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Space Academy #2
Space Academy Rejects
"Where no one has been dumb enough to have gone before."
Vance Turbo, HERO OF SPACE, has spent most of his hard-won officer's career helping refugees. This ends when a star gets blown up and he accidentally ends up saving everyone. Now the captain of the E.S.S Ares, he is on a goodwill mission to Contested Space. Unfortunately, his crew is made up of people who couldn't qualify for Space Academy but are now in thanks to lowered enlistment standards. Captain Turbo has also been charged by the Elder Races to find out who blew up the star or they're going to destroy humanity. Did we mention the evil Notha Emperor wants to be his best friend? All in a day's work for the galaxy's most questionably qualified explorer.
Space Academy is an all-new series from the hilarious duo of C.T. Phipps (Supervillainy Saga, Agent G) and Michael Suttkus (I Was a Teenage Weredeer, Lucifer's Star) that lampoons the space opera as well as military science fiction genres.
Vance Turbo, HERO OF SPACE, has spent most of his hard-won officer's career helping refugees. This ends when a star gets blown up and he accidentally ends up saving everyone. Now the captain of the E.S.S Ares, he is on a goodwill mission to Contested Space. Unfortunately, his crew is made up of people who couldn't qualify for Space Academy but are now in thanks to lowered enlistment standards. Captain Turbo has also been charged by the Elder Races to find out who blew up the star or they're going to destroy humanity. Did we mention the evil Notha Emperor wants to be his best friend? All in a day's work for the galaxy's most questionably qualified explorer.
Space Academy is an all-new series from the hilarious duo of C.T. Phipps (Supervillainy Saga, Agent G) and Michael Suttkus (I Was a Teenage Weredeer, Lucifer's Star) that lampoons the space opera as well as military science fiction genres.
319 pages, ebook
Published May 30, 2022
29 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
C.T. Phipps
93 books673 followersC.T Phipps is a lifelong student of horror, science fiction, and fantasy. An avid tabletop gamer, he discovered this passion led him to write and turned him into a lifelong geek. He is a regular reviewer on Booknest.EU and for Grimdark Magazine.
He's written the Agent G series, Cthulhu Armageddon, the Red Room Trilogy, I Was A Teenaged Weredeer, Lucifer's Star, Psycho Killers in Love, Straight Outta Fangton, The Supervillainy Saga, and Wraith Knight.
Blog: http://unitedfederationofcharles.blog...
Website: https://ctphipps.com/
C.T. Fanclub: https://www.facebook.com/groups/14917...
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ctphipps
He's written the Agent G series, Cthulhu Armageddon, the Red Room Trilogy, I Was A Teenaged Weredeer, Lucifer's Star, Psycho Killers in Love, Straight Outta Fangton, The Supervillainy Saga, and Wraith Knight.
Blog: http://unitedfederationofcharles.blog...
Website: https://ctphipps.com/
C.T. Fanclub: https://www.facebook.com/groups/14917...
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ctphipps
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 23, 2022
Space Academy Rejects
By C.T. Phipps and Michael Suttkus
I think I have read almost all of their books and this series is my favorite so far. This book, book 2, is even better than book one! The team is a bit more seasoned and mature (at times😂). The story line is fun, enjoyable, full of witty dialogue and a touch of snark, and terrific characters. The only thing I didn't like is it ended in a cliffhanger! Oh, I hate cliffhangers! Normally I take a whole star off but, because the book is so good, I took a 1/2 star off.
So 4 1/2 Stars rounded up. I was gifted an audio version of the book and with Jeffrey Kafer performing the narration, well, needless to say the narration was perfect!
By C.T. Phipps and Michael Suttkus
I think I have read almost all of their books and this series is my favorite so far. This book, book 2, is even better than book one! The team is a bit more seasoned and mature (at times😂). The story line is fun, enjoyable, full of witty dialogue and a touch of snark, and terrific characters. The only thing I didn't like is it ended in a cliffhanger! Oh, I hate cliffhangers! Normally I take a whole star off but, because the book is so good, I took a 1/2 star off.
So 4 1/2 Stars rounded up. I was gifted an audio version of the book and with Jeffrey Kafer performing the narration, well, needless to say the narration was perfect!
May 26, 2022
SPACE ACADEMY REJECTS is the sequel to SPACE ACADEMY DROOUTS, which I now believe is tied with RULES OF SUPERVILLAINY for my bestest, funniest work. It's a loving homage to Star Trek, Star Wars, Halo, Mass Effect, and a few other science fiction franchises I adore.
Space Academy Rejects has Vance Turbo, HERO OF SPACE, once more fail upward and finally achieve the captaincy he never really wanted. Unfortunately, it was right over his girlfriend and they're assigned together for a glad-handing mission of diplomacy that turns into a fight for galactic freedom.
As usual, he's the worst man for the job. I think fans will love this one.
Space Academy Rejects has Vance Turbo, HERO OF SPACE, once more fail upward and finally achieve the captaincy he never really wanted. Unfortunately, it was right over his girlfriend and they're assigned together for a glad-handing mission of diplomacy that turns into a fight for galactic freedom.
As usual, he's the worst man for the job. I think fans will love this one.
June 1, 2022
Space Academy Rejects is the sequel to Space Academy Dropouts and is, in my opinion, another home run for the author.
Dropouts which "dropped" earlier this year was quickly read and placed in my "Best of 2022" pile. In my review of Dropouts I discussed the history of humorous space opera and noted that:
I concluded my review of that book by emphasizing the humanity of the protagonist. That humanity underscores everything in these adventures, to the point that I think I'm going to re-categorize this series from 'humorous space opera' to 'humanist space opera' (in the sense that the humanity of the characters is fundamental to the series, not in the modern sense vis a vis a deity (I take no position on that))
Now, the story while interesting is almost an afterthought to the characters and their relationships. It hits all the necessary space opera tropes, space battle, check; maniacal villain to be defeated, check; planet or sun destroying superweapon (hmm, where have I seen that before), check. This novel is a homage to everything from John Carter to Jean Luc Picard... and it does it with its own voice.
I will admit, the 1980's and pop culture references are both amusing and occasionally baffling. It's not enough to ruin the immersion into the world but it does make one wonder people in the distant future being fascinated by one specific decade and its pop-culture (I know I'm a sucker for the music of the 1190's but the music of the 1180's doesn't do it for me.... yes I'm being a bit sarcastic there, I'm good with the ll80's too :D)
Oh, and a warning, there are a couple of shots taken at some recent socio-political events. I agree with the author's take so I was amused by these shots more than anything (but didn't allow it to influence my review. I can agree or disagree with an author's politics and still enjoy a book so long as it isn't offensively pushed down my throat and the book is otherwise fine). However, others have given the first book a bad review because of its one reference to recent socio-political events. I warn you now, there seemed to be even more such commentary in this one (which again, I agreed with so didn't bother me and what's more, it was done with a scalpel not a hammer).
So far, C.T. Phipps' books in this series are now competing with each other for Best of 2022
Dropouts which "dropped" earlier this year was quickly read and placed in my "Best of 2022" pile. In my review of Dropouts I discussed the history of humorous space opera and noted that:
Space Opera is an interesting beast, and comedic space opera is among the hardest to do well. If your humour is too broad, it becomes a joke, if your humour is too dark, it becomes gallows.
Yet, for years, a number of authors have threaded that needle, have done so with skill, and still have been able to maintain the humanity of their protagonists.
This is the latest example in my library, up there with Harry Harrison's Stainless Steel Rat, Flint/Freer's Rats Bats and Vats series and Frezza's McLendon's Syndrome.
These are all very funny books, and Mr. Phipps' latest work is also a very funny and entertaining book, free and loose with the pop-culture references and humour.
I concluded my review of that book by emphasizing the humanity of the protagonist. That humanity underscores everything in these adventures, to the point that I think I'm going to re-categorize this series from 'humorous space opera' to 'humanist space opera' (in the sense that the humanity of the characters is fundamental to the series, not in the modern sense vis a vis a deity (I take no position on that))
Now, the story while interesting is almost an afterthought to the characters and their relationships. It hits all the necessary space opera tropes, space battle, check; maniacal villain to be defeated, check; planet or sun destroying superweapon (hmm, where have I seen that before), check. This novel is a homage to everything from John Carter to Jean Luc Picard... and it does it with its own voice.
I will admit, the 1980's and pop culture references are both amusing and occasionally baffling. It's not enough to ruin the immersion into the world but it does make one wonder people in the distant future being fascinated by one specific decade and its pop-culture (I know I'm a sucker for the music of the 1190's but the music of the 1180's doesn't do it for me.... yes I'm being a bit sarcastic there, I'm good with the ll80's too :D)
Oh, and a warning, there are a couple of shots taken at some recent socio-political events. I agree with the author's take so I was amused by these shots more than anything (but didn't allow it to influence my review. I can agree or disagree with an author's politics and still enjoy a book so long as it isn't offensively pushed down my throat and the book is otherwise fine). However, others have given the first book a bad review because of its one reference to recent socio-political events. I warn you now, there seemed to be even more such commentary in this one (which again, I agreed with so didn't bother me and what's more, it was done with a scalpel not a hammer).
So far, C.T. Phipps' books in this series are now competing with each other for Best of 2022
October 12, 2023
Review originally posted at BooksOfMyHeart.net.
Sorry, this might not be the best review I’ve ever written. I have been crazy busy with work and had COVID a few weeks ago, plus my mother was in town for a week and a half (which is how I got COVID, the one time I dropped my guard the few days we went out into the world). Anyway, I listened to this book probably a month ago and didn’t write my review. I usually don’t let myself get this far behind on reviews and I have three others I need to write really soon. Okay, I will quit my pity party now.
Phipps is an author I can always look forward to making me smile, no matter if I’m having a bad day or not. I always find his books so humorous. I don’t think I’ve read (or well, listened) to everything he’s written, but probably more than half of it, for sure. I’m a reader who likes authors who write characters I can relate to and will make me laugh. Phipps does a great job of making me really like all of his characters. The plots are often a little over the top, but that is what makes them fun. And then the pop culture references (most of which are set in the 80s). I even get some of the jokes from movies I haven’t seen, well, most of the time. Oh and there are some shots taking into today’s political climate, which in my opinion were spot on and at times I wanted to laugh and cry at how accurate some of them were. And it isn’t preachy political stuff, mostly similarities to some things that are relevant today.
Space Academy Rejects is the sequel to Space Academy Dropouts. It follows Vance Turbo as he and his crew of not all humans create hi-jinks and somehow end up saving the day. You would think Phipps would surprise me with some of his hi-jinks, but yet, I’m still surprised. The cast of characters grows quite a bit in this book, lots of secondary characters I love. And there are also genetically engineered cyborg dinosaurs, I mean what else can you want? Maybe a captain that sometimes sleeps with his ship’s AI when she’s in a robotic shell?? Did I mention shenanigans? There are always shenanigans in Phipps/Suttkus books. They even have several genres to try. Not into space opera, try super villains, weredeer, cyberpunk and more, and all of them are so much fun. And that doesn’t even include the stuff I haven’t read yet.
Narration:
I’ve run out of great things to say about Jeffrey Kafer. There are a handful of narrators I’ve listened to so much and across multiple authors, that I just can’t say anything that hasn’t already been said multiple times. Kafer is one of a few narrators I will see the name list as the narrator and then look to see what is about and who is the author (great way to find new authors BTW, that is how I found C.T. Phipps in the first place, and I don’t regret it at all).
Sorry, this might not be the best review I’ve ever written. I have been crazy busy with work and had COVID a few weeks ago, plus my mother was in town for a week and a half (which is how I got COVID, the one time I dropped my guard the few days we went out into the world). Anyway, I listened to this book probably a month ago and didn’t write my review. I usually don’t let myself get this far behind on reviews and I have three others I need to write really soon. Okay, I will quit my pity party now.
Phipps is an author I can always look forward to making me smile, no matter if I’m having a bad day or not. I always find his books so humorous. I don’t think I’ve read (or well, listened) to everything he’s written, but probably more than half of it, for sure. I’m a reader who likes authors who write characters I can relate to and will make me laugh. Phipps does a great job of making me really like all of his characters. The plots are often a little over the top, but that is what makes them fun. And then the pop culture references (most of which are set in the 80s). I even get some of the jokes from movies I haven’t seen, well, most of the time. Oh and there are some shots taking into today’s political climate, which in my opinion were spot on and at times I wanted to laugh and cry at how accurate some of them were. And it isn’t preachy political stuff, mostly similarities to some things that are relevant today.
Space Academy Rejects is the sequel to Space Academy Dropouts. It follows Vance Turbo as he and his crew of not all humans create hi-jinks and somehow end up saving the day. You would think Phipps would surprise me with some of his hi-jinks, but yet, I’m still surprised. The cast of characters grows quite a bit in this book, lots of secondary characters I love. And there are also genetically engineered cyborg dinosaurs, I mean what else can you want? Maybe a captain that sometimes sleeps with his ship’s AI when she’s in a robotic shell?? Did I mention shenanigans? There are always shenanigans in Phipps/Suttkus books. They even have several genres to try. Not into space opera, try super villains, weredeer, cyberpunk and more, and all of them are so much fun. And that doesn’t even include the stuff I haven’t read yet.
Narration:
I’ve run out of great things to say about Jeffrey Kafer. There are a handful of narrators I’ve listened to so much and across multiple authors, that I just can’t say anything that hasn’t already been said multiple times. Kafer is one of a few narrators I will see the name list as the narrator and then look to see what is about and who is the author (great way to find new authors BTW, that is how I found C.T. Phipps in the first place, and I don’t regret it at all).
June 14, 2022
I think I've said before that this duo's novels are like comfort food, and if I have not, consider it said now. Space Academy Rejects is a world -- a universe -- you'll want to flee to when the stress of daily life overwhelms. Here, you'll find that trademark flippancy that typifies Phipps' work and which is every bit as enjoyable as Seinfeld banter, whether it's about matters of utmost importance or, indeed, nothing. As to its main character, well, Vance Turbo is a marvel of dumb decisions that turn into miraculous escapes...and escapades. Almost every woman he meets wants to jump his bones, it seems, and even his ship...well, you'll see. And he's not alone in his absurdity and snarkiness. The rest of his crew is just as delightfully weird. There's a good possibility they'll all die at any given moment, and that's just icing on the cake.
June 3, 2022
This book is set 6 years after the first. The Northa war is over and the universe is moving forward but not in a good way. There’s an air of jingoism amongst the human colonies and someone has destroyed a system with a SKAM. And then there’s Vance in the middle of it all.
The story is more of the same as Space Academy Dropouts although on a grander scale. Book 1 felt like a comedy version of OG Star Trek, whereas this is more space opera. The tone is also more grown up. There’s still lots of humour but it’s not driven so much through Trish.
The writing is on point as usual with CT Phipps and Michael Suttkus. Can’t wait for Space Academy Washouts.
The story is more of the same as Space Academy Dropouts although on a grander scale. Book 1 felt like a comedy version of OG Star Trek, whereas this is more space opera. The tone is also more grown up. There’s still lots of humour but it’s not driven so much through Trish.
The writing is on point as usual with CT Phipps and Michael Suttkus. Can’t wait for Space Academy Washouts.
May 30, 2022
Preamble
After I finished the review for Space Academy Dropouts, author C.T. Phipps asked me if I was interested in reading and reviewing the upcoming second book in series. I enjoyed the first one so much that I had no problem saying yes, to hell with my TBR pile.
A note about my reviews: I consider myself an appreciator, not a critic. I know first-hand what goes into the creation of art – the blood, the sweat, the tears, the risk. I also know that art appreciation is subjective and lernt good what mama tell’t me – if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all. I’m not a school marm grading a spelling test – I’m a reader who enjoys reading. If a book is entertaining, well-written, and I get absorbed into it, five out of five. It’s either five stars or nothing these days – if I don’t like it, no review. Regardless, I wouldn’t even put a star rating system on my reviews but for the reality of storefronts like Amazon.
Take from that what you will.
Review – 5/5
“Daddy?” I asked. “Do you mean that in the creator sense or older lover?”
Vance Turbo and crew are back for more jinks that are hi and sci that is fi in this space comedy sequel. Like the first book the story is tight and the comedy plays a kind of a sidecar role, like the plot is on the main bike and the comedy is riding shotgun – I’m thinking of Mr. Burns and Smithers right now, with Burns wearing the goggles and scarf and steering the motorcycle with Smithers with his knees in his chin in the sidecar… anyhoo, it’s story first, comedy second.
Not that the book is unfunny – quite the opposite. But it seems to hold itself a little more seriously than the first – as seriously as a book that jumps between the sexual exploits of more likeable Kirk stand-in Vance Turbo with sexbots and subordinates and the universe-destroying plans of Nazi Ewoks can. This book is very much about the characters and their relationships with each other, though.
New to the roster are Vance’s cousin Danny, kind-of dead Ketra’s daughter and Vance’s love interest Shelly, and a couple of others. Back are reptilian Forty-Two, Trish the AI, and a few more as well. It’s also set seven years after the events of the first book, once Vance has settled into his role in Starfleet as a lieutenant or some such. It can’t last though – he’s made captain of yet another ship in the first few pages. Only it’s like a cruise ship or some kind of pleasure craft that has to be refitted into a military vessel.
As before, there is massive scale conflict between the Elder Races and the newbies in the galaxy. Vance and crew are at the forefront, trying to keep things from falling apart. I have to admit that I lost the plot a little bit near the middle of the book, but it was compelling enough that I did not lose interest. In fact, near the end I stayed up a little too long reading it.
It’s a lengthy read, but not so lengthy that it overstays its welcome. You can tell that C.T. Phipps really put his heart and soul into this, though. He described something in the Foreword – a feeling of emptiness after finishing the first book – that felt all to familiar to me as an author. And so, he wrote this one immediately, making a standalone into a series out of sheer love for it. You can feel that devotion here, an unremitting dedication to sci-fi comedy.
If you liked the first, I’m sure you’ll like this one too.
After I finished the review for Space Academy Dropouts, author C.T. Phipps asked me if I was interested in reading and reviewing the upcoming second book in series. I enjoyed the first one so much that I had no problem saying yes, to hell with my TBR pile.
A note about my reviews: I consider myself an appreciator, not a critic. I know first-hand what goes into the creation of art – the blood, the sweat, the tears, the risk. I also know that art appreciation is subjective and lernt good what mama tell’t me – if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all. I’m not a school marm grading a spelling test – I’m a reader who enjoys reading. If a book is entertaining, well-written, and I get absorbed into it, five out of five. It’s either five stars or nothing these days – if I don’t like it, no review. Regardless, I wouldn’t even put a star rating system on my reviews but for the reality of storefronts like Amazon.
Take from that what you will.
Review – 5/5
“Daddy?” I asked. “Do you mean that in the creator sense or older lover?”
Vance Turbo and crew are back for more jinks that are hi and sci that is fi in this space comedy sequel. Like the first book the story is tight and the comedy plays a kind of a sidecar role, like the plot is on the main bike and the comedy is riding shotgun – I’m thinking of Mr. Burns and Smithers right now, with Burns wearing the goggles and scarf and steering the motorcycle with Smithers with his knees in his chin in the sidecar… anyhoo, it’s story first, comedy second.
Not that the book is unfunny – quite the opposite. But it seems to hold itself a little more seriously than the first – as seriously as a book that jumps between the sexual exploits of more likeable Kirk stand-in Vance Turbo with sexbots and subordinates and the universe-destroying plans of Nazi Ewoks can. This book is very much about the characters and their relationships with each other, though.
New to the roster are Vance’s cousin Danny, kind-of dead Ketra’s daughter and Vance’s love interest Shelly, and a couple of others. Back are reptilian Forty-Two, Trish the AI, and a few more as well. It’s also set seven years after the events of the first book, once Vance has settled into his role in Starfleet as a lieutenant or some such. It can’t last though – he’s made captain of yet another ship in the first few pages. Only it’s like a cruise ship or some kind of pleasure craft that has to be refitted into a military vessel.
As before, there is massive scale conflict between the Elder Races and the newbies in the galaxy. Vance and crew are at the forefront, trying to keep things from falling apart. I have to admit that I lost the plot a little bit near the middle of the book, but it was compelling enough that I did not lose interest. In fact, near the end I stayed up a little too long reading it.
It’s a lengthy read, but not so lengthy that it overstays its welcome. You can tell that C.T. Phipps really put his heart and soul into this, though. He described something in the Foreword – a feeling of emptiness after finishing the first book – that felt all to familiar to me as an author. And so, he wrote this one immediately, making a standalone into a series out of sheer love for it. You can feel that devotion here, an unremitting dedication to sci-fi comedy.
If you liked the first, I’m sure you’ll like this one too.
December 4, 2023
Review originally posted at BooksOfMyHeart.net.
Sorry, this might not be the best review I’ve ever written. I have been crazy busy with work and had COVID a few weeks ago, plus my mother was in town for a week and a half (which is how I got COVID, the one time I dropped my guard the few days we went out into the world). Anyway, I listened to this book probably a month ago and didn’t write my review. I usually don’t let myself get this far behind on reviews and I have three others I need to write really soon. Okay, I will quit my pity party now.
Phipps is an author I can always look forward to making me smile, no matter if I’m having a bad day or not. I always find his books so humorous. I don’t think I’ve read (or well, listened) to everything he’s written, but probably more than half of it, for sure. I’m a reader who likes authors who write characters I can relate to and will make me laugh. Phipps does a great job of making me really like all of his characters. The plots are often a little over the top, but that is what makes them fun. And then the pop culture references (most of which are set in the 80s). I even get some of the jokes from movies I haven’t seen, well, most of the time. Oh and there are some shots taking into today’s political climate, which in my opinion were spot on and at times I wanted to laugh and cry at how accurate some of them were. And it isn’t preachy political stuff, mostly similarities to some things that are relevant today.
Space Academy Rejects is the sequel to Space Academy Dropouts. It follows Vance Turbo as he and his crew of not all humans create hi-jinks and somehow end up saving the day. You would think Phipps would surprise me with some of his hi-jinks, but yet, I’m still surprised. The cast of characters grows quite a bit in this book, lots of secondary characters I love. And there are also genetically engineered cyborg dinosaurs, I mean what else can you want? Maybe a captain that sometimes sleeps with his ship’s AI when she’s in a robotic shell?? Did I mention shenanigans? There are always shenanigans in Phipps/Suttkus books. They even have several genres to try. Not into space opera, try super villains, weredeer, cyberpunk and more, and all of them are so much fun. And that doesn’t even include the stuff I haven’t read yet.
Narration:
I’ve run out of great things to say about Jeffrey Kafer. There are a handful of narrators I’ve listened to so much and across multiple authors, that I just can’t say anything that hasn’t already been said multiple times. Kafer is one of a few narrators I will see the name list as the narrator and then look to see what is about and who is the author (great way to find new authors BTW, that is how I found C.T. Phipps in the first place, and I don’t regret it at all).
Sorry, this might not be the best review I’ve ever written. I have been crazy busy with work and had COVID a few weeks ago, plus my mother was in town for a week and a half (which is how I got COVID, the one time I dropped my guard the few days we went out into the world). Anyway, I listened to this book probably a month ago and didn’t write my review. I usually don’t let myself get this far behind on reviews and I have three others I need to write really soon. Okay, I will quit my pity party now.
Phipps is an author I can always look forward to making me smile, no matter if I’m having a bad day or not. I always find his books so humorous. I don’t think I’ve read (or well, listened) to everything he’s written, but probably more than half of it, for sure. I’m a reader who likes authors who write characters I can relate to and will make me laugh. Phipps does a great job of making me really like all of his characters. The plots are often a little over the top, but that is what makes them fun. And then the pop culture references (most of which are set in the 80s). I even get some of the jokes from movies I haven’t seen, well, most of the time. Oh and there are some shots taking into today’s political climate, which in my opinion were spot on and at times I wanted to laugh and cry at how accurate some of them were. And it isn’t preachy political stuff, mostly similarities to some things that are relevant today.
Space Academy Rejects is the sequel to Space Academy Dropouts. It follows Vance Turbo as he and his crew of not all humans create hi-jinks and somehow end up saving the day. You would think Phipps would surprise me with some of his hi-jinks, but yet, I’m still surprised. The cast of characters grows quite a bit in this book, lots of secondary characters I love. And there are also genetically engineered cyborg dinosaurs, I mean what else can you want? Maybe a captain that sometimes sleeps with his ship’s AI when she’s in a robotic shell?? Did I mention shenanigans? There are always shenanigans in Phipps/Suttkus books. They even have several genres to try. Not into space opera, try super villains, weredeer, cyberpunk and more, and all of them are so much fun. And that doesn’t even include the stuff I haven’t read yet.
Narration:
I’ve run out of great things to say about Jeffrey Kafer. There are a handful of narrators I’ve listened to so much and across multiple authors, that I just can’t say anything that hasn’t already been said multiple times. Kafer is one of a few narrators I will see the name list as the narrator and then look to see what is about and who is the author (great way to find new authors BTW, that is how I found C.T. Phipps in the first place, and I don’t regret it at all).
June 9, 2022
Excellent & A Blast To Listen To
The first book in this series, Space Academy Dropouts, was so good. It takes all of the things I love about Phipps & Suttkus books and seemingly turns them up to 11. I didn’t even think that was possible. So, knowing that there were at least three books in this series, and knowing that they’re coming out soonish made me a very happy guy.
Starting Space Academy Rejects – within a few minutes I had a smile on my face. Vance’s is the perfect amount of sarcastic and every time he says something snarky I’m over here chuckling (while the people in the book get more and more frustrated with his lack of sincerity). The book just keeps on going in a similar direction and with every new thing that happens, Vance has a snarky comment or question and ends up making someone roll their eyes or walk away from him.
Space Academy Rejects was everything I thought it would be and more. Phipps and Suttkus really took the tone they set in book one and said “let’s go even crazier”. That said, this book wasn’t disjointed or written to be “one-speed” or anything. They were able to write a book that really jumps off of the pages while also digging and diving into certain aspects and leaving me while I was reading it feeling almost helpless in some scenes as the character(s) in the book were helpless themselves.
Overall, Space Academy Rejects was awesome. These guys know how to write an entertaining book and this was that and more. I was entertained, I laughed, I even shed a few tears. The Space Academy series is excellent and I cannot wait for the next book.
Jeffrey Kafer nails it. His voice lends itself to the snark and sarcasm that Phipps and Suttkus write. He’s able to really spin his voice and allow Vance to come off exactly how I believe they wrote him. Great narration of a great series.
The first book in this series, Space Academy Dropouts, was so good. It takes all of the things I love about Phipps & Suttkus books and seemingly turns them up to 11. I didn’t even think that was possible. So, knowing that there were at least three books in this series, and knowing that they’re coming out soonish made me a very happy guy.
Starting Space Academy Rejects – within a few minutes I had a smile on my face. Vance’s is the perfect amount of sarcastic and every time he says something snarky I’m over here chuckling (while the people in the book get more and more frustrated with his lack of sincerity). The book just keeps on going in a similar direction and with every new thing that happens, Vance has a snarky comment or question and ends up making someone roll their eyes or walk away from him.
Space Academy Rejects was everything I thought it would be and more. Phipps and Suttkus really took the tone they set in book one and said “let’s go even crazier”. That said, this book wasn’t disjointed or written to be “one-speed” or anything. They were able to write a book that really jumps off of the pages while also digging and diving into certain aspects and leaving me while I was reading it feeling almost helpless in some scenes as the character(s) in the book were helpless themselves.
Overall, Space Academy Rejects was awesome. These guys know how to write an entertaining book and this was that and more. I was entertained, I laughed, I even shed a few tears. The Space Academy series is excellent and I cannot wait for the next book.
Jeffrey Kafer nails it. His voice lends itself to the snark and sarcasm that Phipps and Suttkus write. He’s able to really spin his voice and allow Vance to come off exactly how I believe they wrote him. Great narration of a great series.
May 31, 2022
The perfect sequel!
This was the perfect sequel book! It had all of the elements from book one that made it so good, while still adding a lot of new, fresh material to keep it from feeling stale.
Set a few years after book one, Vance has grown into a mature, genuine Captain. He's very much like early Captain Kirk, even down to fist fighting giant lizard men. He's not the naive, out of his depth young man he was in book one. Instead, he genuinely feels like he has grown, not only from the events in book one, to things that have happened since. The character growth genuinely impressed me, and it is something that has helped cement this as the best book I've read in a while.
The supporting crew from book one has mostly moved on, which also added to the realistic feel that life has continued since book one, and a lot of the characters weren't there by choice. They had their own lives, hopes and goals beyond even the fleet. Of the new characters, Danny was the funniest, and I really enjoyed some of the lines he delivered (and inspired).
The action was fast paced, and tense, with not everyone being guaranteed survival, which really increased the tension.
The plot I won't spoil, but galactic politics has changed dramatically since the events of book one, and we see a less idealistic aspect to The Community. I won't say more for fear of spoiling the twists (and boy, there's some biggies!).
I should also briefly mention the gladiator fight with the genetically cyborg engineered dinosaur, that really stole the show.
All in all, this was super funny, and it brought me genuine pleasure to read this one. If you've read book one, you'll love book two even more, just like I did.
This was the perfect sequel book! It had all of the elements from book one that made it so good, while still adding a lot of new, fresh material to keep it from feeling stale.
Set a few years after book one, Vance has grown into a mature, genuine Captain. He's very much like early Captain Kirk, even down to fist fighting giant lizard men. He's not the naive, out of his depth young man he was in book one. Instead, he genuinely feels like he has grown, not only from the events in book one, to things that have happened since. The character growth genuinely impressed me, and it is something that has helped cement this as the best book I've read in a while.
The supporting crew from book one has mostly moved on, which also added to the realistic feel that life has continued since book one, and a lot of the characters weren't there by choice. They had their own lives, hopes and goals beyond even the fleet. Of the new characters, Danny was the funniest, and I really enjoyed some of the lines he delivered (and inspired).
The action was fast paced, and tense, with not everyone being guaranteed survival, which really increased the tension.
The plot I won't spoil, but galactic politics has changed dramatically since the events of book one, and we see a less idealistic aspect to The Community. I won't say more for fear of spoiling the twists (and boy, there's some biggies!).
I should also briefly mention the gladiator fight with the genetically cyborg engineered dinosaur, that really stole the show.
All in all, this was super funny, and it brought me genuine pleasure to read this one. If you've read book one, you'll love book two even more, just like I did.
June 17, 2022
Space Academy Rejects begins six years after the events of Space Academy Dropouts. You could read or listen to the book without knowing the first one if you had to. This book involves more of Vance Turbo failing upward, much the consternation of his friends and coworkers. The space academy is so desperate for trainees, that it is being lenient on its recruits.
As with the first book in the series, there are layers of politics and space exploration. This is not the Federation of Star Trek, but it is savvy enough to reference it. Meta references are a staple from Phipps, and it wouldn’t really be one of his books without it.
One of the things Phipps and Suttkus have done with this series is highlight entertainment media. Main character Vance knows a lot about 20th and 21st Century scifi media. The adventures of him and his team are turned into movies that are pure entertainment and probably propaganda. It’s interesting to see the other characters respond to that information and react to it.
Phipps like trying new genres and putting his characters in new situations. That’s why we can have a Supervillainy Saga book with visiting characters like Jane Doe. This series isn’t so blatant with the crossovers, but there’s a huge one at the end with the reveal of Trish’s “grandfather.” Phipps readers will be delighted.
This is read again by Jeffrey Kafer. He does have a good voice for military scifi, and by now it just wouldn’t be a Phipps book if it wasn’t ready by Kafer.
I’d recommend this to people who like irreverent humor. In trying to summarize this, I was reminded of the Police Academy movies. Not great cinema, but great fun! Well, this is military scifi with humor. If you like both and think they can fit together, then give this a shot.
As with the first book in the series, there are layers of politics and space exploration. This is not the Federation of Star Trek, but it is savvy enough to reference it. Meta references are a staple from Phipps, and it wouldn’t really be one of his books without it.
One of the things Phipps and Suttkus have done with this series is highlight entertainment media. Main character Vance knows a lot about 20th and 21st Century scifi media. The adventures of him and his team are turned into movies that are pure entertainment and probably propaganda. It’s interesting to see the other characters respond to that information and react to it.
Phipps like trying new genres and putting his characters in new situations. That’s why we can have a Supervillainy Saga book with visiting characters like Jane Doe. This series isn’t so blatant with the crossovers, but there’s a huge one at the end with the reveal of Trish’s “grandfather.” Phipps readers will be delighted.
This is read again by Jeffrey Kafer. He does have a good voice for military scifi, and by now it just wouldn’t be a Phipps book if it wasn’t ready by Kafer.
I’d recommend this to people who like irreverent humor. In trying to summarize this, I was reminded of the Police Academy movies. Not great cinema, but great fun! Well, this is military scifi with humor. If you like both and think they can fit together, then give this a shot.
March 10, 2023
More stars explode, the Elder Races get riled up, and Vance becomes BFFs with the god-like Notha Emperor.
Space Academy Rejects is the second book in Space Academy Series and follows Space Academy Dropouts. The Space Academy series takes place in the “Starpunked” universe, sharing its setting with several other series by Phipps and Suttkus (though the other series occur at vastly different points within the timeline).
Space Academy Dropouts was a great read, but Space Academy Rejects takes the series to new heights. It strikes a perfect balance between classic sci-fi space opera and irreverent humor, creating a story that is both entertaining and engaging. The returning characters are more grounded and developed (and a bit less absurd), making them easier to relate to and invest in.
While Rejects delivers plenty of laughs through genre parody, it also has its share of serious moments. The plot is surprisingly complex, centering around galaxy-spanning exopolitics. The humor is well-timed and doesn't often detract from the story's coherence or depth. I’m also a huge fan of how Phipps manages to tell a story in each book that comes to a resolution at the end while threading a single, greater narrative arc throughout the entire series.
Overall, Space Academy Rejects is a well-written book that seamlessly blends a modern space opera with sci-fi comedy. The story is engrossing, the characters are likable, and I'm already looking forward to the next book in the series.
Space Academy Rejects is the second book in Space Academy Series and follows Space Academy Dropouts. The Space Academy series takes place in the “Starpunked” universe, sharing its setting with several other series by Phipps and Suttkus (though the other series occur at vastly different points within the timeline).
Space Academy Dropouts was a great read, but Space Academy Rejects takes the series to new heights. It strikes a perfect balance between classic sci-fi space opera and irreverent humor, creating a story that is both entertaining and engaging. The returning characters are more grounded and developed (and a bit less absurd), making them easier to relate to and invest in.
While Rejects delivers plenty of laughs through genre parody, it also has its share of serious moments. The plot is surprisingly complex, centering around galaxy-spanning exopolitics. The humor is well-timed and doesn't often detract from the story's coherence or depth. I’m also a huge fan of how Phipps manages to tell a story in each book that comes to a resolution at the end while threading a single, greater narrative arc throughout the entire series.
Overall, Space Academy Rejects is a well-written book that seamlessly blends a modern space opera with sci-fi comedy. The story is engrossing, the characters are likable, and I'm already looking forward to the next book in the series.
May 30, 2022
Space Academy Rejects is a great follow up to Space Academy Dropouts. It has the same great sense of humor, and the short gap between books gave the characters some nice room to grow “off camera” so the story could more naturally expand.
Because the stage is much bigger in this book. There’s more political maneuvering and intrigue going on, and a larger cast of secondary characters. Vance has a bigger set of responsibilities to juggle, and the stakes are higher. But of course they still find time to crack jokes along the way! Also, cybernetic dinosaurs and space battles! So, lots to love going on here.
Danny and Shelly are great editions to the main party, but there’s still some familiar faces around too. And one cameo that made me particularly happy.
The writing is fantastic, as usual, for these authors. And I’m already looking forward to revisiting the story in audio soon.
If you liked the first book you’ll love this one too. And then be eagerly awaiting book three with rest of us!
Because the stage is much bigger in this book. There’s more political maneuvering and intrigue going on, and a larger cast of secondary characters. Vance has a bigger set of responsibilities to juggle, and the stakes are higher. But of course they still find time to crack jokes along the way! Also, cybernetic dinosaurs and space battles! So, lots to love going on here.
Danny and Shelly are great editions to the main party, but there’s still some familiar faces around too. And one cameo that made me particularly happy.
The writing is fantastic, as usual, for these authors. And I’m already looking forward to revisiting the story in audio soon.
If you liked the first book you’ll love this one too. And then be eagerly awaiting book three with rest of us!
December 31, 2022
Vance is back! Another mission and an accelerated promotion! But, with quick advances come a few troubles... Like his voyage being recorded over the next two years.
The Elders are upset at the destruction of a system, and Vance is on the job to find out what's going on. He has one year to find out, or... the worlds will burn...
Vance has put most of the crew back together, and added a few amazing new people.
There's murder to solve, along with saving the universe. And Vance with his own humor and connections with his crew. Great combo again. I love Vance's references to "old, old" movies and music. They are my "time" references. Yet most of the crew don't get the references. lol. This is a great connection I have with the character.
In the Epilogue...Ooooh, the connection! Case Gordon shows up! Such a great character to see show up. And the details we learn here... Can't wait for another adventure!
The Elders are upset at the destruction of a system, and Vance is on the job to find out what's going on. He has one year to find out, or... the worlds will burn...
Vance has put most of the crew back together, and added a few amazing new people.
There's murder to solve, along with saving the universe. And Vance with his own humor and connections with his crew. Great combo again. I love Vance's references to "old, old" movies and music. They are my "time" references. Yet most of the crew don't get the references. lol. This is a great connection I have with the character.
In the Epilogue...Ooooh, the connection! Case Gordon shows up! Such a great character to see show up. And the details we learn here... Can't wait for another adventure!
July 25, 2024
A clever continuation of a clever series. I definitely enjoyed this book, and I kind of admired Phipps's decision to allow several years to have passed since the conclusion to the last book. It almost made this story feel like catching up with an old friend, figuring out what they've been up to in the last few years, and then hearing about their latest adventure.
I've noticed that these books tend to feel like they're meandering until in the last quarter of the book different things start coming together and then there is an acceleration of the plot. Then all of a sudden you're in the climax of the book and then it's over. Enjoyable and not too long. I'm looking forward to reading the next one!
I've noticed that these books tend to feel like they're meandering until in the last quarter of the book different things start coming together and then there is an acceleration of the plot. Then all of a sudden you're in the climax of the book and then it's over. Enjoyable and not too long. I'm looking forward to reading the next one!
August 29, 2025
It Should’ve Worked… But Didn’t
I’m honestly confused. This book had everything I usually love—great characters, sharp comedy, rich world-building, and that twisted blend of sex and violence that keeps things edgy. On paper, it should’ve been a hit. But somehow, I just didn’t enjoy it.
Maybe it’s the writing style? I’m not sure. It felt like all the right ingredients were there, but the final dish didn’t land. Like mixing chocolate and steak—both amazing on their own, but together? Just wrong.
I kept hoping I’d click with it, but nope. Maybe with a different author’s voice, I’d be more into it. As it stands, this one just didn’t do it for me.
I’m honestly confused. This book had everything I usually love—great characters, sharp comedy, rich world-building, and that twisted blend of sex and violence that keeps things edgy. On paper, it should’ve been a hit. But somehow, I just didn’t enjoy it.
Maybe it’s the writing style? I’m not sure. It felt like all the right ingredients were there, but the final dish didn’t land. Like mixing chocolate and steak—both amazing on their own, but together? Just wrong.
I kept hoping I’d click with it, but nope. Maybe with a different author’s voice, I’d be more into it. As it stands, this one just didn’t do it for me.
August 1, 2025
Another very good read from C. T. Phipps
A read filled with a lot of:
- deep diving thoughts about many possible social developments if humanity continues its selfish trend into the future
- a lot of funny and unexpected swings in the plot.
The saga continues.
I totally recommend it.
A read filled with a lot of:
- deep diving thoughts about many possible social developments if humanity continues its selfish trend into the future
- a lot of funny and unexpected swings in the plot.
The saga continues.
I totally recommend it.
May 31, 2022
Holy surprise ending Batman!
C.T. Phipps is a master of inserting deep meaning into seemingly ridiculous situations! If you love humour that leaves you crying and stories about the unlikely hero, then look no further! The surprise ending will blow your mind hole!
C.T. Phipps is a master of inserting deep meaning into seemingly ridiculous situations! If you love humour that leaves you crying and stories about the unlikely hero, then look no further! The surprise ending will blow your mind hole!
June 10, 2022
I just finished this and it has same adventure as the first one. I love the story, and the characters (not as much as Gary though) . without giving anything away...omg..the ending! *facepalm* Looking forward to the next book with these characters and stories!
March 29, 2023
A good and entertaining story
I have enjoyed the continuing tale of Vance and his crew of diverse and unique characters. The story moves along quickly with humor and plenty of plot twists. Look forward to reading the next book in the series
I have enjoyed the continuing tale of Vance and his crew of diverse and unique characters. The story moves along quickly with humor and plenty of plot twists. Look forward to reading the next book in the series
June 2, 2022
Book two is even better than 1. I enjoyed this book quite a bit .
June 9, 2022
this is a seriously fun read!!!!
read it, love it, read it again!!! C. T. Phipps for king of the books! Surpassed Space Academy Dropouts, and I loved that book!!!
read it, love it, read it again!!! C. T. Phipps for king of the books! Surpassed Space Academy Dropouts, and I loved that book!!!
October 16, 2025
Quirky and quick
I'm loving the quirky humor and the references to our current sci-fi movies and TV shows. Next book is already downloaded and ready to read.
I'm loving the quirky humor and the references to our current sci-fi movies and TV shows. Next book is already downloaded and ready to read.
December 23, 2023
A fun read about the worst day(s) of work that anyone has ever had. This has similarities to the Space Team series which I also love. I'm always on the lookout for funny sci-fi and fantasy series, and this fits the bill. I hope the series continues.
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