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The Barrier

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A Short Story
A nearby world. A classic sci-fi story with an unexpected twist. Guaranteed.

15 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 26, 2019

1 person want to read

About the author

M.K. Alexander

29 books73 followers
No genre is safe from me!
(OK, maybe Romance is safe)

One thing that bugs me is the accusation that I am too subtle. Too subtle? Is this even possible? I like to give my readers some credit: I always assume they are clever, educated, and have a good sense of humor...

I've has been writing fiction for over 20 years and recently published eight new titles, as well as a short story collection. Every book I write is exhaustively researched, I'm proud to say.

I have been a reporter and editor for many newspapers, and worked for The New York Times for well over ten years. Winner of the BBC Short Story Award.

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5 stars
7 (77%)
4 stars
1 (11%)
3 stars
1 (11%)
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
Profile Image for Mary-Lisa Russo.
Author 10 books100 followers
November 24, 2024
I. Want. MORE!

This was a micro read and it rocked my world in mere minutes! A shocking revelation was revealed at the end and my imagination went wild long after I shut my kindle. I kept creating various scenerios in my mind. I am a big fan of sci-fi movies such as Alien and The Matrix so this was a perfect mini story for me.

I can always depend on author M.K Alexander to deliver a well written story that intrigues me and taps into my imagination.

Verdict: 5/5... of course!
Profile Image for Terry and dog.
1,025 reviews33 followers
July 15, 2025
Super short but I loved it. Did not see that coming. I wish it was the beginning of a longer story.
Profile Image for Philip Brown.
Author 2 books56 followers
November 18, 2020
The Barrier is a wonderful short story and M.K. Alexander is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. When I read Alexander’s writing, particularly his dialogue, I'm always impressed. That said, The Barrier feels like a short preview to a larger novel. (At least I hope that it is). Although, it is an enjoyable read in it's own right, it may be Alexander's way of signalling us that there is a much larger work ahead.
Profile Image for Miguel Jr..
Author 17 books53 followers
August 20, 2025
It's OK.

I won't reread The Barrier. The book cover is substandard, and for me, the storyline is forgettable. I liked The Reviewer much more than this short story.
Profile Image for Zea Perez.
Author 11 books61 followers
July 31, 2025
The Barrier by MK Alexander
A Book Review by AZP
July 2025

The tone is curious and haunting!

The book tackles a strange phenomenon occurring at a certain place. This marvel is waiting yet for a continuing exploration in order to understand its nature and its implication to human existence. In this book, an entity or agency had found the fitting explorer to commence the mission.

The writing style of narratives is noteworthy as it walks through the reader from the point of view of the explorer.

Its conclusion is haunting and chilling! I am sure there will be a sequel to this tale.
Profile Image for D.S. Wall.
Author 6 books5 followers
April 30, 2022
fun, quick read

I Did not know what to expect! I am Glad I read this quirky, twisted little story. Nicely done. Ended too soon!
1 review1 follower
August 20, 2023
The Barrier by MK Alexander

The beginning of The Barrier was cloudy, murky, and darkly but I knew something was up! This story ramps up nicely but quickly, and I immediately thought before the ending “…our worst fears lie in anticipation.”-Balzac, huh?—but, of course I just had to finsh reading it. This story is very well written, and took full advantage of my fearful worst-case imagination, as MK knew it would most likely for all readers.
I wish to personally thank MK Alexander for a nightmare I know I will soon have. Well done, sir.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews