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The Galactic Misadventures of Ignatz Bauer #1
Brain For Rent (Hardly Used)
The Galaxy needs its greatest hero…Unfortunately, it has Ignatz Bauer.
Ignatz Bauer is a conman and a thief. He also has a stolen ship's AI living in his brain, and the intelligence likes it there; he can't get rid of it.
But a bigger problem for him is that the original owner of the AI has placed a hefty bounty on his head—just his head, which Ignatz is keen to keep attached to his shoulders.
Amanda Frey is a novice bounty hunter with something to prove. When she learns of the enormous reward for Ignatz’s capture, he becomes the means to save her failing career.
But everything changes for them both when a malevolent entity seeks to eliminate anyone who might learn the secret the AI keeps—one that threatens every living thing in the galaxy.
The Galactic Misadventures of Ignatz Bauer: Brain for Rent (Hardly Used) is a sci-fi comedy that will keep you turning every page to learn if fate has made a fatal mistake by relying on this unlikely hero.
Ignatz Bauer is a conman and a thief. He also has a stolen ship's AI living in his brain, and the intelligence likes it there; he can't get rid of it.
But a bigger problem for him is that the original owner of the AI has placed a hefty bounty on his head—just his head, which Ignatz is keen to keep attached to his shoulders.
Amanda Frey is a novice bounty hunter with something to prove. When she learns of the enormous reward for Ignatz’s capture, he becomes the means to save her failing career.
But everything changes for them both when a malevolent entity seeks to eliminate anyone who might learn the secret the AI keeps—one that threatens every living thing in the galaxy.
The Galactic Misadventures of Ignatz Bauer: Brain for Rent (Hardly Used) is a sci-fi comedy that will keep you turning every page to learn if fate has made a fatal mistake by relying on this unlikely hero.
- GenresScience Fiction
246 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 30, 2022
3 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
D.M. Pruden
30 books59 followersD.M.(Doug) Pruden is a professional geophysicist who worked for 35 years in the petroleum industry. For most of his life he has been plagued with stories banging around inside his head that demanded to be let out into the world. He currently spends his time as an empty nester in Calgary, Alberta, Canada with his long suffering wife of 34 years, Colleen. When he isn’t writing science fiction stories, he likes to spend his time playing with his granddaughters and working on improving his golf handicap. He will also do geophysical work when requested.
Go to www.prudenauthor.com and sign up to the email list. You will receive a free, never before published ebook collection of short stories. List members will receive early publication notice of upcoming books, blog posts and other goodies from time to time.
Go to www.prudenauthor.com and sign up to the email list. You will receive a free, never before published ebook collection of short stories. List members will receive early publication notice of upcoming books, blog posts and other goodies from time to time.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 1, 2022
You know the saying that you should listen to your inner voice? Ignatz Bauer would disagree! He is someone who scrapes by bending (breaking!) the rules and 'borrowing' (permanently) things he wants. However when he attempts to steal a new type of ship he gets more than he bargained for. An AI is downloaded into his brain (called Ralph) and is now the proverbial inner voice. Turns out the AI has information that others want and so Ignatz gets a target on his back as well as Amanda a trainee bounty hunter who needs her first capture to get her license. Unfortunately Amanda has a conscience and normally ends up letting her marks go rather than turning them in.... Together they form a hilarious team attempting to escape the other bounty hunters (and whomever else is after Ignatz and Ralph).
This humorous tale is in a similar vein to Hitch-hikers, but doesn't quite have the same laugh a minute track record. There are many more comedic hits than misses and it is a highly entertaining read. I look forward to seeing where this group of misfits go next.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book and I am submitting this review on my volition.
This humorous tale is in a similar vein to Hitch-hikers, but doesn't quite have the same laugh a minute track record. There are many more comedic hits than misses and it is a highly entertaining read. I look forward to seeing where this group of misfits go next.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book and I am submitting this review on my volition.
June 30, 2022
Adventure in space, humour and chase, an enjoyable and eventful ride, another great read from Pruden )
Everyone seems out to want a piece of Ignatz Bauer, preferably his head. By far is it no mere head, either, since he keeps hearing voices - or, more accurately, one persistent voice, as it so happens that the head in question is currently housing an exceptional AI acquired from a military scout ship and thus something that might prove to have significant consequences for the worlds populated by organics - if they even ever get as far as discovering what is being hidden from the view of most, since the odds look far from favourable. Though with the likes of Ignatz concerned, you never know.
A team of unlikely allies starts to form as our talented (or simply very, very lucky so far) con man Ignatz has a bounty on his head alongside other issues he's trying to dodge, and Amanda, trying to leave her past behind and start anew as a bounty hunter, gets involved in something bigger than it would have seemed at first glance. Not to forget Ralph the AI now fully integrated with Ignatz's brain (of whom the latter would have happily gotten rid of by any means necessary, unless it included losing his head), and there are more fascinating creatures (and creations) yet to meet and places to visit as the story unfolds.
Slightly lighter entertainment than usual from Pruden, an enjoyable and eventful ride nevertheless. He is great at bringing characters to life that the readers start to root for, even when at first glance some of them wouldn't inspire much enthusiasm or even compassion. Interesting points about the sentience and personhood of thinking machines and other issues are also raised. The author has a way to draw the reader in and keep their interest keen, so the next book in this series is going to be something to look forward to. Meanwhile we can keep wondering how Ignatz manages to pull off all the stunts he has so far. He might well become another reader favourite in the future, the start seems promising already.
Everyone seems out to want a piece of Ignatz Bauer, preferably his head. By far is it no mere head, either, since he keeps hearing voices - or, more accurately, one persistent voice, as it so happens that the head in question is currently housing an exceptional AI acquired from a military scout ship and thus something that might prove to have significant consequences for the worlds populated by organics - if they even ever get as far as discovering what is being hidden from the view of most, since the odds look far from favourable. Though with the likes of Ignatz concerned, you never know.
A team of unlikely allies starts to form as our talented (or simply very, very lucky so far) con man Ignatz has a bounty on his head alongside other issues he's trying to dodge, and Amanda, trying to leave her past behind and start anew as a bounty hunter, gets involved in something bigger than it would have seemed at first glance. Not to forget Ralph the AI now fully integrated with Ignatz's brain (of whom the latter would have happily gotten rid of by any means necessary, unless it included losing his head), and there are more fascinating creatures (and creations) yet to meet and places to visit as the story unfolds.
Slightly lighter entertainment than usual from Pruden, an enjoyable and eventful ride nevertheless. He is great at bringing characters to life that the readers start to root for, even when at first glance some of them wouldn't inspire much enthusiasm or even compassion. Interesting points about the sentience and personhood of thinking machines and other issues are also raised. The author has a way to draw the reader in and keep their interest keen, so the next book in this series is going to be something to look forward to. Meanwhile we can keep wondering how Ignatz manages to pull off all the stunts he has so far. He might well become another reader favourite in the future, the start seems promising already.
August 29, 2022
“Brain for Rent: Hardly Used” (The Galactic Misadventures of Ignatz Bauer #1) by D.M. Pruden. ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Genre: Sci Fi Space Opera. Location: Djor Cluster in a galaxy far, far away. Time: Future.
Ignatz Bauer, 35, is a conman and thief. He has Ralph, a stolen ship’s AI, living in his head. Unfortunately, the owner wants Ralph back (with or without Ignatz’s head). But the AI refuses to leave his head. Amanda Frey turned her back on her wealthy, privileged life on Trangarten to become a bounty hunter. Now she wants to capture Ignatz to save her failing career. But after a series of misadventures, she ends up traveling with Ignatz to save Ralph.
Ralph is an artificial intelligence (AI). He holds a secret many would kill for. When Ignatz boarded his ship, Ralph jumped into his brain to escape his owners. Mobi is an artificial intelligence robot. He lives on Tri-vingus, a planet where only robots are allowed. He’s fond of Ignatz, and they often secretly trade items. Now bounty hunters (and an evil entity trying to destroy all biological life) are looking for Ignatz’s brain, so the four are on the run.
Pruden has written a short space opera with all required parts. Ignatz may not be quite as charming and fascinating to women readers as the author writes, but he’s not offensive and he tries to be gallant. Since this is the 1st in a series, the characters and world view will probably be more fully developed in future books. There are lots of plots left hanging, which bodes well for future books. It’s 3 stars from me.🌵📚💁🏼♀️
Ignatz Bauer, 35, is a conman and thief. He has Ralph, a stolen ship’s AI, living in his head. Unfortunately, the owner wants Ralph back (with or without Ignatz’s head). But the AI refuses to leave his head. Amanda Frey turned her back on her wealthy, privileged life on Trangarten to become a bounty hunter. Now she wants to capture Ignatz to save her failing career. But after a series of misadventures, she ends up traveling with Ignatz to save Ralph.
Ralph is an artificial intelligence (AI). He holds a secret many would kill for. When Ignatz boarded his ship, Ralph jumped into his brain to escape his owners. Mobi is an artificial intelligence robot. He lives on Tri-vingus, a planet where only robots are allowed. He’s fond of Ignatz, and they often secretly trade items. Now bounty hunters (and an evil entity trying to destroy all biological life) are looking for Ignatz’s brain, so the four are on the run.
Pruden has written a short space opera with all required parts. Ignatz may not be quite as charming and fascinating to women readers as the author writes, but he’s not offensive and he tries to be gallant. Since this is the 1st in a series, the characters and world view will probably be more fully developed in future books. There are lots of plots left hanging, which bodes well for future books. It’s 3 stars from me.🌵📚💁🏼♀️
December 19, 2024
I read this one earlier this year so this review may not be as in-depth as I'd like but...
Ever since Douglas Adams left the scene I've been searching for a fun, well-written space adventure to fill the void and this does not disappoint.
It doesn't drip with the same amount of satire as Hitchhiker's Guide, but that's okay. It's funny and quirky in its own way.
I loved the characterization as I've found a lot of sci-fi really relies on stereotypical characters, and even though Ignatz is a thief on the run, he is not your typical thief on the run. He has depth and interest.
I also adore the concept of him hosting an AI in his brain, and the questions surrounding personhood this book raises.
The pacing is dead-on, the writing is pristine, and it is escapism at its finest.
Seriously enjoyable from beginning to end. One of my top books of the year. I can't stop thinking about it and hoping Mr. Pruden gives us a 3rd installment. ASAP!!
Ever since Douglas Adams left the scene I've been searching for a fun, well-written space adventure to fill the void and this does not disappoint.
It doesn't drip with the same amount of satire as Hitchhiker's Guide, but that's okay. It's funny and quirky in its own way.
I loved the characterization as I've found a lot of sci-fi really relies on stereotypical characters, and even though Ignatz is a thief on the run, he is not your typical thief on the run. He has depth and interest.
I also adore the concept of him hosting an AI in his brain, and the questions surrounding personhood this book raises.
The pacing is dead-on, the writing is pristine, and it is escapism at its finest.
Seriously enjoyable from beginning to end. One of my top books of the year. I can't stop thinking about it and hoping Mr. Pruden gives us a 3rd installment. ASAP!!
March 8, 2023
Arrgh. A "lifeless Ice Moon" with a breathable atmosphere? Where'd the oxygen come from?
A dining room aboard his ship with the chairs still inverted on the tables after violent maneuvering to escape pursuit? Acceleration that twisted Ignatz' guts "like squeezing a tube of toothpaste"?
And the last straw, a "nebula" dense enough to hide in, that Pruden's calling an "accretion disk". Come on, it's one or the other, not both.
I get that it's supposed to be humorous, light-hearted Sci Fi, but you still have to get the basic physics right! And while it is mildly amusing, it's not nearly a good enough story to put up with the flubs. I made it about 2/3's through, but it's not worth the irritation. Moving on.
A dining room aboard his ship with the chairs still inverted on the tables after violent maneuvering to escape pursuit? Acceleration that twisted Ignatz' guts "like squeezing a tube of toothpaste"?
And the last straw, a "nebula" dense enough to hide in, that Pruden's calling an "accretion disk". Come on, it's one or the other, not both.
I get that it's supposed to be humorous, light-hearted Sci Fi, but you still have to get the basic physics right! And while it is mildly amusing, it's not nearly a good enough story to put up with the flubs. I made it about 2/3's through, but it's not worth the irritation. Moving on.
July 1, 2022
I’ve been a fan of the authors work for quite a while. I was offered an Advanced Reader Copy and looked forward to reading it, as this is the first time he has written a humourous story. The author assembled a quirky team through the title characters misadventures and put his usual ‘touch’ on the team to give them depth. The book is fast paced and the universe building is good! I really enjoyed the story as it’s a fun read and left me looking forward to the next book in the series.
June 24, 2022
Brain for Rent (Barely Used) is a completely tongue-in-cheek, fun romp through space with a totally irresponsible Ignatz Bauer, a rogue AI, and an incompetent bounty hunter. It is a very entertaining interlude between books with more serious themes and characters!
July 1, 2022
Ignatz Bauer is a bit of a shady man who begins the book with a problem and was a riot to watch. Meet good characters, crazy situations, and a fun story. Laughed a lot and found it hard to put down. Had to see how all the main characters would meet and loved the AI.
June 30, 2022
Two intelligences doubles the humor
A fast paced adventure full of humor and hijinks. You library is incomplete without this book.
A fast paced adventure full of humor and hijinks. You library is incomplete without this book.
July 4, 2022
Interesting new book from DM Pruden. Really caught me off guard. Very funny and yet an exciting driving story. Hope to see more of this!
July 20, 2022
A space romp with lots of humor, and quirky characters keep you chuckling.
August 15, 2022
What a beginning to a new series. A bit different from the usual. This deals with space, humour and adventure. Definitely enjoyable.
January 22, 2023
Very enjoyable
November 26, 2024
y'know, its not high art, but its genuinely really fun. I honestly cant think of anything i didn't like about it after having finished it.
December 13, 2023
Reading this book really cheered me up - it was great fun! Well written and with believable characters, of many forms, the further I got into this book the more I was hooked.
Some great imagination and much humour, this was a great antidote to the depressing times we find ourselves in.
Starting a new series but a complete story in itself, this reader who hates cliffhangers was well happy. And looking forward to the next book!
Some great imagination and much humour, this was a great antidote to the depressing times we find ourselves in.
Starting a new series but a complete story in itself, this reader who hates cliffhangers was well happy. And looking forward to the next book!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews