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Unwanted Starship
Ethan Cross expected second shift at Meridian Industrial to end the way it always did—oil-stained hands, clock out, go home.
Then something impossible shows up behind the plant. It isn’t on any schedule. It isn’t on any radar. And it definitely isn’t human.
Ethan makes one mistake, he gets close.
That’s when his ordinary life ends. Whatever is sitting in the dark isn’t debris or a prank—it’s a machine built for a purpose, and it didn’t arrive by accident. Ethan doesn’t know what it wants, or who it belongs to, but he knows this the moment he touched it, a countdown started.
Some doors open to freedom. Some open to trouble.
This one opens to the stars.
Then something impossible shows up behind the plant. It isn’t on any schedule. It isn’t on any radar. And it definitely isn’t human.
Ethan makes one mistake, he gets close.
That’s when his ordinary life ends. Whatever is sitting in the dark isn’t debris or a prank—it’s a machine built for a purpose, and it didn’t arrive by accident. Ethan doesn’t know what it wants, or who it belongs to, but he knows this the moment he touched it, a countdown started.
Some doors open to freedom. Some open to trouble.
This one opens to the stars.
332 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 13, 2026
236 people are currently reading
14 people want to read
About the author
John Walker
1,059 books169 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name. This profile may contain books from multiple authors of this name.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 20, 2026
praise and critique
Writing a book and publishing is like public speaking on a global scale. It’s easy to be critical from the comfort of your airline seat. It’s hard to put together a piece of artistry in words and wait for strangers’ responses. I finished this book in 2 days because it’s short and entertaining. My mild critique (for those of us who average 40 books a year which is more of a undiagnosed mental health issue than a brag) the plot and characters are far from original. You, the author, are so close to bridging the gap of pulp to excellence. You’re missing the hook, the three body problem isn’t unique but its execution is. I hadn’t read a hard science fiction book based out of China during the revolution. It was awesome because it felt new and exciting. The hook wasn’t something that only Einstein could think of but it was different and then it was picked up by Netflix.
Writing a book and publishing is like public speaking on a global scale. It’s easy to be critical from the comfort of your airline seat. It’s hard to put together a piece of artistry in words and wait for strangers’ responses. I finished this book in 2 days because it’s short and entertaining. My mild critique (for those of us who average 40 books a year which is more of a undiagnosed mental health issue than a brag) the plot and characters are far from original. You, the author, are so close to bridging the gap of pulp to excellence. You’re missing the hook, the three body problem isn’t unique but its execution is. I hadn’t read a hard science fiction book based out of China during the revolution. It was awesome because it felt new and exciting. The hook wasn’t something that only Einstein could think of but it was different and then it was picked up by Netflix.
March 17, 2026
Different and worth reading
It's hard to quantify; as with many novels, in this genre or others, the standard of prose varies greatly. This is quite good and improves along with the main character retain his niaivity as he stumbles from one situation to the next .
There is much missing; the ship persona fails to train her owner and offers little in that regard until an alien crew member joins. We learn later that the ship is alive and capable of analysing individuals physcy that would improve owner selection! It's almost as if the ship is only 'born' on its arrival at the predetermined destination but that is not the case as it is sentient from its elder shipyard.
It's hard to quantify; as with many novels, in this genre or others, the standard of prose varies greatly. This is quite good and improves along with the main character retain his niaivity as he stumbles from one situation to the next .
There is much missing; the ship persona fails to train her owner and offers little in that regard until an alien crew member joins. We learn later that the ship is alive and capable of analysing individuals physcy that would improve owner selection! It's almost as if the ship is only 'born' on its arrival at the predetermined destination but that is not the case as it is sentient from its elder shipyard.
March 25, 2026
thoroughly enjoyable book
I loved this book more and more as it progressed. However, there were a couple leaps in continuity that a good editor could have corrected. I was left at one point wondering if I’d missed a page and went back to reread a transition from Kel not knowing it was a gift ship to Kel almost knowing everything.
To the point. A great book. I look forward to seeing what the author does in the future.
No regrets. Get this book.
I loved this book more and more as it progressed. However, there were a couple leaps in continuity that a good editor could have corrected. I was left at one point wondering if I’d missed a page and went back to reread a transition from Kel not knowing it was a gift ship to Kel almost knowing everything.
To the point. A great book. I look forward to seeing what the author does in the future.
No regrets. Get this book.
March 15, 2026
This Ship is Wanted
I don’t write a lot of reviews, but I felt compelled to do so because I enjoyed the story so much. There are a number of books about finding a starship, but this one had me intrigued from the beginning. Looking forward to reading the next book if one becomes available.
I don’t write a lot of reviews, but I felt compelled to do so because I enjoyed the story so much. There are a number of books about finding a starship, but this one had me intrigued from the beginning. Looking forward to reading the next book if one becomes available.
March 18, 2026
A real gem
This is unequivocally the best space/ science fiction book I have ever read. The characters are so very real. The writing is worthy of awards if they exist. And the plot , even in its unbelievability is mist believable. I only hope that this becomes a series and as soon as possible.
This is unequivocally the best space/ science fiction book I have ever read. The characters are so very real. The writing is worthy of awards if they exist. And the plot , even in its unbelievability is mist believable. I only hope that this becomes a series and as soon as possible.
March 24, 2026
An instant classic!
One touch is all it takes for one man to be launched on an interplanetary voyage on a sentient space craft….
This book is different. There are violent moments but this book is more about thinking things through, as opposed to ill thought out “derring-do” and is all the better for it.
Highly recommended
One touch is all it takes for one man to be launched on an interplanetary voyage on a sentient space craft….
This book is different. There are violent moments but this book is more about thinking things through, as opposed to ill thought out “derring-do” and is all the better for it.
Highly recommended
March 25, 2026
So many stories of this type, but this is different and I like it.
Always liked reading the stories where unsuspecting human is transferred into the starship that they never knew was there. They’re only so many ways of story can go, but this one approaches it a little bit differently. I look forward to reading the next volume.
Always liked reading the stories where unsuspecting human is transferred into the starship that they never knew was there. They’re only so many ways of story can go, but this one approaches it a little bit differently. I look forward to reading the next volume.
March 26, 2026
Realistic career for an occupation with 60 % survival rate
The story is matter of fact with a realistic and pragmatic approach to the shifting environment. There is no special ability or unusual heirship. The story is a straight forward account without exagerated crisis. The tense moments are often enough with some luck but not excessive miracles.
The story is matter of fact with a realistic and pragmatic approach to the shifting environment. There is no special ability or unusual heirship. The story is a straight forward account without exagerated crisis. The tense moments are often enough with some luck but not excessive miracles.
March 15, 2026
Overall this was a fun little read. I felt like some things could have been fleshed out a little better, but my only real problem with this one was the grammar mistakes. I am sure this was just an editing thing.
March 15, 2026
Blue collar worker to the Stars
Enjoyed the ride this book gave me. I was “touched” as I became involved in this adventure. Loved the character development of Ethan and the AI. I hope there is a sequel.
Enjoyed the ride this book gave me. I was “touched” as I became involved in this adventure. Loved the character development of Ethan and the AI. I hope there is a sequel.
March 20, 2026
Well done!
John Walker is a gifted storyteller. He works with the full range of human emotions, usually in very nonhuman space. Great tension and pacing, strong character development. For those who enjoy the genre, John is always an entertaining read.
John Walker is a gifted storyteller. He works with the full range of human emotions, usually in very nonhuman space. Great tension and pacing, strong character development. For those who enjoy the genre, John is always an entertaining read.
March 20, 2026
I like it
The story I an interesting reading on the one person's understanding of how different aliens cope with each other, and at the same time how to live together.
I enjoyed this story and I'm waiting for the sequel to fellow.
The story I an interesting reading on the one person's understanding of how different aliens cope with each other, and at the same time how to live together.
I enjoyed this story and I'm waiting for the sequel to fellow.
March 21, 2026
Unexpected events in predictable environments...!
Mr. Cross is a seemingly simple, uncomplicated worker bee who shouldn't touch what he does not understand! Then the unexpected happens...!
Mr. Cross is a seemingly simple, uncomplicated worker bee who shouldn't touch what he does not understand! Then the unexpected happens...!
March 22, 2026
Fun to read
There are, as I saw in a previous review, some timeline issues early in the book. I also think that the relationship between Ethan and Kel was a little rushed but it was still fun to read. Looking forward to the next book.
There are, as I saw in a previous review, some timeline issues early in the book. I also think that the relationship between Ethan and Kel was a little rushed but it was still fun to read. Looking forward to the next book.
March 23, 2026
Great new concept
Good concept and well written book. I think there was alot of thought meandering of the main character that was duplicative and unnecessary. I really enjoyed the book and I am looking forward to sequel despite my comments. Good book.
Good concept and well written book. I think there was alot of thought meandering of the main character that was duplicative and unnecessary. I really enjoyed the book and I am looking forward to sequel despite my comments. Good book.
March 25, 2026
Hood story, well written with interesting details.
The characters are interesting and I look forward to the continuation of the story.
The concept of a bonded ship and owner seems unique.
The characters are interesting and I look forward to the continuation of the story.
The concept of a bonded ship and owner seems unique.
March 13, 2026
Well written SF book with good plot
I enjoyed reading this book and hope there will be a follow on book. Great plot and characters. Will purchase if available.
I enjoyed reading this book and hope there will be a follow on book. Great plot and characters. Will purchase if available.
March 17, 2026
Intriguing
An intriguing start to a new series with a storyline that has a novel premise backed by interesting characters and a great deal of fast paced action.
An intriguing start to a new series with a storyline that has a novel premise backed by interesting characters and a great deal of fast paced action.
March 18, 2026
believable
Felt plausible. The deep, nearly impossible choices a reluctant man would have to make, not just for himself.
Will read the next one.
Felt plausible. The deep, nearly impossible choices a reluctant man would have to make, not just for himself.
Will read the next one.
March 19, 2026
let the adventures begin
Great story by itself. Even better introduction of a series that will make you way more in the adventure.
Enjoy yourself!
Great story by itself. Even better introduction of a series that will make you way more in the adventure.
Enjoy yourself!
March 21, 2026
New Series!
Just found this yesterday and couldn't put it down. Looking forward to the next one! Inter
esting, flawed character you can relate to.
Just found this yesterday and couldn't put it down. Looking forward to the next one! Inter
esting, flawed character you can relate to.
March 21, 2026
This is a great book
There are lots of books about ships with AI. This one stands out because the ship isn't some snarky machine that wears on you pretty quick.
There are lots of books about ships with AI. This one stands out because the ship isn't some snarky machine that wears on you pretty quick.
March 22, 2026
I loved it.
This was different,something fresh. I heartily recommend it to everyone, who likes a "unexpected delight" to intrigue you once more.
This was different,something fresh. I heartily recommend it to everyone, who likes a "unexpected delight" to intrigue you once more.
March 25, 2026
Uniquely well written
Been a long time since I have.read a novel equal to the giants of my youth, Heinlein,. Asimov and friends. This may equal them. Can't wait to find out.
Been a long time since I have.read a novel equal to the giants of my youth, Heinlein,. Asimov and friends. This may equal them. Can't wait to find out.
March 26, 2026
Great story, good character development. Can’t wait for the next one.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews