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Hal Spacejock #0
Zero: A prequel to the humorous scifi series
How far would you go to make your dreams come true?
On Hal Spacejock's home planet, efficient and highly intelligent robots have taken all the jobs.
Hal's one of the lucky ones, because he works as a cargo loader at a third-rate spaceport.
Lucky perhaps, but not satisfied. Because instead of loading freighters, Hal wants to fly them, exploring the galaxy in his very own ship.
But how can he possibly save for a spaceship? Hal can barely make rent, and his boss will use any excuse to get rid of him.
It all seems like an impossible dream, until Hal intervenes in a one-sided fight in the shadow of a battered old freighter...
Zero is a standalone novel in the Hal Spacejock series.
On Hal Spacejock's home planet, efficient and highly intelligent robots have taken all the jobs.
Hal's one of the lucky ones, because he works as a cargo loader at a third-rate spaceport.
Lucky perhaps, but not satisfied. Because instead of loading freighters, Hal wants to fly them, exploring the galaxy in his very own ship.
But how can he possibly save for a spaceship? Hal can barely make rent, and his boss will use any excuse to get rid of him.
It all seems like an impossible dream, until Hal intervenes in a one-sided fight in the shadow of a battered old freighter...
Zero is a standalone novel in the Hal Spacejock series.
- GenresScience FictionHumor
153 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 23, 2020
140 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
About the author
Simon Haynes
85 books172 followersSimon Haynes is the author of the Hal Spacejock, Harriet Walsh and Hal Junior (MG) series. He divides his time between writing fiction and computer software, with the occasional bike ride thrown in for a laugh.
Simon lives in Perth, Western Australia.
Simon lives in Perth, Western Australia.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
November 5, 2022
In this humorous tale, Simon Hayes explains why Hal Spacejock, lowly cargo loader, known to his robot supervisor only by employee number, hates robots so much. It's not because they are evil overlords--although as a guess, that wouldn't fall as wide of the mark as you would like--but they make pretty nasty supervisors. Hal would like nothing better than to pilot a space ship, firstly because it's always been a fantasy and secondly so that he can get away from his dead end job and his sadistic supervisor.
Hal Spacejock is no Captain Kirk or Han Solo. (Yes, yes, I know. I just mixed Star Trek and Star Wars.) But our hero's exploits are exciting and funny, even if they are not totally legal. This is one series I would love to continue.
Hal Spacejock is no Captain Kirk or Han Solo. (Yes, yes, I know. I just mixed Star Trek and Star Wars.) But our hero's exploits are exciting and funny, even if they are not totally legal. This is one series I would love to continue.
September 16, 2020
Funny, light, enjoyable. I read it all with a smile on my face. 😃
September 13, 2020
This book had me smiling and laughing all the way through. It's a great start to a brilliant series!
Hal Spacejock is a classic case of a man with no hope in his future. A man whose life is made up of bad days back to back.
He works in a spaceport, moving cargo from warehouse to ship and back again, and he does it manually. He is the last human working for the spaceport, which is otherwise run completely by robots of all types. Hal is aware that robots can do his job faster, more efficiently and never need to stop. The only reason he is still employed by the spaceport is because of a clause in the law which states that at least one human must be employed there.
Hal has a seriously sadistic robot for a boss. A boss who torments, and abuses Hal as much as possible in order that he will mess up and can be fired, which happens a lot.
However, Hal has dreams, dreams that include having a spaceship of his own, and flying away from this horrible world he lives in. Of course he has no chance of getting those dreams to come true. Because Hal has no money to buy a spaceship; he doesn't know how to fly a spaceship; he has no idea how to navigate through space; nor how to perform an Interstellar jump. So basically that's it in a nutshell. He will never do any better in life than be tormented by his boss.
Sadly, Hal is also way behind on his rent and has no money for food. It's safe to say that his life is only one step above absolute rock bottom. But due to the kindness of his elderly, human landlord, to whom he owes a couple of weeks worth of rent, Hal at least has somewhere to live.
One evening, after a particularly bad day at work; Hal gets home to find his neighbour in tears, with her suitcase in hand saying there is a new landlord and that she was thrown out because she was behind on her rent and couldn't pay. Hal, being a kind hearted soul, offers her a space in his place to stay till they can figure something out together.
That evening, the new landlord; a one armed, ex military robot; comes knocking and saying that she wants the overdue rent that night, and she won't take no for an answer.
That meeting with the one armed robot, would change Hal's life. Suddenly all his fears for the future are changed; and he must embark on an entirely new life which will not only affect himself but his neighbour as well.
This story was a really great read! Hal is a really fun character, and he gets into some really exciting scrapes. He is teamed up with his neighbour, the rent collecting robot, and an elderly gentleman whom Hal had aided when two thugs attacked him at the spaceport.
I adored this series when I first read it years ago, but this book Zero wasn't around back then so it's great for me to be able to find out more about Hal's past. This is by far my favourite comedy SciFi story and I think it's the start of a brilliant series that once you've read it, it's never forgotten.
Hal Spacejock is a classic case of a man with no hope in his future. A man whose life is made up of bad days back to back.
He works in a spaceport, moving cargo from warehouse to ship and back again, and he does it manually. He is the last human working for the spaceport, which is otherwise run completely by robots of all types. Hal is aware that robots can do his job faster, more efficiently and never need to stop. The only reason he is still employed by the spaceport is because of a clause in the law which states that at least one human must be employed there.
Hal has a seriously sadistic robot for a boss. A boss who torments, and abuses Hal as much as possible in order that he will mess up and can be fired, which happens a lot.
However, Hal has dreams, dreams that include having a spaceship of his own, and flying away from this horrible world he lives in. Of course he has no chance of getting those dreams to come true. Because Hal has no money to buy a spaceship; he doesn't know how to fly a spaceship; he has no idea how to navigate through space; nor how to perform an Interstellar jump. So basically that's it in a nutshell. He will never do any better in life than be tormented by his boss.
Sadly, Hal is also way behind on his rent and has no money for food. It's safe to say that his life is only one step above absolute rock bottom. But due to the kindness of his elderly, human landlord, to whom he owes a couple of weeks worth of rent, Hal at least has somewhere to live.
One evening, after a particularly bad day at work; Hal gets home to find his neighbour in tears, with her suitcase in hand saying there is a new landlord and that she was thrown out because she was behind on her rent and couldn't pay. Hal, being a kind hearted soul, offers her a space in his place to stay till they can figure something out together.
That evening, the new landlord; a one armed, ex military robot; comes knocking and saying that she wants the overdue rent that night, and she won't take no for an answer.
That meeting with the one armed robot, would change Hal's life. Suddenly all his fears for the future are changed; and he must embark on an entirely new life which will not only affect himself but his neighbour as well.
This story was a really great read! Hal is a really fun character, and he gets into some really exciting scrapes. He is teamed up with his neighbour, the rent collecting robot, and an elderly gentleman whom Hal had aided when two thugs attacked him at the spaceport.
I adored this series when I first read it years ago, but this book Zero wasn't around back then so it's great for me to be able to find out more about Hal's past. This is by far my favourite comedy SciFi story and I think it's the start of a brilliant series that once you've read it, it's never forgotten.
July 23, 2020
Hal wins again, despite himself.
I absolutely loved this book. It is always great to read a sci-fi story with a comedic approach, and this author manages to do it better than most. This is the second of his books I have read, and neither disappoints. They are humorous, actually believable, and well crafted.
This one is a prequel to the mains series, and tells the story of how Hal, a down and out and inveterate loser, manages to get his own spaceship, despite having everyone out to get him, and despite the fact that he does not actually know how to fly a spaceship.
All praise to Simon Hayes*****
PS I think I worked for that boss of his at some stage in the past!!!
I absolutely loved this book. It is always great to read a sci-fi story with a comedic approach, and this author manages to do it better than most. This is the second of his books I have read, and neither disappoints. They are humorous, actually believable, and well crafted.
This one is a prequel to the mains series, and tells the story of how Hal, a down and out and inveterate loser, manages to get his own spaceship, despite having everyone out to get him, and despite the fact that he does not actually know how to fly a spaceship.
All praise to Simon Hayes*****
PS I think I worked for that boss of his at some stage in the past!!!
October 26, 2020
This is my first time reading anything by Simon Haynes, and it didn't disappoint. Zero is a prequel to the main Hal series, and it does a good job of setting up the titular character. It's short, but well written, and contains some good British humour, which reminds me of the Space Team series, but not quite as slapstick.
Overall, this was free on Kindle, and has certainly made me interested in reading more in the series.
Worth giving a go
Overall, this was free on Kindle, and has certainly made me interested in reading more in the series.
Worth giving a go
January 31, 2021
A fun book.
Hal lives and works on a planet where the robots despise the humans and people get employed just to meet quotas. Life is difficult - to keep his job, he even has to agree to work another month for free. Is that really a job?
That sounds grim but the book is very light and entertaining.
Hal lives and works on a planet where the robots despise the humans and people get employed just to meet quotas. Life is difficult - to keep his job, he even has to agree to work another month for free. Is that really a job?
That sounds grim but the book is very light and entertaining.
July 7, 2020
I love this series! This is where it begins. Hal is a bumbling idiot want to be space pilot , Clunk is his loveable salvaged robot who keeps everything straight and tries to keep Hal out of trouble; but their always in trouble! Entertaining,fun to read and funny. A joy to read!!!!
October 11, 2020
:)
I saw this for free and decided to give it a try. I am glad I did. The beginning was a little slow but it picked up and the end had me giggling. I will be getting the rest of the series.
I saw this for free and decided to give it a try. I am glad I did. The beginning was a little slow but it picked up and the end had me giggling. I will be getting the rest of the series.
October 22, 2020
Good Story, leadup for a series!!! You will enjoy the characters involved. The First Robot in the is named Bandit. And the dream of Owning a Spaceship by Hal Spacejock is fulfilled by a broken down Rocket named the Grey Grannet. Good Read, Santa Mike.
January 6, 2021
Hal lugs cargo at a spaceport entirely 'manned' by robots. He really wants to be a pilot some day. Stuff happens. Rapidly.
Love the characters. This is slightly reminiscent of Bill, The Galactic Hero by Harry Harrison.
Love the characters. This is slightly reminiscent of Bill, The Galactic Hero by Harry Harrison.
March 14, 2021
What a ride!
I don't know how any one person could come up with this! Got me right after the first page. This is a real treat......Already on second book.three main characters and and an old recluse maker for a rousing good space ride.😎
I don't know how any one person could come up with this! Got me right after the first page. This is a real treat......Already on second book.three main characters and and an old recluse maker for a rousing good space ride.😎
June 12, 2021
Every Series, needs a Prequel...
And, WHAT... A prequile, it is...
With action, excitement, humor... And more...
So... Read Zero... Then, dive into the Rest of the series...
You, won't be disappointed!!!
And, WHAT... A prequile, it is...
With action, excitement, humor... And more...
So... Read Zero... Then, dive into the Rest of the series...
You, won't be disappointed!!!
July 27, 2023
Excellent!
Really nice to read about Hal Spacejock's debuts! It explains a lot about why he's so... himself! Better to read after the 10th of the series, as there isn't no new book for the last 3 years.
Really nice to read about Hal Spacejock's debuts! It explains a lot about why he's so... himself! Better to read after the 10th of the series, as there isn't no new book for the last 3 years.
July 4, 2020
Fun read
120% fun start to finish. Funny and silly but also with serious depth.
If you like comedy and/or scifi then it's a must read.
120% fun start to finish. Funny and silly but also with serious depth.
If you like comedy and/or scifi then it's a must read.
July 22, 2020
Review
Excellent book with a very good storyline.The characters were outstanding and very interesting. Loved this book and I am looking forward to the next book.
Excellent book with a very good storyline.The characters were outstanding and very interesting. Loved this book and I am looking forward to the next book.
October 30, 2020
Space or bust.q
Author freebie. Prequel to a popular series. Explains how hal spacejock started with nothing. A future where robots outrank humans is quite possible.
Author freebie. Prequel to a popular series. Explains how hal spacejock started with nothing. A future where robots outrank humans is quite possible.
November 22, 2020
You gotta laugh!
I did and haven't stopped yet. I love this series and am glad to read this prequel to it. A fan!
I did and haven't stopped yet. I love this series and am glad to read this prequel to it. A fan!
April 27, 2021
Quick fun read, Haynes never fails to deliver a good read.
May 4, 2021
Lots of fun
A great introduction to the series and a bundle of fun from start to finish. A great way to spend an hour or two
A great introduction to the series and a bundle of fun from start to finish. A great way to spend an hour or two
June 3, 2021
Must read if a spacejock fan
This is the prequel to the Hal Spacejock series, it is a must read.
Hopefully there will be additional books added to series
This is the prequel to the Hal Spacejock series, it is a must read.
Hopefully there will be additional books added to series
July 8, 2021
Entertaining
Entertaining and fresh. I took an interest in the characters. They all are barely getting by so you want them to catch a break which they do as the impossible team.
Entertaining and fresh. I took an interest in the characters. They all are barely getting by so you want them to catch a break which they do as the impossible team.
November 13, 2021
Action packed start to the series
January 9, 2022
Funny and exciting
Great story with interesting characters who come to life and leaves you hoping they escape successfully to a new life on another planet.
Great story with interesting characters who come to life and leaves you hoping they escape successfully to a new life on another planet.
January 15, 2022
Science Fiction but with a difference.
I think all of the characters in this book are brilliant, including the robot who helps fly the ship : )
I think all of the characters in this book are brilliant, including the robot who helps fly the ship : )
March 22, 2022
Good fun
I really enjoyed the book, funny and crazy at times, nor prefect in the tech side but good characters, I love the idea of the robots software in the ship😎😎
I really enjoyed the book, funny and crazy at times, nor prefect in the tech side but good characters, I love the idea of the robots software in the ship😎😎
August 23, 2025
Fun read
I very much enjoyed this story. I hope there are other stories with space jock. I can imagine there are more adventures.
I very much enjoyed this story. I hope there are other stories with space jock. I can imagine there are more adventures.
January 10, 2026
GreAt fun read
Enjoyed this book liked the characters, it's loggerheads rather than full on comical but looking forward to trying more in the series.
Enjoyed this book liked the characters, it's loggerheads rather than full on comical but looking forward to trying more in the series.
February 26, 2023
I have been a follower of Simon Haynes for years, but knew him for his software and never read any of his works. I decided that it was time to give it a go and I'm pleasantly surprised!
A very enjoyable and funny tale and I'm excited to read more of his works!
A very enjoyable and funny tale and I'm excited to read more of his works!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews