Framed: A Hal Spacejock short story


Book Description

A straightforward cargo delivery takes a left turn when Hal Spacejock gets sidetracked. But with 200 shares in a worthless company on offer, who wouldn't step into a makeshift teleporter which has already claimed one victim? Hal and Clunk, stars of the Hal Spacejock comedy series, feature in this brand new 8000-word short story. 'Framed' slots into the series any time after Hal Spacejock Second Course, but can be read and enjoyed as a stand-alone. Kurt took up his position in front of the robot, while Hal took up his position behind a large rock twenty metres away. With shaking fingers, Kurt reached for the cap on Clunk's head. Meanwhile, Hal's fingers were in his ears and his eyes were screwed shut. "It's okay," said Kurt. "It's just a solar panel." "Attached to what?" "His brain, I think." "Oh wonderful," muttered Hal. "He'll be thinking and talking and arguing, and he still won't be able to do anything useful."




Hal Spacejock Omnibus Two


Book Description

This special release contains books 4, 5 and 6 in the Hal Spacejock series, plus a special bonus story (Hal Spacejock Framed).




A Robot Named Clunk


Book Description

An incompetent, accident-prone pilot is given one last chance to save his ship. An ageing robot is trusted with a midnight landing in a deserted field. And a desperate businessman is prepared to sacrifice both of them to get what he wants... Combining relentless action with non-stop laughs, Hal Spacejock explodes onto the science fiction scene with the subtlety of a meteor strike and the hushed reverence of a used car salesman.




Hal Spacejock


Book Description

An incompetent, accident-prone pilot is given one last chance to save his ship; an ageing robot is trusted with a midnight landing in a deserted field; and a desperate businessman is prepared to sacrifice both of them to get what he wants in the hilarious science fiction adventures of cargo businessman Hal Spacejock.




Hal Spacejock


Book Description




The Secret Signal


Book Description

Hal Junior uncovers a threat to the space station and everyone on board. How will he warn them? With a Secret Signal, of course Ten-year-old Hal Junior lives aboard an orbiting space station, where his mum is chief scientist, his dad cleans air filters and his best mate is Stephen 'Stinky' Binn. Everyone in class is excited, because they're getting a guided tour of a visiting space ship. But during the tour, Hal discovers a secret which threatens the space station and everyone on board. Unfortunately, Hal's a bit of a troublemaker, and even if he manages to get the message out, there is absolutely no guarantee anyone will believe him. Hal Junior: The Secret Signal features mayhem and laughs, daring and intrigue ... plus Hal's home-made space cannon This is the first book in the Hal Junior series. Book two, The Missing Case, and book three, The Gyris Mission, are also available. What they're saying ... "The only part I didn't like was the explanation of how food is made. I understand why Stinky's face turned green." "This is a charming book full of wacky, innovative fun that can be read quickly and easily by readers of all ages. It's a perfect way to encourage readers to keep reading." "A fun, easy to read story that is perfect for adventurous and imaginative young readers that like the idea of saving the day. Especially those who can identify with the kids whose hearts are in the right place, but their behavior quite often isn't." "Hal Jr is educated by a robot, his home is a space station, his homework has just been sucked into the recycling hatch, his mother has just been promoted to head of research, and trouble is brewing." "This particular book could be enjoyed by kids 5 and older - much older. I am in my twenties and I thought that this 175 page book was a quirky, smart, and fun little riot for boys and girls of all ages." "This book is a must-read for boys who enjoy sci-fi aged 8-12 years old. I found it entertaining as a light read for myself (being a 13 year old girl) so I pretty much recommend this to everyone." "There are all sorts of fun things in the book, from morse code to a mysterious watch recovered from the junk heap, a reverse canon that shoots garbage, and even a guide on how to build Hal's homework paper plane." "Hal is such a typical kid. He gets into more scrapes that should be possible and yet always seems to come out on top. He's endearing and funny, exasperating and brave and earnest. Hal is quite likeable and you find yourself both cheering and groaning at his antics." "I know that the kids in my class will just love this. It doesn't come any more highly recommended than that " "There is elements of physics, environmental science and more throughout the book, which would grab the attention of those who are science buffs, as well as those who like a good story." "I may love Hal Junior better than the adult version." "A very fun read, and the level is just right for late-early readers."




Someone Comes to Town, Someone Leaves Town


Book Description

Cory Doctorow's miraculous novel of family history, Internet connectivity, and magical secrets Alan is a middle-aged entrepeneur who moves to a bohemian neighborhood of Toronto. Living next door is a young woman who reveals to him that she has wings—which grow back after each attempt to cut them off. Alan understands. He himself has a secret or two. His father is a mountain, his mother is a washing machine, and among his brothers are sets of Russian nesting dolls. Now two of the three dolls are on his doorstep, starving, because their innermost member has vanished. It appears that Davey, another brother who Alan and his siblings killed years ago, may have returned, bent on revenge. Under the circumstances it seems only reasonable for Alan to join a scheme to blanket Toronto with free wireless Internet, spearheaded by a brilliant technopunk who builds miracles from scavenged parts. But Alan's past won't leave him alone—and Davey isn't the only one gunning for him and his friends. Whipsawing between the preposterous, the amazing, and the deeply felt, Cory Doctorow's Someone Comes to Town, Someone Leaves Town is unlike any novel you have ever read. At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.




Planet to Planet: Creatures and Strange Worlds


Book Description

A compilation of strange and interesting designs from the mind of Mike Corriero. This art book is the first collection of sketches from the personal sketchbooks of the artist. You'll find everything from creatures to structure and environment thumbnails as well as some robots and other odd creations.




Avenging Annabelle


Book Description

How far would you go to protect the ones you love? For Jim Fraser, the line between right and wrong blurs when he sets out to find his missing daughter. When Annabelle vanishes, Jim fears the worst. His fears are confirmed when Annabelle appears to him in his dreams, showing him things...things he doesn't want to see but must if he is to solve the mystery of her disappearance and have his vengeance on the one responsible Time is running out. The next victim has been chosen - Annabelle's best friend Amy. Annabelle begs her father to keep Amy safe and Jim knows he must act immediately.




Museum of Thieves


Book Description

Welcome to the tyrannical city of Jewel, where impatience is a sin and boldness is a crime. Goldie Roth has lived in Jewel all her life. Like every child in the city, she wears a silver guardchain and is forced to obey the dreaded Blessed Guardians. She has never done anything by herself and won’t be allowed out on the streets unchained until Separation Day. When Separation Day is canceled, Goldie, who has always been both impatient and bold, runs away, risking not only her own life but also the lives of those she has left behind. In the chaos that follows, she is lured to the mysterious Museum of Dunt, where she meets the boy Toadspit and discovers terrible secrets. Only the cunning mind of a thief can understand the museum’s strange, shifting rooms. Fortunately, Goldie has a talent for thieving. Which is just as well, because the leader of the Blessed Guardians has his own plans for the museum—plans that threaten the lives of everyone Goldie loves. And it will take a daring thief to stop him. . . . Museum of Thieves is a thrilling tale of destiny and danger, and of a courageous girl who has never been allowed to grow up—until now.