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Smart Pills
Smart Pills is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for community library science fiction collections and for anyone who wants the save the universe plot with a healthy dose of humor introduced into it.—Midwest Book Reviews "A story of MOBSTERS, ALIENS and a psychotic US president--what can possibly go wrong?" "I laughed so hard I almost crashed my car!" Audible listener Captain Markus and the eccentric time traveling crew of the AeroStella have their hands full when they encounter Earth, the mafia, and a psychotic US President. The mayhem starts when two bumbling Jersey mobsters, Nick and Squeaky, decide that their only way to get rich is to insure and burn down an old apartment building. Unfortunately their complex is above ancient alien beacon for communicating with their galactic space brothers. First contact by the aliens sets in motion a destructive course for mankind and the aliens. The fate of the galaxy depends on the decisions of Markus, a mobster named Squeaky, and a dog named Snoop.
290 pages, Paperback
Published March 12, 2021
19 people are currently reading
238 people want to read
About the author
Tony Teora
15 books27 followersTony Teora is the author of six books. His first, MAD WORLDS COLLIDE (2004), is a unique science fiction comedy with a plot based mostly in Tokyo, Japan. Some of its fictional story—worldwide surveillance—was proven to be true with the subsequent Snowden revelations. Coincidentally, the hacker in MAD WORLDS COLLIDE, who disclosed the worldwide surveillance, is named ‘Eddy’.
Teora also wrote the comedy SF story SMART PILLS. Midwest Book Review: "Smart Pills for Dummies" is highly recommended for community library science fiction collections and for anyone who wants the save the universe plot with a healthy dose of humor introduced into it.
Teora later moved into military science fiction co-authoring ALIEN ENIGMA with the prolific Darrell Bain and then writing his best seller: EXTINCTION: EXTRATERRESTRIAL EMPIRE.
Teora currently lives in Sapporo where he’s now writing full time. His latest project is a three book dystopian series: THE UTOPIAN CONSPIRACY. The first book, THE RISE OF AEON NOUS, is on schedule for release in December 2020. Book two, DARKNESS DESCENDS is in the works and scheduled for release in March of 2021.
On living in Japan: "The Japanese culture really helped me gain different perspective on life. I'd like to think that these unique and interesting experiences are reflected in my writing."
On life: "The world is filled with too much trouble to take it seriously. Work hard, have fun and don't take life too seriously because the irony of life is that none of us will get out of it alive." For more information please go to the author's homepage: www.tonyteora.com
Teora also wrote the comedy SF story SMART PILLS. Midwest Book Review: "Smart Pills for Dummies" is highly recommended for community library science fiction collections and for anyone who wants the save the universe plot with a healthy dose of humor introduced into it.
Teora later moved into military science fiction co-authoring ALIEN ENIGMA with the prolific Darrell Bain and then writing his best seller: EXTINCTION: EXTRATERRESTRIAL EMPIRE.
Teora currently lives in Sapporo where he’s now writing full time. His latest project is a three book dystopian series: THE UTOPIAN CONSPIRACY. The first book, THE RISE OF AEON NOUS, is on schedule for release in December 2020. Book two, DARKNESS DESCENDS is in the works and scheduled for release in March of 2021.
On living in Japan: "The Japanese culture really helped me gain different perspective on life. I'd like to think that these unique and interesting experiences are reflected in my writing."
On life: "The world is filled with too much trouble to take it seriously. Work hard, have fun and don't take life too seriously because the irony of life is that none of us will get out of it alive." For more information please go to the author's homepage: www.tonyteora.com
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 5, 2021
Hard to review this one. First, what is the genre? SciFi comedy?? The nearest I can come to relate it to is "The Hitch-hiker's Guide to the Galaxy". It has a set of aliens who are busy trying to advance civilizations they come across, with somewhat mixed results, like with their four previous attempts they exterminated life on three previous planets and blew up the fourth. Then they come to Earth. Whereupon we meet Squeaky, the son of a mafia boss who is somewhat intellectually challenged. Like dividing by three is beyond him. The aliens come to his neighbourhood and in some confusion, one drops a packet of smart pills. Squeaky finds them, and being squeaky, eats the lot. Oops! He goes to genius level, but his morality, personality and ethics stay the same.
The book is something of a farce, but it has some very amusing moments, which I shall not spoil. It is easy to read, it is as sensible as Vogon poetry is likeable, and is a rather good read.
The book is something of a farce, but it has some very amusing moments, which I shall not spoil. It is easy to read, it is as sensible as Vogon poetry is likeable, and is a rather good read.
June 20, 2021
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
When the dimwitted son a mobster gets ahold of some smart pills, He almost brings the whole world down.
A bit juvenile.
When the dimwitted son a mobster gets ahold of some smart pills, He almost brings the whole world down.
A bit juvenile.
March 31, 2021
‘I’ve been modified by some kind of alien pills. I ate a box of smart pills years back’ - Wow!
Author Tony Teora earned his degree in Electrical Engineering from Rutgers University and is a technology entrepreneur, a college computer instructor, has designed radio control toys, and has worked on military communication systems, as well as writing freelance magazine articles and novels. His books to date – EXTINCTION, MAD WORLDS COLLIDE, RUBICON, AMERICAN MAVERICK IN JAPAN, ROPPONGI, EYES IN THE SKY, THE RISE OF AEON NOUS, and now SMART PILLS. He currently lives in Sapporo, Japan.
The author’s innate sense of humor (and his philosophy that recognizing the comedy in everything around us is important) is evident even as the novel opens: ‘Harvard Medical School’s illustrious screwball Hollywood and TV personality psychiatrist, Dr. Theodore Clark, known on TV as Dr. Teddy, stood in his lavish office concentrating on the important things in life: golf putts. He carefully putted Smiley-Face brand yellow golf balls. The balls were automatically placed onto a plastic stand by a shiny robot hand. The automatic putting system was called the Putt Perfect System. As he putted balls into a special golf-training cup, a computer-generated voice rang out “Nice shot.” On poor putts, the cup’s robotic voice blurted, “You missed me.” The doctor didn’t particularly like the voice because it reminded him of his nagging ex-wife. He swore she screwed he golf putting along with a whole bunch of other things in his life…’
Pulling together a science fiction comedy requires a blending of skills – creative storytelling, tongue in cheek humor, a touch of audacity, and the ability to capture and maintain the reader’s attention from beginning to end. Tony Teora has mastered these skills and his story is captivating. Briefly, the plot follows this line – ‘Captain Markus and the eccentric time traveling crew of the AeroStella have their hands full when they encounter Earth, the mafia, and a psychotic US President. The mayhem starts when two bumbling Jersey mobsters, Nick and Squeaky, decide that their only way to get rich is to insure and burn down an old apartment building. Unfortunately their complex is above ancient alien beacon for communicating with their galactic space brothers. First contact by the aliens sets in motion a destructive course for mankind and the aliens. The fate of the galaxy depends on the decisions of Markus, a mobster named Squeaky, and a dog named Snoop.’
Laugh out loud hilarious as well as entertainingly satiric, this book is guaranteed a permanent place on the bookrack for refreshingly reminding us ‘Don’t forget to take some time out for laughter.’ Recommended.
Author Tony Teora earned his degree in Electrical Engineering from Rutgers University and is a technology entrepreneur, a college computer instructor, has designed radio control toys, and has worked on military communication systems, as well as writing freelance magazine articles and novels. His books to date – EXTINCTION, MAD WORLDS COLLIDE, RUBICON, AMERICAN MAVERICK IN JAPAN, ROPPONGI, EYES IN THE SKY, THE RISE OF AEON NOUS, and now SMART PILLS. He currently lives in Sapporo, Japan.
The author’s innate sense of humor (and his philosophy that recognizing the comedy in everything around us is important) is evident even as the novel opens: ‘Harvard Medical School’s illustrious screwball Hollywood and TV personality psychiatrist, Dr. Theodore Clark, known on TV as Dr. Teddy, stood in his lavish office concentrating on the important things in life: golf putts. He carefully putted Smiley-Face brand yellow golf balls. The balls were automatically placed onto a plastic stand by a shiny robot hand. The automatic putting system was called the Putt Perfect System. As he putted balls into a special golf-training cup, a computer-generated voice rang out “Nice shot.” On poor putts, the cup’s robotic voice blurted, “You missed me.” The doctor didn’t particularly like the voice because it reminded him of his nagging ex-wife. He swore she screwed he golf putting along with a whole bunch of other things in his life…’
Pulling together a science fiction comedy requires a blending of skills – creative storytelling, tongue in cheek humor, a touch of audacity, and the ability to capture and maintain the reader’s attention from beginning to end. Tony Teora has mastered these skills and his story is captivating. Briefly, the plot follows this line – ‘Captain Markus and the eccentric time traveling crew of the AeroStella have their hands full when they encounter Earth, the mafia, and a psychotic US President. The mayhem starts when two bumbling Jersey mobsters, Nick and Squeaky, decide that their only way to get rich is to insure and burn down an old apartment building. Unfortunately their complex is above ancient alien beacon for communicating with their galactic space brothers. First contact by the aliens sets in motion a destructive course for mankind and the aliens. The fate of the galaxy depends on the decisions of Markus, a mobster named Squeaky, and a dog named Snoop.’
Laugh out loud hilarious as well as entertainingly satiric, this book is guaranteed a permanent place on the bookrack for refreshingly reminding us ‘Don’t forget to take some time out for laughter.’ Recommended.
April 17, 2021
Captain Markus of the Spaceship Aerostella and his motley crew have just landed at the planet earth. Here, Captain Markus encounters some of Earth’s more bizarre inhabitants. From two bumbling mobsters trying to catch a quick payout, to the unstable president of the united states, Captain Markus and his crew will have their work cut out for them if they want to prevent the destruction of an ancient alien beacon, while leaving with their hides intact. Humor, sci fi and some catchy phrases all tie this entertaining tale together.
A lighthearted story, enhanced by a few illustrations scattered throughout the book, this was certainly entertaining. I liked the character of the two mobsters the best. Their antics were the funniest for me, I could see them having their own novella, a la three stooges’ style. The writing is well done and while I didn’t quite like Captain Markus, his character was tolerable throughout the story.
A lighthearted story, enhanced by a few illustrations scattered throughout the book, this was certainly entertaining. I liked the character of the two mobsters the best. Their antics were the funniest for me, I could see them having their own novella, a la three stooges’ style. The writing is well done and while I didn’t quite like Captain Markus, his character was tolerable throughout the story.
April 15, 2021
Hilarious and Entertaining
With the cast of characters one encounters in this book, there is no way hilarity will not ensue. Aliens, mobsters, and a president that has more than their fair share of psychotic certainly make for encountering particular scenarios that will keep the reader wondering just how could the writing top itself as the story progresses. It had me laughing out loud or chuckling, especially when Nicky and Squeaky want to insure a building and burn it down to collect. This is just the sort of thing I would expect from a pair get-rich-quick type. Unfortunately for them, there lurks something underneath this structure which starts this adventure on its course. I loved every minute of this book (especially Snoop the dog!). If someone wants a laugh, I highly recommend this book! I enjoyed it immensely.
With the cast of characters one encounters in this book, there is no way hilarity will not ensue. Aliens, mobsters, and a president that has more than their fair share of psychotic certainly make for encountering particular scenarios that will keep the reader wondering just how could the writing top itself as the story progresses. It had me laughing out loud or chuckling, especially when Nicky and Squeaky want to insure a building and burn it down to collect. This is just the sort of thing I would expect from a pair get-rich-quick type. Unfortunately for them, there lurks something underneath this structure which starts this adventure on its course. I loved every minute of this book (especially Snoop the dog!). If someone wants a laugh, I highly recommend this book! I enjoyed it immensely.
March 30, 2021
This novel tells the adventures of Markus, the Captain; Squeaky, the mobster, and Snoop the dog. Markus travels in a ship called Aerostella and encounters planet Earth. But also, he meets the mafia and a psychotic United States President.
I must admit that the cover of this book has caught my attention very much. I would recommend it to young people interested in science fiction subjects. This is a novel with a mix of humor, which is what makes it more interesting and lighter to read. I did not quite like not finding illustrations inside the book, as I knew that Patrick Turner is the illustrator, I expected some of them; but there are not any of them. However, I had a lot of fun reading this book and I appreciate the way the facts are described along the plot.
I must admit that the cover of this book has caught my attention very much. I would recommend it to young people interested in science fiction subjects. This is a novel with a mix of humor, which is what makes it more interesting and lighter to read. I did not quite like not finding illustrations inside the book, as I knew that Patrick Turner is the illustrator, I expected some of them; but there are not any of them. However, I had a lot of fun reading this book and I appreciate the way the facts are described along the plot.
April 8, 2021
Smart Pills by Tony Teora is a humorous look at aliens and their intake of the crazy people of earth. Captain Markus of the AeroStella needs to find another host world and people. The story focuses on United States of American and the psycho president residing and a small time mafia descendant. Junior, the orb with a secret, follows Markus around gathering intel. But there is so much more going on behind the scenes.
I found Smart Pills funny with quirky characters that makes this a page turner. Tony Teora is one of a kind author that keeps his readers guessing as to where he is going to take you next. The plot is a combination of several common ideas, but with its own unique twist. I enjoyed how each person had their own personality and vices.
I found Smart Pills funny with quirky characters that makes this a page turner. Tony Teora is one of a kind author that keeps his readers guessing as to where he is going to take you next. The plot is a combination of several common ideas, but with its own unique twist. I enjoyed how each person had their own personality and vices.
April 3, 2021
Smart Pills by Teora is an easy-to-read but difficult-to-forget book; it is humorous and I could not help laughing down to the last page.
Belonging to the category of science fiction, this narrative is presented in 26 chapters which are all equally highly descriptive and written in a dialogue-based form.
The cover is what first caught my attention, it has invited me to flip through the pages and make up my mind to buy it.
The story revolves around the intriguing and fascinating adventures of Captain Markus, Squeaky, and
Snoop, characters which are all lovable and funny and have made me feel as if I already knew them. I could have chosen a better book to enjoy during my days off.
Belonging to the category of science fiction, this narrative is presented in 26 chapters which are all equally highly descriptive and written in a dialogue-based form.
The cover is what first caught my attention, it has invited me to flip through the pages and make up my mind to buy it.
The story revolves around the intriguing and fascinating adventures of Captain Markus, Squeaky, and
Snoop, characters which are all lovable and funny and have made me feel as if I already knew them. I could have chosen a better book to enjoy during my days off.
April 5, 2021
“Smart Pills” by Tony Teora is a fast and really satisfying story about good versus evil. It is a great, funny and gripping book which I couldn’t stop reading. The author did a good job with this novel: the setting is presented with photographic details, the characters are well-described and the plot is really interesting. It has a good story line making this is amazing down to the last page. It is certainly easy to read and difficult to forget.
To conclude, I would say that I recommend this piece of writing to anyone who enjoys science fiction. I had a great time with it, so I am giving it five deserved stars.
To conclude, I would say that I recommend this piece of writing to anyone who enjoys science fiction. I had a great time with it, so I am giving it five deserved stars.
April 7, 2021
“Smart Pills” is a very humorous science fiction book. I have to say it has a very unique plot and a narrative that compliments that plot very well. The novel has also got some satirical condiments that level up the story dynamic between the captain, the psychotic president and the mafia.
Author Tony Teora did a really good job with the descriptions and the funny lines here and there. He kept my interest in the story all the way through the end, wanting to know how things were going to solve.
I think this is a great book for young adults or adults in general to enjoy and have a laugh from it.
Author Tony Teora did a really good job with the descriptions and the funny lines here and there. He kept my interest in the story all the way through the end, wanting to know how things were going to solve.
I think this is a great book for young adults or adults in general to enjoy and have a laugh from it.
April 7, 2021
Smart Pills is the perfect blend of science fiction and humor. Tony Teora has wonderfully created a hilarious book whose plot involves mobsters, aliens, a crazy US president and above all the ultimate fate of the galaxy that is in the hands of some peculiar characters.
I liked the fast-moving plot and its twists but what I liked the most is the humor that is wittifully included throughout. My favourite scene is when President Morano is waiting for Dr Clark and he is shaking like a crack addict attempting a hip-hop.’ And the description goes ‘He must have farted at least five times in a span of ten minutes.’ Definitely, this is a must read comedy.
I liked the fast-moving plot and its twists but what I liked the most is the humor that is wittifully included throughout. My favourite scene is when President Morano is waiting for Dr Clark and he is shaking like a crack addict attempting a hip-hop.’ And the description goes ‘He must have farted at least five times in a span of ten minutes.’ Definitely, this is a must read comedy.
April 16, 2021
This book is probably one of the funniest stories I've ever read. With a particularly greasy and super entertaining plot, "Smart Pills" is a must-read book. Author Tony Teora tells us the story of Captain Markus and his particular crew; in their trip, anything can happen!
Although it is a book with a few more than 300 pages, this is an extremely entertaining and easy-to-read story. I also think this is a stimulating and fresh read that will make readers laugh nonstop. Author Teora did an amazing job, because it is not an easy task to mix several genres as he did. Without doubt, I recommend reading this incredible story.
Although it is a book with a few more than 300 pages, this is an extremely entertaining and easy-to-read story. I also think this is a stimulating and fresh read that will make readers laugh nonstop. Author Teora did an amazing job, because it is not an easy task to mix several genres as he did. Without doubt, I recommend reading this incredible story.
April 17, 2021
A great sci fi book
I found this book as an example of a miscellaneous story worth reading. “Smart Pills” is a compelling sci-fi novel written by Tony Teora and illustrated by Patrick Turner. It has a unique and funny style with well-developed and dynamic characters. Besides, it turned out to be an action-packed story with many comic scenes. The bit I liked the most about it is that it flows freely; it is so entertaining that I could not put it down easily. It is well-developed and it is full of unexpected surprises that lured me from the beginning to the end. Apart from that, I liked the setting of the story. That is why I highly recommend it!
I found this book as an example of a miscellaneous story worth reading. “Smart Pills” is a compelling sci-fi novel written by Tony Teora and illustrated by Patrick Turner. It has a unique and funny style with well-developed and dynamic characters. Besides, it turned out to be an action-packed story with many comic scenes. The bit I liked the most about it is that it flows freely; it is so entertaining that I could not put it down easily. It is well-developed and it is full of unexpected surprises that lured me from the beginning to the end. Apart from that, I liked the setting of the story. That is why I highly recommend it!
April 12, 2021
I really love reading science fiction stories and this one called Smart Pills was not the exception. Its author, Tony Teora, did a great job with it; the narrative is entertaining and surprising at the same time. I really liked how he developed the plot; he left nothing to change, it was all carefully thought out.
It was a good idea to use different sizes and fonts to write certain messages. It is an entertaining read with very good characters. I recommend reading it because the story is good and fun, and also because it is a read that although it has many pages, it reads quickly.
It was a good idea to use different sizes and fonts to write certain messages. It is an entertaining read with very good characters. I recommend reading it because the story is good and fun, and also because it is a read that although it has many pages, it reads quickly.
April 16, 2021
“Smart Pills” written by Tony Teora is a sci-fi story that has a bit of everything, from well developed and interesting characters, to good settings and a plot that develops completely from beginning to end.
The aesthetic of the chapters is something to point out; I liked the different fonts used and the details added in the chapters. The author has a very good writing style that hooked me from beginning to end and made me laugh a lot.
I recommend reading this story because it is entertaining, surprising and out of the ordinary. I liked it a lot.
The aesthetic of the chapters is something to point out; I liked the different fonts used and the details added in the chapters. The author has a very good writing style that hooked me from beginning to end and made me laugh a lot.
I recommend reading this story because it is entertaining, surprising and out of the ordinary. I liked it a lot.
April 16, 2021
This story is such a weird story in a way that you're either wondering how these characters could pull off these things or laughing at them. What happens when you take smart pills? It's not pretty at all. This is a story about Captain Markus, his crew, and the duo Nick and Squeaky. I was really rooting for Squeaky to really grow, and he does. Nick, on the other hand, I could not handle his actions. We all have that problematic friend. It's either fun or not fun. But together, it's definitely a ride. There were a couple of typos in the story, but overall, I enjoyed it. It's weird. It's so weird.
April 24, 2021
Stand Alone
Mistakes: I didn't find anything wrong with this book, it just wasn't for me. Don't hate it but didn't enjoy it either.
Just didn't like any of the characters.
Mistakes: I didn't find anything wrong with this book, it just wasn't for me. Don't hate it but didn't enjoy it either.
Just didn't like any of the characters.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews