West of West Virgil

Uncovering a Plot to Destroy or Overthrow the Universe, Whichever Comes First

By: Jonathan Alsop

Narrated by: Mitch Larrabee

Hilariously absurd fun. A bit of science, a lot of nonsense. A comical science fiction story.

Have you ever thought the Moon was a bit odd? Do you know where to purchase a Bizonian Fur Daemon of Volikai? Have you ever wondered what happens to your body when it goes from four hundred and thirty-five miles per hour to zero? This funny sci-fi comedy story answers all of that and more! Join Robert as he travels from Earth, going all across the Universe, on a quest with his new partner to help get her old job back.

Summary: Ordinary tractor supplies salesman Robert Taylor is returning from a sales conference in New York. As his plane takes off, news of the Moon starting to move away from the Earth causes a global panic. Robert finds himself headed for death as an accident sends his plane diving straight into the ground, but a single phone call changes his life forever. Was it meant for him? Now enlisted by the largest universal news agency, he finds himself on a journey through the cosmos with a mysterious partner, Rebecca, who has a secret agenda of her own. Meanwhile, others who have been tangled up in Robert's life seek him out to right wrongs. Robert ventures to exotic and impossible places as he discovers powers that he never thought possible, has coffee, and lends a hand to those in need of it along the way – even if he doesn’t want to. Join Robert and Rebecca as they work together to uncover a plot to destroy or overthrow the Universe, whichever comes first.

Suggested ages: 14+. Contains some foul language.

©2024 Jonathan David Alsop (P)2026 Jonathan David Alsop

Big universe, several smaller conundrums

Great narration by Mitch Larrabee, with some interesting vocal effects and consistent cadence. The story has a lot of heart and intent, with a greater width to depth ratio. There are definitely nods to HHGTTG sprinkled throughout as if the original pages were put through the Babel fish a few times and came back as free-form literary confetti. You know how a pizza with one properly-curated topping can taste just right, but one with a half-dozen ingredients is highly susceptible to any one of them bringing the others down? This story is a supreme, through and through. There's action, suspense, dismay, disbelief, and a view of the universe you won't find anywhere else. It all depends on Robert to save the day. Let's cheer his valiant efforts. [Disclosure: I received this title for free and listened at 2.0x.]

Promising

I suspect this book would be a bit easier to follow in print. Lots of stuff was happening and I sometimes had a hard time keeping up. Narrator Mitch Larrabee did an amazing job at voicing all the characters and some of the sound effects added an interesting touch, but other times the effects made the words hard to hear. Some of the cadence could have been a bit smoother.