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Starship Teapot #1
The Left Hand of Dog
Escaping intergalactic kidnappers has never been quite so ridiculous.
When Lem and her faithful dog, Spock, retreat from the city for a few days of hiking in Algonquin Park, the last thing they expect is to be kidnapped by aliens. No, scratch that. The last thing they expect is to be kidnapped by a bunch of strangely adorable intergalactic bounty hunters aboard a ship called the Teapot.
After Lem falls in with an unlikely group of allies – including a talking horse, a sarcastic robot, an overly anxious giant parrot, and a cloud of sentient glitter gas – the gang must devise a cunning plan to escape their captors and make it back home safely.
But things won’t be as easy as they first seem. Lost in deep space and running out of fuel, this chaotic crew are faced with the daunting task of navigating an alien planet, breaking into a space station, and discovering the real reason they’re all there…
Packed with preposterous scenarios, quirky characters, and oodles of humour, The Left Hand of Dog tackles complex subjects such as gender, the need to belong, and the importance of honest communication. Perfect for fans of Charlie Jane Anders’ Victories Greater than Death – especially ones who enjoy endless references to Red Dwarf, Star Trek, and Doctor Who. This book will show you that the universe is a very strange place indeed.
When Lem and her faithful dog, Spock, retreat from the city for a few days of hiking in Algonquin Park, the last thing they expect is to be kidnapped by aliens. No, scratch that. The last thing they expect is to be kidnapped by a bunch of strangely adorable intergalactic bounty hunters aboard a ship called the Teapot.
After Lem falls in with an unlikely group of allies – including a talking horse, a sarcastic robot, an overly anxious giant parrot, and a cloud of sentient glitter gas – the gang must devise a cunning plan to escape their captors and make it back home safely.
But things won’t be as easy as they first seem. Lost in deep space and running out of fuel, this chaotic crew are faced with the daunting task of navigating an alien planet, breaking into a space station, and discovering the real reason they’re all there…
Packed with preposterous scenarios, quirky characters, and oodles of humour, The Left Hand of Dog tackles complex subjects such as gender, the need to belong, and the importance of honest communication. Perfect for fans of Charlie Jane Anders’ Victories Greater than Death – especially ones who enjoy endless references to Red Dwarf, Star Trek, and Doctor Who. This book will show you that the universe is a very strange place indeed.
206 pages, Paperback
First published August 17, 2021
119 people are currently reading
984 people want to read
About the author
Si Clarke
16 books107 followersSI CLARKE is a misanthrope who lives in Deptford, sarf ees London. She shares her home with her partner and an assortment of waifs and strays. When not writing convoluted, inefficient stories, she spends her time telling financial services firms to behave more efficiently. When not doing either of those things, she can be found in the pub or shouting at people online – occasionally practising efficiency by doing both at once.
As someone who’s neurodivergent, an immigrant, and the proud owner of an invisible disability, she strives to present a diverse array of characters in her stories.
As someone who’s neurodivergent, an immigrant, and the proud owner of an invisible disability, she strives to present a diverse array of characters in her stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 168 reviews
November 10, 2021
3.5 Stars
What would you do if you woke up after being abducted by adorable bunny bounty hunters who have charged your beloved dog with a crime and are bringing her and other accused aliens to be judged? Well, Lem is for sure in a pickle, but good thing alien tech allows her to not only communicate with her dog but forge bonds with her fellow inmates as well.
So yes, as per the blurb, Lem teams up with a humanoid horse, a parrot physician, a sentient gaseous entity, and a non stop swearing robot to get them out of their sticky situation and all safely home.
Slightly reminiscent in the spirit of Lyn Gala’s works in how human nature is dissected and commented on when contrasted with other alien species, this had some humor (FYI, there’s no romance) and great shoutouts to sci-fi pop culture that we all so lovingly love. Add a very diverse cast that is wholly representative and this was an entertaining space adventurous ride!
What would you do if you woke up after being abducted by adorable bunny bounty hunters who have charged your beloved dog with a crime and are bringing her and other accused aliens to be judged? Well, Lem is for sure in a pickle, but good thing alien tech allows her to not only communicate with her dog but forge bonds with her fellow inmates as well.
So yes, as per the blurb, Lem teams up with a humanoid horse, a parrot physician, a sentient gaseous entity, and a non stop swearing robot to get them out of their sticky situation and all safely home.
Slightly reminiscent in the spirit of Lyn Gala’s works in how human nature is dissected and commented on when contrasted with other alien species, this had some humor (FYI, there’s no romance) and great shoutouts to sci-fi pop culture that we all so lovingly love. Add a very diverse cast that is wholly representative and this was an entertaining space adventurous ride!
March 10, 2022
This light hearted space adventure is just plain fun. While many books in this genre ponder gender and the friendship between species, this one feels fresh. Truly - what WOULD aliens think about the relationship between humans and dogs? 4.5 stars.
August 4, 2021
This book is ridiculous in the best ways. When you know you are in for a silly ride and get just that, it’s fun.
It’s a bit over the top and some things are a bit too much and weird, I’d say not coherent, but just role with it and enjoy it for its weirdness.
Do you know the movie Idiocracy? This book gives me a bit of the same feelings and you just have to roll with the ridiculousness.
There are some things that make this book a bit hard to read, it’s mostly in the dialogue with the AI translations. I understand it’s part of the whole vibe of this book, but it’s a lot to deal with.
It’s fun enough if you can just roll with it, 3 stars.
*ARC received in exchange for a voluntary and honest review*
It’s a bit over the top and some things are a bit too much and weird, I’d say not coherent, but just role with it and enjoy it for its weirdness.
Do you know the movie Idiocracy? This book gives me a bit of the same feelings and you just have to roll with the ridiculousness.
There are some things that make this book a bit hard to read, it’s mostly in the dialogue with the AI translations. I understand it’s part of the whole vibe of this book, but it’s a lot to deal with.
It’s fun enough if you can just roll with it, 3 stars.
*ARC received in exchange for a voluntary and honest review*
March 13, 2025
Well, this was definitely an extremely silly tale of alien abduction, but it just didn't speak to me. There were elements that made me smile, such as the quest for unobtainium to crystallize the dilithium crystals, but in general I'm not sure that I was the target audience. I did enjoy the dog Spock, however, and some of the alien species and their odd ball personalities.
August 28, 2021
I actually adored this book, it's so good! Check out my review HERE!
Delightful, challenging, fun, hilarious, weird, silly, light, adventurous
Left Hand of Dog is wonderfully charming and beautifully weird. I’ve read and adored SI Clarke’s Livid Skies, so when she reached out to me to read this I was immensely excited. This book still blew me away. I can’t stop thinking about how delightful this book is. It is exactly what I needed!
Quick Summary: Lem and her dog, Spock, have been kidnapped by aliens. Though no one would have chosen Lem to be humanity’s first contact with aliens, it looks like humanity’s doesn’t get to choose. Through a series of hilarious and charming events, Lem and Spock must band together with the others who have been kidnapped to find their way back home. Packed with preposterous scenarios, quirky characters, and oodles of humour, The Left Hand of Dog tackles complex subjects such as gender, the need to belong, and the importance of honest communication.
Left Hand of Dog is not only hilarious and light, but compelling and challenging. This book has taught me that speculative fiction can absolutely be incredibly weird and still make a valuable statement. Progress can happen even if we don’t take ourselves too seriously, because that can burn us out. I’m so impressed with the way SI Clarke was able to keep a light and humorous mood but still challenge our thinking on so many crucial topics. It was wonderful!
Bookish Brews | Twitter | Pinterest | Tumblr | Facebook
Delightful, challenging, fun, hilarious, weird, silly, light, adventurous
Left Hand of Dog is wonderfully charming and beautifully weird. I’ve read and adored SI Clarke’s Livid Skies, so when she reached out to me to read this I was immensely excited. This book still blew me away. I can’t stop thinking about how delightful this book is. It is exactly what I needed!
Quick Summary: Lem and her dog, Spock, have been kidnapped by aliens. Though no one would have chosen Lem to be humanity’s first contact with aliens, it looks like humanity’s doesn’t get to choose. Through a series of hilarious and charming events, Lem and Spock must band together with the others who have been kidnapped to find their way back home. Packed with preposterous scenarios, quirky characters, and oodles of humour, The Left Hand of Dog tackles complex subjects such as gender, the need to belong, and the importance of honest communication.
Left Hand of Dog is not only hilarious and light, but compelling and challenging. This book has taught me that speculative fiction can absolutely be incredibly weird and still make a valuable statement. Progress can happen even if we don’t take ourselves too seriously, because that can burn us out. I’m so impressed with the way SI Clarke was able to keep a light and humorous mood but still challenge our thinking on so many crucial topics. It was wonderful!
Bookish Brews | Twitter | Pinterest | Tumblr | Facebook
May 15, 2025
this was very fun!!!! its like star trek if kirk was ace and agender (using she/her pronouns) and sorta in a relationship with scotty, who’s a horse. and bones is big bird and spock is a dog (spock is literally the dog). there’s also a mean robot and a sentient cloud cook (very nightvale). lots of silly references, very found family, and a fun plot!!! super unique too, i especially liked the worldbuilding aspect of “the translator finds words that would make alien concepts make more sense ie uses the mc’s sci-fi knowledge”. a good time and i’ll probably read the others soon!
March 24, 2023
Falls more into the category of absurd Sci-Fi than anything else. For me it felt like a cross between Farscape, Doctor Who, and other silly sci-fi tales.
The author does not waste time or energy trying to explain concepts to the reader. Instead you are expected to just go along with the ride and see where you come out. I have read a lot of heavy things these past few weeks so it was a nice relaxing change.
If you're looking for heavy science and explanations this might not be for you. It's very lighthearted and is not meant to taken seriously.
There is asexual, agender, and some light sapphic and gay representation.
The author does not waste time or energy trying to explain concepts to the reader. Instead you are expected to just go along with the ride and see where you come out. I have read a lot of heavy things these past few weeks so it was a nice relaxing change.
If you're looking for heavy science and explanations this might not be for you. It's very lighthearted and is not meant to taken seriously.
There is asexual, agender, and some light sapphic and gay representation.
January 20, 2024
Frock yeah! This is what I'm goat-ham talking about. It's some flogging good fun! Bridge, gold dam it!
February 8, 2022
I really like this book.
It's one of those books that manages to turn up the silliness to the max and in doing so also manages to make more insightful points about a few important things. It's not able to do that in spite of the silliness but because of it. Somehow. I don't get how it works either, but it does.
I think sometimes you have to treat huge things as completely ridiculous in order to make any sense of them, to be honest. Holly, our protagonist's translator AI (think Babel fish but digital), even gives the option early on of providing as close to a literal translation as possible or making use of references and figurative thingies to render something more palatable and analogical, if not precisely technically correct or whatever; it's in the making-bizarre of things that comprehension can come, sometimes.
And Spock is the best and I love Spock.
It's one of those books that manages to turn up the silliness to the max and in doing so also manages to make more insightful points about a few important things. It's not able to do that in spite of the silliness but because of it. Somehow. I don't get how it works either, but it does.
I think sometimes you have to treat huge things as completely ridiculous in order to make any sense of them, to be honest. Holly, our protagonist's translator AI (think Babel fish but digital), even gives the option early on of providing as close to a literal translation as possible or making use of references and figurative thingies to render something more palatable and analogical, if not precisely technically correct or whatever; it's in the making-bizarre of things that comprehension can come, sometimes.
And Spock is the best and I love Spock.
February 23, 2022
I can’t even remember how/where I heard about this, but I’m so glad I did!
It’s a marvellous little escape into a mysterious world filled with wonderful characters but retaining so much heart, adventure, humour and gravity (pun intended!)
A frolicsome find
It’s a marvellous little escape into a mysterious world filled with wonderful characters but retaining so much heart, adventure, humour and gravity (pun intended!)
A frolicsome find
July 6, 2022
A delight. Very refreshing. Recommend this one. 💜
August 6, 2021
What a fun book! I got an advance review copy from BookSirens because the description sounded like a cross between Hitchhiker's Guide and Star Smashers of the Galaxy Rangers. No offense to Adams or any of his legions of fans, but I didn't find the Guide all that hilarious when I read it (okay...I admit that was 45 years ago), but I did find Harrison's send up quite funny. Clarke drops a ton of refs here -
I liked this line "She seems to be coming around now, though these readings are meaningless to me. I’m a doctor, not a veterinarian. I’ve no idea what normal would look like for such a bizarre species." Second time I’ve come across something like that in the last month. Yeah, if you're captured by aliens, you do want a vet to take care of you.
A kidnapped earthling, a talkative horse(ish), snarky organic robot who can't swear (programming), a free-floating, full-torso, vaporous apparition (okay, a little referential liberty on my part), a feathered expert in a non-spoiled arena, and a dog named Spock on a space time adventure...what's not to like? Plus there's a much needed particular positivity that I also won't spoil.
It's a short book and I look forward to the next installment. I need to see if I can carve out time for other books from Clarke.
“Lastly, this book contains an inordinate number of geek culture references. This as an homage to all things science fiction. There are countless references to all my favourites – Star Trek, Red Dwarf, Firefly, The X-Files, Doctor Who, Battlestar Galactica, Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Babylon 5, The Expanse, etc. None of it should be read as derogatory or dismissive, nor would I ever suggest my work can take the place of anyone else’s. Please support artists and authors. This is my love song to the entire genre.”- not all of which I got, I know (haven't watched Dwarf, X-files, much of Babylon, and only a little Who) but I did catch a lot. And... I looked up one: Lem has a "Bean Me Up espresso milk stout by Fuggles & Warlock"... beer envy... now I have to go to BC.
I liked this line "She seems to be coming around now, though these readings are meaningless to me. I’m a doctor, not a veterinarian. I’ve no idea what normal would look like for such a bizarre species." Second time I’ve come across something like that in the last month. Yeah, if you're captured by aliens, you do want a vet to take care of you.
A kidnapped earthling, a talkative horse(ish), snarky organic robot who can't swear (programming), a free-floating, full-torso, vaporous apparition (okay, a little referential liberty on my part), a feathered expert in a non-spoiled arena, and a dog named Spock on a space time adventure...what's not to like? Plus there's a much needed particular positivity that I also won't spoil.
It's a short book and I look forward to the next installment. I need to see if I can carve out time for other books from Clarke.
January 24, 2022
This was a fun read, silly and sweet and great distraction from my usual fare of grimdark. As a science fiction reader since my childhood, I loved all the references to the sci-fi literature of the past. Even the character's name—Lem was a hoot. Disclaimer: I went to high school with his son ...
There's a sense of an Alice in Wonderland journey complete with the requisite imagery of teapots and large bunnies in odd settings, transforming the familiar to become wondrous. This time the journey is in space and the encounter is of alien life forms. The author brilliantly conveys this sense of discovery and even though intentionally absurd, this "first contact scenario" is an insightful study that all human encounters are essentially first contact. We have to get to know each other, each of us special and sometimes difficult to understand at first. The AI translator demonstrates this aptly ("no frame of reference"). It's a sweet and satisfying story with a sprinkling of romance. So, if you're not triggered by kidnapping, especially since they involve talking "toys" piloting spaceships, a colorful crew in peril and an adorable dog named Spock, you're sure to have fun with this lighthearted story.
There's a sense of an Alice in Wonderland journey complete with the requisite imagery of teapots and large bunnies in odd settings, transforming the familiar to become wondrous. This time the journey is in space and the encounter is of alien life forms. The author brilliantly conveys this sense of discovery and even though intentionally absurd, this "first contact scenario" is an insightful study that all human encounters are essentially first contact. We have to get to know each other, each of us special and sometimes difficult to understand at first. The AI translator demonstrates this aptly ("no frame of reference"). It's a sweet and satisfying story with a sprinkling of romance. So, if you're not triggered by kidnapping, especially since they involve talking "toys" piloting spaceships, a colorful crew in peril and an adorable dog named Spock, you're sure to have fun with this lighthearted story.
December 9, 2022
a wonderfully quirky and fun sci-fi space opera story
The premise is a Canadian and her dog are abducted by space bunnies, really cute but lethal bunnies. Preposterous, right? But oh so funny and quirky.
She has no idea why, how, or what is going on. Lem discovers that there are a few other prisoners on the spacecraft as well. Henry, a snarky robot, BB, a doctor/parrot, Bexley, a horse of sorts, Aurora, a phantasm of a gaseous nature. And I can’t forget her trusty dog companion, Spock!
This group try to find a way to escape and get back home. There are zany incredulous moments during the whole story. We meet other crazy looking creatures too. And all the while they are traversing the universe in a teapot spaceship.
I will read further adventures of this unlikely crew of misfits. If you are in need of a good-hearted but quirky and silly story, then this should fit that slot!
The premise is a Canadian and her dog are abducted by space bunnies, really cute but lethal bunnies. Preposterous, right? But oh so funny and quirky.
She has no idea why, how, or what is going on. Lem discovers that there are a few other prisoners on the spacecraft as well. Henry, a snarky robot, BB, a doctor/parrot, Bexley, a horse of sorts, Aurora, a phantasm of a gaseous nature. And I can’t forget her trusty dog companion, Spock!
This group try to find a way to escape and get back home. There are zany incredulous moments during the whole story. We meet other crazy looking creatures too. And all the while they are traversing the universe in a teapot spaceship.
I will read further adventures of this unlikely crew of misfits. If you are in need of a good-hearted but quirky and silly story, then this should fit that slot!
August 25, 2021
So, the first couple of chapters in confused is a mild word I'd use for the way I was feeling. Honestly, I wanted a can of that beer to be on the safe side. It's one of those books that you just sit back and enjoy the ride. Just don't ask any questions.
This book is weird, confusing, fun, unusual, and I nice read to distract you. I absolutely loved Spock, whats not to love.
The front page tells you its a silly tale and it is but its also fun.
If you want something different away from the norm then read this. Its like marmite you'll either love it or hate it.
Enjoy!
This book is weird, confusing, fun, unusual, and I nice read to distract you. I absolutely loved Spock, whats not to love.
The front page tells you its a silly tale and it is but its also fun.
If you want something different away from the norm then read this. Its like marmite you'll either love it or hate it.
Enjoy!
March 18, 2025
This is definitely a book that won't be for everyone, it is indeed very silly and there are some plot-holes present. But I did have a pretty good time and the book added a bit of fluff to my day when I needed it. So yeah, your mileage may wary.
Uhm... I can't find more thoughts at the moment? Maybe I just run out by writing my review to the other book I just finished. If it's so I'll be back, but this might also just suffice...
3,5⭐
BRed at WBtM: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Uhm... I can't find more thoughts at the moment? Maybe I just run out by writing my review to the other book I just finished. If it's so I'll be back, but this might also just suffice...
3,5⭐
BRed at WBtM: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
November 3, 2022
Brilliant nonsense
This was pure bliss to read. It was ridiculous and funny and absolutely out of this world. Normally I appreciate more down to earth stories, but this grabbed me from the start and I didn't stop giggling.
This was pure bliss to read. It was ridiculous and funny and absolutely out of this world. Normally I appreciate more down to earth stories, but this grabbed me from the start and I didn't stop giggling.
May 3, 2022
I love Spock so much.
January 27, 2023
I really enjoyed it. New friends, space unicorns- you just have to love it! Also, I was impressed by the description of how the relationship between Spock and Lem changed, once they had a translator. I look forward to the next, and getting to know the characters even better.
November 15, 2024
3.5 stars. Silly alien fun. A mix of The Long Way To A Small Angry Planet, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, and Doctor Who. The spaceship is literally a teapot. That's all I'll say.
January 14, 2025
Fun sci-fi - this feels like the sci-fi equivalent of Legends and Lattes (cozy fantasy that I highly recommend).
December 26, 2023
This is a fun, quirky book about a human and her dog getting kidnapped by mean, pastel colored alien rabbits who think the dog is the superior species. She has to team up with various other aliens to escape and save her dog. I giggled my way through this and enjoyed every moment.
September 20, 2021
When her dog is abducted by intergalactic bounty hunters for a crime she didn’t commit, Lem is taken along for the ride. She’d been making an effort to be more adventurous but waking up squashed into what felt like a coffin with a full-grown German Shepherd on the Starship Teapot was really taking it too far. Lem and Spock’s only hope is to join forces with a disparate group of fellow detainees and escape their ridiculously cute jailers. Can Lem and her new friends find a way to clear their names and get back home?
I really enjoyed this short, daft, and heartfelt sci-fi. On the surface it doesn’t require much heavy lifting from the reader and can be read just as an episode of welcome relief from all the stress and ills of reality. You can go deeper if you like, as the novel addresses subjects such as gender identification, self-worth, and the importance of honest relationships, but it’s not a preachy story by any means. This is to be the first of the Starship Teapot series and given the richness of the characters introduced in these mere 150-odd pages, I’m already looking forward to the next novel.
Just a heads-up – you may want a pen and paper by your side when you read this, to note down all the sci-fi film, TV, and videogame references (I found 14 shows/films/games, plus a possible nod to Teletubbies). Just in case the author is considering it, a list at the end of each book would be a nice touch.
I received an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this short, daft, and heartfelt sci-fi. On the surface it doesn’t require much heavy lifting from the reader and can be read just as an episode of welcome relief from all the stress and ills of reality. You can go deeper if you like, as the novel addresses subjects such as gender identification, self-worth, and the importance of honest relationships, but it’s not a preachy story by any means. This is to be the first of the Starship Teapot series and given the richness of the characters introduced in these mere 150-odd pages, I’m already looking forward to the next novel.
Just a heads-up – you may want a pen and paper by your side when you read this, to note down all the sci-fi film, TV, and videogame references (I found 14 shows/films/games, plus a possible nod to Teletubbies). Just in case the author is considering it, a list at the end of each book would be a nice touch.
I received an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 22, 2022
A fun, lighthearted, and hilarious space romp!
October 11, 2024
This was absolutely the book I needed to read right now. It's absurd, hilarious and all about the power of friendship! My only criticism was that it was over too quickly- good thing there are several more books in the series. Thanks, Si Clarke.
February 5, 2024
I've read this book twice by now, once two years ago and again this year for my queer bookclub since we we're looking for a trans sci-fi story.
I am very happy to have gotten around to rereading it. While I still remembered most of the plot twists, there were enough things I had forgotten to be charmed by them all over. And of course I really love Lem and Spock. Once of the biggest parts that changed for me in between my two reads is that I have consumed a lot of Star Trek since and so I could appreciate a lot of the reference in a new light and found myself even more excited by them than I did when I only knew that they were referencing something nerdy.
I really like the characters and how different they all are. Since most of the story takes place on a space ship and with a limited number of characters, I found that really important and really enjoyed the level of detail that went into each member of the crew. As the summary shows we see a lot of interesting and fascinating alien races and I really liked that.
The trans rep is wonderful and effortless (and lets be real: how often do we find transfem nonbinary characters that use she/her pronouns in media? Not very often) and I found the idea to only use she/her pronouns for every single alien interesting (which to me felt like a little nod to the left hand of darkness and I enjoyed that as well).
I also enjoyed the humor and the whimsyness of the story and I think if you are ready for a weird, funny space adventure with a sidedish of queer rep and talking dogs please check this book out!
I am very happy to have gotten around to rereading it. While I still remembered most of the plot twists, there were enough things I had forgotten to be charmed by them all over. And of course I really love Lem and Spock. Once of the biggest parts that changed for me in between my two reads is that I have consumed a lot of Star Trek since and so I could appreciate a lot of the reference in a new light and found myself even more excited by them than I did when I only knew that they were referencing something nerdy.
I really like the characters and how different they all are. Since most of the story takes place on a space ship and with a limited number of characters, I found that really important and really enjoyed the level of detail that went into each member of the crew. As the summary shows we see a lot of interesting and fascinating alien races and I really liked that.
The trans rep is wonderful and effortless (and lets be real: how often do we find transfem nonbinary characters that use she/her pronouns in media? Not very often) and I found the idea to only use she/her pronouns for every single alien interesting (which to me felt like a little nod to the left hand of darkness and I enjoyed that as well).
I also enjoyed the humor and the whimsyness of the story and I think if you are ready for a weird, funny space adventure with a sidedish of queer rep and talking dogs please check this book out!
May 4, 2022
This is a fun and imaginative sci-fi book with lots of hints to other sci-fi mixed into the story.
Lem and her dog gets abducted by aliens, i.e. small, fluffy bunnylike creatures…
They make new friends and form a community with the other prisoners on the ship and the adventures begin.
Outside of the miscellaneous sci-fi there is also a statement about gender. The universal translater each individual get, to enable communication, does not recognise any difference in gender. This is both confusing and relieving to the transgendered Lem.
I liked the story, as it’s both light hearted and has profound meaning.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Lem and her dog gets abducted by aliens, i.e. small, fluffy bunnylike creatures…
They make new friends and form a community with the other prisoners on the ship and the adventures begin.
Outside of the miscellaneous sci-fi there is also a statement about gender. The universal translater each individual get, to enable communication, does not recognise any difference in gender. This is both confusing and relieving to the transgendered Lem.
I liked the story, as it’s both light hearted and has profound meaning.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 25, 2024
This book has its highs and lows. At its best, it feels like a Douglas Adams novel. Other times it takes itself too seriously for that comparison. Clarke does some interesting playing with pronouns and language all around with confusion over species far outweighing any confusion that could come from the protagonist being a trans woman. Without spoiling anything, I have to say the most fun in the book comes from a translator that can be set to literal or figurative mode. Pop culture references and oddly fitting idioms appear throughout the story. The storyline itself is largely a jumble, but the characters are fun.
August 20, 2022
I Thought I Would Hate It
For a myriad of reasons, not the least of which is the play on the title calling to mind a lovely old book, but I didn't.
I didn't because I fell in love with the characters. Seriously, who in the entire Milky wouldn't fall in love with them, even Henry? And Spock. I adore Spock. And can someone tell me if BB is accepting new patients, please?
Anyway, I digress.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, and I am looking forward to reading the sequel.
For a few hours of nerd-heaven fun I recommend this good read.
For a myriad of reasons, not the least of which is the play on the title calling to mind a lovely old book, but I didn't.
I didn't because I fell in love with the characters. Seriously, who in the entire Milky wouldn't fall in love with them, even Henry? And Spock. I adore Spock. And can someone tell me if BB is accepting new patients, please?
Anyway, I digress.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, and I am looking forward to reading the sequel.
For a few hours of nerd-heaven fun I recommend this good read.
August 26, 2021
Incredibly silly and fun. Just the lighthearted book I needed at the moment!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 168 reviews