no desire to even read this.. I have been a guide fan since day 1, and this seems like someone trying to cash in on what Adams started.

Couldn't even finish it. It's bad. Real bad.

I too have been a fan since day 1 and I very much enjoyed this book. Sorry astro, but Mr Colfer didn't "cash in" (unless your comment was directed at the publisher, which I still think is unfair. I'd say Disney cashed in by finally green lighting the movie before the body was cold.), but was approached by the widow Adams, because she and her daughter loved the 'Artemis Fowl' series. Mr Colfer has spoken about how he wasn't sure if he should take on this project.

As for the book: Sometimes he does try too hard but all-in-all I found it to be a delightful addition to the H2G2 universe. I actually found it far better a read than 'Mostly Harmless.' Which is, as most fans agree, the weakest of the books... a book I still enjoy, just not as much as the others.
There are many laugh out loud moments and some fantastic references to previous versions of the different stories that I (personally) found clever. Who out there remembers Ford's previous name? Mr Colfer does, and uses it in a one-off sentence that is not presented as a LOOK AT HOW CLEVER I AM way. Either you read it and get it, or you don't (the name thing, not the entire book).
I also love that Simon Jones reads the book for the audio edition.
The nay-sayers, who say they are DIE HARD fans should really give this a chance. I think Douglas would approve. For once there's a Hitch Hiker's book that didn't thrust dead-lines at him.

Why would 'Die Hard' fans be particularly interested in Hitchhiker's...?

When talking about this new book with a friend, he described the way he viewed the original Hitchhiker's "trilogy." He said it wasn't so much about the story or even the characters, really, as it was about listening, through the pages, to Douglas Adams rambling on in his own unique and delightful way.

I agree.

If it isn't DNA rambling, I don't really see the point.

I quit about 100 pages in. The Cthulhu interview felt forced, which detracted from the humor. Then and there I realized that was as good as it was going to get.

Now to reread the original series to get this awful taste out of my mouth.

Twice now syfy has dumped on this book. They must not be a prt of the NBC/Universal family. Why all the hate?

After the vicious molestation of the Dune chronicles by Kevin J Anderson and Brian Herbert - writing some of the absolutely worst novels in history to "continue the legacy" of Frank Herbert - you'd think the industry would learn. I'm not touching that book with a 450 meter sandworm. Another childhood joy ruthlessly destroyed for $profit$..

I completely loved this book. The Cthulhu interview had me laughing out loud. I think Mr. Colfer handled these characters in the most loving, respectful, and of course hilarious way. 5 stars!!

It's not a bad book, in fact, I kind of liked it. And if Eoin ever decides to write another I would buy it, read it and enjoy it. But it does read as the further adventures rather than the continuing adventures.

It's the universe (or should that be galaxy) that Douglas created seen from a slightly perspective. He's no Douglas Adams but, to be fair, he doesn't try to be.

I haven't read this novel, so I won't dump on it other than to say I'm on principle against continuing works after the original creator has died, or even if he's still alive (*cough* V *cough*). The only exception to this principle is George Lucas, from whom Star Wars should be forcibly taken, secured in the same warehouse as the lost ark, and the key to said warehouse should be thrown--along with Jar Jar Binks--into the garbage pit of the Death Star--which should then blown up by Luke Skywalker.

I'm currently trying to get through Brandon Sanderson's "The Gathering Storm," which is at least based in large part on the notes of the late Robert Jordan, and I find even that hard to take seriously, because even though some of the words are Jordan's, it's just not Jordan's voice. I suppose I can't complain too loudly if the book had the blessing of Douglas' family, as Sanderson was recruited by Robert Jordan's widow. And I admit I even enjoyed the movie of HHG2G, although I had the same problem connecting to it as an authentic piece of Adams' creation. And for that reason, I doubt I'll read "And Another Thing," not because it won't be humorous, but because no matter how humorous it is, it won't be Douglas Adams.

Douglas Adams was a singular wit and individual character that others can only emulate (usually poorly). He was a major force on this planet and it is a sadder place without him. If it were that easy to write "In the Hitchhikers Universe" then it would be easy to figure out how the rest of the "Salmon of Doubt" would have ended. Instead of honouring his memory (say, like Christopher Tolkien editing his father's works instead of writing crap novels like Brian Herbert) I am ashamed that someone even tried to conitnue the series - I was not even aware of this book until this article. I think the problem stems from a role-playing/computer gaming/ everyone gets to download stuff for free fanfiction crapola fest that the current culture seems bent on. With no original thought we will just get handed endless comic book movies and remakes. I am so god****ed sick of remakes and cashing in on other peoples creativity. I SCREAM OUT TO THE GODS IN DESPAIR - BRING US SOMETHING ORIGINAL IN THIS PUSH BUTTON WORSHIP THE INTERNET WORLD!!!

It is always about the money. Adams' estate sold And Another Thing to the highest bidder; Hyperion was not the original publisher of H2G2 series in the States, though they are Colfer's U.S. publisher. Hard for me to throw stones at Hyperion while the estate cashed the check.

Sometimes this works financially, like with the new Jason Bourne books written by Eric Lustbader (authorized by the Ludlum estate), and sometimes not.

Quality is another issue. And Another Thing was good, but, to answer scifi-wire's question, it was not necessary. Unsure if I'd purchase a second commissioned sequel.