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Max and the Multiverse #2
Max and the Snoodlecock
Max’s misadventure through the multiverse continues, this time with more snark. Ross, Zoey, and Perra return for another wild romp, along with several new faces that only a mother could love.
Having survived a perilous plunge into a lawless underworld, Max emerged as an unlikely hero and secured his spot as the spaceship intern. He and the crew swing by a colossal station for resupply, only to be targeted by unknown assailants.
The resulting shenanigans take them to a roaming planet inside a creepy nebula inhabited by one of the strangest beings in the known universe.
Having survived a perilous plunge into a lawless underworld, Max emerged as an unlikely hero and secured his spot as the spaceship intern. He and the crew swing by a colossal station for resupply, only to be targeted by unknown assailants.
The resulting shenanigans take them to a roaming planet inside a creepy nebula inhabited by one of the strangest beings in the known universe.
Kindle Edition
Published November 13, 2017
58 people are currently reading
386 people want to read
About the author
Zachry Wheeler
30 books181 followersZachry Wheeler is an award-winning science fiction author. His many interests include photon hunting, full-contact chess, and vertical wit. He lives on Earth with his wife and cats. Learn more at ZachryWheeler.com, where you can join his email list and receive a FREE limited edition eBook.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 24, 2018
Holy smokes! Wheeler is the funniest living author I’ve read. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind the caveat, since the late Douglas Adams is a favorite of Wheeler’s. I know this because I’m a fanboy who interviewed Zachry twice for Science Fantasy Hub’s video blog. I may ask for another interview when I need to laugh again!
Wow. I love parallel dimensions, even though I’m not entirely convinced that they are real. Mostly because Butterfly Effect was frustrating. Kutcher is hunky, don’t get me wrong, I’m just too thrifty to believe reality duplicates itself every time I make a decision. I’m seriously cheap. So cheap, in fact, that I take free paperbacks from the Little Library box at the park even though I’ve got about fifty books I need to read already on my shelf! Ohh, the tantalizing yellowed pages. Irresistible.
Anyhow, Phil is a new and hilarious character. However, I would loathe to actually meeting him. He’s “handsy” to borrow an expression from my toddler’s daycare lady. I don’t like being touched, with three exceptions. One, friends and family can briefly shake my hand or hug me, briefly. Two, my wife (no need to elaborate). Three, martial arts- we can touch if I get to hit you or strangle you. My chiropractor is the only exception because I categorized his craft as a helpful form of Jui Jitsu. I recently strained a bunch of muscles in my back and couldn’t bring myself to a masseuse. Touching… Yuck.
Max runs afoul of a super nerd society in the second book of this series. Many of them are even more quirky than your favorite book reviewer. I’d better be your favorite, see third exception above! Buy this and all of Wheeler’s books right away, then check out his interviews at the ‘Hub.
Wow. I love parallel dimensions, even though I’m not entirely convinced that they are real. Mostly because Butterfly Effect was frustrating. Kutcher is hunky, don’t get me wrong, I’m just too thrifty to believe reality duplicates itself every time I make a decision. I’m seriously cheap. So cheap, in fact, that I take free paperbacks from the Little Library box at the park even though I’ve got about fifty books I need to read already on my shelf! Ohh, the tantalizing yellowed pages. Irresistible.
Anyhow, Phil is a new and hilarious character. However, I would loathe to actually meeting him. He’s “handsy” to borrow an expression from my toddler’s daycare lady. I don’t like being touched, with three exceptions. One, friends and family can briefly shake my hand or hug me, briefly. Two, my wife (no need to elaborate). Three, martial arts- we can touch if I get to hit you or strangle you. My chiropractor is the only exception because I categorized his craft as a helpful form of Jui Jitsu. I recently strained a bunch of muscles in my back and couldn’t bring myself to a masseuse. Touching… Yuck.
Max runs afoul of a super nerd society in the second book of this series. Many of them are even more quirky than your favorite book reviewer. I’d better be your favorite, see third exception above! Buy this and all of Wheeler’s books right away, then check out his interviews at the ‘Hub.
December 4, 2017
I enjoyed this book as much as the first. The characters are likable and are well rounded. I don't normally go in for the HItchhiker's Guide type of story since it tends to feel a bit superficial, but this actually was far better than that because it has some real depth (and several good belly laughs as well).
I won't give away any of the details, but the end of this story leaves you REALLY wanting to read book three... and four, and five.
Hurry up, Mr. Wheeler. I am watching you with intent now.
I won't give away any of the details, but the end of this story leaves you REALLY wanting to read book three... and four, and five.
Hurry up, Mr. Wheeler. I am watching you with intent now.
February 10, 2018
"Max and the Snoodlecock" did something that I didn't think was possible--it made me laugh out loud more than "Max and the Multiverse" did. Zachry Wheeler's wry observations on nerd culture (in the form of the Suth'ra) clearly comes from a place of deep understanding and affection. But it was the depiction of a brilliant-but-emotionally-needy brain-sack that left me on the floor, tears of laughter flowing. "Snoodlecock" ends with a great suspenseful note that has me impatiently awaiting the next book. Well done, Mr. Wheeler! Now get back to work and write that next book!
June 11, 2018
Probably the most insane (in a good way) book I've read. I enjoyed following this ragtag group of misfits on their journey in this installment. I know the name of book is Snoodlecock, but I think Phil stole the show. Definitely my favorite character. I recommend this for anyone who wants a break from the routine sci-fi and wants a near carefree adventure chock full of humor.
February 18, 2019
What is there to say about Max and the Snoodlecock? I mean, other than the fact that Snoodlecock is such a cool word to say. Try it out, Snoodlecock....no, no...longer on the "O", draw it out...yes, like that.
Okay, beyond really cool made up words, book two of the Max and the Multiverse is another exciting, fun-filled romp through the imagination of one of the best humorous sci-fi writers of our times (that would be Zach). Don't believe me, well, then we can agree to disagree or decide to duel. I have my spacesuit glove and I'm not afraid to call you out. I choose star-killing lasers at 10 parsecs.
In book 2, Max and gang (the cool, pragmatic Zoey and the unflappable Perra, and the snarky and very indifferent Ross) make a pit stop to resupply their ship. While there they are suddenly and ruthlessly attacked by an unknown assassin, and are saved by the help of the a fore mentioned Snoodlecock. As the group high-tail it out of there they decide to lay low in the one place in the universe guaranteed to offer safety, since most other intelligent life avoids Phil's Place like the plague. But all is not well, and Max is kidnapped by a mysterious group. It's up to Zoey, Perra, Ross, and the Snoodlecock named Steve to try and save Max.
My synopsis really doesn't do this book justice, because I really want to tell you about (SPOILERS) and about (SPOILERS) and how funny, and entertaining the entire (SPOILERS) was. Let's just say that this book is a lot of fun to read. Max continues to experience a new reality every time he falls asleep, some better than the rest, and the (SPOILERS) at the end is quite an interesting turn. But for me, the character that really stands out in this book is Phil, a giant blob of a creature who is so isolated that the mere thought of physical contact with another lifeform sends Phil into orgasmic bliss. Phil is a fun bundle of crazy, and he really makes this book stand out.
So why are you still reading this and not getting your copy of Max and the Snoodlecock (no, no...draw out the "O" like I said earlier, that's better)? You will be happy you did.
Okay, beyond really cool made up words, book two of the Max and the Multiverse is another exciting, fun-filled romp through the imagination of one of the best humorous sci-fi writers of our times (that would be Zach). Don't believe me, well, then we can agree to disagree or decide to duel. I have my spacesuit glove and I'm not afraid to call you out. I choose star-killing lasers at 10 parsecs.
In book 2, Max and gang (the cool, pragmatic Zoey and the unflappable Perra, and the snarky and very indifferent Ross) make a pit stop to resupply their ship. While there they are suddenly and ruthlessly attacked by an unknown assassin, and are saved by the help of the a fore mentioned Snoodlecock. As the group high-tail it out of there they decide to lay low in the one place in the universe guaranteed to offer safety, since most other intelligent life avoids Phil's Place like the plague. But all is not well, and Max is kidnapped by a mysterious group. It's up to Zoey, Perra, Ross, and the Snoodlecock named Steve to try and save Max.
My synopsis really doesn't do this book justice, because I really want to tell you about (SPOILERS) and about (SPOILERS) and how funny, and entertaining the entire (SPOILERS) was. Let's just say that this book is a lot of fun to read. Max continues to experience a new reality every time he falls asleep, some better than the rest, and the (SPOILERS) at the end is quite an interesting turn. But for me, the character that really stands out in this book is Phil, a giant blob of a creature who is so isolated that the mere thought of physical contact with another lifeform sends Phil into orgasmic bliss. Phil is a fun bundle of crazy, and he really makes this book stand out.
So why are you still reading this and not getting your copy of Max and the Snoodlecock (no, no...draw out the "O" like I said earlier, that's better)? You will be happy you did.
May 7, 2021
Max and the Multiverse is a sci-fi comedy series about a bumbling nerd who shifts between parallel universes whenever he falls asleep.
Max and the Snoodlecock is book two in the series and follows our ragtag group of misfits through another wild adventure. Joining them on this romp is a disco chicken named Steve and a fan-favorite character named Phil. I can't say much about him without ruining the fun, but let's just say that Phil is as harmless as he is handsy.
My one and only disclaimer would be that Max and the Multiverse is a satire above all else. Many characters and settings are hyper-parodied to poke fun at genre tropes. In fact, the entire series can be viewed as Russell Crowe in a clown suit shouting "Are you not entertained?!"
But if you do have a burning question, please feel free to contact me at ZachryWheeler.com. This series is all about parallel universes, where anything can be explained with a needlessly extravagant backstory. I love hearing from happy readers and answering those questions is the most fun I have as an author.
Max and the Snoodlecock is book two in the series and follows our ragtag group of misfits through another wild adventure. Joining them on this romp is a disco chicken named Steve and a fan-favorite character named Phil. I can't say much about him without ruining the fun, but let's just say that Phil is as harmless as he is handsy.
My one and only disclaimer would be that Max and the Multiverse is a satire above all else. Many characters and settings are hyper-parodied to poke fun at genre tropes. In fact, the entire series can be viewed as Russell Crowe in a clown suit shouting "Are you not entertained?!"
But if you do have a burning question, please feel free to contact me at ZachryWheeler.com. This series is all about parallel universes, where anything can be explained with a needlessly extravagant backstory. I love hearing from happy readers and answering those questions is the most fun I have as an author.
February 19, 2018
Another crazy adventure for Max, Ross the cyber cat, and Zoey and Perra, the lesbian Mulgawats. This time they're joined by Steve the Snoodlecock. Well, he's really a Yarnwal. And there's Phil. And the Suth'ra. Recommended for those who enjoy rollicking yarns.
March 28, 2021
3.5 stars
I would say this is an adventure book in the style of Douglas Adams quirky humorous Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy. But not as good. It has some great moments and other times it just falls a bit flat. Sometimes it feels like the same joke over and over. There’s lots of poking fun at nerds and geeks and bits of pop culture referenced too which can be fun. New characters are introduced which adds interest, but there’s not much character development going on for the central characters of the original story.
This second book is not as good as the first for me. This style of novel is very hard to succeed with, but the author manages it much of the time.
The ending has annoyed me - I disliked the cliffhanger ending very much.
I would say this is an adventure book in the style of Douglas Adams quirky humorous Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy. But not as good. It has some great moments and other times it just falls a bit flat. Sometimes it feels like the same joke over and over. There’s lots of poking fun at nerds and geeks and bits of pop culture referenced too which can be fun. New characters are introduced which adds interest, but there’s not much character development going on for the central characters of the original story.
This second book is not as good as the first for me. This style of novel is very hard to succeed with, but the author manages it much of the time.
The ending has annoyed me - I disliked the cliffhanger ending very much.
June 13, 2021
After a promising start in book 1-which honestly is really just the first 3rd of book 1-this series isn't amounting to much. If you've ever played Sierra Online's Space Quest series, the jokes are very much in that vein. I'll likely finish this series out as I am interested in seeing where it goes. And, while its comedy is often overly repetitive and rote, this was not a book that engendered rage in me. It's SYFY (or Sci-Fi) on Saturday afternoon. Will I remember much of this series when I'm done? Most likely not. But, it's just passable enough to scratch my sci-fi itch.
March 28, 2019
Really fun read, not a fan of the cliffhanger
February 4, 2020
A fun read ... Truly a guilty Pleasure
I have been enjoying the shenanigans of Max and Ross as they explore the multiverse.in a hitchhiker guide sort of way .
I have been enjoying the shenanigans of Max and Ross as they explore the multiverse.in a hitchhiker guide sort of way .
February 11, 2022
Another fun airplane read
Another fun airplane read. not literature, but diverting none the less first two should get you to LA. Enough with the words already
Another fun airplane read. not literature, but diverting none the less first two should get you to LA. Enough with the words already
March 4, 2023
A good second in a series and continues all the fun. The chicken was a bit odd! So was Phil!
June 12, 2024
Tim be praised
This is the second book of the series and was as good as the first. The combination of a Snoodlecock and a cybernetic cat can't be beat. Along with the hapless Max.
This is the second book of the series and was as good as the first. The combination of a Snoodlecock and a cybernetic cat can't be beat. Along with the hapless Max.
June 25, 2024
Solid sequel, looking forward to more Max and Ross shenanigans in the next one!
November 23, 2024
Shenanigans ensue
Max as the misfit in a band of misfits finds more adventure. We meet some very different aliens, see some procedural tensions in the Suth'ra, and get a cliffhanger from Ross.
This isn't great literature; it is fun reading to sit down to at the end of the day. It has no illusions but is very enjoyable in its niche.
Max as the misfit in a band of misfits finds more adventure. We meet some very different aliens, see some procedural tensions in the Suth'ra, and get a cliffhanger from Ross.
This isn't great literature; it is fun reading to sit down to at the end of the day. It has no illusions but is very enjoyable in its niche.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews