SPACE HOBOS

by Justin Fulkerson

A galactic adventure rife with cultural relevance in today’s political and social media driven climate, Space Hobos launches the reader into a plausible sci-fi drama and never drops out of orbit.

Trillions of dollars behind schedule, the government and sponsoring corporations scramble to find enough manpower to finish preparing Mars for imminent colonization. Current socio-economic challenges give them the perfect opportunity to capitalize upon. A potential workforce of 600,000 homeless is at their fingertips. They make themselves champions of the homeless, forcing upon them a permanent solution to their predicament.

For quite a while the future has been bleak for Holistic Henry and Cancer Carl and it isn’t getting any better. As the government begins to round-up the homeless population for an involuntary mission to space, Henry and Carl attempt to evade capture, fleeing with acquaintances Junkie Julie, Castaway Connie and Bike Mike. But their luck quickly runs out.

Exiled to Mars, thousands of hobos must stick together in their isolation. What the rest of the world sees as opportunity for them, they see as a death sentence. When Henry learns that his estranged daughter, Lily, is terminally ill back on Earth, he races to find a way to return home. Carl reveals an escape route, but it will take rebellion from all the hobos to bring it to fruition. Connie and Henry orchestrate an uprising but the powers that be see the imminent threat and attempt to quash it before it can gain momentum. Will Henry and his friends survive not only the harsh living conditions of Mars but live long enough to see their revolution become a reality?

287 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 5, 2021

About the author

At the tender and susceptible age of twelve, a switch flipped in Justin Fulkerson's mind. The sterile logic of Isaac Asimov's science fiction gave way to the visceral terrors lurking within the pages of Stephen King. This wasn't just a change in reading habits; it was a permanent scarring of his outlook, a "consequence" his mind has suffered—and savored—ever since.

Born five decades ago in the sun-baked dust of Lubbock, Texas, Fulkerson exists in the liminal space between everyday life and the shadows that fuel his narratives. He navigates the working world by day, while the rest of his time is dedicated to channeling the darkness onto the page.

Married to his wife, Mary Ellen, for twenty-five years, they share a life and two "crazy children"—a term that, in the context of his work, takes on a deliciously unsettling double meaning. A native Texan determined to prove that intelligence can thrive even in the most unforgiving landscapes, Fulkerson invites readers to step into the world through his twisted lens—if they dare.

Reviews

[Kimberly W · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m reviewing this sci fi as horror fan and through the lens of a member of the formerly unhoused, this story feels somewhat post apocalyptic in a way that only homelessness feels. It’s also terrifying because of the whole notion that homeless people might find themselves on a different planet, against their will. As the story goes on, it might feel a little convoluted but then you think about our reality and suddenly realize, this is commentary. Once you realize that, the story gets really interesting and uncomfortably real.

These people who are forced to colonize Mars are interesting and solidly fleshed out. The dialogue is good and sometimes funny. The characters feel real which is necessary to connect with them and feel the weight of their struggle.

Expect some twists and expect some of this to feel familiar, given the current climate we’re all living in. It’s thought provoking and I read it twice, might need to read it again, so much about this is good but painfully real. I wish the end didn’t feel so abrupt but even that seems right, even if I didn’t like it.

This is horror in a different form, not like escapism horror which is a big reason I like horror. But horror because so much of it feels true, wrong and unjust. How do you protect yourself from a monster that is a system totally out of control? This is sci fi but it might be the most terrifying kind of horror.

[Marielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I usually like the beginning of a book more than the end, but it was the other way with this one. The epilogue was awesome! It was different than other sci-fi books, but now I see the author writes other genres. I always appreciate a unique focus. It was only hard to identify with the “bad guys” and their actions, and I never liked a story with a clear villain. There is something relatable to the characters in the beginning even if I personally did not feel too invested in any of them. There were many names to keep track of. I would also have liked more mystery building, before it suddenly surprises you. That said, the story was fairly predictable, and it was no page turner for me. But I did hang on, and was rewarded at the end. I also like the book cover, it correlates.

[Dawn Petersen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A 4 only because I was in the mood for satire.
If you enjoyed Don't Look Up you would like this as well.
Plus all the Einstein quotes.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Space Hobos

This story was quite thought-provoking, it has interesting characters that live in this world. The incorporation of some current events into the story was a surprise but it was good that the author brought them into the story.

[Laurel · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting story. I can totally see the events that unfold occurring in our current society, sadly. I enjoyed the story, but marked down to 3 stars for the abrupt ending.