Short Synopsis
D. A. Holdsworth presents Book 1 in the Cleremont Conjectures series.

Full Synopsis
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

"Woodson's English accent and dry wit fit the mood of the audiobook. While the bombardment of characters could otherwise prove difficult for listeners to follow, Woodson's voices make each distinct and personable." —AudioFile