The Ark (Paperback) - Common

by Thomas Slagle

A reluctant recluse is forced to lead the survivors of the apocalypse across the universe in a last desperate attempt to find and seed a new earth.

Genres: Science Fiction

150 pages, Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Ben Andrews · Rating 3 out of 5]

In his new book The Ark, Thomas Slagle attempts to grapple with profound issues about humanity and its self-destructive tendencies, asking one question: can humanity be saved?. He engages this question through a science fiction novel in which Jackson Sawyer (the world's richest man) and some of the world's foremost scientists attempt to preserve mankind's future in the face of its impending annihilation (Those who have seen the sci-fi film Sunshine will find this book relatively similar). However, unlike many apocalyptic science fiction books, The Ark maintains a degree of plausibility in that it relies on current scientific research and theory along with contemporary sociopolitical developments rather than speculative appeals to the future or purely fantastic developments in science and technology (in short, all the major elements are consistent with our current understanding of science and are already possible - at least according to current theory). Although the character development is relatively weak, the plot more than compensates. It is fast-paced, exciting, and has several unforeseen twists and turns, leaving the reader constantly unsure of man's fate.

This book is worth reading, especially if you want a short, enjoyable read. While I would have preferred that it engage its questions on a deeper level, the book provides the added satisfaction of being more substantive than simple "fast-food reading." Those willing to ask the right questions will be left with more than just a good story but also ideas worth pondering.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads Giveway.

Based on the books's description I was kinda expecting it to be some sci-fi piece. While the setting leans toward this that really isnt what the story is about. In my opinion with this story we get to see humanity at both its highs and lows thanks impart to ones religous views. On one hand you have zealots that belive that destroying the world with wars, murders, etc will in return make it a better place because it will rid them of those indivuals deemed 'unworthy'. At the other end of the specturm you have those who can't believe nor fathem how any god would allow such attrocities.

At the end of the day this was a good book. It's an easy and quick read. I know that I sometimes complain about authors needing to edit their work but this could have been flushed out more. Besides that the only thing that would have made this better for me was to see more of the Danko character. I wished that his plot line in the book had been flushed out more if for nothing more then the fact that I was intriged by his characters' growth.

[Nick Borrelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book recently in a Goodreads giveaway. The Ark is a science fiction story by a fairly new author named Thomas Slagle. The story revolves around a group of colonists who are fleeing Earth to potentially colonize a new habitable world. Yes, this type of story has been done over and over but what made Slagle's tale different is that the story is mainly focused on all of the different characters' personal stories rather than the actual journey itself. We get an insight into human behavior and the diversity of the colonists' religious views. So it is a different tact that Slagle takes and for me, it worked. I was reminded of the Canterbury Tales at certain points and frankly I almost forgot that I was reading a science-fiction book. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys sci-fi, but also enjoys good characterization. The back-stories are quite good. Weighing in at 150 pages or so, it will also be a quick read that I think would be a pleasant one for any reader.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Holy hell! This was an amazing read that even my husband enjoyed! I have to tell everyone that I was given this book by the author in a goodreads giveaway and I am very happy and honored that he did. Talk about an accurate portrayal of an end of the world scenario. So many parts of this book can become real that it is truly both frightening and fascinating. I have to admit that I am not a big fan of environmental issues, but I understood what the author was trying to convey. I have to recommend this book to my peers hands down. It is not what you expect and it is truly something that you should read. If you are an avid lover of current world events than you will enjoy this book. My husband also recommends this book and he does not do that very often, so I have to say a big thank you and please pick this book up if you get the chance or at minimum request it at your local library!

[Tamika Palmer · Rating 2 out of 5]

The premise was interesting but unfortunately the execution was not stellar. I was distracted by some of the grammatical errors, which made understanding the story quite difficulty. Additionally, there was not enough details in the story; in some passages it felt more like an outline of the story as opposed to an actual story. Lastly, the story was just completely unoriginal; every cliche out there was present in this book and in certain cases the author just threw in information that had no basis in reality, thought it was being proposed as such. Such a shame.

[Trinity · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED this book. I won it in a giveaway and I was so excited when I received it in the mail. It was a signed copy, which made me even more anxious to read it. The first chapters had me immediately sucked into the book.I loved everything about the sci-fi genre and the post apocalyptic idea. The book had me flipping page after page until the final line of the book. To top it off, I loved the cover and it's now on my favorites shelf :)

[Ally · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book in one of the Goodreads giveaways. I was excited when I received my signed copy in the mail. The book itself is a short read, but it has an interesting storyline. It would be a great book for high school age students. I thought it was going to be a sci-fi book, but it somewhat surprised me that this book took a turn towards human nature instead. Personally, I would have liked the book to be a little more in depth, but it is good for its target audience.

[Nick Pate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as a goodread first read. Amazing book. It was a short book, yet it was very addicting and suspenseful. I read this book in one day, because it was that good. Easy to understand. I haven't read a book like this one in a long time. I hope to read more from this author very soon.2

[Amanda Gonzalez · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is rare for me to find a book that I actually can't put down- but this was one of those. I read it in a little under three hours- the storyline was quick moving, suspenseful, and gripping. The writing style was not the best... Sometimes I had to read over sentences a few times to understand what he was trying to say. But the storyline and the overall message was really excellent!

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started the book but didn't finish for different reasons. It was interesting enough and I'm thinking I might finish it later. What I did read I enjoyed well enough.