I live on military SF set in deep space. You know, the kind where there are massive ships and dramatic space battles, and a small deadly team of space marines or space sailors is caught in the grinder of war and forced to become heroes almost against their will. It’s big and epic, but oh so human. You come to care about the team and then, if you are reading Tanya Huff, almost everyone dies, or if you are reading Jack Campbell, there are intrigues and politics and you get angry on behalf of the characters. Wave that in front of me, and I will download a sample. If there are aliens involved, I’m buying.
Yes, I’m a sucker, leave me alone.
Awhile ago I saw Jim Hines talk about his new book. It was a military SF, set in space, with epic space battles and a small team… you get the picture. I was like, “Ooo, let me google this.” I googled it.
Read the synopsis.
In his hilarious new sci-fi series, Jim C. Hines introduces the unlikely heroes that may just save the galaxy: a crew of space janitors.
The Krakau came to Earth to invite humanity into a growing alliance of sentient species. However, they happened to arrive after a mutated plague wiped out half the planet, turned the rest into shambling, near-unstoppable animals, and basically destroyed human civilization. You know—your standard apocalypse.
The Krakau’s first impulse was to turn around and go home. (After all, it’s hard to have diplomatic relations with mindless savages who eat your diplomats.) Their second impulse was to try to fix us. Now, a century later, human beings might not be what they once were, but at least they’re no longer trying to eat everyone. Mostly.
Marion “Mops” Adamopoulos is surprisingly bright (for a human). As a Lieutenant on the Earth Mercenary Corps Ship Pufferfish, she’s in charge of the Shipboard Hygiene and Sanitation team. When a bioweapon attack wipes out the Krakau command crew and reverts the rest of the humans to their feral state, only Mops and her team are left with their minds intact.
Escaping the attacking aliens—not to mention her shambling crewmates—is only the beginning. Sure, Mops and her team of space janitors and plumbers can clean the ship as well as anyone, but flying the damn thing is another matter.
As they struggle to keep the Pufferfish functioning and find a cure for their crew, they stumble onto a conspiracy that could threaten the entire alliance… a conspiracy born from the truth of what happened on Earth all those years ago.
So, long story short, I twisted Jim’s arm for an advanced reader copy. The book is damn hilarious. It’s less Tanya Huff and more Phule’s Company in the best possible way. It’s witty and sharp, it sneaks in some social commentary, and it skates just on the right side of the line between clever absurdity and complete chaos. And the sanitation jokes. So many sanitation jokes.
Mops chuckled and approached the only occupied cell. Glowing letters in the wide, glassy door labeled it Cell 6. “Doc, how long until we jump?”
“Twelve minutes.”
A narrow cot strained to hold Technician Wolfgang Mozart’s bulk. The guards had stripped Wolf of her equipment and harness, leaving her black jumpsuit bare and baggy. A short blue service stripe on her upper right sleeve marked her time in the EMC, just as the two short and one long red Lieutenant stripes on Mops’ denoted her twelve years. Wolf’s sleeves were pushed back to the elbows, exposing the tattoo of an Earth wolf on her left forearm. She flexed her muscles, and the reactive inks animated the wolf’s jowls, making it bare its teeth in challenge.
“I was just doing my job. The Glacidae should be in here, not me. They’re the one who started giving me crap.”
Mops folded her arms and said nothing. Anticipating her next request, Doc pulled up the incident report details on her monocle.
The cot creaked as Wolf sat up and ran thick fingers through her dark, sweat-spiked hair. She looked Mops up and down, probably trying to assess how much trouble she was in. “I mean that literally, you know. I was busting my ass trying to clear a jam in their toilet. The next thing I know, they’re shooting shit-pellets in my direction.”
“That wasn’t excrement. Technician Gromgimsidalgak was expelling unfertilized eggs.”
“Whatever. It was like a machine gun from their ass.”
“I’m sure Grom was as unhappy about it as you were.”
Since the book was tons of fun, and I invited Jim over for a guest blog post. Jim – Book Devouring Horde. BDH – Jim Hines. Enjoy!
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Ilona was kind enough to read an advance copy of my book Terminal Alliance, which—by amazing coincidence—comes out this week. She was also kind enough to say, “I loved the book!” and to invite me to do a guest blog post.
I’m tempted to jump right into PLEASE BUY MY BOOK I’VE GOT CATS AND DOGS AND KIDS TO FEED (NOT NECESSARILY IN THAT ORDER) mode, but I’ll save that for the end. First, I want to chat about…let’s call it story snobbery.
I don’t mean hating a particular story. Some stories are just bad. (Case in point: almost all of my unpublished work from the mid-90s when I was first learning how to write.) But when you get into dismissing or looking down upon entire genres? That’s messed up.
One week it might be a NYT book columnist dismissing science fiction and fantasy as empty, juvenile nonsense. The next week, we SF/F geeks console ourselves by ripping on those literary writers and their plotless, metaphor-laden wankfests. And it seems like everyone wants to take a shot at romance novels. (Isn’t it odd how romance, one of the most universally sneered-at genres, is also one of the genres most aimed at women? Coincidence, I’m sure…)
I’ve talked before about my development as a writer, how I started out wanting to write “important” stories. To me, that meant serious, literary science fiction and fantasy. I bought right into the story snobbery. I loved SF/F, but I wanted to avoid those “lesser” forms.
I hated trying to be that writer. It wasn’t me. Eventually, I said the heck with it and started writing stories that were more fun, stories about nearsighted goblins and flaming spiders and magic librarians and kick-ass princess and, most recently, space janitors. What I thought of as your basic junk food fiction.
Those were the stories that sold.
It used to be when I talked about my path, that was where I’d end it. I’d discovered my voice, thrown off the yoke of important stories, and built a career. I found happiness in my little ghetto of “bubble-gum fantasy,” as one reviewer put it. I lived happily ever after, eventually hitting the NYT bestseller list and getting those big Hollywood deals and earning enough money to buy Hawaii. (I write fantasy. I’m allowed to dream…)
What took me longer to figure out was that those bubble-gum books mattered too.
I started to understand when a teacher from the west coast emailed me about one of her students who hated reading. He wouldn’t read anything. And one day, she left a copy of Goblin Quest on her desk. He was intrigued. Not only did he end up finishing it, he went on to read the whole trilogy. He wrote a report on the books. Later, he sent me a letter about them.
My book—my book!—was the book he needed. It changed him. That revelation shook me. To quote Keanu, “Whoa…”
In recent years, I’ve seen another type of dismissal: not of a specific genre, but of a story type. “Not another Mary-Sue,” bemoans the long-suffering (usually male) critic, complaining of yet another too-competent girl or woman. “So unbelievable,” he sneers, setting the book aside to watch the latest incarnation of Batman.
Screw that. We need Mary-Sue stories too. We need stories of uber-competent women. And when people complain it’s just blatant wish-fulfilment, so what? Why shouldn’t women be allowed to fulfil their wishes too?
There are no unimportant genres. The world needs romance and fantasy, literature and poetry. We need comics and tie-in work and mystery and thriller. We need densely written epics and one-day comfort reads.
It took me far too long to start breaking down my own prejudices, to recognize the power and importance of stories I’d dismissed in the past.
Never underestimate the impact of story. Maybe it’s a depressed teenager finding escape in a romance novel. Maybe it’s a little kid finding dreams and inspiration in sci-fi. Maybe it’s an old man in hospice finding comfort in the poetic language of literary fiction.
Stories are everything. They shape how we understand the world. They give hope and comfort and joy. They create empathy and compassion. They bring people together in amazing ways.
Even, I hope, stories about space janitors. About Lieutenant Marion Susan Adamopoulos (“Mops”) and her team of utterly unqualified humans having to figure out how to fly the ship when the rest of the crew is incapacitated. (They also have the ship’s Glacidae computer tech, a yellow worm-like creature who spends too much time playing video games on the bridge viewscreen.)
Terminal Alliance isn’t deep literary fiction. It wasn’t meant to be. I wrote it to be fun, to bring a bit of happiness and maybe even hope to people. I wrote because I wanted to challenge certain SF tropes, and I wanted to show Mops overpowering attackers by hotwiring a space station’s sanitation system.
Thanks for reading. And thank you Ilona for loaning me your platform.
Read well. Read widely. And no matter what you read, read unashamedly.
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Jim website can be found here: http://www.jimchines.com/
Excerpt of Terminal Alliance can be found here: http://www.jimchines.com/project/janitors/
Buy links for your convenience. Please remember that your mileage may vary, so always try a sample before you buy.
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I was the same way as a reader about certain genres. It was actually a FBI series that opened my eyes to good story telling. I was a new student and spent my lunch break in the library cause I didn’t no anyone. The story was so good I was lost in it and almost late for class. After that it was historical romance books were my escape. I spent years not trying different books it was a amazing wake up call. So I can relate to what he is talking about from a readers side of it.
This looks hilarious. Also, my larp club is just starting up a space-based game. I will be sharing this with them for character inspiration. Because, space janitors.
I’m so excited to have a new book!
Sold. Off to Amazon to check out back catalogue. (UK – sorry Ilona, can’t use your links!)
Whoa – BIG back catalogue. Any tips on where to start, anyone?
Libromancer – the Magic Ex Libris series!
Jinks the Goblin!! I think first book is Goblin Quest. I love him. For a work of his closer to the space janitors however Libromancer which is also great.
Jig Jig Jig!! that’s what I get for going off memory…..
“Jinks” would also be an excellent goblin name 😉
I love the Libriomancer series (magic librarians pulling stuff as needed, too cool! Plus a fire spider sidekick and intelligent female character !) but I started with his Princess series (what happened after the fairy tale, the princesses were smart, capable, badass women who banded together to save the realm, etc) — loved them and have given them to all my nieces. Haven’t read the goblin books yet — though I just bought them.
I’m going to check this out. I’ve never like this kind of stuff until I started reading the Kutherian Gambit series.
“Read well. Read widely. And no matter what you read, read unashamedly.” Perfect statement!
I need a mug or T-shirt that says that.
Having had someone try to book shame me in high school, that quote needs to be on extensive merchandise.
Nobody deserves to have people look at the cover of a book and then proclaim “that stuff will rot your brain”.
How many scientists have been inspired to invent an item that showed up in a book?
Just think if Isaac Asimov had not wrote “fictional science” back in the day we wouldn’t have the 3 laws of robotics everyone uses today (I, Robot anyone?).
By the way, I really love that statement. Keep reading BDH! 😀
LOVE, love, love that statement too!! I would buy t-shirts, mugs, totes, well…you get the idea! ?
People jump out of planes for a few seconds of thrill. Some people run for a high. I like to think I get a similar rush when reading a quip that just nails it. Thanks, for such deep analysis, Mr. Hines. And thanks, Ilona and Horde for continually providing new thrills to seek!
wow what a great blog and tremendous attitude!
I worked in libraries for years before i gave into my inner techno geek. And I was in the childrens dept trying to interest children to read more. The nerds like me were the easy ones I introduced them to Asimov, norton and all the others that i read when i was a child. But there was always that group of too cool young men from 10-16 no matter what i described were not interested. Until i added comic books to our collection. They would be in there every month to read the latest Xmen or Batman. And while they were there i could interest them in other things.
thank you for being you.
Peg – major love and appreciation for libraries and the folks who keep them going.
My parents had a similar attitude toward us when I was a kid. They didn’t care what we were reading, as long as we read *something*. I started out with their old Peanuts collection and a handful of falling-apart comic books, and eventually ended up devouring so much more 🙂
Welcome to the blog, Jim. The BDH is harmless. Mostly. Unless you get between us and Kate. Or us and Innkeeper. Or us and anything Ilona and Gordon write.
I’ll add your book to my wish list. I’d buy it outright, but I counted the other day and I have about 3 dozen books in my unread queue. I’m trying to whittle that down a bit.
I think I’ll create a wish list on Amazon and call it “Ilona’s recommendations”. That way I won’t forget why I added it to the wish list.
Good luck on the book!
Thanks, Tink! And I completely understand. My own TBR pile is at the point it’s going to fall over and smother me one of these days. So many authors writing so many books I want to check out, and there’s never enough time…
I have to say a LONG time fan of your! Love your work, and always glad to see when two of my loved authors overlap for one reason or another. And thank you for another Ex Libris!
Thanks, Shawn!
I figure I’ll give myself another week of Terminal Alliance-related stuff before I switch gears and start prepping for Imprinted to come out 🙂
I totally agree with you, Ilona, about space sci fi books. Have you ever read Satellite Night News by Jack Hopkins? It’s an oldie but a goodie (is that even a word, lol?), although I haven’t been able to get the two sequels. I also enjoy Elizabeth Moon’s books. Their much more serious than SNN but very much page-turners. I love the synopsis for Terminal Alliance. I can’t wait to read it.
Awesome post! Have no shame in reading what you like. I’ve fallen prey to both sides of that coin; both condescending from my literary high horse and furtively hiding the cover of my Nora Roberts/Louis L’amour/Piers Anthony/Tamora Pierce… It took me a long time to get comfortable with letting people see what I read because it felt like it would invite judgement or reveal that I’m one of those [insert stereotype here]. I’m glad you found your voice and an audience who appreciates it, that must feel great. Might just have to pick up a copy and try your voice out next 🙂
Love those authors!
Audra, l love your post. I was on the end of a lot of stares by what I was reading especially when I was an undergraduate. One situation of huge stares was when I took a day off from class for my birthday, and I had calculus homework due the next day. I love the NHL, so I went to a St. Louis Blues practice with my mom as a birthday present and took my calculus homework with me. I caused a stir not only with the player’s wives but the players themselves. The player’s kept looking over the glass as they skated by wondering what the heck I was doing. Some slowed down almost causing a huge pile up. As soon as I looked up, the players had somewhere else to skate. One of the wives point blank asked me what I was doing. I told her “my calculus homework that’s due tomorrow”. She looked at me with wide eyes but kept talking with me. 🙂
Sometimes the most hilarious stares can be some of the most cherished memories.
If you’ve not seen this read it and love Mr. Hines. And laugh until you snort coffee out your nose.
He is a true original!
http://www.jimchines.com/2012/12/pose-off-with-john-scalzi/
Heh. You can get backstory and links to all of the cover pose shots at http://www.jimchines.com/cover-posing/
But be warned – once seen, they cannot be unseen!
OMG!!!! You’re right. Can’t be unseen, but I just loved them. What a great sense of humor! (Now if I only could get my hands on that calendar.)
Sounds like fun. 🙂 I’ll give it a try
Ilona, try the books of Thomas dePrima. They will feed your addiction. Completely unbelievable, but wonderful.
“Book Devouring Horde” love that <3
Bravo! Mr Hines. You are a man after my own heart.
Being much older than you, I have had more time to be dissed about my reading choices. This started with a 5th grade teacher who gave the class a reading list and then insisted that I make my book report on “A Tale of Two Cities”. (It was not on the list. I have hated Dickens ever since.)
I read almost everything (except Dickens and porn – don’t much care for that either), including the cereal boxes at breakfast (alas, very little plot there).
I told my kids “I don’t care what you read, as long as you read.” Many teachers forget this. Thank you for helping the kids figure it out.
Thank you (and Ilona) for pointing out your new release. It sounds like a blast. I imagine it will be on my iPad, or at least my Amazon wish list, by this evening.
I’d say that the dogs, cats, and children – in whatever order – have nothing to worry about. (You, as parent, will worry anyway. It is the function of the parent to always worry.)
Thanks again for the kind words, Ilona! And for letting me borrow your blog this morning!
Milly – that reminds me of the first time I read a romance novel. I was surprised at how quickly it drew me in. Eye-opening as both a reader and a writer.
Emma – If it helps, I’ve got excerpts of all the books available on my website 🙂
Whoa – in the time it took me to write one comment, ten more popped up! What an awesome group 🙂
We are the Book Devouring Horde Horde after all! Your book sounds like a hoot. I’ll give it a read next weekend when I am traveling. Good luck with the release. 🙂
I couldn’t get enough of Phule’s Company. Robert Asprin wrote some hilarious stuff. I was sad to hear he passed away. But because of that, I’ll definitely give Terminal Alliance a try. I love sci-fi, or urban fantasy with humor.
Thanks Jim.
This looks awesome! Putting it on my list. I read extensively. However, this genre is usually one my mom and I “share” and interest in. I’m excited to try it !
Thank you for the book review and awesome blog post! As a person that reads for fun 98% of the time (2% on the newspaper) it is nice to hear about others. I always wonder why people look down on any genre. As a parent When my son was struggling as a small child it find stuff to read for school we found some actual books on Pokémon for him to read.
We’ve taken a very similar approach with my son. Half the books he reads are about LEGO or Pokemon or video games. As he’s gotten older, his reading has broadened some, but whenever he brings home a book order brochure from school, I know he’ll have circled anything LEGO-related 🙂
Even though my babies are older now I still feel that allowing my kids to have a say in their required reading really helped them not resent but enjoy the reading time. The elementary school they went too had reading homework M-Th 20 minutes. My kids still read and now that they are 18, 20 and 22, I figure that is the important thing.
Still remember those Scholastic book forms!
It’s *possible* I might have ordered a few books for myself on those book orders, along with the ones for my son…
I’ve recently gotten into space military series. I’ve read 6 series now, 2 of which were spinoffs.
I’m not certain If I’m really going to be able to keep going to it.
I feel like I read the best one available, and now the rest are just shit in comparison.
If you haven’t already, take a look at the Theirs Not to Reason Why series by Jean Johnson. I still can’t get over it and i read it a month ago. I think about it nightly. I’m slowly building up a religion in my head surrounding it. It is unnatural and probably a bit unhealthy how deeply I have fallen for it.
Mr. Hines, I’ve already read most of your books and own quite a few. I’ve always enjoyed your writing – you, sir are a VERY GOOD AUTHOR! What I value is good story writing with strong and interesting characters. (And good editing and proofing, let’s not forget how that can make or break a book!) You always deliver that. So, thank you! I’m glad more people will find you through this blog!
Thank you! And yes…my most shameful bit on the proofreading front at the moment? Ilona’s name is misspelled in the author’s note. I saw that a few days before this blog post went up, and wanted to bury my head in the sand.
There always seems to be something that slips past everyone, But I have so much love and appreciation for the editors who catch and fix *most* of my mistakes!
I am used to it. 🙂 No worries.
I SWEAR IT SHALL BE FIXED FOR THE PAPERBACK RELEASE!
The book sounds fun, and I love fun sci-fi. I like the rest a lot too.
This is going on the pile!
PURCHASED!
Mostly because it looks like a rip-roaring good time but also because of your passionate defense of the “brain candy” stories. I love epic and I love the “one day read.” Can’t wait to dive in.
Note to Illona – can we please please have more stories from Curran’s POV??????
Thank you, Sarah! I hope you enjoy it!
Even so I love R. Aspirin I’m not sure about the latest Jim Hines – might be to quirky for me. Regardless I agree with his sentiment about the value of certain types of books – there is trash around but that’s usually a specific book and not a genre. So Jim go on writing what and how you like.
Pure space opera with battles and Aliens: Glynn Stewart. Found him last year with an Amazon 1$ deal and now have everything he has published to date. (Not as dense and komplex as an Ilona Andrews but “just” a fun read.)
Regency Romance: still haven’t found anything better than Georgette Heyer – and I have been looking! Her first book was published 90! Years ago, but it still reads fresh.
Contemporary R.: the author lords. Please keep up the good work.
As to Regency Romance, try Michelle Martin’s books. Hard to find, but I think they’re worth it. Closest thing I’ve found to a Heyer novel.
Welcome Mr Hines! I’ve LOVED your books particularly Jig and it gave me to end to the squeeing when the fire spider Smudge ended up in Libromancer.
Thank you!
I’m still baffled as to how, of all the characters I’ve written, a spider ended up being my readers’ favorite 🙂
I love that you write the world needs more Mary-Sue stories and your main character’s name can be shortened to be Mary-Sue. Coincidence?
Not a coincidence at all!
Always willing to try new books ? and this one sounds very entertaining ?
Thank you for giving me a smile today, that was a lovely post Jim. I loved the wacky, wonderful wisdom – so grateful to the Authorlords for another delightful introduction.
Yeah! Ilona & Jim in one blog (two of my favorite authors)! This is greatness!
The Magic Ex Libris series is such excellent writing and storytelling. I hope all of you that have not read it yet will add it to your TBR pile.
I am looking forward to reading about space janitors! I am sure it will be most excellent and hilarious.
Thank you, Ilona, for inviting Jim to write a guest blog! I love you both mucho and this blog just made my day.
Done! I already have Libriomancer, so also bought #2, and Goblin Quest!
I am a HUGE!!! fan of space battle epic opera type genre!. OK, I am a huge reader of everything including cereal boxes also. And a huge fan of everything by Ilona and Gordon. Lois McMaster Bujold and C.J. Cherryh are heroes of mine too. Currently reading Decker’s war, and Tanya Huff’s series is currently being read by my son. Also, the Honor Harrington series, and Elizabeth Moon’s series…I can go on and on
Thanks for this post today!
Love Tanya Huff’s work! Her military SF was one of the things I read when getting into the mindset to write this book 🙂
The only thing that beats a good story is finding a new author who tells good stories with a large back catalogue.
Never read any space stuff apart from hitchhiker. This seems like a good place to start. Heading to the space janitors and the goblin now.
Many thanks
When he was a child, my husband had difficulty reading and avoided it. He had mild dyslexia but no one got that at the time. Then he discovered superhero comic books. His mom bemoaned his reading choices until her friend said, “what are you complaining about? He’s reading!” It was a big “ah ha” moment.
I wanted my kids to love fantasy fiction the way I do. My daughter reads mostly Overwatch and Fallout fan fic, and my son would rather read an encyclopedia. Oh well. One out of two ain’t bad. 😀
I’ll generally read anything. My poor parents taught me to read when I was about 3 and probably regretted it when my teachers at school complained about getting my nose out of a book long enough to pay attention in class. I think i’m the only kid who had books put on restriction as punishment for whatever reason I needed to be punished.
Anyway, I’m always looking for new material to read and I’m not sure why you haven’t crossed my radar before. Needless to say “long backlist” is one of my favorite phrases. ?
Since some of us are recommending books, I’ll toss my own into the ring… The Jurisidiction series by Susan R. Mathews. A bit dark and psychological, it’s one of those series I read as a youngster and re-read when I was older, and re-read again as I continue to age and each time I seem to come out with something different.
Join the club, I too got punished for reading too much. Well, “punished” would be a big word, it would be more like being forbidden to read at certain times so I would hide under my bed and read with a flashlight so as not to get caught. Yes, I read everything I could get my hands on, the complete school library, all my parent’s books (they had quite a few) be it chemistry, physics or fiction. As a byproduct of that reading I did get pretty good grades in school.
Welcome Mr. Hines! I’ll be reading your book(s) soon.
A quick question, is the choice of “Adamopoulos” surname random or do you have any Greek origin?
I don’t personally have Greek heritage that I’m aware of, but I wanted a name that would logically lead to the nickname “Mops,” and this one fit pretty well.
Ilona,
Thank you for bringing this to my attention. Now I have another book to hunt down and read.
Jim,
Thank you for your words of wisdom. Good books are important, no matter the genre. Just because I won’t read historical romance, does not mean someone else who likes it shouldn’t enjoy it.
There are too many snobs who think there opinion is the only one that should matter. My opinion, and no it isn’t the holy writ, let everyone enjoy what they like without fear of ridicule.
And also thank you for your wonderfully written books.
Bravo Jim! I am off to check out your catalogue. I grew up reading classic SF and was indoctrinated into only reading “serious” books when I was in college. You know, LIT-eracha (said with a sneer down the nose). A couple years ago while going through a rough time in my life, I fell into romance novels because they were accessible, comforting, and I needed the HEAs. Which is how I took a sideways step into the BDH. It infuriates me that people can be dismissive of an entire genre just because it has the words “fantasy” or “romance” in it. Ultimately, every book can be something important to someone, and even though paranormal romance and urban fantasy are my go-to books nowadays, I still read scientific journals, non-fiction, and even LIT-eracha.
I let my kids read whatever although I do give them hints and recommendations. Only thing I ever refused was the Captain Underpants books- I told them they could read ’em, but don’t expect me to read them out loud. Those books have way too much potty talk and I eat with this mouth.
Preordered the book. Downloaded at 4:30 AM. Angry I had to stop reading to shower and go to work! Will stay up late to finish, the escape is so worth while. Thanks☺
Did you know that in german, Mops means Pug? The dog breed? 🙂 also, the plural of Mops is Möpse which is german Slang for ….. well it translates to boobs, I’d say.
Your new Book sounds awesome! Thanks for writing fun stories!
We may need to rename a few characters if my German publisher picks this one up 🙂
Thanks for great blog post! I have never read any of your books but a bunch are now on my TBR list!
I am like that student you mentioned in your post. I am dyslexic among other things and as a kid I HATED reading books. Comic books were my gateway drug! 🙂 Looking at the pictures without reading was so helpful! I was ten before my school librarian was able to corral me and give me a book by Mercedes Lackey Arrows of The Queen. I was sucked into the fantasy genre and I never looked back, it’s slow going but I am now a obsessive bookworm! A few months ago a friend who loves fantasy and Scifi disparaged Lackey’s Valdemar series and I nearly bit his head off!!
Awesomely said!
Great guest post! Kudos to the Authorlords for thinking of it and to Jim for a kick-ass, division-decimating, well-written buy-and-read-all-the-books-especially-mine argument.
Count me in as another fan of authors Andrews & Hines, and most of the other authors mentioned in this thread.
That is all. ??
Poop, Kobo Australia doesn’t have it so I’m shaking my fist at the sky muttering cos I need to filter my words for the office.
Will be getting this one and making sure my Public Library gets it too. I always pick up Jim Hinges books because they are so much fun to read.
Oops. Hines. Autocorrect. .
To be fair, Jim Hinges writes some pretty cool stuff 😉
Oh my gosh. I kind of love you right now. I had no idea who you were before I read this post and now I love you and you’re my hero of the day.
Bc this. I totally and completely get this. I’m gonna take a moment to say when I was in my late teens I force fed myself a bunch of Literature. Yes it needs the capital L. I stuck my nose up at fantasy and don’t even get me started on romance. For reals if it wasn’t at least 100 years old I was too good for it.
Teenage me was an idiot.
I have since discovered I actually flat love fantasy. It took me a long time to admit that. And here’s an even dirtier secret: Romance is my favorite.
Me. I read romance. And I’m not sorry.
Also I completely get off on ubercompetent people no matter their gender.
I live on a steady diet of literary junk food. Bc I’m a single mom and I have quite enough drama as it is thank you. I want escapism and humor and plot lines .
So thank you for abandoning your “lofty” aspirations and embracing the plot and humor and I’m now seriously excited about your books.
Also dadgumit Ilona!! I’ve been being SO GOOD with my Kindle budget and every time you do one of these I wind up blowing the shiz out of my budgeting! Of course it also means I find an amazing new author I can’t live with out but that’s entirely besides the point.
I love the Libromancer books! I used to work in a bookstore and first found Jim’s Princess books. So good.
I get so tired of people being judgy about books. I read a lot of sci fi/fantasy and romance. It isn’t trash or pulp or fluff (ok some of it is) but for me a great escape from the shitstorm that is my life. I am deeply thankful for the writers that make me laugh and immerse me in a story. There’s so much in the world that is depressing…books are my haven.
Thank you Jim Hines for a lovely post. It joins a lecture by Neil Gaiman (on the importance of libraries and reading) in my collection of beautifully written and useful prose I use when faced by “you’re not reading again??…it’s so boring.” Even better it defends at least 55 years of reading science fiction (and all its variants) started by my parents. I still have my mother’s Andre Norton and Gordon R Dickson collections. Thanks also to Ilona, so nice to know that one of my favourite writers reads another of my favourite writers. Hoping for for another episode in Torin Kerr’s life!!
I love Gaiman’s quote: “Google can bring you back 100,000 answers. A librarian can bring you back the right one.”
I started out reading Asimov’s Lucky Starr series. God that was a million years ago. Moved on to Norton and Heinlein. Sigh… Good times.
Yessss, Heinlein… such good times!
I always get a kick out of it when some one names a ship (airship, spaceship or navy ship) the Admiral Heinlein. It doesn’t happen as much any more, but occasionally – giggle city!
It’s only available in hardback?! Nooooo
I too am a sucker for that sub genre of science fiction (space opera?) – whatever. Love Tanya Huff – read her Federation series long time ago and recently started a re-read when I discovered her spin-off books An Ancient Peace and A Peace Divided (Peacekeeper series?) and couldn’t recall a lot of the references to previous characters and situations. An excellent series, up there with Elizabeth Moon’s “Serano Legacy” and Ann Leckie’s “Imperial Radch” series.
I’m just about to download Terminal Alliance – it sounds hilarious. I so agree with Jim Hines about story snobbery. “It’s just space opera” seems to be the derogatory term de jour applied to anything that isn’t considered hard-core SF. “it’s not proper science” the erudite mutter; “it totally ignores the laws of physics” the science buffs cry, So what. To my mind science fiction is just that; fiction. Personally I love it when authors play around with physics especially when it’s well thought out and appears to work in their universe. There are so many amazing, compelling, thought provoking and even humerous SF books out there. I have a way too long list of them waiting to be read. Speaking of humerous, I have read some excellent humerous SF books. Anyone remember The Stainless Steel Rat or Bill the Galactic Hero (showing my age now); the fact that these were considered humerous and light-weight didn’t do Harry Harrison’s credibility as an author any harm. At the time they may have been considered “not quite proper SF” but they have endured. They are still published today and, in my opinion, still hilarious. So Jim, keep writing “space comedy” and keep the smiles on our faces.
Well that’s pants. Just discovered T A is only in hardback and audio. Hope ebook format won’t be long. Meanwhile going to read the first in Magic Ex Libris series which is on Kindle.
Amazon has it available on Kindle
Not in the uk..
No, definitely not in the UK. Now the hardback and audio are showing as temporarily OOS. I think there is a problem on the UK site with Jim Hines books. I tried to buy a Kindle copy of one of his other books and for ages it kept showing all his books as not available at the moment. I persevered and went through his author page and managed to download a copy of Libriomancer but the whole process was a right pain. I wish to make it clear that this is not a criticism of Jim Hines but a comment on Amazons ability to screw things up.
Yes it is on Amazon US but it won’t let you buy it if you don’t have a US account. There is a problem with other countries not getting the Kindle edition and Jim Hines says this is something to do with territorial rights. He has emailed the publishers but he doesn’t really have any control over this.
I remember reading the Stainless Steel Rat. I read all I could find then they stopped publishing the books. Lots of fun.
So brilliant to read about Jim and his work!
Ilona, thank you for the introduction! I have now found another author that you have recommended that I love!
Mr. Hines, thank you for being true to yourself! What a wonderful world if more of us did!!! I did not know of your work prior to this, but will definitely be buying this book – and probably the rest of your works as well!! Congratulations on such an engaging book! ?
In a much less dignified way, I am currently jumping up and down, rubbing my hands together, and chortling in greedy glee!! Yay!! Something to buy and devour while waiting for Kate 10!!! Whoooo hooo!
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Hehe Marion Susan 😉
Jim C. Hines also recreates the cover poses artists put women into, with the expected hilarious results: http://www.jimchines.com/cover-posing/
Yep, this was (and is) one of my favorite things on the interwebs!
I’m fairly new to your blog, so don’t know if you’ve already sung the praises of James SA Corey’s edge-if-your-seat Expanse series (NOT the TV version). I ended up finishing the entire series so far in about a week and a half (obviously not sleeping or eating or working the entire time…these books are long, but every word counts), and I have to say it’s been a long, long time since I’ve been that riveted by a long series. Characters, plot, technology…but mostly the unique, complex and likeable (and dislikeable) characters. Awesome series.
Now I’ll go check out Jim Hines’ book, because his comments are delightful!
Faith, how could anyone not like James SA Corey’s books. The Expanse Series is totally awesome. I think it’s my favourite science fiction series to date.
I like the books but found the TV series unwatchable. Glad I’m not alone.
Got a review copy and loved it. Recommended it as one of our Science Fiction Book Club choices for 2018.
Thanks Ilona and mr Hines! Like subversive funny stuff. May I recommend the Miles VOrkosigan saga?? By Lois McMaster bujold. Multiple volumes, stuff that makes you laugh and cry riding on the bus to work. Also gives you a seat by yourself…..
And lots of Mr Hines on digital! NICE!!
I’ve read every book she has written in this series and loved them. Sadly, she hasn’t written a Vorkosigan book for a while now (I did not get along with her science fantasy books) so I’m feeling a little deprived at the moment.
Science fantasy?? Her fantasies don’t have space or tech in them. Personally, I love everything she writes. You didn’t miss Gentleman Jole and the Red Queen (ie., widowed Cordelia) did you?
I hated Gentleman Jole and the Red Queen, I wish I could back and unread it. Poor Cordelia has the most boring semi-retirement and the romance is “leftovers”.
I loved everything up to and including Diplomatic Immunity. I think if new readers were to read “Borders of Infinity” they could get a feel for if they would like Miles.
Looking forward to trying Hines.
Love Bujold’s stuff!
Is that the TARDIS behind you?
Yep! ICON convention in Cedar Rapids, Iowa has a TARDIS they set up every year. It’s pretty sweet 🙂
If you like military SF, try the Honor Harrington series by David Weber. Excellent military space epic with plenty of battles and political intrigue. I, too, liked the Miles Vorkosigan series by Lois McMaster Bujold. Also, try Gordon R Dickerson’s “Dorsai” series (action) and Keith Laumer’s “Retief” series (political humor).
Also, Weber’s “Safehold” series is a perfect example of space opera with a fantasy flair (as well as a really interesting look at the natures of nations, religion, progress, and faith, when it hits deeper moments–with a little bit of gender analysis thrown in for good measure).
To quote Keanu, “Whoa…” I’ll buy your book because of that comment!
Note to self: Always include Keanu references in my blog posts!
Thank you for the guest author introduction and the guest snippet, they are additions to the BDH.
Beautifully stated, Jim Hines. I seriously almost cried reading your guest blog (I’m very tired and maybe a little hyper-emotional today). I agree 100%, and have always said that people who don’t like to read just haven’t found the right book yet. Although I also admit to being a reformed book snob :). Those college years…. Anyway, I will definitely check out your books. Not sure if they’re my thing, but I’m always willing to try a new book. Thank you for the lovely post.
Oh wow, thank you!
Sympathies on the overtired. I was up at 4 am yesterday taking my wife to the airport, so I’ve been a bit out of it myself. Hopefully the weekend will bring some decent sleep for us both!
I love good sci-fi book as well so if you guys are interested or maybe you did already read it, I have 2 favorite series to share:
1. The Rookie (Galactic Football League #1) by Scott Sigler and
2. Starship’s Mage: Omnibus (Starship’s Mage #1) by Glynn Stewart
Both series are very pulling and phenomenally good.
Whoa….Scary Cat. I’ve read everything and anything I can find written by Glynn Stewart. Awesome books. If you haven’t read it try his Duchess of Terra Series. Great female protagonist but also well rounded secondary characters.
I really loved Starship Mage. The first book’s format is a little odd (since it’s an omnibus and does some of that ‘in last episode…’ stuff ), but totally worth it. And I love the rest of the series.
Loved all 3 Goblin Quest books. This is going on my “next to read” list. Currently devouring all if Jeanine Frost’s books.
I am so delighted to see Jim over here. It’s like favorite-author-salad!
Love you all. 🙂
P.S. Totally true note on the prejudice about romance novels. I do not think the female readership and the snobbery leveled at that genre are coincidental…
I’m a long-time fan of Jim Hines’s books and blog, so I’m very happy to see him here. TA is definitely on my wish list.
I also love mil SF and am thrilled to see so much enthusiasm for the genre from other women. (I’m old, and that wasn’t always the case. At least, not openly.)
Yep. I’m a mature person (debatable) and female. My family think I am totally weird/eccentric/strange (take your pick) because I like hard rock and science fiction. They think I am going through some sort of second childhood but I have always liked hard rock and science fiction. They obviously don’t know me as well as they think they do.
How amazingly wonderful to share Jim with us! Thanks. Jim, I totally agree with you on the whole idea of a variety of stories is a wonderful thing! Thank you for sharing your thoughts!!
Well, now I have to read his writing, and this book!
Honestly, I loved this peek! I am quite happy to report that I am completely unashamed to read any genre, and I frequently break out to read things I wouldn’t have considered a few years ago. I am expanding (in more ways than one, sadly) and TA sounds like a lot of fun. I will add it to my ever growing list. 🙂
I would also like to suggest the Dred Chronicles by Ann Aguirre – assuming that you haven’t read them already. Even more than the Jax books (both series are set in the same universe) which seem to fit your buying requirements, Dred is one of those series that I will read over and over. Although I will admit that the older I get the more *gritty* I appreciate. And Dred certainly delivers the grit!
Omg Jim Hines is on the IA blog! This is lovely. I <3 the goblin books. They were some of my first exposure to undercutting the Tolkien adventure and I loved it. Thanks for writing them! 🙂
What a treat! Glad you discovered JCH, Ilona!
Jim, I’ve enjoyed several of your books, and have several more listed TBR. (I really need to finish Magic Ex Libris!)
When you said “story snobbery”, I thought at first (given the janitor-stars of TA) that you meant “The Other Guys” who readers rarely hear about as more than “redshirts”, but I agree with everything you say. The worst offenders are ludicrously inaccurate blanket critics who clearly have never read ANY of the genre they despise (much less sought recent recommendations from knowledgeable fans) for themselves.
Best wishes for continued inspiration and growing renown!
I read Terminal Alliance in 6 hrs… NOW I HAVE TO WAIT!
But I have 3 of my family reading it… they are so slow -_-