What do you think?
Rate this book
Argonauts #5
Robot Dust Bunnies
Rade and his team have joined forces with a new ally to hunt a rogue alien on a lava world.
Rade intends to use a research station on the planet as his base of operations. Located within a four-kilometer stretch between the day and night regions where the mercury averages twice the boiling point of water, the station exists on a barren, inhospitable tract of land where vaporized rock from the day side routinely falls as silicate rain.
In those scorching conditions, a human in a jumpsuit can last maybe five minutes.
A human in a Hoplite battle suit, a little longer.
Unfortunately, when the team arrives at the station, the research scientists are not quite who they appear to be...
Contains: over-the-top action sequences, inappropriate jokes, and graphic bug sex (just kidding - sort of)
Rade intends to use a research station on the planet as his base of operations. Located within a four-kilometer stretch between the day and night regions where the mercury averages twice the boiling point of water, the station exists on a barren, inhospitable tract of land where vaporized rock from the day side routinely falls as silicate rain.
In those scorching conditions, a human in a jumpsuit can last maybe five minutes.
A human in a Hoplite battle suit, a little longer.
Unfortunately, when the team arrives at the station, the research scientists are not quite who they appear to be...
Contains: over-the-top action sequences, inappropriate jokes, and graphic bug sex (just kidding - sort of)
314 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 13, 2017
150 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
About the author
Isaac Hooke
102 books508 followersIsaac Hooke is the best-selling author of the Ethan Galaal series of thriller novels, as well as the SF-themed ATLAS trilogy. When Isaac isn't writing, publishing, and blogging, he's busy cycling and taking pictures in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. He has a degree in Engineering Physics.
You can follow Isaac on Twitter @IsaacHooke and his website http://IsaacHooke.com.
You can follow Isaac on Twitter @IsaacHooke and his website http://IsaacHooke.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 28, 2017
Third grade potty mouth
Not sure I can continue with the series. While I find the premise and story intriguing, the continual idiotic banter the author creates for the Argonauts during down time is just too annoying. It adds nothing to the story & doesn't really define the characters - unless the author intends them to be moronic douchebags. It's too much; this childish, misguided, uninformed attempt at replicating military comradery through the overuse of dick joke banter.
Not sure I can continue with the series. While I find the premise and story intriguing, the continual idiotic banter the author creates for the Argonauts during down time is just too annoying. It adds nothing to the story & doesn't really define the characters - unless the author intends them to be moronic douchebags. It's too much; this childish, misguided, uninformed attempt at replicating military comradery through the overuse of dick joke banter.
December 20, 2017
I have to agree with one of the other reads comments, and is why I gave it a 3. Getting tired of the dick comments. I will read the next in series and that will probably be it. the premise of the story is good, just getting tired of all the unnecessary comments.
July 8, 2017
Rade Galaal and his Argonauts are again working for Surus. It, a Green Phant, are in pursuit of another Black Phant located on an isolated Russian scientific site and volcanic planet deep inside Russian territory. Surus, using her contacts, manages to get the Russians to allow her team of supposed scientist to land at their research base and conduct their own studies of the volcanic ocean that covers most of this planet. Needless to say, this planet is very hostile to humans or most anything. Temperature outside anywhere on the planet are well about 150 degrees.
The Argonaut arrives in the vicinity of the planet and asks for orbit and landing permission and instructions. They are given both by the Russian controller and prepare to land. As usual, Shaw will stay aboard the Argonaut with a whole bunch of combat robots. Unfortunately, Shaw, in my opinion, turns out to be about a worthless Argonaut as there is! Also accompanying the Argonauts on this mission is another Green Phant called Corunna. She gave them the information about the location of this Black Phant and wished to accompany Surus and the Argonauts in tracking it down. Their trip to the Russian planet took about six weeks or so.
So, the Argonauts take their shuttle down to the Russian base and request landing permission inside the hanger. They get no response even after several attempts. Already something is going wrong and they don’t know what it might be. They’ll soon find this Russian base devoid of everything thing living, humans and Artificials alike. Now they have to find where they went. Vehicle tracks lead them to an underground cave, so what was supposed to be a pretty simple mission now turns into another underground search and destroy mission only it might not be the Phant that gets destroyed.
There is a traitor amongst the group now on the base. It has been busy doing some behind the scenes work to sabotage most everything the Argonauts have been doing to prepare for this mission. And once again, Shaw cannot defend the Argonaut by herself even with a whole bunch of combat robots. She even gets herself thrown off the Argonaut into deep space while it speeds forward to the slipgate. This will make twice that the Argonaut has been taken from Shaw. How dumb can you get?
The story is pretty exciting although I don’t really see the sense in using the title that was used. "Dust bunnies" gives off the impression that their enemy isn’t that mean which is entirely wrong. Their new alien enemy is much, much worse than anything they have faced so far. Additionally, this story reveals a new twist in the humans relationship with the Green Phants; one that isn’t looking so good.
I’ve already downloaded the next book, “City of Phants” and looking forward to reading it.
The Argonaut arrives in the vicinity of the planet and asks for orbit and landing permission and instructions. They are given both by the Russian controller and prepare to land. As usual, Shaw will stay aboard the Argonaut with a whole bunch of combat robots. Unfortunately, Shaw, in my opinion, turns out to be about a worthless Argonaut as there is! Also accompanying the Argonauts on this mission is another Green Phant called Corunna. She gave them the information about the location of this Black Phant and wished to accompany Surus and the Argonauts in tracking it down. Their trip to the Russian planet took about six weeks or so.
So, the Argonauts take their shuttle down to the Russian base and request landing permission inside the hanger. They get no response even after several attempts. Already something is going wrong and they don’t know what it might be. They’ll soon find this Russian base devoid of everything thing living, humans and Artificials alike. Now they have to find where they went. Vehicle tracks lead them to an underground cave, so what was supposed to be a pretty simple mission now turns into another underground search and destroy mission only it might not be the Phant that gets destroyed.
There is a traitor amongst the group now on the base. It has been busy doing some behind the scenes work to sabotage most everything the Argonauts have been doing to prepare for this mission. And once again, Shaw cannot defend the Argonaut by herself even with a whole bunch of combat robots. She even gets herself thrown off the Argonaut into deep space while it speeds forward to the slipgate. This will make twice that the Argonaut has been taken from Shaw. How dumb can you get?
The story is pretty exciting although I don’t really see the sense in using the title that was used. "Dust bunnies" gives off the impression that their enemy isn’t that mean which is entirely wrong. Their new alien enemy is much, much worse than anything they have faced so far. Additionally, this story reveals a new twist in the humans relationship with the Green Phants; one that isn’t looking so good.
I’ve already downloaded the next book, “City of Phants” and looking forward to reading it.
June 4, 2021
My complaint about the excessive vulgar language in the previous book was answered, somewhat. There is still a lot of vulgar language and offensive sexual innuendo, but there is a lot less of it in this book relative to the previous book.
NOTE: Children are in danger in this story. A pregnant woman is assaulted. If that sort of thing upsets you (and I can't imagine that it wouldn't), but if you just can't look past that sort of thing, skip this book.
The story: This story goes along like the previous one, looking for Phants and getting out of trouble. In this case the Argonauts must go down to a planet made of lava. It was an interesting adventure. I can't say more without giving away spoilers, but the reason the title is "Robot Dust Bunnies" is because the Argonauts must deal with miniature robots that swarm to create various things by joining together. There was a similar idea in the Michael Crichton book, "Prey."
Any modesty issues? Oh yeah. Even though the vulgar language and sexual innuendo has lessened from the previous book it is still everywhere. The idea the author has is that the character called "Bender" must be fighting with his fellows and keeping the squad on their toes with friendly (and not so friendly) banter. I see what the author is doing. I think Marines might actually talk this way to each other... maybe not as often as these characters do it, but still, talking like this somewhat, so I'm looking past it as much as I can. I would not recommend it to others so the overall rating loses a star.
I might read this book again if I decided to read the entire series again although I'm not sure why I would want to do that with so many other better books to read. But it could happen.
NOTE: Children are in danger in this story. A pregnant woman is assaulted. If that sort of thing upsets you (and I can't imagine that it wouldn't), but if you just can't look past that sort of thing, skip this book.
The story: This story goes along like the previous one, looking for Phants and getting out of trouble. In this case the Argonauts must go down to a planet made of lava. It was an interesting adventure. I can't say more without giving away spoilers, but the reason the title is "Robot Dust Bunnies" is because the Argonauts must deal with miniature robots that swarm to create various things by joining together. There was a similar idea in the Michael Crichton book, "Prey."
Any modesty issues? Oh yeah. Even though the vulgar language and sexual innuendo has lessened from the previous book it is still everywhere. The idea the author has is that the character called "Bender" must be fighting with his fellows and keeping the squad on their toes with friendly (and not so friendly) banter. I see what the author is doing. I think Marines might actually talk this way to each other... maybe not as often as these characters do it, but still, talking like this somewhat, so I'm looking past it as much as I can. I would not recommend it to others so the overall rating loses a star.
I might read this book again if I decided to read the entire series again although I'm not sure why I would want to do that with so many other better books to read. But it could happen.
May 8, 2017
Exciting to the end!
I have read most of the authors works now. If I on!I had just one word to describe his works it would be "Excellence" . It separates him from all others. Excellence in story telling. Excellence in editing, Excellence in putting just the right amount of suspense at the right time.
I have read most of the authors works now. If I on!I had just one word to describe his works it would be "Excellence" . It separates him from all others. Excellence in story telling. Excellence in editing, Excellence in putting just the right amount of suspense at the right time.
June 10, 2017
I'm thinking the author is struggling to increase the page count. Way to many words wasted on Benders incessant use of the words bitch, pussylips, etc. It adds nothing to the story and has become irritating enough that this was the last Argonauts book I'm reading.
August 8, 2017
The Argonauts survive again with a new foe
The excitement does not let up in this volume. Rade encounters a new powerful enemy. The birth of twins add the greatest responsibility one can carry. The use of robots that replicate from ingested materials is brilliant.
The excitement does not let up in this volume. Rade encounters a new powerful enemy. The birth of twins add the greatest responsibility one can carry. The use of robots that replicate from ingested materials is brilliant.
May 2, 2019
Turning out to be a great series of books
The action is almost non stop outside of the vulgarity that can be associated with military life. Have enjoyed the series so far and hoping for more of the same.
The action is almost non stop outside of the vulgarity that can be associated with military life. Have enjoyed the series so far and hoping for more of the same.
May 15, 2017
Good series
The Argonauts adventures continue with treachery to be found along the way. The phants keep popping up and screwing things up for everyone
The Argonauts adventures continue with treachery to be found along the way. The phants keep popping up and screwing things up for everyone
December 5, 2019
Good continuation of the story
I dropped a star due to the incessant bickering between a few of the characters. Although humorous at times, It is detracting from the story.
I dropped a star due to the incessant bickering between a few of the characters. Although humorous at times, It is detracting from the story.
July 9, 2025
These books are fast reads. Fairly simple stories, basically "popcorn flicks" in book form. The juvenile banter between the team members gets pretty old and you start skipping chunks.
April 7, 2022
A higher point in the series
looking back maybe the last high point
looking back maybe the last high point
April 14, 2017
I Absolutely Loved It!
Another FANTASTIC book from Issac Hooke!
This one is just a little bit different from the last book. I won't say why, since I don't do spoilers, but believe me it's a good thing.
I Highly Recommend this book and the series!
Another FANTASTIC book from Issac Hooke!
This one is just a little bit different from the last book. I won't say why, since I don't do spoilers, but believe me it's a good thing.
I Highly Recommend this book and the series!
April 15, 2017
Good book
Good characters. Good storyline. Impatiently awaiting the next book. Hope this will be available on Audible in the near future
Good characters. Good storyline. Impatiently awaiting the next book. Hope this will be available on Audible in the near future
April 17, 2017
"We've really been deceived this time."
Another of Mr. Hooke's exciting space dramas. This time Shaw, whose twins are expected very soon, elects to stay aboard the Argonaut instead of joining Race and the when they descend on Daedalus V, a planet in the twin starred Atarius System. Surus had received information that another Phage was there so had to be destroyed. The crew are given landing rights by the Russian team there but when they arrive, there is no response to their haling. Where has everyone gone?
With fast, detailed and believable fighting action interspersed with human fears and the often crude bantering between men filling time as they face danger, this is the fifth book in the excellent and immaginative Argonaut series. It can be read entirely as a standalone
Another of Mr. Hooke's exciting space dramas. This time Shaw, whose twins are expected very soon, elects to stay aboard the Argonaut instead of joining Race and the when they descend on Daedalus V, a planet in the twin starred Atarius System. Surus had received information that another Phage was there so had to be destroyed. The crew are given landing rights by the Russian team there but when they arrive, there is no response to their haling. Where has everyone gone?
With fast, detailed and believable fighting action interspersed with human fears and the often crude bantering between men filling time as they face danger, this is the fifth book in the excellent and immaginative Argonaut series. It can be read entirely as a standalone
April 17, 2017
Rade Galaal and his faithful crew are back, with a ouple of new additions, in another Argonauts adventure. Hooke’s writing is again, a little more adult in nature with the soldierly banter, but everything that made you love his writing before is present in this new adventure. I look forward to reading more about Rade Galall and his faithful crew in a future work.
April 18, 2017
Amazing babies!
This was a very intense episode for the Argonauts. Betrayed, forsaken, and now babies on board! It's been a wild ride, and I look forward to seeing what happens next die this amazing team.
This was a very intense episode for the Argonauts. Betrayed, forsaken, and now babies on board! It's been a wild ride, and I look forward to seeing what happens next die this amazing team.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews