Last year I spied the first novel by Toby Frost and decided I would take it, and the rest of the series, away with me on my expeditions to keep me amused in the quiet hours. I was not disappointed!
This series is the most amusing saga of the heroic though inept Space Captain Smith of the British Space Empire of the 35th Century (which is very much a Victorian style setting).
Accompanied by his polite alien friend (with a penchant for collecting skulls in battle), his android pilot (who is a runaway pleasure 'bot) and a hippie chick with pyschic powers (who he is in love with), they undertake all sorts of adventures in Her Majesty's name, slay her enemies in droves and drink endless cups of tea along the way.
The series currently comprises three books: Space Captain Smith, God Emperor of Didcot, and Wrath of the Lemming Men. I can best describe them as a blend of Black Adder and Galaxy Quest in aVSF style setting. If that is your thing I strongly recommend these books to you. If not, you'll enjoy it so read it anyway! I cant wait until the fourth book, a Game of Battleships, is released!
[EDIT: Well I finally got A Game of Battleships and it was similarly excellent!]
Read interviews with Toby Frost here and here
Visit his website here: http://spacecaptainsmith.com/
and true affectionados can register their support at the Captain Smith facebook page here
