Phule Me Twice (Phule's Company)

Phule Me Twice is the latest lighthearted, thoroughly enjoyable science fiction adventure from Robert Asprin. Fourth in the Phule series, about a Legion captain and his unlikely crew of interplanetary rejects, Phule Me Twice follows the questionable Legionnaires as they are called to help a dinosaur-like ally race against a mysterious hidden invader. But Captain Phule's own superior officer has a grudge against him, and plans to wreak havoc in the most backhanded and scheming manner possible - by sending in an incompetant with both the ability and authority to royally foul things up! A loopy and engaging ride featuring quixotic personalities, double-take situations, and one deceptively resourceful android. Also very highly recommended are the previous Phule adventures: Phule's Company, Phule's Paradise, and A Phule And His Money.

The Phule series has had its series of problems. Phule's Company was an excellent book, "soft" SF, certainly, but very well done. Phule's Paradise was all set-up and very little pay-off, even though it was enjoyable to read. A Phule and His Money introduced many interesting ideas, but the authors seemed incapable of doing these ideas justice. But, with Phule Me Twice, we finally return to the unflawed greatness which hasn't been present since the original. This book brings in an interesting conflict by introducing the new CO and XO of Phule's company; two men who are far more conservative in their views of Legion policy. We see how Phule's Company could never possibly work as a regular Legion company; and we understand that its strength is its ability to forego the rigid policies and simply do what makes SENSE, instead of what the book says to do. The Phule series, particullary "Company" and "Twice" are books which are essentially about leadership--and for that reason alone I would highly recommend them.

I don't know what everyone's talking about. I thought this book was great! I didn't see anything wrong with the writing style or anything. Ignore the other reviews and read this great book!

Well, first of all, this book betters the series from the last one. An important point if you are planning on following along.In the world of SF, this is the "screwball comedy" of the genre.Cpt. Phule and the Omega bunch get a new assignment, something they can really sink their teeth into, they are working for the Zenobians now, those delightful little reptiles with an appreciation for anyone who "goes all out only for their friends".Phule's been recognized by the State department and so he gets the assignment when the Zenobians specifically request his outfit. The fun starts because Phule's higher ups don't want him to succeed again, and plot a convincing method of bringing him down with a crash.And previous elements of the series all conspire to deliver surprises for everyone.A fun read, doesn't do the expected, and really begins to recapture the humor and characters of the first two books. In particular, the slowness of the previous book is gone and new recruits in that book are already proving their worth in this one.If you want light SF reading that makes you smile, go for this book.

Although this book takes a different twist from the earlier Phule's book, I feel that it still fell within the styles of Robert Asprin's Phule series. I wouldn't compare ANY of the Phule series to the Myth series, as they only share mirth and light-heartedness. I felt this book gave a better look into the Omega Mob, and took a somewhat neccesary step back a little from being focused mearly on Phule. Although I do agree that some of the dialog and relations between Phule and Beeker were VERY out of place in this book, but more so near the end... Much like Peter J. Heck finished the book for him. But that said, I still read the book from cover to cover, and stayed reading, which in itself is a good review from me. If I lose interest, the book lands on a dusty shelf, never to be finished. I'd still recommend it for people who like the whole Omega Company, and aren't just reading to read about Captain Jester.