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Atalan Adventures #1
Rats and Bolts
"What Douglas Adams would have envisioned if he were a millennial."
In a universe of opportunities, Captain Frankie and the crew of the Atalanta Empress are coming up empty.
Their day started off OK, but a giant ship attacked their little ship; they lost their jobs to a gimmicky transport scheme; and their mechanic quit after they crash-landed on a planet overrun with an invasive rodent species.
OK, the rodents might be their fault.
The capture of a Kieron fugitive on the planet could finance their escape. Unfortunately, she’s a cunning saboteur, innovative thief, and simply, way out of the crew’s league.
Can Frankie lead an Earth widow augmented to carry heavy things, an unruly maned second-in-command, and two triplets with freaky mind powers on a venture beyond delivering tea towels? Or will they be devoured by space rats?
Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy meets The Golden Girls in the first Atalan Adventures novella fueled by perpetually pregnant animals, passive-aggressive phone calls, and proponents of the Millennial Gratification Project. Perfect for fans of Barry J Hutchison, EM Foner, and Jay Key: loads of action and laughs.
In a universe of opportunities, Captain Frankie and the crew of the Atalanta Empress are coming up empty.
Their day started off OK, but a giant ship attacked their little ship; they lost their jobs to a gimmicky transport scheme; and their mechanic quit after they crash-landed on a planet overrun with an invasive rodent species.
OK, the rodents might be their fault.
The capture of a Kieron fugitive on the planet could finance their escape. Unfortunately, she’s a cunning saboteur, innovative thief, and simply, way out of the crew’s league.
Can Frankie lead an Earth widow augmented to carry heavy things, an unruly maned second-in-command, and two triplets with freaky mind powers on a venture beyond delivering tea towels? Or will they be devoured by space rats?
Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy meets The Golden Girls in the first Atalan Adventures novella fueled by perpetually pregnant animals, passive-aggressive phone calls, and proponents of the Millennial Gratification Project. Perfect for fans of Barry J Hutchison, EM Foner, and Jay Key: loads of action and laughs.
58 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 28, 2019
67 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
About the author
R.M. Hamrick
20 books30 followersDespite not completing algebra in high school, R.M. Hamrick escaped Georgia Tech with a degree in Biomedical Engineering.
She uses this combination of science and doggedness to inject a dose of plausibility into the zombie-filled Chasing trilogy. She ignores most of that science in the wacky, all-female cast space opera, Atalan Adventures.
She and her tortoise moved to Lakeland FL in 2022, which is home to Publix and a cute boyfriend. There, she gained cats and a balcony on which to write. Corey, the tortoise, is single and likes pacing, stomping, and tomatoes. Hamrick writes full-time with the help of patrons and readers, like you.
She uses this combination of science and doggedness to inject a dose of plausibility into the zombie-filled Chasing trilogy. She ignores most of that science in the wacky, all-female cast space opera, Atalan Adventures.
She and her tortoise moved to Lakeland FL in 2022, which is home to Publix and a cute boyfriend. There, she gained cats and a balcony on which to write. Corey, the tortoise, is single and likes pacing, stomping, and tomatoes. Hamrick writes full-time with the help of patrons and readers, like you.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 2, 2022
I got this book for free.
I'm going to admit that this was a DNF, but this is one of those books that I can say that the DNF factor was more about the book not being a good fit for me, and less about the book itself.
What I read of this book was well-written, there was a clear plot, and the characters were interesting and were at least beginning to be developed.
The reason that this book didn't work for me was because it was too similar to "A Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy." I really didn't like that book, even though I tried to read it more than once. In the description of this book, it did say that the book would be similar to that, so that's still on me. I was not at all misled about what I was going to read. I had hoped that the book would somehow be similar, but also different enough that I would love it and understand what I'd somehow missed in "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy." Unfortunately, it was not, so I decided not to continue reading.
However, if "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" was your cup of tea, you may be in for a real treat with this series!
I'm going to admit that this was a DNF, but this is one of those books that I can say that the DNF factor was more about the book not being a good fit for me, and less about the book itself.
What I read of this book was well-written, there was a clear plot, and the characters were interesting and were at least beginning to be developed.
The reason that this book didn't work for me was because it was too similar to "A Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy." I really didn't like that book, even though I tried to read it more than once. In the description of this book, it did say that the book would be similar to that, so that's still on me. I was not at all misled about what I was going to read. I had hoped that the book would somehow be similar, but also different enough that I would love it and understand what I'd somehow missed in "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy." Unfortunately, it was not, so I decided not to continue reading.
However, if "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" was your cup of tea, you may be in for a real treat with this series!
March 28, 2019
I received an advanced reader copy in exchange for this review.
I really enjoyed it. The writer was able to deliver feelings wholeheartedly with a lot of humor. I really connected with the characters and found myself thinking about the story and the world later. The best part is rats themselves, which are (imo) a deconstruction of some other popular tropes. Very funny.
It’s a short book, and written I think for people who are fans of the genre, so it moves quick and expects you to keep up. It took me a few pages to get a feel for what the characters looked like, but the image developed along the way is deep, so I’m happy with the immersion the book delivers.
Plus, there just isn’t enough funny science fiction out there. 5/5
I really enjoyed it. The writer was able to deliver feelings wholeheartedly with a lot of humor. I really connected with the characters and found myself thinking about the story and the world later. The best part is rats themselves, which are (imo) a deconstruction of some other popular tropes. Very funny.
It’s a short book, and written I think for people who are fans of the genre, so it moves quick and expects you to keep up. It took me a few pages to get a feel for what the characters looked like, but the image developed along the way is deep, so I’m happy with the immersion the book delivers.
Plus, there just isn’t enough funny science fiction out there. 5/5
April 28, 2019
RM Hamrick diverges from her previous work with dystopian futures to a future that looks like what Douglas Adams would have envisioned if he were a millennial.
The crew of the Atalan do what all great space freighters do: make it up as they go.
But what makes this first installment most enjoyable, other than an eclectic mix of species throwing wet noodles against the wall to see what sticks between watching episodes of reality TV, is the humor . Hamrick has skewered society in the best way possible. She makes fun of the ridiculous things people do, say, and think. And it's hilarious.
I'm very much looking forward to the next adventure.
Also: Pluto had it coming.
The crew of the Atalan do what all great space freighters do: make it up as they go.
But what makes this first installment most enjoyable, other than an eclectic mix of species throwing wet noodles against the wall to see what sticks between watching episodes of reality TV, is the humor . Hamrick has skewered society in the best way possible. She makes fun of the ridiculous things people do, say, and think. And it's hilarious.
I'm very much looking forward to the next adventure.
Also: Pluto had it coming.
November 5, 2022
A fun start to the series
Rats & Bolts is a fast-paced sci-fi adventure packed with interesting characters from various space races, lighthearted humour, and crazy situations, while simultaneously seeming to satirise the downside to industrial complexes/capitalism and the knock-on effects of ‘progress’. Hamrick strikes a nice balance between the fun and the heavy to keep things zipping along.
I’m interested to see where this series goes, so I’ll be picking up the second novella for sure.
Rats & Bolts is a fast-paced sci-fi adventure packed with interesting characters from various space races, lighthearted humour, and crazy situations, while simultaneously seeming to satirise the downside to industrial complexes/capitalism and the knock-on effects of ‘progress’. Hamrick strikes a nice balance between the fun and the heavy to keep things zipping along.
I’m interested to see where this series goes, so I’ll be picking up the second novella for sure.
April 3, 2019
Rats and Bolts is a fun and fast-paced introduction into a zany space adventure series. The beginning few pages throws in a lot of names so my head got turned around a bit, but I really enjoyed the piece overall once I got going. I laughed throughout the piece and never felt bored with it. Can't wait for the next one!
June 29, 2019
For a short book, the world building is absolutely amazing! So many inventive ideas, creative characters, and interesting situations. It’s refreshing and empowering to see the female representation on the crew and sci-fi that doesn’t take itself so seriously. This is a fun time! I’m excited to read the rest in the universe.
November 5, 2021
What!!!!
This is crazy I'm not kidding, a dysfunctional crew an incompetent Captain a saboteur, and an invasive species of space rat and did I mention the warring mega-corporations? Oh and that's not including the pest control company that doesn't ask questions( but they do) A laugh-out-loud fun-filled romp that you won't want to put down, hilarious, Baz.
This is crazy I'm not kidding, a dysfunctional crew an incompetent Captain a saboteur, and an invasive species of space rat and did I mention the warring mega-corporations? Oh and that's not including the pest control company that doesn't ask questions( but they do) A laugh-out-loud fun-filled romp that you won't want to put down, hilarious, Baz.
March 31, 2019
Fun and quirky new series
I really enjoyed reading this space novella. Filled with lots of action and humor, this is a great new series. If words like "Don't Panic" mean anything to you, you will like this.
I really enjoyed reading this space novella. Filled with lots of action and humor, this is a great new series. If words like "Don't Panic" mean anything to you, you will like this.
November 7, 2021
Fargo in space
Advertised as a satirical space adventure. The story has no real beginning and ends abruptly. In between us a lot of silliness reminiscent of the movie Fargo. Not really my cup of tea but others may enjoy it.
Advertised as a satirical space adventure. The story has no real beginning and ends abruptly. In between us a lot of silliness reminiscent of the movie Fargo. Not really my cup of tea but others may enjoy it.
April 14, 2023
lady adventure in space
Like firefly but all women, all aliens, all empathetic and all unique. Especially love the supercargo and the stowaway. Could be longer, understand why it isn’t.
Like firefly but all women, all aliens, all empathetic and all unique. Especially love the supercargo and the stowaway. Could be longer, understand why it isn’t.
June 28, 2019
Fun read
Started out a bit strange at first but the more you get in to it the funner it becomes looking forward to reading the next one
Started out a bit strange at first but the more you get in to it the funner it becomes looking forward to reading the next one
October 11, 2022
Mildly diverting. I read it. It is short. It was not poorly written just not very interesting.
April 28, 2023
Fun! I could see the Golden Girls in space with this story. I love the character design and interactions with one another. I laughed and smiled throughout!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews