The Ship

by M.K. Alexander

Aye, welcome aboard, mates!
I can say little more without issuing a spoiler alert. Sorry…
I can say it’s about the largest vessel ever built by humankind. Embark on an unforgettable voyage with its peculiar crew. Come under attack as they sail into the dark void and parts unknown. Find yourself trapped below decks, and rely on young Ensign York to reach the Bridge and save everyone on board.
Steampunk of sort, set at the turn of the century, though I’ll not say which century. Save Our Souls, Ship in Distress…

author’s note:

Save a scant few, all the characters aboard ship are named for famous engineers of a bygone era. This is meant as a tribute to their contributions to humankind, and in no way reflects on how the fictional characters are portrayed in this story.

337 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 29, 2020

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Gregoire · Rating 4 out of 5]

je ne suis ni un ex militaire ni un scientifique donc je me suis laissé aller à la découverte de cet immense vaisseau et de ses équipages sans me poser de questions
J'ai retrouvé là le plaisir des mes premières découvertes en SF sans prise de tête, sans info dumps ou digressions interminables (politiques ou autres) avec de la tension, de l'action et des "matelots" dévoués à leurs postes
Ce n'est certes pas un chef d’œuvre inoubliable, ni même un livre de Space Opéra moderne genre hard sciences, mais c'est très visuel et donne envie d'accompagner M. York (notre modeste super héros) dans ses opérations de survie et de secours
J'aurais en lisant apprécié un plan du bâtiment mais peut-être cela aurait-il un peu gâché l'avancement de l'histoire ; l'auteur cherchant visiblement à nous intriguer et à nous faire une visite guidée de chaque partie en partant de la cale jusqu'au sommet (au propre et au figuré) avec une belle variété de caractères

Il y a également un mixte entre les termes de marine à l'ancienne et le voyage dans l'espace qui donne une saveur particulière au récit parsemé de moments de tension et d'autres donnant presque dans la caricature (bureaucratie, militaires bornés etc versus courage, solidarité, respect et sacrifice)

Le voyage à bord du Ship est-il une mise en bouche pour d'autres dangereuses aventures ??? Si oui, je lirai volontiers les suites, voir si l'auteur saura étoffer l'univers et si les graines semées vont prendre toute leur ampleur et rendre le tout encore plus distrayant

[Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in a single sitting . . . it’s a genuine imaginative tour de force peopled with likeable, eccentric, and convincing characters. The reader is skilfully kept guessing until close to the end as to the exact nature of ‘The Ship’, with the ending itself full of unexpected twists and turns. A powerful sense of enclosure and confinement pervades the narrative, greatly adding to the atmosphere as the intricacies of the vessel’s internal structure are slowly revealed. The story satisfies on several levels as in addition it is no small social commentary, with much to say by implication or through irony about hierarchies and structures, leadership and professional status. This is Alexander at the height of his powers and readers, whether or not they are already familiar with his inventiveness and imagination, will not be disappointed. Strongly recommended.

[Wendy Bayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

MK Alexander is one of the most creative science fiction writers it has been my pleasure to follow. His book ‘The Ship’ is a truly unique and inventive voyage into the unknown outer reaches of space. If you have ever watched Star Trek: Below Decks (which is hilarious) or seen/read any tragic stories about the journey on the high seas or in outer space, then you will love this story. His characters are named after the ingenious engineers of the past and are brilliantly portrayed. MK strikes the perfect balance of humour, mystery, and desperation.
This is a series well worth reading. Kick back and enjoy the flight, I mean, book.

[Sandra Sperling · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like to read adventure stories featuring interesting characters, this is a book for you! It's the first one I've ever read that takes place in a high-end submarine, and reading about the sub adds to the fascination in the plot. I look forward to reading all the book in this series.

[G.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It was well-written with interesting characters. Looking forward to the next one in the series.

[Cat Bowser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unique and engaging for sci if fans

This is definitely a hard sci fi. I tend to enjoy softer sci fi so I wasn’t engaged quite as much. If hard sci fi is your jam, this is a 5 star.

Know Hunt for the Red October? Put that in space and paint a little of the tension from Alien in it and you have this book. I mean that as a compliment.

The world is well developed, characters engaging, and the plot generates horror, mystery and tension abound. A must for sci fi fans!

[Dr susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great sci fi adventure with a steampunk twist

I admit I wasn't sure about The Ship in the beginning, but the characters and the story dragged me in and kept me reading. I like the narrator and the ship. The below decks crew and arborists were fascinating. The ship's systems and lack of communication were frustrating at times, but the story is different and well-written.

[Sandra Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first in a series of five steampunk/sci-fi/space fleet fiction AND a fun read.
After their ship is attacked, Ensign York must journey from the bowels of the ship—one of the largest in the known world—to the bridge. In what should be a straight forward trek, he and a fascinating young woman encounter intruders, saboteurs and people in need of rescuing, while trying to reach the captain.
As with all MK’s books, the characters are well-rounded and developed. The conversation witty and tinged with humor, and the world building top notch.
THE SHIP is recommended for all MK Alexander fans and readers of steampunk and fleet fiction.
I look forward to the next in the series.

[M.K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beta Readers say...

"incredibly clever and imaginative"
--fm

“Blew through this one very fast— in other words— really held my interest! So yes — I love it.”
--dh

Another great story. Nice job. Good interesting, grabbing start, well sustained, and poignant yet happy ending. Steampunk-ish, but futuristic. Socially aware, but not bogging down the action. Imaginative but well grounded. Credible with the suspension of disbelief. Do you have a scale model built in the kitchen?
--sb

[M.K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beta Readers say:

"incredibly clever and imaginative"
--FM

“Blew through this one very fast— in other words— really held my interest! So yes — I love it.”
--DH

Another great story. Nice job. Good interesting, grabbing start, well sustained, and poignant yet happy ending. Steampunk-ish, but futuristic. Socially aware, but not bogging down the action. Imaginative but well grounded. Credible with the suspension of disbelief. Do you have a scale model built in the kitchen?
--SB