Reviews

Phule's Company by Robert Lynn Asprin

writings_of_a_reader's review against another edition

3.0

I went into this book having only read one other book by Robert Lynn Aspirin. I liked that one ok, so I thought this one would be a good choice to vote for our book club read. Most of my friends agreed and we all ended up enjoying this book. In fact, it's rare that we all like a book unanimously. I think one important thing to note is that we all seemed to be wanting something that was just a fun, easy read, and that's what we got. I thought the characters were fun and engaging. It does show it's age a bit with some of the content - I did cringe a bit at the use of the term orientals for Asians - but mostly this was a fun escape. It's the first in a series of 6 books and a couple of my friends have decided to continue on with the series. I think I'm good with stopping with just this one though, as I liked and enjoyed it, but it isn't something I'm dying to read more of.

Review also posted at Writings of a Reader.

arithetonberry's review

adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

One of my most re-read books. It's easy and fun, something I'll always recommend

rainsynch's review against another edition

2.0

Not my favorite edition of the "military man comes in and fixes military company with problems" genre, mostly because it was kind of anti-climactic and the plot problems did not really carry the books as problems that meant enough.

leeseloadenny's review against another edition

adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.75

ramsfan1963's review against another edition

adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

tregina's review against another edition

3.0

Another book that's rated largely on nostalgia. The truth is I still enjoy this book quite a bit, even as I recognise that a) it's really not that good and b) there are aspects that are highly problematic. It's pure wish fulfillment. Fundamentally, it's about someone who has the money to do whatever the fuck he wants, and when I was a poor kid growing up that was the height of fantasy.

It's been percolating in my brain to write a bona fide review of this book (and the series as a whole) that elaborates mostly on point b; I suppose I'll just have to see if I find the extra boost of motivation.

mtb_za's review

funny lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

• Loveable characters? Yes

3.5

Leans a little too hard about just how good Phule is, but still a fun popcorn read. It is a fairly standard 'misfits make good' story, although the ending is somewhat abrupt and felt a little rushed, as though Asprin was hitting his wordcount and just wrapped things up there.

The minor characters are fun, if somewhat caricatured. It would be fun to see a 'belowdecks' version focusing more on them than Phule.

redentrapy's review against another edition

4.0

If you like Sci-Fi, military, and humor that causes stitches in your side you will LOVE this book. The characters are well developed and each has a quirk that just makes this books satirically funny. An easy read and entertaining. Very well thought out. Of course its got aliens, guns, and drinking in it so of course its going to make you go shit what now...? through the whole story. I DEFINITELY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!!! LOVED IT!!!

groovyfrood's review

adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

lprnana6572's review against another edition

4.0

Humorous unconventional futurist military squadron that somehow always ends up on top under Phule's leadership.