The Little Ship of Horrors

By: Vee James

Narrated by: Hannibal Hills

Beautiful. Magnificent. Indestructible. These are the plaudits given to the luxury space liner as it sets forth on its maiden voyage to distant vacation planets.

Onboard, far below the decks of the rich and famous, is an unhappy, forlorn janitor named Chuck who mops and sweeps and dreams of, one day, becoming a captain and piloting a great spaceship such as this.

©2020 Vernon L. James III (P)2020 Vernon L. James III

Loads of Fun!

Chuck is a janitor on a luxury space liner – much like a luxury cruise only in space. His job is to clean up after the crew, staff and famously elite guests. He finds all kinds of stuff being discarded. It is a faithful day when he comes across a small neglected houseplant – a houseplant that he takes under his wing and nurses back to health. Thing is the plant and Chuck strike up a delightful friendship – with Chuck reaping the benefits at first – newfound confidence, a girl friend, and respect. Soon it becomes evident that the plant is way more than a mere houseplant and its plans are deadly.

The author, Vee James, provides a hilarious and fun adventure. Well written, the dialogs are steady and cohesive. The side interaction between Chuck and the “transporter” are noteworthy! I couldn’t wait to hear how the transporter was going to torment Chuck next and where he was going to wind up.

Each character was well developed and kept the story flowing smoothly. I especially enjoyed both the transporter and the grown “Plant” General Sherman. Both their interactions with Chuck provided entertainment which also highlighted differences in interactions and roles within the society of the ship. James provided vividly rich and detailed descriptions which enhanced the story perfectly.

I thoroughly enjoyed hearing Hannibal Hills narrate the story. He was perfect as Chuck. His voices for each character were distinct and fit in with who the character was. I thought his performance was clear and well done. He managed to project the right level of intonation for each interaction. He successfully assumed each character well.

From beginning to finish, the story was well done. I realize this is a rendition of a popular horror-comedy-romance tale, but it is still refreshing and different. This is a book I would recommend to anyone who enjoys sci-fi, romance, comedy, horror and fun in general!


Disclaimer: This Audiobook was provided free of charge by the author, narrator, and/or publisher in exchange for a non-bias, honest review.

A great twist on a classic tale

First and foremost, I must confess that I am a theatre nerd, who LOVES little shop of horrors. This unique take on that tale did not disappoint. I love how amazingly inept, yet fantastically charming Chuck is, narrated beautifully by Hannibal Hills (in fact all of his characters were so consistent and fun to listen to). His bumbling around, while his love interest Violet is the actual brains of the operations (at least in the plant area) was a nice differentiation from the original tale. I did want more of the ignorant and villainous humans, especially the leech like second in command and lecherous captain. This is a brilliant and exciting take, beautifully narrated and produced, on a story we Rick Moranis fans have loved for years. PLEASE listen to this book.

Very fun story, a real Hitchhikers Guide vibe

Fun story, the narrator has done quite a bit, but the British voice is well done, sounds like when I listened to hitchhikers guide. Great stuff

Its a real Blast (off)!!!!

The universe of science fiction can be a realm of boundless imagination and delightful absurdity. "The Little Ship of Horrors" by Vee James, narrated with impeccable finesse by Hannibal Hills, is a testament to the limitless possibilities of this genre. This audiobook offers a thrilling voyage through the cosmos, combining humor, suspense, and a pinch of philosophical reflection to create an unforgettable experience.

In this narrative, we are introduced to the opulent luxury space liner, a vessel that epitomizes beauty, magnificence, and indestructibility. As it embarks on its maiden voyage to far-off vacation planets, one can't help but be enchanted by its splendor. However, beneath the decks frequented by the rich and famous, we find an unlikely hero – Chuck, a janitor burdened by a life of mundane chores and unfulfilled dreams.

Chuck's character resonates with a sense of everyday relatability that adds depth to the story. He's the ordinary guy, akin to Arthur Dent from Douglas Adams' "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy," and it seems like the universe conspires against him at every turn. But when an unexpected opportunity for personal growth arises, Chuck seizes it with both hands.

The audiobook introduces us to a fascinating antagonist: the houseplant. This isn't your average potted fern, but a brilliantly crafted malevolent force. The plant's perspective on life and its purpose is refreshingly unconventional. It simply acts in accordance with its nature – to eat, grow, and spread. The author masterfully makes us question humanity's assumed superiority over other life forms, echoing themes found in works like "Red Dwarf."

Chuck's interactions with the ship's elevator and its AI further challenge human preconceptions of dominance, prompting us to reconsider our place in the grand scheme of things. The narrative is a thought-provoking exploration of ethics, evolution, and the consequences of unchecked ambition.

"The Little Ship of Horrors" skillfully weaves together elements from beloved science fiction classics, offering a delightful blend of "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" and "Red Dwarf." Chuck, in particular, channels the spirit of Lister from "Red Dwarf," making it easy for readers to identify with him. And, of course, the irrepressible Rick Moranis will forever be synonymous with Seymour from the original "Little Shop of Horrors."

The pacing of the plot is nothing short of exhilarating. It keeps the listener engaged and entertained from start to finish, with frequent bursts of laughter punctuating the story. The ensemble of bumbling characters, oblivious to the impending danger posed by the voracious houseplant, provides ample comedic relief.

As the story unfolds, the stakes rise dramatically. The plant's relentless growth threatens to consume the entire spaceship, and its insatiable hunger becomes increasingly evident. The audiobook masterfully builds suspense as crew members mysteriously vanish, forcing Chuck to confront the possibility that the plant he nurtured may harbor deadly intentions.

The audiobook's clever blend of humor and suspense is reminiscent of the irreverent and absurdist humor of Monty Python's Flying Circus, with a touch of the philosophical musings of Douglas Adams and Terry Pratchett. It's a captivating fusion of wit and wisdom that will leave listeners both entertained and contemplative.

One can't help but imagine the cast of "Red Dwarf" in the roles of these endearing characters. Chuck embodies the essence of Lister, and this parallel enhances the audiobook's appeal. Rick Moranis' unforgettable portrayal of Seymour in the original "Little Shop of Horrors" is a testament to the enduring charm of the story's premise.

"The Little Ship of Horrors" paints a vivid picture of a universe where the absurd is the norm, where janitors can become heroes, and where houseplants can be the most menacing villains. It's a narrative that challenges conventions, tickles the funny bone, and prompts reflection on our place in the cosmos.

If you're seeking an audiobook that combines space-faring adventure, quirky humor, and a dash of existential pondering, "The Little Ship of Horrors" is an absolute must-listen. Vee James has crafted a narrative that pays homage to the greats of science fiction while charting its own unique course through the cosmos. Narrated by the talented Hannibal Hills, this audiobook is a cosmic journey you won't want to miss. So, buckle up, embrace the absurdity, and set sail with Chuck and his insidious houseplant for an adventure that will leave you both amused and enlightened.

Little Ship of Horrors

In space,Chuck is a janitor with big dreams.His day dreaming gets him into trouble at times.One day he slams into a newbie and knocks a potted plant over.He takes a wee piece and tends it,until it gets out of hand.This was a terrific twist on the familiar 'Little Shop' tale.I loved it!.Hannibal Hills was a brilliant narrator.I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Cracker of an Homage

I picked up this cracker of a story and listened through it in a couple of sittings (life annoyingly getting in the way as it does). The author, Vee James, lists his favorite authors include Terry Pratchett, Douglas Adams, Eric Idle, John Cleese, and Christopher Moore and you feel their influences throughout this tale.

Anyone who has ever heard of or watched “The Little Shop of Horrors” can probably take a good stab at what this humorous homage to the Rick Moranis 80s classic entails… and they certainly won’t be disappointed.

The plot ticks along at a cracking pace with plenty of chuckles to be had throughout. A cast of bumbling characters mostly blind to the obvious dangers around them, support our hero Chuck and heroine Violet as they seek to save the crew, the ship, and a planet from an overgrown, blood-thirsty houseplant.

The stakes rise as the plant grows ever larger, taking over more and more of the spaceship. As it grows, so does its hunger, and soon the disappearance of crew members doesn’t go unnoticed. Chuck is forced to realise that perhaps the plant he tended to since it was a seedling may be up to no good.

Narrated by the talented Hannibal Hills, the 6 hours or so it took to listen to flew by as he drew me deep into the plot. His vocal performance was excellent, giving unique voices and the right inflections which brought this story to life. I’m sure I’ll be looking at other books he’s narrated.

Overall, a great sci-fi romp that puts a new spin on the theme of the original movie, and one that I’m very happy to have stumbled upon.

I was given this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. I have not let this affect nor influence my opinions of this audiobook, and have left an honest review.