Vance Turbo’s Misadventures Continue to Shine
4.75 out of 5 stars
There’s something truly magical about diving into another book in the Space Academy series. Every time I press play, I’m reminded why Phipps & Suttkus are such a dynamic duo when it comes to crafting snark-filled, action-packed, and wildly entertaining sci-fi stories. With Space Academy Miscreants, they’ve done it again—and maybe even outdone themselves. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that Jeffrey Kafer is back, lending his voice to breathe life into this incredible story.
This time around, Captain Vance Turbo’s journey takes an unexpectedly personal turn when he discovers he has a daughter (surprise!), and she’s in grave danger. I’ll admit, I was a little worried about how this new angle might fit with the series’ trademark humor and absurdity, but Phipps and Suttkus handled it brilliantly. The stakes feel higher, and yet, they managed to keep all the sharp wit and laugh-out-loud moments that make this series so special. There’s something endlessly charming about Vance’s sarcastic quips—even in the face of danger—and Kafer delivers every single line with pitch-perfect timing, leaving me grinning ear to ear.
What really stood out to me in this installment was how it balanced heart and humor. The revelation about Vance’s daughter added a layer of depth to his character that I wasn’t expecting. Don’t get me wrong—I love Vance’s snarky, devil-may-care attitude, but seeing a more vulnerable side of him was surprisingly touching. It reminded me of how this series has a knack for evolving its characters while still keeping the chaos and comedy flowing. And let me tell you, the chaos in this book is next-level, from ambushes to space pirates, and everything in between.
As always, Kafer’s narration is the icing on the cake. He absolutely nails the tone of the writing, bringing out every ounce of sarcasm, wit, and absurdity that Phipps and Suttkus throw into the mix. His performance truly elevates the audiobook experience—whether it’s delivering Vance’s perfectly-timed one-liners or adding gravitas to the more emotional moments, Kafer never misses a beat. At this point, I can’t imagine anyone else narrating this series. He’s the voice of Vance Turbo, and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. (Weirdly enough, he’s the voice for almost any snark-filled Phipps character in my head — get out Jeff!)
If you’ve enjoyed the earlier books in the Space Academy series (Space Academy Dropouts, Space Academy Rejects, and Space Academy Washouts), you’re in for a treat with Space Academy Miscreants. It takes everything we love about the series—the humor, the action, the larger-than-life characters—and turns it up to eleven. And if you’re new to the series, what are you waiting for? Go start at the beginning. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
In short, Space Academy Miscreants is another absolute banger from Phipps and Suttkus. It’s hilarious, heartfelt, and wildly entertaining from start to finish. Whether you’re here for the snark, the space battles, or the surprising moments of tenderness, this book delivers it all. Captain Vance Turbo’s misadventures are the gift that keeps on giving, and I, for one, can’t wait to see what kind of trouble he gets into next.
Book Description:
“Captain’s log… we’re doomed.”
Captain Vance Turbo of the E.S.S Ares has managed to save the entire universe and gotten himself a big fat promotion for it. However, that doesn’t mean much as he’s just received a message that his daughter is in peril! His daughter that he didn’t know about because she was cooked up in a lab by his ex-girlfriend. Knowing he can’t take his ship on a personal vendetta, Vance decides to charter a pirate ship to head to the distant tyranny of Crius. Unfortunately, his journey isn’t exactly a secret and he finds himself ambushed. Ambushed by someone Vance never thought he’d see again.
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.
Space Academy Miscreants by CT Phipps, Michael Suttkus
Narrator: Jeffrey Kafer
Length: 9 hrs and 12 mins
Series: Space Academy #4
Published by Podium Audio on October 21st 2024
Genres: Comedy, Science Fiction
Format: Audiobook
Buy from Audible
Also by this author: Cthulhu Armageddon, Agent G: Infiltrator, The Tower of Zhaal, Lucifer’s Star, I Was a Teenage Weredeer, An American Weredeer in Michigan, Lucifer’s Nebula
Also in this series: Space Academy Dropouts, , Space Academy Washouts
I’ve loved reading since I was little when my dad would read me Dr. Suess books. Fast-forward a little and I noticed that he was always reading on his lunch breaks at work, and I wondered why.Then, I found a book that took me to another place and time, to another feeling,another sense of “being”.It was the first book that I ever fell in love with, and I’ve been chasing that feeling ever since.
