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 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 -_-