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Gun Ship
Stranded, Loham Babar has spent the last fifteen months living amongst humans. During the day, he’s a South Chicago high school janitor, slopping a mop around from nine o’clock to three o’clock five days a week. At night, hiding out in an old boarded-up factory, he attends to his damaged interstellar spacecraft—making repairs—counting the days when he can return to his homeworld of Calunoth. All he needs to do is mind his own business—avoid any messy human dramas for just a few more weeks. But it is on one of those quiet nights when he hears them outside—the MP140s. Named for a police radio code for murder, these bangers are among the worst, most ruthless killers in the entire city. Peering down from the 3rd-floor window, Babar recognizes the quiet hermit boy below him, the one with the ugly facial scars, walking into a death trap. Little does Babar realize at the time that this scared, complicated, seventeen-year-old will be the key to saving the distant Realm of Dom Dynasty.Fantastic Military Sci-Fi! ActionHumor, interesting aliens, and multi-dimensional characters - just an awesome military science fiction story from Mark Wayne McGinnis. Same fun style as BV Larson, but more creative." - Barry HechtOUTSTANDING SPACE OPERA! The first scifi book I read was Have Space Suit, Will Travel, by Robert Heinlein. The book hooked me on scifi for life. I have read thousands of scifi books and was pleasantly surprised that Gun Ship compared very well with my first scifi book. Space opera, nonstop action, saving the world, all that good stuff." - DBMWhat an amazing Space Adventure!This was one of the most enjoyable sci-fi books I've read in years. Kudos to the author for writing a truly fun space adventure.- Dan MajorA Great Read!I am a big fan. Read the Scrapyard and Ship Wrecked, Stranded on an Alien World series. There is always non-stop action. - Phil Leininger5.0 out of 5 stars. Robert's Review and CommentsGreat story, on par with Boomer and Ship Wrecked, Stranded on an Alien World. Are we going to see the further adventures of Justin, Markus, Lena, Aila, and Babar? If so, sign me up for some Dow Dynasty action. Thanks for a GoodRead.- KCRollicking-good space opera scifi adventure!I truly enjoyed this story and how it reminded me of the dreams of a larger adventure that I had as a young teen. It fits well with many other great adventure sci-fi stories of someone living a smaller life and then being catapulted into an incredible adventure that spans space, introduces new civilizations, and makes living the old life impossible.The characters are interesting and believable enough that the reader gets invested in almost all of them. The political and relationship intrigues are plausible enough to pique interest and remain reasonable throughout (it is still a sci-fi story). The main male character's story arc is exciting and the female characters are all capable, tough, and intelligent. I'm not sure how it would resonate with female readers, but it does a quality job of incorporating numerous women of strength, passion, and character.It is a very enjoyable adventure that progresses at a brisk pace and leaves just enough open ends to make you yearn to know how those few character threads play out. If his other stories are anything like this one, I will definitely be buying many more Mark Wayne McGinnis novels.- A PatriotSatisfying sci-fi space adventure.I have come to really enjoy Mark's books.
416 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 17, 2020
654 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
March 1, 2020
Fast-paced story, not sure my cup of tea.
Fast-paced story, plenty of action. I did not like the main protagonist Justin, I am too old to be reading about teenage anxieties. I also think he was sort of a jerk. Sci-fi aspects of the book we’re good some of the things and techniques to used or found in previous books and series of this author.I also did not like the situation of the main protagonist having two personalities living inside him, this has been done before and has been done to death. Two personalities warring to take over a single body somewhat schizophrenic if you ask me.
Fast-paced story, plenty of action. I did not like the main protagonist Justin, I am too old to be reading about teenage anxieties. I also think he was sort of a jerk. Sci-fi aspects of the book we’re good some of the things and techniques to used or found in previous books and series of this author.I also did not like the situation of the main protagonist having two personalities living inside him, this has been done before and has been done to death. Two personalities warring to take over a single body somewhat schizophrenic if you ask me.
March 3, 2020
A nice reading experience
Taking a different approach from most Sci-fi books while there are space ships and aliens, there is more action and drama than techno-babble . Having had to struggle against a birth defect myself, I really felt what the main character had to deal with. It is true the cruelest animal on earth is a teenage human. I hope to see a sequel. The characters will have their work cut out for them trying to get the government's cooperation. Talk about"Herding cats"!!!!!! Nice work
Bill Hodges
Taking a different approach from most Sci-fi books while there are space ships and aliens, there is more action and drama than techno-babble . Having had to struggle against a birth defect myself, I really felt what the main character had to deal with. It is true the cruelest animal on earth is a teenage human. I hope to see a sequel. The characters will have their work cut out for them trying to get the government's cooperation. Talk about"Herding cats"!!!!!! Nice work
Bill Hodges
March 31, 2020
Depth required
Liked the cover, and the early setup with the janitor.
All the ingredients right but then it downgraded to a simple shootout in space. Would enjoy a thorough rewrite of this with more time spent on the characters and moral in general. There is hope. Story has potential.
Liked the cover, and the early setup with the janitor.
All the ingredients right but then it downgraded to a simple shootout in space. Would enjoy a thorough rewrite of this with more time spent on the characters and moral in general. There is hope. Story has potential.
September 24, 2021
I read the Kindle edition of this book, and in fairness, because I read ebooks on my phone during odd times waiting for things, it took several months to finish this book. That probably has some effect on my experience.
First the good: the elements for a good sci-fi adventure story are all there. Aliens, galactic politics, AI, technology granting new abilities, class conflict, "regular" kid swept up in a larger conflict. But the story seems a bit confused about its tone. Is this "gritty" sci-fi or teen fantasy wish fulfilment? It reads mostly like the latter, which would be fine, but it also tosses in a lot of extra violence and profanity as though trying to desperately grab for "adult" cred. The "grit" might be more tolerable if it was there for some kind of deeper messaging, but doesn't seem to be much beyond the surface.
The book probably could eek up to a three without massive trouble, and it had enough elements with potential it might have worked itself up to a 4 or 5 with a little more time to work on plot failings and tone consistency. But the racial stereotyping and excessive violence for what's essentially a teenage boy's fantasy dropped it. To be fair, this is a series, and GG may develop into a multilayered character with a great growth arc later. But in volume 1, every black character is a gang member with no redeeming qualities. GG's hard luck story doesn't even make much sense, because he clearly got out of Chicago and had options. I thought the book might redeem him with some growth in the second half, but no, he doesn't get that.
Background stories not quite feeling organic was the problem with a lot of the characters. I was intrigued by the protagonist being adopted, but that never proved to be relevant, which is ok except there's a situational tease that it might be. The teen millionaire bit could have been dropped with almost no effect on the plot. Really of the story line with the gang could have been dropped and the book might be better for it, which is a problem because that's half the book.
As a kid who really was unpopular in high school, it's a little grating to have a protagonist whine about having no friends, when he's clearly attractive, rich, and friends with a football star. Having the princess fall for a guy who looks almost identical to her brother is pretty cringy, even if it's not her biological brother.
Anyway, there's enough fodder for a good sci-fi film or series here, but the book does not reach it's potential. And really needed another round of editing (a few typos are normal, but misspelling character names multiple times is not a good proofreading).
First the good: the elements for a good sci-fi adventure story are all there. Aliens, galactic politics, AI, technology granting new abilities, class conflict, "regular" kid swept up in a larger conflict. But the story seems a bit confused about its tone. Is this "gritty" sci-fi or teen fantasy wish fulfilment? It reads mostly like the latter, which would be fine, but it also tosses in a lot of extra violence and profanity as though trying to desperately grab for "adult" cred. The "grit" might be more tolerable if it was there for some kind of deeper messaging, but doesn't seem to be much beyond the surface.
The book probably could eek up to a three without massive trouble, and it had enough elements with potential it might have worked itself up to a 4 or 5 with a little more time to work on plot failings and tone consistency. But the racial stereotyping and excessive violence for what's essentially a teenage boy's fantasy dropped it. To be fair, this is a series, and GG may develop into a multilayered character with a great growth arc later. But in volume 1, every black character is a gang member with no redeeming qualities. GG's hard luck story doesn't even make much sense, because he clearly got out of Chicago and had options. I thought the book might redeem him with some growth in the second half, but no, he doesn't get that.
Background stories not quite feeling organic was the problem with a lot of the characters. I was intrigued by the protagonist being adopted, but that never proved to be relevant, which is ok except there's a situational tease that it might be. The teen millionaire bit could have been dropped with almost no effect on the plot. Really of the story line with the gang could have been dropped and the book might be better for it, which is a problem because that's half the book.
As a kid who really was unpopular in high school, it's a little grating to have a protagonist whine about having no friends, when he's clearly attractive, rich, and friends with a football star. Having the princess fall for a guy who looks almost identical to her brother is pretty cringy, even if it's not her biological brother.
Anyway, there's enough fodder for a good sci-fi film or series here, but the book does not reach it's potential. And really needed another round of editing (a few typos are normal, but misspelling character names multiple times is not a good proofreading).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 22, 2025
I got to 50% and decided to DNF. It was getting too over the top with the MC's abilities and while a similar thing happened in the Sentenced to War series (the MC got nano augmentations and such), this is getting to be a little much, even for me. I just don't want to read any further because of the way it handles things, and feel it's best left alone because I'm kinda tired of the one who looks like a deceased royal is somehow going to convince me that the author has a beneficial attitude to the MC. I'm sorry, I can't in good conscience read any more and not roll my eyes at the powers the MC gets from his transformation.
February 22, 2020
Entertaining Read
Barbar looks out from his hideout to see a high school student surrounded by a murderous gang. He steps in to keep the boy from being killed. Tragedy and fate ensue. Little does Justin, the boy know that when he asks Barbar to teach him fighting skills that he would be caught up in an interstellar conspiracy with implications for Earth. I like the action, humor, and romance. I look forward to another book.
Barbar looks out from his hideout to see a high school student surrounded by a murderous gang. He steps in to keep the boy from being killed. Tragedy and fate ensue. Little does Justin, the boy know that when he asks Barbar to teach him fighting skills that he would be caught up in an interstellar conspiracy with implications for Earth. I like the action, humor, and romance. I look forward to another book.
April 22, 2020
Read and hopefully enjoy
Read and hopefully enjoy, this is a new author for me which I got to know about through another authors recommendation. I am glad I did give this book a go, it did seem a bit strange to start with as it jumps from one character to another and back but before you realize it you know the main characters and a bit about it individual one. You soon realize you are half way through the book and don't want to put it down. Give it a go I did and enjoyed it.
Read and hopefully enjoy, this is a new author for me which I got to know about through another authors recommendation. I am glad I did give this book a go, it did seem a bit strange to start with as it jumps from one character to another and back but before you realize it you know the main characters and a bit about it individual one. You soon realize you are half way through the book and don't want to put it down. Give it a go I did and enjoyed it.
March 10, 2020
Fun amazing story
It was a really well-written book a good plot with lots of twists and turns a lot of foreseeable and unforeseen events definitely a good Sci-Fi type story didn't really see any litrpg elements but it was definitely an overall great book definitely a must-read for a Sci-Fi fan of all ages
It was a really well-written book a good plot with lots of twists and turns a lot of foreseeable and unforeseen events definitely a good Sci-Fi type story didn't really see any litrpg elements but it was definitely an overall great book definitely a must-read for a Sci-Fi fan of all ages
March 16, 2020
Excellent
And now once more the wait starts for the sequel. Wait! Please tell me there will be a sequel? This was enjoyable from the first page to the last, although I feel the author could have exploited the tear factor maybe a little more with the emperor dying etc. But still immensely enjoyable.
And now once more the wait starts for the sequel. Wait! Please tell me there will be a sequel? This was enjoyable from the first page to the last, although I feel the author could have exploited the tear factor maybe a little more with the emperor dying etc. But still immensely enjoyable.
March 19, 2020
Creative story with well developed characters. Very exciting, and great friendships with an appropriate amount of emotional complexity
Imaginative technology, I look forward to see how these characters grow and the space battles to come. Well TH guns actually learn how to become "human?"
Imaginative technology, I look forward to see how these characters grow and the space battles to come. Well TH guns actually learn how to become "human?"
March 31, 2023
A great story for anyone who loves science fiction
I am so sorry that the story is over. This is one of those stories that you wish you where in, just enjoying the fantastic space adventure. It is great stories like this one that has me reading space adventures for forty plus years. I loved it ,thank you Mr McGinnis so very much.
I am so sorry that the story is over. This is one of those stories that you wish you where in, just enjoying the fantastic space adventure. It is great stories like this one that has me reading space adventures for forty plus years. I loved it ,thank you Mr McGinnis so very much.
February 25, 2020
Robert's Review and Comments
Great story, on par with Boomer and Shipwrecked. Are we going to see the further adventures of Justin, Markus, Lena, Aila and Babar? If so, sign me up for some Dow Dynasty action. Thanks for a GoodRead.
Great story, on par with Boomer and Shipwrecked. Are we going to see the further adventures of Justin, Markus, Lena, Aila and Babar? If so, sign me up for some Dow Dynasty action. Thanks for a GoodRead.
March 12, 2020
Great story
I think this story line has great possibilities. Love the star faring worlds opposing political views and the back stabbing ways. The technology expounded upon is nice and the sharing within the member worlds makes for continued books in this series.
I think this story line has great possibilities. Love the star faring worlds opposing political views and the back stabbing ways. The technology expounded upon is nice and the sharing within the member worlds makes for continued books in this series.
May 3, 2020
Great Storyline
Well what can I say but that just took me right into space lol.. Totally enjoyed this storyline and looking forward to the next book about our hero's and their gunship
Well what can I say but that just took me right into space lol.. Totally enjoyed this storyline and looking forward to the next book about our hero's and their gunship
May 29, 2020
Space Opera and Gang Violence
A refreshing, appropriately paced, far earth adventure that included good old fashioned big city gang violence, smart, young city dwellers and an intergalactic war that scoops them up.
A refreshing, appropriately paced, far earth adventure that included good old fashioned big city gang violence, smart, young city dwellers and an intergalactic war that scoops them up.
June 4, 2020
The storyline has more death and physical violence in it than I expected. Much of it seems rather pointless and unnecessary to the narrative. The action sequences kept my interest though many were highly unlikely. The story ends without resolution or denouement and the reader has an assumption for the future but no real answer.
June 30, 2020
Nice quick read.
Enjoyed the characters and the slightly different take on SCI FI.
OK there are some gaps and jumps, but that is acceptable to keeping a nicely paced narrative.
Overall, recommended for a lazy weekend.
Enjoyed the characters and the slightly different take on SCI FI.
OK there are some gaps and jumps, but that is acceptable to keeping a nicely paced narrative.
Overall, recommended for a lazy weekend.
January 4, 2021
Want more!
Good story, needs book two. The characters can each take a new book by themselves. Action was excellent, "gang" stuff sounded real, but what do I know about it? Very little to nothing. Again, book two!
Good story, needs book two. The characters can each take a new book by themselves. Action was excellent, "gang" stuff sounded real, but what do I know about it? Very little to nothing. Again, book two!
October 18, 2021
Space thriller at its best
This is a well written and energy packed space thriller, as are all of mark mcguiness' novels so far read. Lots of action, some humor, maintaining a true moral compass. Love reading his books. Hard to put down!
This is a well written and energy packed space thriller, as are all of mark mcguiness' novels so far read. Lots of action, some humor, maintaining a true moral compass. Love reading his books. Hard to put down!
November 20, 2022
Very good story telling! Lots of twists and turns, action and a little humor thrown in. It was nice to get a good story in one book. Although, the author could easily spin off additional books if he wanted.
May 14, 2025
Very slow start
I always give any book 50 pages to catch my interest. I was ready to put this one down however having read many books by this author, I kept reading. Boy am I glad I did. I would have given it 5 stars it not for the slow start.
I always give any book 50 pages to catch my interest. I was ready to put this one down however having read many books by this author, I kept reading. Boy am I glad I did. I would have given it 5 stars it not for the slow start.
February 20, 2020
A fast active story in the first persons prospective
An excellent story right from the start. Hopefully the storyline will continue as I know this is a good story line
An excellent story right from the start. Hopefully the storyline will continue as I know this is a good story line
February 20, 2020
Short and sweet!
A quick read looking at a growing collection of fun books and interesting characters. Really enjoyed it. Hoping for more in the future.
A quick read looking at a growing collection of fun books and interesting characters. Really enjoyed it. Hoping for more in the future.
February 23, 2020
Great
As always Mr McGinnis produces another well written fast paced great read thank you sir.
😀 can't wait for the next one
As always Mr McGinnis produces another well written fast paced great read thank you sir.
😀 can't wait for the next one
February 25, 2020
dadgum good book
Mark Twain is a dead gum good storyteller. and this was a good story told well. enjoy this book. /.
Mark Twain is a dead gum good storyteller. and this was a good story told well. enjoy this book. /.
February 29, 2020
New series
New series from one of my favorite authors, I’m always excited to read that first book and get to know the characters and he doesn’t disappoint. Great start
New series from one of my favorite authors, I’m always excited to read that first book and get to know the characters and he doesn’t disappoint. Great start
March 2, 2020
A fun read!
The story is original and the characters are real. The book is well written and the plot is fast paced. I hope there are sequels.
The story is original and the characters are real. The book is well written and the plot is fast paced. I hope there are sequels.
March 7, 2020
Please, there will be more?
This has to be the start of a new series? Mark Wayne McGinnis has yet to disappoint me when starting my favorite space adventures. A fan!
This has to be the start of a new series? Mark Wayne McGinnis has yet to disappoint me when starting my favorite space adventures. A fan!
March 16, 2020
A fun story
This is a good earth kid does good helps an alien. Fights bad guys on earth and in space. Good characters and a story that keeps you reading.
This is a good earth kid does good helps an alien. Fights bad guys on earth and in space. Good characters and a story that keeps you reading.
March 19, 2020
Gun ship
Another great book by Mr McGinnis really interesting group of characters great storyline would like to see more books with this story
Another great book by Mr McGinnis really interesting group of characters great storyline would like to see more books with this story
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews