The School of Hard Knocks
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Narrated by:
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Simon Williams
About this listen
Rick and his crew live on the edge of Earth Corps space, where the law is what you make it and the taxman doth fear to tread. While a war rages, he salvages its wreckage, profiteering from the misery of others.
Despite his plan to sit it out from the sidelines and fill his pockets, Rick is drawn into a galactic conflict. When an alien armada is set to crash down upon Sol, he has to choose between cold hard cash or his conscience.
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Tin Man: A Galaxy's Edge Prequel
- By: Jason Anspach, Nick Cole
- Narrated by: R.C. Bray
- Length: 52 mins
- Unabridged
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In the wilds of a jungle planet, the Legion fights in brutal combat as Republic marines fly their SLICS from one tragedy to the next. H292, a repurposed warbot, shows the heart of a hero as he wades into the battle not to destroy - but to save.
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So cool
- By Chris on 02-01-20
By: Jason Anspach, and others
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Empty Space
- By: Alan Black
- Narrated by: Todd Haberkorn
- Length: 7 hrs and 31 mins
- Unabridged
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York August Sixteen was abandoned as a baby, abused and molested as a child, and beaten and harassed as a teen and had his rightful place in the Republic's Space Navy stolen from him. Fighting back against huge government systems was useless. Dispensing justice on an individual, case-by-case basis was more to his liking, yet even that was taken away when he was stationed on a lonely communication space station. York's life would change when he decided to seek justice for people even less fortunate than him.
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In space, no one can hear you kill
- By Michael G Kurilla on 07-31-15
By: Alan Black
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Intrinsic
- By: Philip C. Quaintrell
- Narrated by: George Newbern
- Length: 15 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
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Kalian Gaines has a secret; he just doesn't know it yet. He looks like us, he lives like us...but he is not one of us. Kalian knows nothing outside of his mundane life teaching history on 30th-century Earth, until a day like any other triggers a series of events that will tie his fate to that of humanity. A human handprint, embedded into a rock with alien script, is discovered on a moon that mankind has never set foot on. This discovery holds a secret, which will sweep Kalian into the heart of a conspiracy that has corrupted the galaxy for 200,000 years.
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Unexpectedly Brilliant
- By Fraser on 04-22-18
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Unfathomed
- By: Ralph Kern
- Narrated by: Michael Kramer
- Length: 9 hrs and 33 mins
- Unabridged
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After months recuperating in hospital, US Marine Jack Cohen hoped a Caribbean cruise would help him recover from the horrific injuries he sustained fighting in the Middle East. Instead, when the ship is attacked, he is once again thrust into battle to protect Atlantica against the ruthless enemy hunting her, and the insidious threat already aboard.
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Bring me home...
- By R. J. Thorne on 07-15-17
By: Ralph Kern
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Legion of the Damned
- Legion of the Damned, Book 1
- By: William C. Dietz
- Narrated by: Donald Corren
- Length: 13 hrs and 16 mins
- Unabridged
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In the future, the terminally ill can prolong life by surrendering their consciousness to a cybernetic life form that is then recruited into the notorious Legion of the Damned, an elite fighting unit charged with protecting humanity.
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Pretty poor
- By Taliesin on 05-09-10
By: William C. Dietz
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Critical Dawn
- The Critical Series, Book 1
- By: Darren Wearmouth, Colin F. Barnes
- Narrated by: Luke Daniels
- Length: 10 hrs and 21 mins
- Unabridged
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Archaeologists Pippa Quinn and Charlie Jackson find advanced technology in undisturbed 16th-century graves. A portent, the discovery precedes thousands of giant sinkholes opening up across the globe as extreme weather threatens the population. Charlie suspects the two are related.
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Younger adult sci-if.
- By William W on 07-22-15
By: Darren Wearmouth, and others
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Prominence
- By: A. C. Hadfield
- Narrated by: Marc Vietor
- Length: 6 hrs and 50 mins
- Unabridged
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They tried to destroy our planets. Our way of life. They tried to send us into extinction. But we, the Coalition, fought them and won. That was a decade ago. They’re known as the Host: a cabal of aliens seeking to dominate our sector of space. And they’re back - with help from a powerful new enemy. We’re outnumbered and unprepared. But there is hope. An ancient race of long-dead but technologically advanced aliens called the Navigators have a ship called the Blackstar that could potentially turn the tide. That is if I, Kai Locke, a humble ship racer, can find it and learn how to harness its power in time.
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Newly found love.
- By L. Rampey on 03-22-19
By: A. C. Hadfield
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Death Becomes Her [Dramatized Adaptation]
- The Kurtherian Gambit, Book 1
- By: Michael Anderle
- Narrated by: full cast, Colleen Delany, Emily Beresford, and others
- Length: 5 hrs and 16 mins
- Original Recording
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There is more in our world than you know. Deep in the darkness of a government building, one man needs to find the perfect solution to a vampire’s request that the government satisfy the debt of honor owed him. If he falls short, the failure will be paid in the blood of the military. He needs three uniquely qualified individuals. He can find only one. One woman, dying, might be the ace-in-the-hole he needs to appease the Vampire. But then, she might also be the one person needed to save humanity. If she is accepted, will she willingly change?
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great adaptation
- By Michael Mason on 11-02-20
By: Michael Anderle
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Conquest
- The Chronicles of the Invaders: Book 1
- By: John Connolly, Jennifer Ridyard
- Narrated by: Nicola Barber
- Length: 14 hrs and 28 mins
- Unabridged
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The Earth has been invaded by the Illyri, a beautiful, civilized, yet ruthless alien race. Humanity has been conquered, but still it fights the invaders. The Resistance grows stronger, for it is the young people of Earth who battle the Illyri.
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Spoiled Teenager or Sci-fi?
- By Bob H. on 04-24-16
By: John Connolly, and others
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Falling Free
- Miles Vorsokigan, Book 4
- By: Lois McMaster Bujold
- Narrated by: Grover Gardner
- Length: 8 hrs and 44 mins
- Unabridged
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Leo Graf was just your average highly efficient engineer: mind your own business, fix what's wrong, and move on to the next job. But all that changed on his assignment to the Cay Habitat, where a group of humanoids had been secretly, commercially bioengineered for working in free fall. Could he just stand there and allow the exploitation of hundreds of helpless children merely to enhance the bottom line of a heartless mega-corporation?
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Don't read this one first
- By Carol on 02-20-13
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Titanborn
- By: Rhett C. Bruno
- Narrated by: R.C. Bray
- Length: 7 hrs and 23 mins
- Unabridged
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After decades hunting wanted offworlders throughout the solar system, Corporate Bounty Hunter Malcolm Graves doesn't bother asking questions. So long as the pay is right, he's the man for the job. And he always works alone. But when a high-profile bombing on Earth has Pervenio Corp clamoring for answers, they force him to team up with a strange, cyber-augmented partner. A young man more interested in statistics than instinct. Their assignment: Track down a suspected group of extremists from Titan who will go to any length to free their moon from the grip of Earth's corporations.
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Great Mystery Sci-fi
- By Bryan on 02-08-19
By: Rhett C. Bruno
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Colony Lost
- By: Chris Philbrook
- Narrated by: Kevin Stillwell
- Length: 12 hrs and 47 mins
- Unabridged
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Seven hundred fifty years ago, human colonists left Earth and settled on the moons of the distant gas giant Ghara. Civilization has flourished on Ghara's fertile moons, but humanity's drive to colonize and explore is still strong. Detecting plentiful mineral resources and a rich abundance of alien life on the nearby planet of Selva, the Gharian Colonists mount a dangerous expedition
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an action-packed space marine survival story
- By Midwestbonsai on 10-19-17
By: Chris Philbrook
What listeners say about The School of Hard Knocks
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Tiffany Ewald
- 07-20-23
love the laughs
Everything you'd want and more in a great sci-fi book. Space, aliens, military, action, some "romance", and a huge dose of comedic relief. This book had me smiling often, rolling my eyes (fondly) and even flat out laughing at times. The characters are so realistic and relatable (in many ways), authentic and really just bled together flawlessly. Everything was explained thoroughly and descriptive enough to "comprehend" without overdoing it and that helped to keep this Kuman engaged! I really appreciated Annyah's and Sam's characters the most. Humor is a bit on the crude side (think young school boy humor for the most part), a bit of language for authenticity, and really good sarcastic banter! There is some mention of things that are a bit more mature in nature, mostly implied or hinted at, but nothing explicit. I think the best part of this book for me was rocking out with Rick - so grateful for those scenes to be included, and although I listened, reading it would have not changed a thing! Definitely 5 stars from me! This was a first for me from Oliver Strong, but it won't be this Kumans last ;) The narrator was amazing! Great voices and read smoothly!
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- Jeffrey T Waldrop
- 10-04-22
Irreverent Good Fun During Intergalactic War
Good fun, the narration was great plus it is full of sound effects and music. Really adds to the experience!
Best if you are appreciative of VERY non-politically correct British humor, story is cynical about everyone in positions of authority, very male oriented although strong female characters play essential roles. Rick goes through a big transformation over the course of the story and ends up surprising everyone, including himself.
Would describe as hard story and character-driven science fiction, not military sci-fi but with military elements/engagements throughout.
Was a lot of fun to listen to, would definitely enjoy more by Mr. Strong and with Simon Williams narrating.
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- James Nichols
- 10-15-22
information on SoHK
The School of Hard Knocks (SoHK) is a recent science-fiction novel. Its author is Mr. Oliver Strong from the UK. SoHK has humor that I laughed at a number of times from descriptions of colorful humor originating from Captain Rick and his crew's unique behaviors. Its story line can become interesting for me with Rick and his crew of strippers (salvage experts or gentlemen of fortune) flying to distant places and discovering the unknown. I can at times lose my understanding of where the story is headed due to characters' bantering, debating, and/or complaining. Upon later reflection, I see the connections from earlier story sentiments and later outcomes or dilemmas. The book is decent.
https://www.strongbooks.co.uk/
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- Kennedy
- 11-10-22
Definitely one for the boys
I received a free audible copy of this book courtesy of the author•
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Synopsis:
Rick is a stripper— in the sense of Han Solo and not in the sense of poles— his journey throughout the story slowly grows and develops and he discovers what matters most to him. Through a lot of flatulence, curry, and swearing, Rick realizes his close mindedness is the problem & not the world.
This is definitely not a usual book I’d read/pick up. The animation of continuous flatulence in the audible reading left me slightly grossed out, along with the swearing… This is definitely more so a “boys club”-esc type of book than what I imagined a space adventure tale would read like. With that being said Oliver Strong (the author) has a lot of potential for comedic writing & political satire… just maybe less swearing in the future please :)
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- Heather Burt
- 02-04-23
Great sci-fi comedy
The school of hard knocks is a science fiction comedy. This is the first I've ever read and honestly loved it. Huge thank you too Oliver Strong for exchanging the audiobook for a review!! I loved listening to the book while at work and driving around. The book is captivating and absolutely hilarious!!
The main character Rick embarks on a journey and takes his fellow men with him. It's a futuristic timeline so the world and universe is completely different. Being able to colonize humans on all the different planets and having alien humans on them as well.
If you have seen Rick and Morty this is basically that in a book and it's absolutely worth the read! The way the audiobook is set up, it's almost like listening to a TV show. There's so much about it that puts you in their atmosphere that you'll feel like you're in their world!
Great book to read and if you enjoy sci-fi you'll love this book!
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- Tracy
- 04-22-23
Loved It
I never thought I would LOVE a sci-fi book because I've never been a fan of sci-fi. This book, however, is so much more than I was expecting. The School of Hard Knocks is a sci-fi comedy, and let me say this book is hilarious. There are many laugh-out-loud moments throughout the book.
In the beginning, I was hoping Rick's crew would shove him off the ship into space. I could not see how he landed the role of the main character. Little did I know that I would soon fall in love with the most unlikely and reluctant hero, Rick Katusa.
Rick Katusa, the Captain of Sonnet, was out in space living his best bachelor life, avoiding responsibility, government politics, and meaningful relationships. He never dreamed of love or of changing his bachelor ways. He never knew he needed a good woman in his life, one with a moral compass to set him to rights. Our reluctant hero makes great strides throughout the book. Fair warning Rick is rude, crass, and obnoxious. You will hate him, then you will love him, be patient, it takes time to make changes.
If you have the opportunity to listen to the audio, I highly recommend it because the audio is a pure masterpiece with sound effects to bring the space atmosphere fully into your imagination. The School of Hard Knocks is a hidden gem that I would have never found on my own. Thank you so much, Oliver Strong, for my gifted audio copy in exchange for an honest review. The opinion is my own.
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