Book review by Mary Crocco
Hal (Kindle)
It’s a mad world on Gloth as experienced through the eyes of Halbert Hoop, Hal to the reader. Hal is a well-developed character who gets himself into unusual and kooky situations. It’s great fun for the reader to share Hal’s strategies in unraveling and solving these situations.
Hal’s adventures arriving and living on Gloth are unpredictable and fun to read. The characters he meets are as unique as the menu items he consumed in order to survive. Hal’s quest to return to Erde, better known as Earth is driven by . . .
There is no way I will spoil the story, the unpredictability is the best part of the book!
I recommend Hal for readers who enjoy whacky characters and crazy places. It’s an enjoyable story and once again, Derek Haines strength in developing his characters is terrific.
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Review by Jack Eason
HAL (Kindle)
Have you ever pondered the exact meaning of the words human and god?
Well in the whacky world of Gloth, human stands for - Hybridised Uniform Manipulation And Naturalisation, while god simply means - Glothic Oversight Detachment. What did you think it meant?
While this may come as a deep shock to those Erdeans- sorry Earthlings, of a naturally delicate disposition, take it from me, you ain’t seen anything yet!
I feel sorry for the illustrious members of the Camera Stellata, especially when poor Lord Ashtoke meets the real power behind Erde (Earth). Is it any wonder the man dies of a heart attack?
I think not!
And now we come to the subject of this book, Halbert Hoop - HAL for short.
Yikes Derek, have you completely lost your senses man! Hal becomes a member of the Camera Stellata? Surely you jest! Never was there a more unlikely candidate for great things than the bumbling, gangly, accident prone Halbert Hoop.
To console myself from the shock of this ghastly revelation, I turn your attention and mine to the extremely important subject of Glothic cuisine.
Turdling Hurdles for breakfast – simply delicious
Onglets of Tirdd and Yuretha Jus – pure heaven on a plate
Begrogrol fillets – totally divine
Whole poached Winkie Flyers, stuffed with fresh Krinquelain Faeces and a salad of Viddiam Lymph Glands – oh be still my beating heart
All of the above served with a glass or two of Fozzoxly, the Glothic equivalent of pure nectar.
Sadly the contents of the menu above are simply too good for the likes of common Erdeans such as you and I.
Before you think I have totally gone mad, why not read “HAL” for yourself. This hilarious sequel to “February the Fifth” shows Derek Haines at his absolute best.
Simply brilliant Derek, well done...
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