ARK-13: An Odyssey

by B.B. Gallagher

"LOST" meets "INTERSTELLAR"

When Jake Hansen was selected by GENESIS for Ark-13, he didn’t know what the new world would look like. He didn’t know that when he awoke from hyper sleep he would feel like a captive. He didn’t know that GENESIS would remain on the bridge of the ship and in control of all resources. He didn’t know that they would prosecute his fellow colonists for treason. He didn’t know that his natural born rights would be abused. Jake didn’t know that he would have to lead an insurrection to control the Ark - and the course of humanity along with it.

Genres: Science Fiction

208 pages, Paperback

Published April 4, 2016

About the author

BB Gallagher is a techno-thriller author who is writing the Sci-Fi novella Ark-13 and the YA spy thriller Project Sparta.

Ark-13 will be released on April 4th. It is likened to "Lost" meets "Interstellar".

Project Sparta is the first installment of the Xander Whitt saga and will be released on July 4th. It is likened to "Bourne Identity" meets "Maze Runner.

He is the father of two and the husband of one. When he is not writing in the wee hours of the morning he is a data analyst.

Some of his interests include: Star Wars, people watching at Starbucks, cooking, sports, Christopher Nolan movies, Meg Ryan from 'You've Got Mail', Survivor, doing impressions of lazy people, EDM, and Not Doing Yoga.

Order Ark-13 Today: http://www.amazon.com/Ark-13-Odyssey-...

Pre-order Project Sparta Today: http://www.amazon.com/Project-Sparta-...

Facebook: www.facebook.com/bbgallagher
Twitter: @bb_gallagher

Reviews

[Norman Mcneese · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hey guys, just finished Ark-13. Wow, when I started Ark I thought oh hell just another doomsday rush to the stars to save a few elite rich blah blah blah. Guess what , this was not what I expected. One the story is very well written. Imagery is spot on, character development is superb, the storyline from start to finish was a pretty good ride. The technology used was suspect at first, but the plot twist explained it away and did not I repeat did not take away anything from the storyline. I am going to recommend to all my FB buds that this is worth your time effort and money to beg borrow or steal a copy and read it. A very very good story to sink your mind into.

[Lauren Nix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ark-13 challenges the way we think about life and human nature. I enjoyed the deeper aspects and the morals hidden within the actual structure of what was happening in the book. I got attached to the characters quickly and wanted to know what their outcome would be. Though this book is science-fiction in nature, the author gives enough vivid detail for the reader to easily follow what is happening. This was a fun read to put it simply. I'd recommend this one for any age level because it is simple enough in story line for anyone to read; however it has very deep moral undertones for those that like to be challenged in their thinking.

[Danny Gallagher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read! It goes by very quickly, and is very event-driven. The character development is great, and you get all the descriptors you need without wasting your time. I anticipated part of the twist, but was definitely still left surprised at the end.

There are little nuggets of philosophy throughout the book, and I think that adds a really unique flavor, in a great way. It's not overdone at all and it doesn't detract from the story. It just makes ya think.

All around great. Highly recommended.

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is incredibly gripping from start to finish. As soon as I started to read it, I couldn't put it down, and my mind wandered to the book at any time that I wasn't reading it. Each chapter is as gripping as the last and this book has a major plot twist that wlnt expect. Absolutely amazing book and I 10/10 would recommend.
Brian Gallagher is one of the authors where I categorise everything they write to must read, and I find myself re-reading his books because they are so well written.

[Floyd O · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed ARK-13.
B.B. Gallagher wrote a fast paced intriguing story on what man is willing to subject his fellow man to.
There is love, betrayal, hero's,villains and an kick-ass ending.
I highly recommend this fun, well written story.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the greatest sci-fi stories I have read!!! Expertly written and gripping from the first chapter! Congratulations on writing an awesome book!!!

[Daniel Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short piece of sci-fi was well-done! There was just enough backstory and staging to make you invested, and each chapter had action--I love when stuff happens instead of just hearing about things, or hearing dialog that doesn't move the plot along. This book moved. Having a good ending doesn't hurt either. The fate of post-apocalyptic Earth lies in the balance... (or does it?)

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wild tale from the beginning to the end... or is it?

[Rakesh Chawda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent read that needs a good editor.

[Kingsley · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 / 5

3.5 / 5 for story

The description for this book mentions that "Ark-13 can best be described as Lost meets Interstellar". This is setting the expectations mark fairly high (at least in my opinion), something that I don't feel the book reached. I can see the Lost references to an extent, as the book has a mysterious corporation controlling things with the characters are trying to get answers from and is told both with the present and with flashbacks. But that's where the similarities end - there is no supernatural weirdness etc that is in Lost. This is one main mystery (around Genesis) not the perpetual strangeness and mystery of Lost. Part of that is probably due to length and what can be told in the short space of this book.

As for Interstellar... not so much. Unless you go for the bare minimum of they are in space and Earth is uninhabitable. That's about where the similarities end.

I could think of one very well known movie/book that this story is like, but even saying the name would be giant spoilers. So I won't.

The book follows Jake, who is part of the judicial system on Ark-13. The 13th of 13 arks used to save some of humanity from a destroyed Earth. When evidence appears that the ark controllers, GENESIS, are manipulating people and oppressing the population Jake investigates, while being pulled into a slowly forming rebellion.

The story is interesting and quick paced. The flashbacks - told through journal entries - eventually come to a point but for the majority of the book just serve to slow things and take away from the main story. There is pay off to them, but at least initially they are a drag (as much of a drag as a quick, short book can have - which isn't that much).

The story goes into a bit of discussion on the man/machine divide, with each person on the ark having a cybernetic implant. Are these being used to control people or report false data and thus convict innocent people? This is fairly interesting and weaved throughout the story.

The themes also touches on rule of law and rights of the individual. However with these there is no real discussion about them except that Jake takes the position of each person has right of x, y and z but never really questions where these rights come from. I would have been interested in seeing more of the "bad guys" side, where the opinion is GENESIS is not oppressing people but actually managing resources and looking after people. There is an automatic assumption that Jake's way is correct, that any sort of control is bad (ignoring the fact that GENESIS just saved them, when they didn't have to, and is likely continuing to work to save them) with any presentation of the other side of the argument being framed as "the bad guys".

If you are looking for a fun, sci-fi thriller then this is great.

If you are looking for a story on what it means to be man and what rights we should have etc - which is what I found both the blurb and the other reviews to suggest this book is - then I found it a little lacking in that department.

Narration by Kevin Gallagher is good. Initially I thought I was in for a rough ride, with the first minute or so being pretty monotone, but this is a journal entry and appears to be a conscious choice to speak that way for the section. Once we move off of the journal entry into the story Kevin does well, imparting emotion and energy into the narration. While not exactly having different voices/accents for all different characters Kevin does provide enough differentiation between character voices to make it clear different people are speaking (except, again, during journal entries where all characters are flat). Narration is easy to follow, enjoyable and full of energy.

Additional note: it has been brought to my attention that the monotone journal entries were narrated by the author, not the narrator, thus the difference between them.


This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of audiobookboom dot com.

[Brian's Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Check out this and all my reviews at Brian's Book Blog

They were one of 13 Arks to save humanity

The Arks… an oasis in space meant to save humanity from itself. The Earthy was dying, about to die from an asteroid strike. Jake Hansen is on Ark-13 the final ark and is even given a prestigious position on the ship. They are monitored at every turn via their arm ports and it was all made possible by the Genesis corporation. Unfortunately, things are not what they seem and Jake soon finds this out and needs to find more.

The author and (what I assume is a brother or relative) Kevin Gallagher provide the narration for this story. Now, I do not enjoy downing anyone's work, but the person who narrated the journal entries was just a little flat. They seemed to just read the lines and didn’t give them any thought or inflection. Fortunately, most of the book was narrated by the other narrator. He was excellent and really helped take this book to the next level. I wasn’t sure why there were two narrators since the story was all told by the same person (the journals were just stories added to the main story).

I have not watched either of the things that it was compared to (Lost or Interstellar), though Interstellar is on my list to watch soon. I cannot compare this story to those, but I honestly didn’t have a good comparison for this. It felt original and well thought out.

I love when a story can be 200 pages or under and tell a great story. Ark 13 definitely accomplishes this. Gallagher is a masterful science fiction storyteller and I will definitely be looking for more sci-fi books from him in the future.

The ending (no spoilers) genuinely surprised me. Actually, it was almost mind blowing. I definitely didn’t see it coming. Which, for me is pretty awesome. I love thinking I know the ending of a book and being totally blindsided by the actual ending.

Overall, Gallagher delivers a wonderful story in a small package. If you enjoy science fiction and great storytelling, I would be amazed if you didn’t like this story.

[Regina · Rating 3 out of 5]

* Review for Audio Format *

The End of the World

Would you leave earth and let everyone you know and love die? When 13 ARK's are prepared and sent into space with a chosen few, that is the choice Jake Hansen must make. Once in space, Jake has to make the decision to go against the company that selected him when they abuse their power and the ARK begins to feel like a prison.

This was an interesting and entertaining listen. I have to admit, I saw where it was headed early on but stayed to listen to Jake's journey because I liked him. He is a well drawn character with real world family, career, and personal relationships. He is the only complete character, though.

Overall, I feel like this could have been a deeper, more nuanced listen with more twists, turns, and suspense but it is a good start to what could be a series. It was also a little short for my taste. I prefer a longer, more developed tale for this kind of adventure. I was never able to get into the story so completely that I could 'see' it in my head the way I do with more complex stories. In the end, if you have a flight to get through or a long drive to do, this book will get you through it.

The narration was OK for the men but left something to be desired for the female voices. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't great, either. It was definitely a 'reading' of the material.

I received this audiobook for free through Audiobook Boom! in exchange for an honest review.

[Ricky · Rating 4 out of 5]

B.B. Gallagher's latest book is now freshly completed on Wattpad for your reading pleasure. Not unlike Project Sparta, it's got tons of high-stakes action, although this time Gallagher's trying his hand at a different genre - sci-fi as opposed to spy fiction, and with more adult characters as opposed to Sparta's YA. Especially in its second half, the book has a breakneck, cinematic pace, leading up to a major twist ending - one I admittedly saw coming, but was still surprised because I'd tricked myself into thinking that twist would NOT happen in the end. It was a bit of a logic bomb in my head, not unlike that scene in Princess Bride where Vizzini tries to rationalize how he won't be getting the poisoned cup, except he will, so he won't drink it, and...I need to see that movie again to get a better idea of how that went.

With luck, one day Gallagher's books will be on the shelves at major retailers everywhere. But for now, we Wattpadders are lucky to count him among our ranks.

[Steven Ginski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read all of B.B. Gallagher's works thus far (at least those he's released), and this is completely unlike the rest. Though he deviates substantially from the subject material found in his Project Sparta series, his common motifs that center around human resilience, freedom, love, and redemption clearly shine through.

Initially, when I read ARK-13, I saw similarities to the Wool Omnibus collection (silo series). The similarities still stand out to me, and they are very much appreciated. However, Gallagher spins in his own unique webs that make the story wholly unique. In his first attempt, Gallagher has written an excellent sci-fi/mystery/thriller! I can also honestly attest that I'm still thinking about the ending, captivating and thought provoking as it is. The book is short. I suppose it's a short story. But don't let that dissuade you from trying it out. Gallagher artfully creates a world of scientific marvel and intrigue that will make you wish for something of a continuation of the story.

Excellent story!!

[Pete Andrei · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story is attractive to both SF and non-SF readers alike. Don't be deceived by its primarily SF background; there's more to it than just SF. Being a non-SF reader myself, I started the book with low expectations. I didn't expect to be caught up by an SF story.

However, it was a wonderful read.

There's the perfect blend of mystery/thriller, which makes it more than a normal SF story.

It exceedeed my expectations, something that not only happened in this book, but also with the author's other work. There's the drive to read until the end and find out what's really going on.

ARK-13 was toned down to make it child-friendly, a far cry from its Wattpad version. I'm not going to tell you which parts, so read both versions and see it for yourself. Over all, this book is a must-read, because this book won't make you think twice about reading it until tje end.

[B.B. Gallagher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes I am quite partial to this story as I wrote it. But I figured I would take a moment to speak about what this book REALLY is about. Don't worry no spoilers ahead. In many ways, it's about the American Dream. Sure it takes place in outer space and all but its more of a story about people working together and forming a society that is centered around freedom. If the colonists sit back and let their rights be abused than humanity will become extinct because it is in our very nature to be free.

This is a story about rebellion, self-preservation, technology's place in nature and above all, its a story about the human condition.

I hope you enjoy Ark-13.

"We are Ark-13 and this is an S.O.S."

[Jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like when authors read their own books,
I know some don't have the time but when they do..

When I started reading this book or rather listening to it,
I thought about that tv show and book called "The 100".

The story has a mystery science fiction conspiracy theory theme.
There is no romance in the story line.

I thought it was odd how many character names started with the letter "J",
Jake, Jim, Justin, Junior...
Was that on purpose or an oversight?

Since this is a futuristic story, I'm surprised that there isn't a cure for cancer.

I did not understand why Jake's memory had to be erased at the end.

Overall, an interesting read.

Note:
"This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in
exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast."

[Lesa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by B B Gallagher! Even though I am normally not a sci-fi fan, I was fascinated by this plot. This book has a captivating story line that kept me reading as fast as I could. The book is thought provoking and leads the reader to imagine how they would handle a similar situation where their freedoms were limited. It features everything from adventure, religion, family relationships as well as a little romance. I definitely recommend this book.

[Joby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book kept me up two nights in a row, because I could not put it down. I think the ending left me with questions and frustrations at first, but the more it sunk in the more I liked it. It is one that is sure to provoke ethics debates. The book combines engaging plot with philosophical depth not found in most novels today.

[Lonnie Somogyi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Editing!!!!!!!!!!

A few pages in... sigh... 8 percent to be exact, and I couldn't do it. Missing commas, misused words, awkward grammar... It was just too distracting. Maybe, if you don't care about any of that, it could be a good story.

[Scott S. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story should have been right up my alley, but did nothing for me. The story was rushed and unbelievable and the characters thin.

Half the narration is weak, half is okay. I'm not sure if there were two different narrators or if there was variation in the audio quality.

[miha · Rating 2 out of 5]

Konc sveta se bliža, prot Zemlji leti meteor, samo peščica ljudi bo rešenih na 13 vesoljskih ladjah...
Kr fina zgodba, samo že nekje na sredini zgodbe se mi je zdelo da vem kakšen bo preobrat... pa nato konc ne pusti nekega vtisa... podeduje podjetje... nevem

[Lee B. Coken · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable summer read

I was not sure what to expect from the book but ended up reading it in one sitting. Is it enjoyable fluff-yes, but it is fluff none the less. The story flows well and I would recommend it as pool/beach/rainy day reading.

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just felt that there were too many errors and the story could have evolved into so much more and had much more body, but it fell short. Yes a good surprise ending, but it was not a story I would read again or if it becomes a series.

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a great story, loved reading it along my commute. The ending was a little sudden but it was fantastic overall, I just wanted more.

[Ryan Omhar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book,I was not able to put the book down.

[Paul · Rating 2 out of 5]

You can see the plot twist coming from the first chapter. There is not enough plot for a book - if you removed the flashbacks this could be a neat short story.

[Bryan Brain · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought it was good and I liked the ending