What do you think?
Rate this book
The Ark #1
The Ark
Technology has developed to the point where a person can be placed in a Sleep State: a cross between suspended animation and a drug-induced coma.
Just as the longest trial of the new technology is being completed, an unusual comet is discovered approaching Earth, bringing with it radiation that will wipe out all life on the planet. Soon after the discovery, the government proceeds to build a protected sleeper facility to save humankind from extinction, taking drastic steps to maintain secrecy of the project.
But when the sleepers awaken, they discover that something has gone terribly wrong, and must find a way to carry out their mission in the new, strange world that is not the one they fell asleep in.
Just as the longest trial of the new technology is being completed, an unusual comet is discovered approaching Earth, bringing with it radiation that will wipe out all life on the planet. Soon after the discovery, the government proceeds to build a protected sleeper facility to save humankind from extinction, taking drastic steps to maintain secrecy of the project.
But when the sleepers awaken, they discover that something has gone terribly wrong, and must find a way to carry out their mission in the new, strange world that is not the one they fell asleep in.
288 pages, Paperback
Published June 10, 2018
478 people are currently reading
518 people want to read
About the author
Christopher Coates
10 books27 followersI grew up in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and moved to Michigan in 1988 to attend Davenport University’s Paramedic school. I reside in Kent City, Michigan, with my wife of 32 years. We have an adult son and daughter who both have graduated college and live out of town.
I am a retired Firefighter/Paramedic who works full-time in Information Systems for a major West Michigan company.
In my off time, I enjoy traveling to unique places, family time, and my two dogs, who keep life fun.
I am a retired Firefighter/Paramedic who works full-time in Information Systems for a major West Michigan company.
In my off time, I enjoy traveling to unique places, family time, and my two dogs, who keep life fun.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
March 27, 2025
The Ark consists of a combination of many previously used science fiction themes. Included in the story are sleep hibernation chambers, a doomsday comet heading towards Earth, and of course, action and suspense. The surprising thing was that The Ark managed to hold my attention for the duration. Coates’ new twists on the old sci-fi themes kept me entertained through to the end.
It was the writing that pulled this novel through. Coates uses what I would call “command language,” which consists of concise communications between the characters as well as between Coates and his reader. An example of this type of language would be a room full of military officers giving a briefing to their commanding officer. This writing style maintains the intensity of the story. Things happen quickly and I found myself reaching the end of the novel almost unexpectedly.
One drawback of “command language” is that the characters become something like tin soldiers. There’s no room to convey complex feelings or emotions about the end of the world. It’s also difficult to segue into detailed descriptions of the science behind the fiction. Coates never explains how such a unique comet could come into being.
There were also other detractions. First, the impossible: the characteristics of such a deadly comet could never remain undiscovered until the day of its arrival. Such a intriguing interplanetary iceball would be studied by private institutions around the world. It would be photographed by telescopic instruments that were designed to see the entire electromagnetic spectrum and its nature would be be discovered independent of the US Government. Second, the improbable: It is improbable that the US Government could maintain a cover-up of the magnitude described for a period of three years. And finally, the trivial: the stars worn by US Army generals are not gold.
Overall, this was an enjoyable science fiction novel. As Cotes’ first novel, I would suspect that he gets better and more original from here. As it happens, a sequel (or parallel story as it is described) was written some five years later entitled The Anvil. It might be interesting to see if he has improved as a writer since this first effort.
It was the writing that pulled this novel through. Coates uses what I would call “command language,” which consists of concise communications between the characters as well as between Coates and his reader. An example of this type of language would be a room full of military officers giving a briefing to their commanding officer. This writing style maintains the intensity of the story. Things happen quickly and I found myself reaching the end of the novel almost unexpectedly.
One drawback of “command language” is that the characters become something like tin soldiers. There’s no room to convey complex feelings or emotions about the end of the world. It’s also difficult to segue into detailed descriptions of the science behind the fiction. Coates never explains how such a unique comet could come into being.
There were also other detractions. First, the impossible: the characteristics of such a deadly comet could never remain undiscovered until the day of its arrival. Such a intriguing interplanetary iceball would be studied by private institutions around the world. It would be photographed by telescopic instruments that were designed to see the entire electromagnetic spectrum and its nature would be be discovered independent of the US Government. Second, the improbable: It is improbable that the US Government could maintain a cover-up of the magnitude described for a period of three years. And finally, the trivial: the stars worn by US Army generals are not gold.
Overall, this was an enjoyable science fiction novel. As Cotes’ first novel, I would suspect that he gets better and more original from here. As it happens, a sequel (or parallel story as it is described) was written some five years later entitled The Anvil. It might be interesting to see if he has improved as a writer since this first effort.
April 17, 2023
Started out promising, then practically the whole book was about building the shelters, technical jargon concerning sleep chambers, weapons, the military, etc. Decided to skip to about 75 percent of the book when everyone was finally awakened, but the ending sped up so fast as, just a blip on what was supposed to be an "apocolyptic" world. Boring. Waste of time.
January 30, 2022
The military saves the world
I can't believe I read the whole thing! Half of this book is spent with rapturous descriptions of various weaponry and military vehicles. Poor editing didn't help.
I can't believe I read the whole thing! Half of this book is spent with rapturous descriptions of various weaponry and military vehicles. Poor editing didn't help.
March 15, 2022
Pretty entertaining story. Could have used another pass through by the editor.
August 15, 2023
I found the characters to be flat and one-dimensional, completely uninteresting. Additionally, if you're going to write a science fiction story the author must take what we know to be true and add elements that might be true. This author did not.
August 11, 2023
As an infrequent sci fi reader, the Ark appealed as an interesting premise of saving civilization. The story was decent and fast paced with a few twists along the way. The writing and editing was not fantastic and there were a few fact or plot holes along the way. 2.5 stars.
July 31, 2022
Great plot, but the writing falls a bit flat.
January 10, 2023
In the prologue there was a sense of warmth that didn't really carry through the rest of the book.
A comet is on its way to Earth - dragging a tail of radiation that will be disastrous to the entire planet. The government finds out that a deep sleep (kind of a suspended animation/coma) is being developed. This book details how the government takes that technology & creates a group of people to help the survivors navigate the world let behind when the radiation drops to a safe level. Of course things never quite go to plan! I definitely wanted more when the story ended.
This book would really improve with another review by an editor.
A comet is on its way to Earth - dragging a tail of radiation that will be disastrous to the entire planet. The government finds out that a deep sleep (kind of a suspended animation/coma) is being developed. This book details how the government takes that technology & creates a group of people to help the survivors navigate the world let behind when the radiation drops to a safe level. Of course things never quite go to plan! I definitely wanted more when the story ended.
This book would really improve with another review by an editor.
January 2, 2022
Loved it! You can tell it is very indie, but the story and characters more than make up for it. Keeps you guessing, moves quickly, and phenomenally interesting!
March 25, 2024
Wonder How
Much of this book you asking yourself if the survival that accomplished could really be done. Very interesting read. Big D
Much of this book you asking yourself if the survival that accomplished could really be done. Very interesting read. Big D
May 12, 2024
Rounded down from 3.5 . This book needs an editor. Grammar mistakes, missing or misplaced punctuation. Things happen with no base on what happened before. The end is good, though. Not bad for light reading, if the lack of editing doesn't drive you crazy.
December 22, 2019
There is very little to recommend this book in my view - it is obvious many others took a different view. The premise seemed promising but the implementation is severely flawed. Their are many characters but none, except perhaps the scientist, DJ, provide a character of interest.
Early in the narrative, as the threat of a highly radioactive comet is revealed, many people are eliminated by paid assassins simply for knowing the facts. The main focus of the book is on the efforts and political intrigues required to prepare facilities to house several thousands of people who will sleep through the estimated twenty plus years for the surface to become habitable again.
The book ends at a point where things are just getting interesting - how to rebuild society from scratch. I doesn't appear the new society will be any better than the old one.
Early in the narrative, as the threat of a highly radioactive comet is revealed, many people are eliminated by paid assassins simply for knowing the facts. The main focus of the book is on the efforts and political intrigues required to prepare facilities to house several thousands of people who will sleep through the estimated twenty plus years for the surface to become habitable again.
The book ends at a point where things are just getting interesting - how to rebuild society from scratch. I doesn't appear the new society will be any better than the old one.
August 11, 2017
A radioactive comet will soon reach Earth, and rendering Earth inhabitable for humans for 20 years. The US government discovers this, but does not warn the world, opting to keep it secret. Instead it use a crash program to develop a new secret suspended animation program to keep a select group of survivors -- and animals --- sleeping underground for the duration.
April 1, 2024
SURVIVING AN EXTINCTION EVENT?
When we read a science fiction novel, we’re entitled to expect three things. A story that’s at least minimally plausible. Suspense about how the action will unfold. And a style of writing that clearly conveys what happens in language that communicates without raising questions about its meaning. Unfortunately, in The Ark, Christopher Coates’s novel about surviving an extinction event, we get none of those things. Like a lot of Independent (i.e., self-published) work, the book cries out for a proofreader. But The Ark simply doesn’t cut it at all.
A STORY THAT’S IMPLAUSIBLE FROM THE OUTSET
First, the story itself. Consider this a spoiler, if you will. Astronomers detect a comet on a trajectory to pass closely by the Earth several years later. But this is a rare comet: its tail is highly radioactive, so even when it passes nearby, it will extinguish all life on Earth. So, from the outset, the story is unlikely at best. But it gets much worse. Because, somehow, only American astronomers detect the comet’s trajectory. And only the US government sets in motion a plan for a large number of people to survive the extinction event. But there’s worse.
The Pentagon and the White House implausibly convince Congress to appropriate hundreds of billions of dollars to build underground shelters in secret. Somehow, five hundred thirty-five compulsive talkers keep the secret themselves, as do their thousands of staff members. And one shelter in particular (presumably “the Ark”) is to hold ten thousand people. And the whole program stays secret for years despite the involvement of hundreds of thousands of people in construction and provisioning. This, in the age of social media, Wikileaks, investigative journalism, and aggressive foreign hackers.
NOW, ABOUT THE WRITING
To say that the writing in The Ark is flat and undistinguished and needs proofreading is undeservedly generous. Because Christopher Coates doesn’t seem capable of crafting consistently clear and grammatical sentences. The punctuation is frequently misplaced (with commas inserted in the middle of phrases, which is often confusing). And the novel is full of bonehead spelling errors that any minimally competent copyeditor (or writer, for that matter) would catch in a flash. And, unsurprisingly given all this, the characters are at best two-dimensional (but mostly one).
A few examples of the author’s syntax and word use should suffice. For instance, take the following construction: “Using RJ’s arm for support, the two women walked . . .”. If you’re wondering who’s supporting whom, you’re not alone. It’s absolutely unclear in context. Also, there are homophones galore (words that sound alike but are spelled differently. “Populous” instead of “populace,” for example. Simple misspellings abound, too (“in route” instead of “en route” and “predominately” instead of “predominantly”). Coates mentions an “intense interview” when he means “intensive interview.”
Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m no slave to the rules of grammar. I often start sentences with conjunctions (“And,” “But”) and end them with prepositions (“to,” “for”). For grammar purists, these are no-nos. But they make prose easier to read and understand—and thus clearer. And, for me, writing must be, above all, clear.
Still, if all this strikes you as nitpicking, you re right. I confess. I pick nits. In fact, that’s what editors do. Or, at least, that’s what copyeditors do. There’s a higher form of the craft called “developmental editing,” which deals with such larger matters as structure, plotting, pacing, and character development. Of course, The Ark could have benefited from a developmental editor as well, as the following paragraph will show.
A LESSON IN HOW TO KILL SUSPENSE
In a prologue, Coates makes it clear that everything’s going to turn out all right in the end. We don’t understand that at first, but it becomes unmistakable once the survivalist project gets underway a few pages later. Because, if that comet is going to extinguish all life on Earth, then obviously some Americans have survived since they’re walking and talking in the opening pages. But why would the author insist on telegraphing the ending?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Christopher Coates is not a professional author, as you can tell from this review. However, he seems to have (self-) publisher nine science fiction novels. Here (in part) is what he writes about himself on Amazon: “I grew up in Cape Cod Massachusetts and moved to Michigan to attend Davenport University’s Paramedic school. I reside in Kent City, Michigan with my wife of over 30 years. We have a son and daughter, both of whom have graduated college and live out of state. I am a retired Firefighter/Paramedic who works full-time in Information Systems for a major West Michigan company.”
When we read a science fiction novel, we’re entitled to expect three things. A story that’s at least minimally plausible. Suspense about how the action will unfold. And a style of writing that clearly conveys what happens in language that communicates without raising questions about its meaning. Unfortunately, in The Ark, Christopher Coates’s novel about surviving an extinction event, we get none of those things. Like a lot of Independent (i.e., self-published) work, the book cries out for a proofreader. But The Ark simply doesn’t cut it at all.
A STORY THAT’S IMPLAUSIBLE FROM THE OUTSET
First, the story itself. Consider this a spoiler, if you will. Astronomers detect a comet on a trajectory to pass closely by the Earth several years later. But this is a rare comet: its tail is highly radioactive, so even when it passes nearby, it will extinguish all life on Earth. So, from the outset, the story is unlikely at best. But it gets much worse. Because, somehow, only American astronomers detect the comet’s trajectory. And only the US government sets in motion a plan for a large number of people to survive the extinction event. But there’s worse.
The Pentagon and the White House implausibly convince Congress to appropriate hundreds of billions of dollars to build underground shelters in secret. Somehow, five hundred thirty-five compulsive talkers keep the secret themselves, as do their thousands of staff members. And one shelter in particular (presumably “the Ark”) is to hold ten thousand people. And the whole program stays secret for years despite the involvement of hundreds of thousands of people in construction and provisioning. This, in the age of social media, Wikileaks, investigative journalism, and aggressive foreign hackers.
NOW, ABOUT THE WRITING
To say that the writing in The Ark is flat and undistinguished and needs proofreading is undeservedly generous. Because Christopher Coates doesn’t seem capable of crafting consistently clear and grammatical sentences. The punctuation is frequently misplaced (with commas inserted in the middle of phrases, which is often confusing). And the novel is full of bonehead spelling errors that any minimally competent copyeditor (or writer, for that matter) would catch in a flash. And, unsurprisingly given all this, the characters are at best two-dimensional (but mostly one).
A few examples of the author’s syntax and word use should suffice. For instance, take the following construction: “Using RJ’s arm for support, the two women walked . . .”. If you’re wondering who’s supporting whom, you’re not alone. It’s absolutely unclear in context. Also, there are homophones galore (words that sound alike but are spelled differently. “Populous” instead of “populace,” for example. Simple misspellings abound, too (“in route” instead of “en route” and “predominately” instead of “predominantly”). Coates mentions an “intense interview” when he means “intensive interview.”
Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m no slave to the rules of grammar. I often start sentences with conjunctions (“And,” “But”) and end them with prepositions (“to,” “for”). For grammar purists, these are no-nos. But they make prose easier to read and understand—and thus clearer. And, for me, writing must be, above all, clear.
Still, if all this strikes you as nitpicking, you re right. I confess. I pick nits. In fact, that’s what editors do. Or, at least, that’s what copyeditors do. There’s a higher form of the craft called “developmental editing,” which deals with such larger matters as structure, plotting, pacing, and character development. Of course, The Ark could have benefited from a developmental editor as well, as the following paragraph will show.
A LESSON IN HOW TO KILL SUSPENSE
In a prologue, Coates makes it clear that everything’s going to turn out all right in the end. We don’t understand that at first, but it becomes unmistakable once the survivalist project gets underway a few pages later. Because, if that comet is going to extinguish all life on Earth, then obviously some Americans have survived since they’re walking and talking in the opening pages. But why would the author insist on telegraphing the ending?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Christopher Coates is not a professional author, as you can tell from this review. However, he seems to have (self-) publisher nine science fiction novels. Here (in part) is what he writes about himself on Amazon: “I grew up in Cape Cod Massachusetts and moved to Michigan to attend Davenport University’s Paramedic school. I reside in Kent City, Michigan with my wife of over 30 years. We have a son and daughter, both of whom have graduated college and live out of state. I am a retired Firefighter/Paramedic who works full-time in Information Systems for a major West Michigan company.”
April 20, 2024
I picked up The Ark as I was fancying something a little different to my normal choice of book. The synopsis stood out as it made me think a little of Deep Impact and Armageddon.. but the focus is changed from trying to save the world to figuring out how to rebuild after the event.
There’s a comet on it’s way by Earth.. it won’t hit, but radiation is detected that will change the landscape of the planet forever.
The government have a few options open to them but the most promising is a new technology. This new technology has the ability to put an individual to sleep, slow the body’s natural processes.. essentially they will be in suspended animation.. The issue is the technology hasn’t be perfected yet for a scale such as this and the government is need to find a suitable location under the extreme pressure of knowing they can only save a very small percentage of the population.
It’s a battle to keep the truth a secret.. if the news were to get out the whole world would panic and it’s likely no one would survive.. there would be riots.. death and destruction and that’s even before the comet passes.
In the run up to the event a few people do come a little close to the truth and the author explores the power and reach of those in charge as silence reigns..
Those chosen for the sleeper program each have skills but learn further skills to better set them up to rebuild after the event.. estimates show they will be asleep for around 20 years.. it’s a lot for those people to take in but they know they are the last ditch attempt at survival and if they are lucky it’s all one big error and they will all be able to go home soon..
At the same time the government put plans in place to build underground shelters.. it’s not going to protect many but at least some will have the chance to live in the hope that these “sleepers” will wake up and will help rebuild the world.
When the sleepers awake there’s a big problem… things haven’t gone to plan.. it’s not been 20 years…the radiation was much stronger than first thought… those in underground shelters only had a certain amount of supplies… did anyone survive? Do the sleepers have anyone to rebuild the world for?
I really enjoyed the plot and I loved the focus on the sleepers, the preparation needed.. the sacrifices made. All the preparation time really helped the development of the characters and I really found myself like liking the team and was investing in their survival, the pace also help set the mood well..you feel the nervous energy pouring off the page.
I also found how the author tackled the question about communication, and how they would keep the threat a secret very well thought out and plausible. I wouldn’t want to be in charge if there was a global threat on the way.
There’s a clear direction for the ply but the author still manages to add some twists and turns along the way.. like you know it’s not going to all go to plan… technology.. nothings ever easy.. but the twists are exciting and add an extra punch to the story.
I was very much sucked into this one.. so much so as soon as I finished I was checking in the hopes this might be a series.. I don’t do much research before picking up a book so was a little deflated at first.. The Ark is not part of a series… well actually it kind of is…while it’s not a series you can imagine my excitement to learn there’s a parallel story.. The Anvil… we see events from the viewpoint of those lucky enough to be brought into the underground shelters.. do they survive..and at what cost? I’ve already finished it and I’ve only good things to say… look out for that review coming too!
There’s a comet on it’s way by Earth.. it won’t hit, but radiation is detected that will change the landscape of the planet forever.
The government have a few options open to them but the most promising is a new technology. This new technology has the ability to put an individual to sleep, slow the body’s natural processes.. essentially they will be in suspended animation.. The issue is the technology hasn’t be perfected yet for a scale such as this and the government is need to find a suitable location under the extreme pressure of knowing they can only save a very small percentage of the population.
It’s a battle to keep the truth a secret.. if the news were to get out the whole world would panic and it’s likely no one would survive.. there would be riots.. death and destruction and that’s even before the comet passes.
In the run up to the event a few people do come a little close to the truth and the author explores the power and reach of those in charge as silence reigns..
Those chosen for the sleeper program each have skills but learn further skills to better set them up to rebuild after the event.. estimates show they will be asleep for around 20 years.. it’s a lot for those people to take in but they know they are the last ditch attempt at survival and if they are lucky it’s all one big error and they will all be able to go home soon..
At the same time the government put plans in place to build underground shelters.. it’s not going to protect many but at least some will have the chance to live in the hope that these “sleepers” will wake up and will help rebuild the world.
When the sleepers awake there’s a big problem… things haven’t gone to plan.. it’s not been 20 years…the radiation was much stronger than first thought… those in underground shelters only had a certain amount of supplies… did anyone survive? Do the sleepers have anyone to rebuild the world for?
I really enjoyed the plot and I loved the focus on the sleepers, the preparation needed.. the sacrifices made. All the preparation time really helped the development of the characters and I really found myself like liking the team and was investing in their survival, the pace also help set the mood well..you feel the nervous energy pouring off the page.
I also found how the author tackled the question about communication, and how they would keep the threat a secret very well thought out and plausible. I wouldn’t want to be in charge if there was a global threat on the way.
There’s a clear direction for the ply but the author still manages to add some twists and turns along the way.. like you know it’s not going to all go to plan… technology.. nothings ever easy.. but the twists are exciting and add an extra punch to the story.
I was very much sucked into this one.. so much so as soon as I finished I was checking in the hopes this might be a series.. I don’t do much research before picking up a book so was a little deflated at first.. The Ark is not part of a series… well actually it kind of is…while it’s not a series you can imagine my excitement to learn there’s a parallel story.. The Anvil… we see events from the viewpoint of those lucky enough to be brought into the underground shelters.. do they survive..and at what cost? I’ve already finished it and I’ve only good things to say… look out for that review coming too!
September 26, 2019
When a threat with extinction-level potential was accidentally discovered it took a few weeks to confirm the findings, but soon the government was on high alert, pumping resources into excelling the most promising projects, those which could keep people safe until the danger had passed. One such undertaking was a sleeper project, designed to put people into long-term sleep. What was initially intended as a project for space travel quickly became one of the nation's only hope for survival. The clock is ticking, changes must be made, safeguards installed, and most importantly, everything must remain top-secret. If word were to get out global panic would ensue. Can the project be finished in time, and if so will the world they wake to be the one they expect?
The Ark by Christopher Coates is an engaging dystopian fiction which piqued my interest from the prologue. I thought the way America handled the information was realistic. They set out to secure their own future, withholding information to prevent mass global panic, and I also have a sneaking suspicion that other countries may have been doing the same, after all, we just see the USA perspective and witnessed for ourselves the measures they took to ensure news would not be leaked, it is not difficult to image other counties did the same. The characters really drive this plot forward, and whilst there is a large cast it is easy to become invested in their mission. I can't say what exactly about this story hooked me, whether it was the need to know how the future unfolded, my investment in the lives of the characters, or the smooth third person writing style which kept me engaged, but one thing is for certain, I didn't want to put it down. The science is kept minimal and easy to understand whilst complex devices are developed and tested. Danger, comradery, and realism fill every page of this dystopian tale. I can't help but wonder if there will be a follow on book which, like the Fall Out games, will explore the world, the changes, and its rebuilding effort. If there is, you can bet it will be on my reading list.
I read this book on Kindle Unlimited
The Ark by Christopher Coates is an engaging dystopian fiction which piqued my interest from the prologue. I thought the way America handled the information was realistic. They set out to secure their own future, withholding information to prevent mass global panic, and I also have a sneaking suspicion that other countries may have been doing the same, after all, we just see the USA perspective and witnessed for ourselves the measures they took to ensure news would not be leaked, it is not difficult to image other counties did the same. The characters really drive this plot forward, and whilst there is a large cast it is easy to become invested in their mission. I can't say what exactly about this story hooked me, whether it was the need to know how the future unfolded, my investment in the lives of the characters, or the smooth third person writing style which kept me engaged, but one thing is for certain, I didn't want to put it down. The science is kept minimal and easy to understand whilst complex devices are developed and tested. Danger, comradery, and realism fill every page of this dystopian tale. I can't help but wonder if there will be a follow on book which, like the Fall Out games, will explore the world, the changes, and its rebuilding effort. If there is, you can bet it will be on my reading list.
I read this book on Kindle Unlimited
July 13, 2023
Great Novel, Marred by Early Plot Hole... Again!
This author is smart as a whip and provides us with a great novel. This one, together with The Anvil, both had glaring plot holes in early chapters. He is a much better writer to leave such ridiculous plot holes poorly rendered.
In The Ark, subject of this review, a university professor attempts to use his remote in the house to close the garage door. It doesn't work. Going back to the garage, the one in his car works perfectly. What could the problem be with the one in the house? Does he do basic troubleshooting? No. He tells his wife to call their security service to send out a technician to find the trouble. Any idiot would check the batteries in the faulty remote. Not this guy. A highly educated university professor doesn't even open the battery compartment. If he had, the missing batteries would have been obvious. Because he couldn't be bothered to check what any moron would, he and his wife die. The only fault likely between the nonworking remote in the house and the one in his car would be the batteries. DUH!
Rant mode off.
I am glad I didn't give up on the book at that absurd plot hole. That almost happened. As I kept reading, I was rewarded with a well written and plausible story that had me turning pages at a prodigious pace.
The Ark, like The Anvil, were both exciting and well written. I am at a loss why such a gifted writer would leave such outlandish plot holes in his novel, especially in early chapters. Both novels were ultimately terrific stories.
My advice to the author... write up to your potential, especially in early chapters. Insulting the intelligence of your readers so early into a novel, may cause them to close the book and miss what are otherwise excellent tales. Make those early chapters as great as the rest of your books.
4 stars could be 5, if only.....
This author is smart as a whip and provides us with a great novel. This one, together with The Anvil, both had glaring plot holes in early chapters. He is a much better writer to leave such ridiculous plot holes poorly rendered.
In The Ark, subject of this review, a university professor attempts to use his remote in the house to close the garage door. It doesn't work. Going back to the garage, the one in his car works perfectly. What could the problem be with the one in the house? Does he do basic troubleshooting? No. He tells his wife to call their security service to send out a technician to find the trouble. Any idiot would check the batteries in the faulty remote. Not this guy. A highly educated university professor doesn't even open the battery compartment. If he had, the missing batteries would have been obvious. Because he couldn't be bothered to check what any moron would, he and his wife die. The only fault likely between the nonworking remote in the house and the one in his car would be the batteries. DUH!
Rant mode off.
I am glad I didn't give up on the book at that absurd plot hole. That almost happened. As I kept reading, I was rewarded with a well written and plausible story that had me turning pages at a prodigious pace.
The Ark, like The Anvil, were both exciting and well written. I am at a loss why such a gifted writer would leave such outlandish plot holes in his novel, especially in early chapters. Both novels were ultimately terrific stories.
My advice to the author... write up to your potential, especially in early chapters. Insulting the intelligence of your readers so early into a novel, may cause them to close the book and miss what are otherwise excellent tales. Make those early chapters as great as the rest of your books.
4 stars could be 5, if only.....
May 15, 2023
Really great plot / ideas - Poor execution
I wanted to like this book. I really did. After having finished a couple above average series, I was looking for my next good book and read the synopsis about The Ark. It sounded interesting and ambitious. However, as I read along, I was surprised to find several grammar, punctuation, and diction errors - wrong words, jumbled phrases, etc. After decades as a composition, literature, and technical writing lecturer at three different universities on two continents, I began to highlight and note the issues. Then they became so numerous, I just gave up, growing increasingly annoyed. I try to make it a rule to finish every book I start, and like I said, the plot was great. I was curious about what would happen next, but it was a challenge. The characters are not very fleshed out. Even the ones who are supposed to "stand out" are stereotypically unique. For example, one of the lead characters is the tough woman who wants to be called by her initials because her name reminds her of abuse by a relative. There's the aging, dedicated military man; the plastic President; and tens of thousands of people who disappear (to shelters) without raising much suspicion among the general public. There's a flurry of building and use of vast resources over 2-3 years, the secrecy of which is jeopardized by only a few.
If you aren't bothered by a text that abounds in compositional errors, you might enjoy this novel. As a retired English teacher, for me, it's not worth wading through a poorly written text to find out what happens in the sequels.
I wanted to like this book. I really did. After having finished a couple above average series, I was looking for my next good book and read the synopsis about The Ark. It sounded interesting and ambitious. However, as I read along, I was surprised to find several grammar, punctuation, and diction errors - wrong words, jumbled phrases, etc. After decades as a composition, literature, and technical writing lecturer at three different universities on two continents, I began to highlight and note the issues. Then they became so numerous, I just gave up, growing increasingly annoyed. I try to make it a rule to finish every book I start, and like I said, the plot was great. I was curious about what would happen next, but it was a challenge. The characters are not very fleshed out. Even the ones who are supposed to "stand out" are stereotypically unique. For example, one of the lead characters is the tough woman who wants to be called by her initials because her name reminds her of abuse by a relative. There's the aging, dedicated military man; the plastic President; and tens of thousands of people who disappear (to shelters) without raising much suspicion among the general public. There's a flurry of building and use of vast resources over 2-3 years, the secrecy of which is jeopardized by only a few.
If you aren't bothered by a text that abounds in compositional errors, you might enjoy this novel. As a retired English teacher, for me, it's not worth wading through a poorly written text to find out what happens in the sequels.
October 10, 2019
Brilliant story! It started off with a countdown of events before the main destination of the story... The earth is in deep trouble with a comet heading its way! There has been scant research done into a long term sleep programme, which has not been funded very well causing slow development, with some fatal consequences. But, when the government discovers the long term effect the approaching comet will have upon the earth and its inhabitants there is a sudden escalation of finding and high profile interest in the near redundant, long term sleep programme. It's a mystery to most involved and the cover-up has protection services working overtime to keep it that way.
The story develops well and will keep you highly engaged, trying to work out exactly where it is heading and what's going to happen next.
The final destination and result of the buildup left me wanting to read more from Coates, as his style of creativity is highly developed, his descriptions of everything happening is deep and wide and a joy to follow along with.
I listened to the audiobook version and the narrator is a master as well! I loved the scale of characters he consistently performed and his interpretation of the text was spot on! I look forward to hearing more from this narrator, Nicholas T. Frey. Thoroughly enjoyable.
A copy of this audiobook was given to me at my request, in exchange for an honest, non-bias review.
The story develops well and will keep you highly engaged, trying to work out exactly where it is heading and what's going to happen next.
The final destination and result of the buildup left me wanting to read more from Coates, as his style of creativity is highly developed, his descriptions of everything happening is deep and wide and a joy to follow along with.
I listened to the audiobook version and the narrator is a master as well! I loved the scale of characters he consistently performed and his interpretation of the text was spot on! I look forward to hearing more from this narrator, Nicholas T. Frey. Thoroughly enjoyable.
A copy of this audiobook was given to me at my request, in exchange for an honest, non-bias review.
April 2, 2021
Not Your Typical Post-Apocolypse Novel
I completed the book thinking that it was good but there wasn't any real tension. The book's jacket pretty much sums up exactly what happens. The first two-thirds of the book focuses on the preparations for the "ark"; building it, stocking it with technology, people, building materials, livestock (no 2-by-2 processions), food, water, and shelter. All of it taking place over a 2 1/2 year period under complete secrecy. Other shelters are built but not for "sleepers".
Oddly, the US manages to keep the whole thing under wraps so that when the comet (and its radioactive tail) encounters the earth, it basically kills everyone. There is very little examination of the potential social unrest, breakdown of society, etc. There is no discussion about how some of the non-sleepers managed to survive the 50+ years it takes for radiation levels to get back to normal.
Once the sleepers wake up, there is some initial tension as they try to figure out why they were under for so long, but that is soon replaced by a "here we are to rebuild" mentality. So-called rebels are quickly dispatched (Apache Helicopter vs Motorcycle bandit will do that) and the rebuild begins.
If you want to read about conflict, last-minute nuclear confrontations, descriptions of slow and agonizing deaths - move on. If you are okay with no real antagonism and a playbook for the best-case scenario, then this book is for you.
I completed the book thinking that it was good but there wasn't any real tension. The book's jacket pretty much sums up exactly what happens. The first two-thirds of the book focuses on the preparations for the "ark"; building it, stocking it with technology, people, building materials, livestock (no 2-by-2 processions), food, water, and shelter. All of it taking place over a 2 1/2 year period under complete secrecy. Other shelters are built but not for "sleepers".
Oddly, the US manages to keep the whole thing under wraps so that when the comet (and its radioactive tail) encounters the earth, it basically kills everyone. There is very little examination of the potential social unrest, breakdown of society, etc. There is no discussion about how some of the non-sleepers managed to survive the 50+ years it takes for radiation levels to get back to normal.
Once the sleepers wake up, there is some initial tension as they try to figure out why they were under for so long, but that is soon replaced by a "here we are to rebuild" mentality. So-called rebels are quickly dispatched (Apache Helicopter vs Motorcycle bandit will do that) and the rebuild begins.
If you want to read about conflict, last-minute nuclear confrontations, descriptions of slow and agonizing deaths - move on. If you are okay with no real antagonism and a playbook for the best-case scenario, then this book is for you.
April 13, 2025
A comet that will pass the earth with deadly radiation will kill people when it passes in three years, A team has been working on putting people into a sleep state to pass long periods whilst they barely age.
The government starts to build a bunker to allow 10,000 people to sleep whilst they await for the radiation to return to safe levels. But when they finally awaken, they discover that the world they knew before the comet is different from the one they have now awakened to.
Most of the characters we meet, we get very little background about as they are a small part to advance the main plot. We learn that the government is preparing 'The Ark' sleepers and 'The Anvil' who will stay awake in bunkers to wait until the radiation is back to safe levels.
This book follows the sleepers, who will hibernate and will be automatically awakened once the computer decides it is safe to do so. I do not know why they didn't have a small group to monitor the systems critical to their survival, instead of how they planned to maintain systems to rely on people to wake up and have time to repair things.
I had the book on my list for a while, and although it was slow initially, I eventually got hooked, wanting to see what happened. For the most part, this book is the preparations of them awaiting the comet and a very small amount of what they discover. For me, it is not a must-read, but it is easily a four-star read.
The government starts to build a bunker to allow 10,000 people to sleep whilst they await for the radiation to return to safe levels. But when they finally awaken, they discover that the world they knew before the comet is different from the one they have now awakened to.
Most of the characters we meet, we get very little background about as they are a small part to advance the main plot. We learn that the government is preparing 'The Ark' sleepers and 'The Anvil' who will stay awake in bunkers to wait until the radiation is back to safe levels.
This book follows the sleepers, who will hibernate and will be automatically awakened once the computer decides it is safe to do so. I do not know why they didn't have a small group to monitor the systems critical to their survival, instead of how they planned to maintain systems to rely on people to wake up and have time to repair things.
I had the book on my list for a while, and although it was slow initially, I eventually got hooked, wanting to see what happened. For the most part, this book is the preparations of them awaiting the comet and a very small amount of what they discover. For me, it is not a must-read, but it is easily a four-star read.
September 14, 2024
1.5 stars
A friend recommended this book to me and I was intrigued by the premise on the back cover.
Come to find out it's not the premise. It's a summary. The first 210 pages of this book really could've been cut out. There are very few consistent characters with no development, and a lot of random stories about random people we never see again. Also, the tone is very passive and the writing is amateur.
This all could've been avoided by hiring an editor.
I am so disappointed because I was excited for this book! If the premise sounds good to you and you don't mind the passive narrator and lack of characters, perhaps skip this book (the back tells you everything you need to know - seriously) and try book 2.
Also, there were a couple times women we never saw again were unnecessarily sexualized. Gross.
That all said, after page 210, the story began and it was interesting, as promised. I was pulled in and wanted to know what happened badly enough that I stopped noticing the lack of writing style/poor editing. If the whole book had been this way, it would've been a better read for sure. The characters progressed at that point and a few grew on me as well. I was going to give this one star but that last 5th of the book deserves a little more.
A friend recommended this book to me and I was intrigued by the premise on the back cover.
Come to find out it's not the premise. It's a summary. The first 210 pages of this book really could've been cut out. There are very few consistent characters with no development, and a lot of random stories about random people we never see again. Also, the tone is very passive and the writing is amateur.
This all could've been avoided by hiring an editor.
I am so disappointed because I was excited for this book! If the premise sounds good to you and you don't mind the passive narrator and lack of characters, perhaps skip this book (the back tells you everything you need to know - seriously) and try book 2.
Also, there were a couple times women we never saw again were unnecessarily sexualized. Gross.
That all said, after page 210, the story began and it was interesting, as promised. I was pulled in and wanted to know what happened badly enough that I stopped noticing the lack of writing style/poor editing. If the whole book had been this way, it would've been a better read for sure. The characters progressed at that point and a few grew on me as well. I was going to give this one star but that last 5th of the book deserves a little more.
abandoned
January 8, 20242024 Grade Z
A new dystopian novel. But instead of being about recovery from, or living in dystopian times, it is about preparations for the catastrophic event. The story actually starts with a Prologue about post recovery (I think) and then flashes back. Thereafter the chapters start with a day number. That number is a countdown till the apocalypse, as near as I can tell. It would have helped if I had figured that out sooner.
The prose was a little wordy right from the start and I never made an attachment to any of the characters. The story has a little science at the start about a long term sleep project and a deadly comet. Those kept me reading. But it seemed to be turning into a sort of government espionage story. The government did not want the secret reveled. When the second set of anti-government characters was eliminated in rather unpleasant and overlong chapters, I gave up. I did check the post comet area and tested speed reading, but I still did not like it.
I finished 70 out of 284 pages.
A new dystopian novel. But instead of being about recovery from, or living in dystopian times, it is about preparations for the catastrophic event. The story actually starts with a Prologue about post recovery (I think) and then flashes back. Thereafter the chapters start with a day number. That number is a countdown till the apocalypse, as near as I can tell. It would have helped if I had figured that out sooner.
The prose was a little wordy right from the start and I never made an attachment to any of the characters. The story has a little science at the start about a long term sleep project and a deadly comet. Those kept me reading. But it seemed to be turning into a sort of government espionage story. The government did not want the secret reveled. When the second set of anti-government characters was eliminated in rather unpleasant and overlong chapters, I gave up. I did check the post comet area and tested speed reading, but I still did not like it.
I finished 70 out of 284 pages.
March 29, 2024
About the same as Anvil. An interesting story marred by poor editing. The constant interruption of my immersion cost it a star. The time markers are clear and unambiguous here, unlike in Anvil, but the book is riddled with typing and grammar errors and confusing writing.
For example:
Chapter 24: "She hesitated in the cool air conditioning for as long as possible, then pushed the door open and stepped into the desert sand."
Given the focus on air conditioning and coolness in the entire preceding paragraph, I have to wonder if he meant to say "desert heat"?
_____
Chapter 30: "Approaching the central tunnel, Amy and Matt got into the waiting Humvee and rode it for the quarter mile to the mountain's exit."
These characters are saying goodbye probably forever. A quarter mile is about five minutes' walk at a normal pace. I couldn't help wondering why the characters didn't just walk to the entrance for the extra few minutes to say goodbye.
_____
Coates has promise, but he needs better editors.
For example:
Chapter 24: "She hesitated in the cool air conditioning for as long as possible, then pushed the door open and stepped into the desert sand."
Given the focus on air conditioning and coolness in the entire preceding paragraph, I have to wonder if he meant to say "desert heat"?
_____
Chapter 30: "Approaching the central tunnel, Amy and Matt got into the waiting Humvee and rode it for the quarter mile to the mountain's exit."
These characters are saying goodbye probably forever. A quarter mile is about five minutes' walk at a normal pace. I couldn't help wondering why the characters didn't just walk to the entrance for the extra few minutes to say goodbye.
_____
Coates has promise, but he needs better editors.
February 22, 2025
Should have stopped at prologue. It wasn't as bad as the rest of it and pretty much told the story arc (no pun intended), killing any possibility of a thrill or suspense before beginning. Wooden and dull language, about as captivating as reading my car mechanics report. But worst of all were the psychotic and immoral choices and dialogues..Consious decision to hide and cover up the imminent catastrophe from other nations dooming them to extinction. Assassination of a group of survivors- likely young people and teenagers who grew up as orphans in post apocalyptic world -by the select privileged few,who were saved when billions died, because they were "bad" raiders. First question asked of another ("good") group of survivors - not how the hell did you survive in this hell but how did you find out about our mission, its classified! Completely tone deaf and unrelatable. Cannot stop comparing to project hail mary...
December 21, 2022
The Ark is a pretty good end-of-the-world type story with a huge cast of less-than-fleshed-out characters. When a new comet is discovered heading toward Earth, scientists determine that deadly radiation from the celestial body will wipe out all living creatures within 3 years. The race is then on to build an underground shelter large enough to save 100,000 thousand or so essential people to rebuild the country once the radiation levels off.
The story is really hampered by a large number of punctuation, capitalization, and other grammatical errors. To this reader, it was a struggle to get through the first half of the book because of those gaffs.
With that said though, the story does have its merits and moves right along to a satisfying ending that will be finalized in the second book of the series.
The story is really hampered by a large number of punctuation, capitalization, and other grammatical errors. To this reader, it was a struggle to get through the first half of the book because of those gaffs.
With that said though, the story does have its merits and moves right along to a satisfying ending that will be finalized in the second book of the series.
July 27, 2021
This was a great ‘end of the world is nigh’ and how they dealt with it book. Reminded me in some ways of the film Deep Impact. I enjoyed how the sleep technology was woven in - it was fresh that it’s not just your normal cryo sleep and the process is delved into really well.
***SPOILERS***
I’ve given it 4 stars because I felt the book ended rather suddenly. They woke up, found some survivors and that was it. I think that could be explored more in a sequel but there didn’t seem to be a mention of one. Also I found it rather unrealistic (or maybe not) that the US kept the news of the comet to themselves and didn’t tell the rest of the world. Basically if you weren’t American you had zero chance.
***SPOILERS***
I’ve given it 4 stars because I felt the book ended rather suddenly. They woke up, found some survivors and that was it. I think that could be explored more in a sequel but there didn’t seem to be a mention of one. Also I found it rather unrealistic (or maybe not) that the US kept the news of the comet to themselves and didn’t tell the rest of the world. Basically if you weren’t American you had zero chance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2024
A good sci-fi / end of the world story.
As much as I love end of the world movies I find it a bit hit and miss with books.
Some other books I have read put too much technical jargon in them and are slow / boring and normally put the effort into what happens after the EOW event.
This story is mainly about the preparation and the work that went on behind the scenes leading up to the event. I think about two thirds are before and one third is after. I preferred this way but I know some people may not. I found the story compelling and even though you get the POV of many different people its not confusing or hard to keep up with.
I loved the ending and will be reading the sequel next.
As much as I love end of the world movies I find it a bit hit and miss with books.
Some other books I have read put too much technical jargon in them and are slow / boring and normally put the effort into what happens after the EOW event.
This story is mainly about the preparation and the work that went on behind the scenes leading up to the event. I think about two thirds are before and one third is after. I preferred this way but I know some people may not. I found the story compelling and even though you get the POV of many different people its not confusing or hard to keep up with.
I loved the ending and will be reading the sequel next.
March 2, 2024
In The Ark, Christopher Coates tells us how to prepare for an apocalyptic event that makes the whole atmosphere radioactive for several decades. His solution is simple—build large underground shelters to store thousands of people in artificial hibernation.
One could criticize the novel for depending too much on chance. We have just invented a good hibernation drug when a deadly comet comes along. Is it unlikely? You bet. But that is not the problem. Andy Weir’s Project Hail Mary has an equally unlikely premise and a solution. Still, his novel is more successful because we care about his characters and share his joy in the engineering puzzles they face.
Coates waves away the puzzles and misses a bet by not focusing his character drama more tightly.
One could criticize the novel for depending too much on chance. We have just invented a good hibernation drug when a deadly comet comes along. Is it unlikely? You bet. But that is not the problem. Andy Weir’s Project Hail Mary has an equally unlikely premise and a solution. Still, his novel is more successful because we care about his characters and share his joy in the engineering puzzles they face.
Coates waves away the puzzles and misses a bet by not focusing his character drama more tightly.
April 17, 2024
This book is based on two deeply flawed premises. 1. That a comet could have a radioactive tail sufficient to destroy all life on earth. 2. Hibernation sleep pods would lock you in. So right off the bat there was no willing suspension of disbelief. I have been reading SF for over 50 years and all I ask is some accurate science and engineering to base the story on and this book fails completely on that level. The first chapter was set in the future after humanity recovers, and I was looking forward to reading more about that but then the whole story gets bogged down in interminable detail about you how humanity prepares for this poorly conceived "disaster scenario". Way too much detail about all of the things they did to prepare that I just didn't need to read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews