may have had one of the best endings of them all, which is saying something.
As always, I loved this book. Ten novels in, and the Space Team universe is still wonderful. This installment may have had one of the best endings of them all, which is saying something.
October 26, 2018
Brilliant as always.
If there was a little less time spent describing unnecessary details of fights these books would be even better. That adventurers all funny, well written and in some impossible way make sense!?!
If there was a little less time spent describing unnecessary details of fights these books would be even better. That adventurers all funny, well written and in some impossible way make sense!?!
November 17, 2018
Another awesome book
Everytime I think he can't get any funnier he writes another book. I highly recommend his work if you want to laugh out loud and make the guys at work look at you funny.
Everytime I think he can't get any funnier he writes another book. I highly recommend his work if you want to laugh out loud and make the guys at work look at you funny.
November 27, 2018
More Space Team Fun!!
Light hearted and fun series that I look forward to reading as each new one comes out. My only complaint is the length of time it takes for the next one to be published and ready to read!!
Light hearted and fun series that I look forward to reading as each new one comes out. My only complaint is the length of time it takes for the next one to be published and ready to read!!
December 26, 2018
Great Fonking read!
This was a fantastic book. Cal still cracks me up. If you haven’t read any of the Space Team books get off your tail or whatever you sit on and read these books. This one is the best yet! I highly recommend!!
This was a fantastic book. Cal still cracks me up. If you haven’t read any of the Space Team books get off your tail or whatever you sit on and read these books. This one is the best yet! I highly recommend!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews