The Earth has been sold. What could possibly go wrong?
It’s the Year 2024. Drowning in debt following the pandemic, and facing ruin, the leaders of the G7 have taken the only logical decision.
They’ve sold the planet.
When Toby, a penniless student, finds out one morning on TV, he's surprised to find the Earth’s new alien owners are staggeringly cute and bring the promise of a debt-free future. He's just getting ready to celebrate along with the rest of the world, when a chance encounter with a mysterious professor reveals the truth. And there’s a glitch: the Earth is about to be destroyed.
With only 24 hours to avert the apocalypse, Toby’s two new flatmates - one paranoid, one gorgeous - drag him on an intergalactic adventure. Battling interplanetary bankers, who trade solar systems like real estate, and pursued by pitiless assassins, the gang find that a deadly virus becomes their only chance of salvation.
Fresh, fun and fast-paced, How to Buy a Planet is the unforgettable tale of three students on an impossible quest to beat the system. If you're a fan of Douglas Adams, Terry Pratchett, or sci-fi hero, Doctor Who, this is the must-read novel of 2021.
SHORTLISTED for The Selfies Fiction Award 2021
"What a timely read... Totally mesmerising." Oxford Daily Information review
"Echoes of Douglas Adams... Lots of fun." Tim Harford, The Undercover Economist
“Entertaining and fast-moving science fiction adventure… Written with a sense of humour, fun, and wonder.” Una McCormack, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author
Assessment:
Plot: D.A Holdsworth's narrative exists in an elegant space between serious and self-aware: it delivers its story with a dry wit and an offbeat humor reminiscent of Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, but anchors it all firmly behind rather potent current events that pointedly and decisively eschew the luxury of some far-flung future or fantastical what-if in order to nail home a powerful call to action.
Prose/Style: Holdsworth's prose effectively builds a palpable sense of cinematic tension, never losing sight or sacrificing heft amidst its penchant for dry humor.
Originality: How to Buy a Planet dials in on current events while factoring them against a wholly inventive sci-fi concept to create a riotous and resonant piece of genre fiction that will captivate viewers with its ingenuity and timeliness.
Character Development/Execution: Holdsworth's cast is a solid, if somewhat typical, fit for the surreal shenanigans that ensue, echoing notes of Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy while still holding onto their own sense of character.
Date Submitted: May 17, 2021
Rhonda Crow
5.0 out of 5 stars
Reviewed in the United States on May 9, 2021
Fun story, great characters, timely plot and a world to save, what more could you want?
How about probably the most palatable economics lesson you are likely ever to get? This was a thoroughly enjoyable read in every way. I'm looking foreward to reading many more from this author.
Michelle
5.0 out of 5 stars
Reviewed in the United States on December 28, 2020
Loved it
This is a great story from a good author. I really enjoyed it and had to go look outside to make sure it wasn’t real. Hope to read more from Mr. Holdworth
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars
Reviewed in the United States on December 19, 2020
A tour de force of world building
While telling an exciting tale of finance, interstellar travel, friendship and how hard it is to talk sense to power, this book entertains a d educates. How can you ask for more?
Susan Smith's review
Sep 30, 2020
5 stars
What a hoot.This is hilarious. There's probably some deep meaningful things regarding finance and politics but. I was too busy laughing.Well-rounded characters, brilliantly written, reminded me of a certain television programs (two words, first of two letters and second of three letters) in many places, can't say more without introducing spoilers.Well done, can't wait for the next book.
Michael McPherson's review
Mar 15, 2021
5 stars
Excellent read. Great plot and thoroughly believable characters, read it when it first came out; read it again this week - even better second time around!
David Green's review
5 stars
Feb 03, 2021
Great book. Really offbeat... very funny! Dry humour. Some really interesting ideas about space-time travel and global (galactic?) finances. One you get into it the book is hard to put down. It is fast paced and very well written... great dialogue as well.
I loved it.
Brian's review
Oct 09, 2020
5 stars
The Earth is saved (by three flatmates)
I have said before in reviews that I do enjoy a good sci-fi comedy, but they are hard to come by. This book is certainly one of them, and I enjoyed every page...
Well written, just slightly absurd (as it should be) and thoroughly enjoyable. The best I have read since Douglas Adams. I recommend it to anyone.
What a timely read… Set in a post-pandemic world, the premise of the book is that the lovely leaders of Earth have decided to sell planet earth - to a bunch of aliens. With a strong start, I was hooked on this book. I loved the idea of living in a world with no pandemic, no economic issues, where everyone is happy and knows their lives will be debt-free.
With nods to the current situation of not being able to see anyone, going out freely to pubs, and traveling like normal, Holdsworth really captures the essence of looking to the future and wondering what our lives will be like - with a twist.
With an air of Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy and Men in Black, this novel is part-comedy, part-sci-fi, and will appeal to those with a great imagination - much like the author.
How to Buy a Planet was today shortlisted by BookBrunch, the book industry magazine, for The Selfies Fiction Award 2021 - awarded to the best self-published novel in the UK.
