Champions of the Third Planet is an intoxicating mix of a boys own adventure and Hunger Games set in outer space.  After stumbling onto a mysterious black orb  in the woods while fleeing the bullying Cobra gang, Milo's troubles are only just beginning.  The author brilliantly extrapolates the "from the frying pan into the fire idiom."  Into something of intergalactic proportions.  Milo discovers the orb has transported him to a long dead planet, where, along with various other hapless aliens they must fight together to defeat the "Champion" for a chance to return home...for Milo, battling bullies back on Earth seems infinitely more bearable than gladiatorial battles with crab shelled lupine aliens.  A swift read of the initial chapters leaves me nursing an appetite for more...I've sated that thirst with a pre-order and I'd advise anybody wanting a great read to do the same.