The Trouble with Podoks: A fast-paced, humorous, first contact science fiction adventure featuring aliens with edible tails

by Chet Novicki

Oh, no! They've kidnapped my Podok friend and they want to CHOP OFF HIS TAIL!!Unfortunately for Podoks, those strange aliens from the planet Pode, their edible tails are the tastiest and most-expensive food items in our galaxy.When his new Podok friend is kidnapped for his valuable tail, Roger Denton, Assistant Professor of Off-World Cultures at the Pacific Institute of Technology in Honolulu, blames himself, for it was his suggestion of a late-night outing that led to the kidnapping. Now, with wily kidnappers, an uncaring police department and time working against him, Roger must locate and rescue his Podok friend before that friend's tail ends up a delicacy in a local meat market.A funny and extremely fast-paced adventure with likable characters, set in Hawaii in the year 2111. American English. Complete story, no cliffhanger, 67,000 words.If you like adventures with lots of laughs, you'll really like this! Don't miss out on the fun. Get it now!

Genres: Science Fiction

300 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 17, 2019

Reviews

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Trouble With Podoks by Chet Novicki, when assistant professor of alien studies Roger Denman is out late one night he is shocked to meet a Podok, it’s rare to meet one on earth as Pod is one of the furthest alien planets out in the galaxy. After a few dozen rounds of drinks they decide to go get some fresh air in Roger is there when his new friend “Steve“ the Podok is kidnapped. Roger reports the kidnapping to the Honolulu police and then goes home hoping the best for his new alien friend but little does Roger know this is just the beginning of bad policing, an alien that has secrets, and people who will pay anything to eat a delicacy and oh yes how can I forget Roger meets the love of his life. In a world where even the judges are computers in real policeman or no better than a keystone cop will “Steve“ ever get found and if so by who? I stayed up late last night not wanting to put this book down. I originally got the book because I thought it was a funny space opera and it is funny and they do have space aliens in it but it all happens on earth it’s compulsively readable laugh out loud funny with too many likable characters to mention starting with Raz Steve’s bodyguard and Steve. even the kidnappers or at least one of them is very polite. I thought the Author did a great job with the local dialect in Hawaii knowing what he was talking about when it comes to that town it must be a very very funny person because it seemed the lol moments although outrageous seemed effortless. I truly loved this book and will be reading another by this author hopefully tonight. I definitely recommend this to those who love sci-fi comedies because if that is your jam you will definitely love this book. #TheBlindReviewer,#ChetNovicki,#TheTroubleWithPodoks

[Gene Rowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Trouble with Podoks is a humorous tale about the kidnapping of an alien from the planet Pode and the subsequent attempt to rescue him by the often-hapless Roger Denton, a somewhat down-at-heels prof. who lives in Hawaii. It is very well written, with superb pacing, an engaging character (the Podoks are endearing too), great dialogue, and compelling descriptions of the sights and culture of Hawaii. And it’s frequently hilarious. Wow. I loved this so much. What more can I say? I really resist giving five star ratings, but this one is a no-brainer. Buy it now!

Please, Chet: lets have more about Roger and the Podoks soon!

[Alex Richwagen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Curious, strange, and a bit confusing

The tales are witty, clever, and curious all in one fell swoop. The characters are funny and stange at the same time. In the end, I finished up several sections confused on the plot, confused on continuity between chapters, and overall direction.

[Dr susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining sci fi adventure

The worldbuilding is good, Roger's exploits are fun, and no one is permanently harmed in this lighthearted sci fi adventure. The bad guys receive some needed justice, and no tails are harmed. Also, the lack of doom, destruction, and death is refreshing.

[DE Jorgensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun romp through Hawaii with aliens

Hapless hero Roger chases around beautiful Hawaii with Podoks. That's the basic story. But it's exciting, and the descriptions are very well written. I could easily picture the Podoks. Add to the good writing the good editing, and you've got a fun story worth reading. I'm very happy Roger invested in more shoes.

[CHRISTINE M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun and entertaining book.

A lot to like about this series of books. The characters are amusing and relatable and a joy to follow through their adventures. The stories are relatively short so they are easy to read in one sitting. Off to the next escapade...:)

[Rickie Kunzman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple

But fun, like the old sf for the young fans. Can recommend just for time killing reading.Thanks looking forward to reading more.

[Jerry J. Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unusual scifi

Not your usual sci-fi story. The storyline is interesting and entertaining.. Readers will enjoy this. I look forward to this more of this author's work.

[Lin Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very funny story

This is a very funny adventure story, the conversations are hilarious, reminding me of some of the work of Kurt Vonnegut. Also I like the fast narrative paces.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun Interesting Read

Loved this light hearted story! Characters are likeable and it was an easy read! Would love to hear more about the podoks and their planet😁!

[Frederick · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a humorous romp! i enjoyed it.

[Joshua D White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun and fast-paced with a satisfying ending

This is a fun and funny futuristic sci-fi read that quickly reminded me of Douglas Adams’ books. Creative, engaging, a great read.

[Sienna S'Zell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Silly Hawaiian encounter with humans, aliens, police, and off-world vehicle

[Mary Ann Seidman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable story, really likeable characters. Very funny and engaging storyline. I will be continuing with the series.

[Todd Haffner · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not funny

Not funny and very poorly written. Reads like a text book not a story. Oh, and the fast paced bits are just stupid.