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Ship Wrecked #1
Ship Wrecked
A wicked snowstorm had blown in from the north and the roads were a mess. Recently split from his one-time girlfriend, there was now nothing holding Cameron Decker here in the little backwater mountain town of Larksburg Stand. Time to get back to college, back to Stanford. Seeing a guy knee-deep in slush at the side of the road, he pulled to the curb and waved him over. The guy smacked his head getting in—knocked his watch cap askew. Only then did Cameron notice—noticed that the individual couldn’t possibly be human.
Cameron decided to help his stranded passenger—a decision he’d soon come to regret. Along with his rust-bucket of a pickup truck, he was soon heading deep into space aboard an interstellar spacecraft. After the vessel crash-landed onto an alien world, he would now have to contend with a murderous droid and a slew of strange alien life forms. But it is the forty-five-foot tall killer beast—a Minal Loth—that will impact his life the most. Marooned, Cameron must keep his wits to survive long enough to find a way to return home—back to that little mountain town, and that girl, who he should never have left in the first place.
Cameron decided to help his stranded passenger—a decision he’d soon come to regret. Along with his rust-bucket of a pickup truck, he was soon heading deep into space aboard an interstellar spacecraft. After the vessel crash-landed onto an alien world, he would now have to contend with a murderous droid and a slew of strange alien life forms. But it is the forty-five-foot tall killer beast—a Minal Loth—that will impact his life the most. Marooned, Cameron must keep his wits to survive long enough to find a way to return home—back to that little mountain town, and that girl, who he should never have left in the first place.
366 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 13, 2017
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246 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
January 7, 2018
Boring
The passage of time was weirdly paced. The main character doesn't seem to need to eat for a month at one point, for example.
The characters are all sitcom creatures. The abusive small town sheriff whose grasp of the law is shaky. The deputies who read as thugs. (real life but not the stuff of comedy) The droid with control issues and a ship AI being physically abused by the droid. The small town girl who loves her abusive daddy (the sheriff) is the main character's girlfriend. She's also smart, beautiful, doesn't want to leave town or go to college or be more than a waitress and get married. It's bad.
The sad thing is that these characters are the backdrop to an attempt at a cutesy telling of a guy who is shipwrecked sort of story. His backstory is possibly the most horrible of any.
I gave up about halfway through. It was fluffy but not funny. It had ridiculous interactions involving super sentient devices, advanced aliens and weird science. I don't think there's anything in this book for anyone.
The passage of time was weirdly paced. The main character doesn't seem to need to eat for a month at one point, for example.
The characters are all sitcom creatures. The abusive small town sheriff whose grasp of the law is shaky. The deputies who read as thugs. (real life but not the stuff of comedy) The droid with control issues and a ship AI being physically abused by the droid. The small town girl who loves her abusive daddy (the sheriff) is the main character's girlfriend. She's also smart, beautiful, doesn't want to leave town or go to college or be more than a waitress and get married. It's bad.
The sad thing is that these characters are the backdrop to an attempt at a cutesy telling of a guy who is shipwrecked sort of story. His backstory is possibly the most horrible of any.
I gave up about halfway through. It was fluffy but not funny. It had ridiculous interactions involving super sentient devices, advanced aliens and weird science. I don't think there's anything in this book for anyone.
November 2, 2018
I picked this book up based on all the glowing 5 star reviews. Who knew there were so many people with horrible taste in science fiction writing reviews. Sorry, but this book was not good on many levels. Bluntly, it's amateurish. The writing is not refined; it reads like a concept draft and not a fleshed out, edited story. I read through about 25% then skimmed the rest. It never improved nor showed any hope of improving. I couldn't keep reading, life is too short and I have too many unread books on my shelf. Sorry, but I cannot recommend. Even the title is misspelled. Maybe it was purposely titled this way, but "shipwrecked" is actually one word.
January 23, 2018
Dumb
The very beginning was interesting but overall it has pacing issues and too much predefined characters so no good development. It's another one that feels and reads like a first draft self publish.
The very beginning was interesting but overall it has pacing issues and too much predefined characters so no good development. It's another one that feels and reads like a first draft self publish.
March 4, 2019
2019 grade A+
This is a very different take on the stranded on an alien world theme and a good one. It does not quite meet my definition of "stranded" but who cares. It is also a monster story adding to the quality.
The story is a fun, entertaining, full length, hard SciFi story with interesting characters, more than modern tech, and the rare commodity of meaningful depth. There were two scenes early on that involved more brutality than I like, one based on racism and one on social class bias. The book got so much better as it went on, that I decided it deserved the A+ despite those.
It is good to see a modern author turn out books of this originality and quality instead of just feeding off modern society.
A very recommended book
This is a very different take on the stranded on an alien world theme and a good one. It does not quite meet my definition of "stranded" but who cares. It is also a monster story adding to the quality.
The story is a fun, entertaining, full length, hard SciFi story with interesting characters, more than modern tech, and the rare commodity of meaningful depth. There were two scenes early on that involved more brutality than I like, one based on racism and one on social class bias. The book got so much better as it went on, that I decided it deserved the A+ despite those.
It is good to see a modern author turn out books of this originality and quality instead of just feeding off modern society.
A very recommended book
March 4, 2018
Ship Wrecked follows Cameron as he picked up a hitchhiker who happens to be an alien, and is whisked away to another world on an alien ship that holds him captive. He is then stranded on an alien world and asked to hunt a monster so fearsome, that it's normally hunted by a whole crew of these alien beings.
Oh and back on Earth, one of these monsters is tearing his home town where is sort-of-ex-girlfriend tries to find a way to survive.
This book was too simplistic even for a YA audience and makes for the worst kind of science fiction.
Badly written and not very satisfying; beginning middle and end.
Oh and back on Earth, one of these monsters is tearing his home town where is sort-of-ex-girlfriend tries to find a way to survive.
This book was too simplistic even for a YA audience and makes for the worst kind of science fiction.
Badly written and not very satisfying; beginning middle and end.
January 8, 2018
I gave this five stars not because it was so finely crafted or deeply explorative, but because it was so much fun to read. The main character is a bit hapless, but perseveres because he has no choice. His getting to know the critters on the new world was fun, as was them getting to know him. There was just enough "science" to get the point across, and I really sweated until we learned the future of Earth being threatened by the big many legged monster.
Just hope I would be as resourceful and open minded as our hero!
Just hope I would be as resourceful and open minded as our hero!
March 5, 2018
I just couldn't get into the story. At first, I thought it had promise, but so called "smart" main character (who learned everything one needs to know through an incomplete 2001 encyclopedia collection) acts stupid in most of the situations. The characters were forgettable and the story was cliched. This is probably best left to people in their teens.
February 23, 2018
Super fun!
This wear a super fun little story. Not at all what I expected from the description which made it all the better.
A few minor editing errors but not enough to distant from the story. Clever and fun.
This wear a super fun little story. Not at all what I expected from the description which made it all the better.
A few minor editing errors but not enough to distant from the story. Clever and fun.
December 28, 2017
Great
Great Sci-fi checked all the boxes as an original first contact story and left me wanting to know what happened after
Great Sci-fi checked all the boxes as an original first contact story and left me wanting to know what happened after
November 27, 2019
Old fashioned sci fi
Nice to see a non military book out there. Just an enjoyable fast read. Not very hard core. A book to read just for fun.
Nice to see a non military book out there. Just an enjoyable fast read. Not very hard core. A book to read just for fun.
December 7, 2018
It's rare that I read something that isn't erotica or paranormal romance. This book was straight up sci-fi with a touch of a love story. The book's description gives you everything you need to know about this story except for the details and outcome. I noticed a lot of one star reviews and they were by guys. However, I really enjoyed it. This is a story that you just have to put your brains in your back pocket and go with the flow. There were parts that the author put in that I'm sure he had gotten from a really intellectual friend versed in quantum physics. Those parts were way over my head and I just skimmed through them. The world building on the alien planet was amazing. I loved the sentient beings that our hero encountered on the planet and his interactions with them. I read this story really fast too which is rare for me as well. I would recommend this story to highschool boys and girls or anyone who enjoys sci-fi.
November 27, 2019
Probably the most brain dead thing I have ever read.
I don't hate many books but this one definitely deserves it.
I don't hate many books but this one definitely deserves it.
January 9, 2019
I LOVED Ship Wrecked! One of the things I like best about Mark Wayne McGinnis is his writing style. It is very relatable, very real, and very human. Most of his characters are flawed, imperfect, realistic human beings. I can relate to the emotions and the motivations that drive his characters. The situations he writes about, which come straight out of his imagination are what fires mine! There are many authors that I like and read for many many different reasons. Mark's work is the one I can't put down, the gripping roller-coaster edge of your seat reads that transport me to the character's world.
Noted science fiction author Ray Jay Perreault has a quote that I really like: 'A good Sci-Fi Author shows you an alien world; a great one takes you there.' Mark always takes me there.
Rather than get hung up in the nitty-gritty of editorial perfectionism, I rather focus on the rip-snorting rides I get taken on. When you ride theme park ride to you complain about the noise of the wheels on the tracks? Or do you scream your brains out getting plunged straight down, or flipped upside down with no visible means of support? I admit it, I'm a screamer!
You want a great read? Read it. You want a great experience and a really fun, absorbing tale? Read it. I know pretty much anything MW McGinnis writes I will buy and read. At least he's a safe, affordable addiction.
Noted science fiction author Ray Jay Perreault has a quote that I really like: 'A good Sci-Fi Author shows you an alien world; a great one takes you there.' Mark always takes me there.
Rather than get hung up in the nitty-gritty of editorial perfectionism, I rather focus on the rip-snorting rides I get taken on. When you ride theme park ride to you complain about the noise of the wheels on the tracks? Or do you scream your brains out getting plunged straight down, or flipped upside down with no visible means of support? I admit it, I'm a screamer!
You want a great read? Read it. You want a great experience and a really fun, absorbing tale? Read it. I know pretty much anything MW McGinnis writes I will buy and read. At least he's a safe, affordable addiction.
May 4, 2020
Did not want to put the book down!
When was the last time that I was actually able to read a book through in one sitting? I did have to stop long enough to get the kids in bed, but my usual nightly routines were suspended while I read until I finished at two A.M.
Something about a person stranded, fighting for his or her survival, stirs an ember deep within my consciousness. Clutching the e-book tightly, I waited to see what Cameron would do as he faced creatures the AI of the ship warned him against. How would he survive, shipwrecked on this terribly alien world . . . and what of the dangerous sentient being, albeit one young and relatively inexperienced . . . stranded along with him?
A book full of adventure and excitement, and th author seems to be welI-versed in the scientific ideas involved here. With a M A., I am still ignorant of all that B. S. stuff (you know, Bachelor of Science).
A great way to escape the dreary realities of quarantine and COVID-19.
You won't regret grabbing this book, a recliner, and a blanket, then settling in for a great read!
When was the last time that I was actually able to read a book through in one sitting? I did have to stop long enough to get the kids in bed, but my usual nightly routines were suspended while I read until I finished at two A.M.
Something about a person stranded, fighting for his or her survival, stirs an ember deep within my consciousness. Clutching the e-book tightly, I waited to see what Cameron would do as he faced creatures the AI of the ship warned him against. How would he survive, shipwrecked on this terribly alien world . . . and what of the dangerous sentient being, albeit one young and relatively inexperienced . . . stranded along with him?
A book full of adventure and excitement, and th author seems to be welI-versed in the scientific ideas involved here. With a M A., I am still ignorant of all that B. S. stuff (you know, Bachelor of Science).
A great way to escape the dreary realities of quarantine and COVID-19.
You won't regret grabbing this book, a recliner, and a blanket, then settling in for a great read!
February 22, 2018
Sophmoric
Well, iam no expert on teenage books but I feel that is the catagory this one belongs in.The story is octopus monsters and garbage can robots vs a 20 year old 1st year college student.There is a girl he pines for as he jaunts across the universe.There are evil army generals on earth dropping atom bombs.And enough man is bad and nature good 70s preaching to make me want to scream.The book reads fast and is kinda reminiscent of books written in the 1950s.Hope some of you buy it for your kids.Gargantum seems to be the 20 year olds go to word.I dont think the author should ever try to write another book using young people as characters,cause he is way out of step with todays youth.And he is a teacher ! How about that ! Ha ha
Well, iam no expert on teenage books but I feel that is the catagory this one belongs in.The story is octopus monsters and garbage can robots vs a 20 year old 1st year college student.There is a girl he pines for as he jaunts across the universe.There are evil army generals on earth dropping atom bombs.And enough man is bad and nature good 70s preaching to make me want to scream.The book reads fast and is kinda reminiscent of books written in the 1950s.Hope some of you buy it for your kids.Gargantum seems to be the 20 year olds go to word.I dont think the author should ever try to write another book using young people as characters,cause he is way out of step with todays youth.And he is a teacher ! How about that ! Ha ha
May 10, 2018
Ship Wrecked is a science-fiction adventure that follows one mans unexpected journey into space and while trying to survive on an alien planet with, well—aliens! The most interesting aspect of this story plot is the simplicity of it. It’s a story without too many subplots or pauses for back-story. For a space story that has the possibility to be anything and everything, I appreciated McGinnis’s tunnel vision and keeping the story focused on the main plot. I also favored the splash of romance; a subplot about Cameron and "his one-time girlfriend", which is basically Cameron's driving force to getting back to Earth.
To read the full review go to www.plumreport.com (review shortcode: https://wp.me/p9IFXh-co)
To read the full review go to www.plumreport.com (review shortcode: https://wp.me/p9IFXh-co)
September 7, 2018
Glad I read it
I waffled over wether to read this book. I’m glad I did. It seemed kinda hokey at first but it turned out to be an entertaining diversion from space operas. They get old after a while. I understand the reasoning for a 12-15 book story. Money. I realize the authors need to make a living, but books like this one remind me of books I read when I was younger. Made me realize I missed them. This book is what sci-fi is supposed to be like. I really enjoyed the book and think that most readers will also.
I waffled over wether to read this book. I’m glad I did. It seemed kinda hokey at first but it turned out to be an entertaining diversion from space operas. They get old after a while. I understand the reasoning for a 12-15 book story. Money. I realize the authors need to make a living, but books like this one remind me of books I read when I was younger. Made me realize I missed them. This book is what sci-fi is supposed to be like. I really enjoyed the book and think that most readers will also.
June 14, 2019
A MWM. SYFY. Novel (SW. - 1)
MWM. has. penned the first Ship Wreck novel if the series. A young man help another in a snowstorm and discovers he is an Alien trying to catch an off world animal that escaped when his space craft landed. The tow search and find the animal, but interference from the USG. Causes the animal to run amuck. The spacecraft is repaired and the two begin the adventure of space travel and unknown species of animals. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
MWM. has. penned the first Ship Wreck novel if the series. A young man help another in a snowstorm and discovers he is an Alien trying to catch an off world animal that escaped when his space craft landed. The tow search and find the animal, but interference from the USG. Causes the animal to run amuck. The spacecraft is repaired and the two begin the adventure of space travel and unknown species of animals. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
February 3, 2018
What a great read. Fast paced, loaded with interesting characters and places. Funny at times and I loved the interactions between the main character and the alien.Absolutely looking forward to reading more of Mark Wayne McGinnis
What a great read. Fast paced, loaded with interesting characters and places. Funny at times and I loved the interactions between the main character and the alien
What a great read. Fast paced, loaded with interesting characters and places. Funny at times and I loved the interactions between the main character and the alien
November 13, 2020
Fast-paced read from a master storyteller!
So you suddenly find yourself on an alien world, and challenged to complete a set of tasks before you're allowed to return home. And did I mention you're the only human facing an environment where every other living thing can and wants to kill you?
M. W. McGinnis weaves an exceptional tale of discovery, trust, and survival that will leave you clamoring for the next volume!
So you suddenly find yourself on an alien world, and challenged to complete a set of tasks before you're allowed to return home. And did I mention you're the only human facing an environment where every other living thing can and wants to kill you?
M. W. McGinnis weaves an exceptional tale of discovery, trust, and survival that will leave you clamoring for the next volume!
March 27, 2018
Excellent reading.
This is a real page Turner. Believable characters, unique aliens, an evil cybernetic maniac, a caring good AI, a budding genius and his trusty F150, all venturing into places you can only imagine. Add in the attempted assistance of an arrogant bunch of official government military and a dash of romance, and I could not ask for anything more, except maybe a second book in a series which continues the saga. I look forward to finding out if one is available.
This is a real page Turner. Believable characters, unique aliens, an evil cybernetic maniac, a caring good AI, a budding genius and his trusty F150, all venturing into places you can only imagine. Add in the attempted assistance of an arrogant bunch of official government military and a dash of romance, and I could not ask for anything more, except maybe a second book in a series which continues the saga. I look forward to finding out if one is available.
January 6, 2019
Captivating story, interesting characters, a great read and hard to put down.
As a fan of science fiction sometimes the stories become predictable and the endings leave you unsatisfied, but not this story! I highly recommend it for everyone. The language is clean and suitable for pre-teens too.
As a fan of science fiction sometimes the stories become predictable and the endings leave you unsatisfied, but not this story! I highly recommend it for everyone. The language is clean and suitable for pre-teens too.
April 1, 2019
Good stuff! That was a fun read
The lead character follows the truism of all good SiFi adventures. A young person thrown into an unimaginable situation somehow manages to not only survive all the deadly, exciting, and seemingly unbelievable adversity unleashed but thrives to become the space hero we will all enjoy in the books to come.
The lead character follows the truism of all good SiFi adventures. A young person thrown into an unimaginable situation somehow manages to not only survive all the deadly, exciting, and seemingly unbelievable adversity unleashed but thrives to become the space hero we will all enjoy in the books to come.
December 31, 2017
Enjoyable read
What a great book to read. I enjoyed it from the very first chapter. It weaved it’s way through a really fun trip that had both it’s ups and downs. It kept me interested and to me that is the best part of any book. I just wanted to read “one” more chapter.
What a great book to read. I enjoyed it from the very first chapter. It weaved it’s way through a really fun trip that had both it’s ups and downs. It kept me interested and to me that is the best part of any book. I just wanted to read “one” more chapter.
January 12, 2018
AGreat and unusual sci-fi book.
This is one of the mole usual 55 books I have read in a long time.it gives a positive view of what can happen if you are taken by in five form to a completely different planet that is better there. Excellent read give it a try.
This is one of the mole usual 55 books I have read in a long time.it gives a positive view of what can happen if you are taken by in five form to a completely different planet that is better there. Excellent read give it a try.
January 12, 2018
Loved it!
What a romp. Loved the humor. Loved the action. A creative twist on first contact. First book in awhile that I couldn’t put down. So enjoyable. Looks like I’ve found a new author to follow!
What a romp. Loved the humor. Loved the action. A creative twist on first contact. First book in awhile that I couldn’t put down. So enjoyable. Looks like I’ve found a new author to follow!
January 23, 2018
“Ship Wrecked” is a surprisingly entertaining little story. ‘Cameron’ is a totally relatable protagonist and the other characters are interesting as well—especially the Minal Loth. I really enjoyed the book and read it straight through.
January 23, 2018
A sweet, old fashioned, modern science fiction
I am reminded of old Heinlein stuff but reads like it wasn't written in the nineteen fifties. MWM is an excellent writer. I recommend this book; nothing deep but highly entertaining.
I am reminded of old Heinlein stuff but reads like it wasn't written in the nineteen fifties. MWM is an excellent writer. I recommend this book; nothing deep but highly entertaining.
January 27, 2018
Pure Fun to Read.
I read 2-3 books a a week. This book was one that I did not want to stop reading. The mixture of human and alien life and emotions was just new and fun. You will not go wrong here.
I read 2-3 books a a week. This book was one that I did not want to stop reading. The mixture of human and alien life and emotions was just new and fun. You will not go wrong here.
February 4, 2018
Was a great read, I enjoyed it a lot. I'll read anything from Mark Wayne McGinnis.
Now I am starting the Star Watch series.
I know it will be as good as the Scrapyard Ship books
and love that it continues in the same universe.
Now I am starting the Star Watch series.
I know it will be as good as the Scrapyard Ship books
and love that it continues in the same universe.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews