Condomnauts

Written by Yoss

Narrated by Marco Guerrero

In the 24th century, Josué Valdés’ rise from an orphan in the slums of Rubble City, Cuba to one of the galaxy’s most accomplished explorers was nothing short of meteoric. On the streets, Josue raced cockroaches for cash―until he discovered his true-calling: as a sexual ambassador for humanity and the Nu Barsa colony.

Every so-called “condomnaut” knows that diplomacy and trade deals depend on sexual pacts in the galactic community―and every encounter becomes a close encounter. While some condomnauts have been raised and genetically enhanced to meet the needs of any tentacled insectoid in the galaxy, Josué is a natural whose ego could eclipse the big dipper. Our intrepid condomnauts travel light years across the galaxy and discover that old rivalries―and prejudices―are never far behind. When the first extragalactic beings arrive in the Milky Way, and with them the potential to negotiate for extraordinary new technologies, Josué must call upon every ounce of his talent to seal the deal for his colony and all of humanity.

Indirectly investigating current sexual mores, Cuban science fiction rock star Yoss plays upon stereotypes while making it clear that under Communist Cuba what is daring is not always funny and vice versa. Following the success of Super Extra Grande and A Planet for Rent, Yoss brings us another uproarious space adventure with Condomnauts, a wildly inventive and unapologetic tale that would make even Barbarella blush.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Everand Productions
• Release date: Jan 18, 2022
• ISBN: 9781094435695

Yoss

Born José Miguel Sánchez Gómez, Yoss assumed his pen name in 1988, when he won the Premio David in the science fiction category for Timshel. Together with his peculiar pseudonym, the author's aesthetic of an impentinent rocker has allowed him to stand out amongst his fellow Cuban writers. Earning a degree in Biology in 1991, he went on to graduate from the first ever course on Narrative Techniques at the Onelio Jorge Cardoso Center of Literary Training, in the year 1999. Today, Yoss writes both realistic and science fiction works. Alongside these novels, the author produces essays, reviews, and compilations, and actively promotes the Cuban science fiction literary workshops, Espiral and Espacio Abierto.

Reviews for Condomnauts

[Tom Fowler · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What a first contact delight! And, what a character. More please, thanks.

[Ciprian S · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Not my type of SF. . . . . .

[Michael AP · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

Love the story and the details involved
The narrator lets the whole story down
The other Yoss novel the narrator adds to the experience
Disappointing

[William Hillmann III · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

The concept? fascinating! - a credit to Yoss; for me, the audiobook was spoiled by the reader who, from the tone, tenor and sound of his voice, is too young and not world-wise enough to have had sufficient of life's experiences to be narrating a story about sex; out in the real world, only his mother knows; (or maybe she doesn't); suspension of disbelief is the backbone of science fiction and fantasy; I was unable to suspend my urge to stop listening in the middle of chapter one, so I didn't.

[Heather Redetzke · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

That’s a LOT of recurring fat-phobic language. Fun and silly otherwise.

[modioperandi · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A really strange but fun short novel. The whole story revolves around identity and ones past youth and what that does to the future of living persons. Its absurd and fun but also affecting the absurdist parts are full on insanity paired with an actual care for character and care for the characters. Good novel. Super weird and not for the faint of heart.

[dwhatson-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Somewhere between Douglas Adams and Harry Harrison, there is Yoss. If you're a fan of either author then you'll most likely enjoy a romp across the galaxy with this Cuban science-fiction writer. The author's style is entertaining and irreverent. Narrated through the eyes of the central character, we experience the world of interspecies galactic trade where every first-contact and trade deal is sealed through a sexual pact. The role of the 'Contact Specialist' is part diplomat, part negotiator and sexual explorer. The storey follows the rise of Josué Valdés from the slums of a futuristic, post-apocalypse Cuba to one of humanity's interstellar emissaries. Underneath the calm facade, Valdés is perpetually worried that his past will catch up with him to destroy a life for which he has worked hard, taken risks and deceived others. However, the fun really starts when the first extragalactic visitors are detected.