The Captain’s Log- waypoint kangaroo (Curtis C. Chen)

Ahoy me mateys!  I absolutely loved this sci-fi tale about a bumbling James Bond type-character code name: Kangaroo.  Kangaroo’s name is not because he is from Australia or because he can jump high or because he is a “genetically-engineered human-marsupial.”  As he puts it, “come on, that last one is pretty ridiculous.”  No it is because he has a Pocket.

The Pocket is a portal that opens up into an empty parallel universe.  It is pretty nifty for spy work.  Storing things in the Pocket and smuggling are some of the things he is good at.  He is not so good with small talk, clever jokes, or staying out of trouble.  James Bond he isn’t.  In fact the latest mission didn’t go according to plan so Kangaroo finds himself on a forced cruise ship vacation.  He isn’t pleased.

I however was immensely pleased by this silly, endearing tale of how Kangaroo’s vacation turns into a crisis.  I absolutely loved Kangaroo’s mix of ineptitude when dealing with normal people and then how he can suddenly use his spy skills with aplomb.  He is constantly trying to prove his worth to the agency and prove that he doesn’t need watching.  He tells bad jokes but is so plucky that I couldn’t help but root for him.

The story did take some unexpectedly fun turns.  I loved the majority of the secondary characters.  The story is action packed and fun.  I read it in one sitting and I loved it!  I can’t wait to read book two!  Arrr!

Side note: with an awesome title like that how can ye not want to read this one?

Goodreads has this to say about the novel:

A high octane science-fiction spy thriller that puts a new spin on the outer space adventure, WAYPOINT KANGAROO kicks off a blockbuster series full of adrenaline and intrigue.

Kangaroo isn’t your typical spy. Sure, he has extensive agency training, access to bleeding-edge technology, and a ready supply of clever (to him) quips and retorts. But what sets him apart is “the pocket.” It’s a portal that opens into an empty, seemingly infinite, parallel universe, and Kangaroo is the only person in the world who can use it. But he’s pretty sure the agency only keeps him around to exploit his superpower.

After he bungles yet another mission, Kangaroo gets sent away on a mandatory “vacation:” an interplanetary cruise to Mars. While he tries to make the most of his exile, two passengers are found dead, and Kangaroo has to risk blowing his cover. It turns out he isn’t the only spy on the ship–and he’s just starting to unravel a massive conspiracy which threatens the entire Solar System.

Now, Kangaroo has to stop a disaster which would shatter the delicate peace that’s existed between Earth and Mars ever since the brutal Martian Independence War. A new interplanetary conflict would be devastating for both sides. Millions of lives are at stake.

Weren’t vacations supposed to be relaxing?

To visit the author’s website go to:

Curtis C. Chen – Author

To buy the book go to:

waypoint kangaroo – Book

To add to Goodreads go to:

Yer Ports for Plunder List