Space Academy Washouts

Space Academy, Book 3

By: C.T. Phipps, Michael Suttkus

Narrated by: Jeffrey Kafer

"These are the voyages of the starship...something-something."

Captain Vance Turbo has been struggling for the past few years, his reputation in tatters and most of his allies having turned against him. Offered a chance to go after a sinister crime syndicate at a peace treaty in Notha Space, he jumps at it. However, no sooner does he do so that he discovers that a malevolent AI and even more powerful forces are at work...ones that threaten everyone and everything in the galaxy. Will Vance somehow stumble his way into saving the universe again or will his luck finally run out?

Space Academy is an all-new series from the hilarious duo of C.T. Phipps (Supervillainy Saga, Agent G) and Michael Suttkus (I Was a Teenage Weredeer, Lucifer's Star) that lampoons the space opera as well as military science fiction genres.

©2022 C.T. Phipps and Michael Suttkus (P)2022 Podium Audio

Just another round of sarcasm and sci-fi silliness

This book was quite a ride. The sarcasm and sci-fi cultural references never give up, but the silliness never really gets in the way of moving the story along. And the story does move, having a fun but pretty fast past to it. Phipps's stories have a tendency to feel like the plot will take a while to resolve, and yet there is always an acceleration of the story throughout, which usually slams you into the climax very efficiently.

Kafer nails the performance (as always, at least with this series - I haven't really listened to many other books he's narrated). He fully embodies the zaniness and silliness of the story and it is really wonderful. I listened to this on 1.5 speed and found it really enjoyable - some might find that speed too fast, but I was very impressed at the clarity of his speech while doing all the different voices. Excellent work!

I enjoyed the characters and the story. Curious to see if Phipps writes more in this universe. I, for one, would love to see what new sort of chaos our Space Academy Washouts get up to next!

have patience with the first few chapters

This book was a little hard to get into, but once it got going, it was quite a ride.

Adventure until the last Page

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I don't think I have mentioned this on any of the other books but I do appreciate that the author chooses a nonsense made up word ans then uses it for swearing. if nothing else to prove that a book doesn't need lots of swearing in it to be good. I love all the references ro old TV shows ans movies. I'm guessing I'm about the same age as the authors and that's why it's so awesome. but they are hilarious references a kid from any era can pickup on and enjoy! thanks so much for the adventure! I look forward to the next book!

Waiting for the next installment.

A “book hangover” is the slangy shortcut for the feeling when a reader finishes a book—usually fiction—and they can't stop thinking about the fictional world that has run out of pages. The story is over, but the reader misses the characters or the atmosphere of the novel.

Vance TURBOoh oh oh

Once more into the breach dear friends: CT Phipps is a friend and writing peer. He gave me a copy of this book for an honest review.


SPACE ACADEMY: WASHOUTS is the third installment of Phipps/Suttkus’ Space Academy series. And if you’ve come this far, you know what you’re in for. Space action parody, pop-culture jokes, quippy dialogue, and zany antics. Now, I did write in my last review for SPACE ACADEMY REJECTS that Vance was a damaged man and I hoped the writing duo would focus a bit more on that, and in a way, they did. We see a *slightly* more mature Vance in this go around, having been a several year time jump from books 2 and 3.

This time around, Vance and his crew have been tasked to complete a mission that doesn’t sit well w/our MC and he wrestles with duty versus ethics. In Vance's way are a myriad of obstacles, memorable antagonists, and of course, Vance’s own personal relationships. The story is told with the same type of humor you’ve come to know and love through the incredible vocal talents of Jeff Kafer. And by the end, Phipps/Suttkus have things set up for a 4th book, so I doubt this will be the end of Vance Turbo.

Now, I also mentioned something in my last review that Phipps/Suttkus added a bit of world-building at the end of book 2 that wasn’t sure needed to be there. And I’m still not sure. I won’t spoil anything, but if you know, then you know. /shrug, reckon I’m in the minority on this one, which is fine. Overall, another fun ride :)

A great third entry!

When starting the Space academy series, I didn't know what to think about it. After giving it a chance, I regret not listening to them sooner. I don't know if it's because I'm old enough to get the references, or the snark and sass, or just the use of the word Bork, that I find hilarious and have said on more than one occasion at work... but damn if listening to the books aren't just a great time. The books aren't long which is great, but in the end makes me just want more. Overall, they're just a fun listen.

Another enjoyable book in the series

It's no secret my favorite series from CT Phipps is his Supervillainy series, but Space Academy has easily slipped into second place. Gary and his oddly sccessful yet misfit crew finds themselves in a struggle to save the universe, or at least humanity, from a rogue super AI and an elder race of immortal beings who may as well be gods for all the power they wield.
Entertaining from beginning to end, although the overall plot took me a minute to grasp. Probably more the fault of my ADHD.

Not your typical space crew!

I really enjoyed the 'humanity' of the AI, Trish, and the fun and amusing dialog between the hero and his unconventional crew. Interesting world building, imaginative alien species and a loyal group of friends made for a creative and enjoyable story.

another fun offering in the series.

I enjoyed this book. I recommend it. Don't start the series at this one though! Start at the beginning and you'll thank yourself later. A little bit of character development, a lot of action and some startling revelations. A worthwhile read. Looking forward to the next offering in the series.

Another great story

Hats off to Phipps, Suttkus, and Kafer. This trio has made another masterpiece. The dragnet style one liners really hits home with the dad joke man in me. I can’t wait for the next installment.