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A review by larry1138
Space Team by Barry J. Hutchison
2.0
I listened to the Audible audiobook version.
I decided to take a dive back into sci-fi comedy with this title and while this book wasn't particularly hilarious, it did entertain me well enough. There isn't much to say in terms of characters and story. Hutchinson has decent skill at world building and character development, though much of that seems incomplete in this first book (which perhaps is the point). Space Team is a whole series, so I suspect much more developments to come in the rest of the series, though I have to admit this first book has only barely interested me in continuing it. Much of my hesitation might have to do with the main character, Cal Carver, who I find to be mostly annoying. I see what Hutchinson was trying to do in making him almost hyper-witty while throwing in pop culture references here and there but it just didn't work for me that much. My favorite character has got to be Mech who has the most interesting personalities and abilities.
The one huge praise I can give is to Phil Thron, who provided the narration for the audiobook. He should be awarded for his range and ability. He is able to provide distinct voices for most of the characters, an impressive feat that some narrators miss at. I particularly liked his voice for Mech which sounded a little bit like Sergeant Johnson from Halo. Throns ability to play the characters and provide a somewhat whimsical narration give the necessary bursts of energy at particular comedic moments.
Despite Throns great performance, I will only recommend this to someone looking for a light sci-fi comedy series. It can be fun, a little bit funny, and it is lighthearted, but I believe there are other funnier and more complete stories out there if you are looking for a good sci-fi comedy experience. Perhaps Hutchinson can improve things in the rest of the series.
I decided to take a dive back into sci-fi comedy with this title and while this book wasn't particularly hilarious, it did entertain me well enough. There isn't much to say in terms of characters and story. Hutchinson has decent skill at world building and character development, though much of that seems incomplete in this first book (which perhaps is the point). Space Team is a whole series, so I suspect much more developments to come in the rest of the series, though I have to admit this first book has only barely interested me in continuing it. Much of my hesitation might have to do with the main character, Cal Carver, who I find to be mostly annoying. I see what Hutchinson was trying to do in making him almost hyper-witty while throwing in pop culture references here and there but it just didn't work for me that much. My favorite character has got to be Mech who has the most interesting personalities and abilities.
The one huge praise I can give is to Phil Thron, who provided the narration for the audiobook. He should be awarded for his range and ability. He is able to provide distinct voices for most of the characters, an impressive feat that some narrators miss at. I particularly liked his voice for Mech which sounded a little bit like Sergeant Johnson from Halo. Throns ability to play the characters and provide a somewhat whimsical narration give the necessary bursts of energy at particular comedic moments.
Despite Throns great performance, I will only recommend this to someone looking for a light sci-fi comedy series. It can be fun, a little bit funny, and it is lighthearted, but I believe there are other funnier and more complete stories out there if you are looking for a good sci-fi comedy experience. Perhaps Hutchinson can improve things in the rest of the series.