Hard Luck Hank: Basketful of Crap

By: Steven Campbell

Narrated by: Liam Owen

Hank was a dying breed on the space station Belvaille. The criminal gangs that had once made their homes there were forced out by the corporations that had taken over since the facility became an Independent Protectorate. Instead of the gentlemanly gang wars that had once dominated the scene, and made Hank's services prized as a negotiator, the city was now plagued by the clash of corporate armies using heavy weapons. Even tanks roamed the streets regularly. Most everyone from the olden days had either fled the station or was killed due to the organizational changes. Changes that Hank personally brought about when he had negotiated Belvaille's status with the Navy.

As Hank contemplates whether he can survive in this increasingly hostile environment, he realizes that things aren't as bad as they seem - they are quite a bit worse. The constant power plays among corporations might have further reach than just the alleys of a backwater space station at the edge of the galaxy.

©2014 Steven Campbell (P)2014 Steven Campbell

Good not Great, no spoilers.

This book isn't quite as engaging as the first, but still fun and enjoyable. I enjoyed the world of the first book more; gangs, gambling, hank hustling to earn credits, and there seemed to be a more sarcastic tone than cynicism.
in Basket full of crap, it felt like hank started hating his life in more of a depressing way. Although it is still funny, instead of light hearted complaining that made me laugh, it felt a bit more like "poor me."

if you loved the first book you'll still like this one. Hank is still funny and still reminds me of duke Nukkem (in a good way).

if this was the first book I'm not sure I'd have kept listening to the series.

it's still an awesome book though, a main character is named "Naked Guy" and hanks commentary on him cracked me up.

worth a listen? yes, get the first book first if you haven't already.

Laugh out loud

Fun story. more fiction than science. I laughed so hard I couldn't catch my breath.

Good sequel!

If you liked the first one, you'll like this one! Love the narrator's attitude while reading even the chapter breaks.

Still an amazing performance

the performance is the best part. The story leaves you on a wicked cliff hanger so get ready for 4 more books.

hilarious!!

I'm not into highbrow books, that being said this book was awesome. Fast paced funny and the narrator was perfect. Can't wait for the next one.

Just a whole lot of fun.

If you want to listen to a story that's fun funny engaging and an absolute blast to listen to you found book 2 because you probably already listened to book 1 or just stumbled upon this gem. Don't look for literary greatness or poetic anthem just know your about to listen to a story about a huge mutant guy that can't move around real fast can't be killed easily because of the thickness of his skin and isn't the brightest bulb in the galaxy......or is he? He's a negotiator that doesn't give himself the credit he deserves, everyone around him knows his greatest weapon isn't his tough skin, he knows how to talk and if that doesn't work? suck face suckface.

THIS BOOK should come with a warning

Would you listen to Hard Luck Hank: Basketful of Crap, Book 2 again? Why?

YES. LOL. This BOOK needs a warning ..Driving while listening to this book can make you laught so hard that you can crash.. Yep 3 times had to park my car because I was laughing so hard that my eyes became watery. You either get the humor or you don't

What other book might you compare Hard Luck Hank: Basketful of Crap, Book 2 to and why?

no other is that funny in a long time

Have you listened to any of Liam Owen’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

GREAT

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes

Any additional comments?

LOVE IT...

A great follow up to book 1

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

A book where a duo of trained assassins attempt to a stab the bullet impervious Hank to death is hilarious. Effectively, "Are you trying to make me die of embarrassment by cutting my clothes off?" The non-stop deadpan delivery of outrageous statements are just staggeringly funny.

What does Liam Owen bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Liam Owen expresses Hank as a cross of 3 characters. "Hank Hill" from "King of the Hill", Harry Caray of MLB fame and Sylvester Stallone from movies Demolition Man, Rocky, and Oscar. His ability to personify eloquently all of the characters in a unique fashion is amazing. Even when a mannerism or accent falls a bit flat - he moves so quickly into the next comedic bit that you forget about the problem.

Any additional comments?

Campbell has cornered a unique blend of satire, sarcasm and dry whit that is sorely missing in American writing.

Narrator makes it amazing

I would have enjoyed the book had I read it on my own, but Liam Owen's rendition pushed it from a good book to a fantastic experience. His portrayal is spot on, and regularly had me laughing out loud.

Love the voice.

Fun story... Sad trend that Hank is moving towards decrepitude despite his mutation and because of it. And he can't hold or feel a lady friend. Less willing to 'identify' with him and find it an 'escape'.