How to Buy a Planet

The Earth has been sold. What could possibly go wrong?

SHORTLISTED for The Selfies Fiction Award 2021

FINALIST, Page Turner Awards 2021

The location: London. The date: Very, very soon. Beset by multiple crises and buried under a growing mountain of debt, the leaders of the G7 have taken the only logical decision.

They've sold the planet.

When Toby, a penniless student, and his two new flatmates find out one morning on TV, they're surprised to find the Earth's new alien owners are staggeringly cute and bring the promise of a debt-free future. They're 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.

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. Perfect for fans of Douglas Adams, Terry Pratchett, or sci-fi hero, Doctor Who.

What the critics are saying about How to Buy a Planet:

"Builds a palpable sense of cinematic tension . . . will captivate readers with its ingenuity and timeliness." BookLife Prize Critic's report, Score 8.5/10

"What a timely read . . . Totally mesmerising." Oxford Daily Information review

"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

What readers are saying about How to Buy a Planet:

"A stunning debut . . . It came up as similar to other books I've been reading but this is really in a class of its own." Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

"This is hilarious. Well-rounded characters, brilliantly written . . . Can't wait for the next book." Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

"This book reads like a mash-up of 'Hitchhiker's Guide' and a Simon Pegg movie, and it's excellent! . . . I couldn't put it down." Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

"A tour de force of world-building . . . This book entertains and educates. How can you ask for more?" Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

"Read it when it first came out; read it again this week - even better second time around!" Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

"Loved this book. It's interesting, different, clever, funny and imaginative. Didn't want to put it down. And there's a brilliant subtle twist at the end which totally links this fantasy story to today's real world. And makes a very thoughtful point. Read it. It's excellent." Amazon UK reviewer, 5 stars

"I can see and appreciate where the comparisons to Douglas Adams come from, but this book is its own animal . . . I loved it!" Amazon US reviewer

© 2023 Tantor Media (Audiobook): 9798765056806

Release date

Audiobook: 16 May 2023