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Hover
"Nobody delivers the FUN, like McGinnis . . . another imaginative page-turner!" Brad FitzgeraldThe year is 2049, and we most certainly are not alone… A miraculous, life-enhancing microbe has been discovered on Mars and the race is on to bring the organism back to Earth. But failed physicist Jack Harding has his own reasons to get to Mars first—to save a dying, seven-year-old boy. All he must do to succeed is break the law—the law of gravity. To make the mission to Mars, Jack must perfect a ground-breaking anti-gravity technology and avoid being killed by the ruthless billionaire, Travis Locke, a man who has no qualms with breaking a few laws himself—even murder. The life of a young boy, one of five orphans entrusted to Jack’s care, hangs in the balance as Jack struggles between the man he once was and the man he hopes he can be again.You won't regret reading this book.You will find yourself on the edge of your seat once they leave Earth, and you won’t scootch back until you put the book down. You won’t regret reading HOVER. - Nancy WFascinating Concept and Story! I was given a copy of Hover as a gift and thoroughly enjoyed it. Science fiction space opera is one of my favorite genres to read and this story had some very original concepts. The tension between the characters kept me interested as the motley crew entered space in a race to save one of their sons and bring an amazing medical discovery back to Earth. The story is both fun and exciting. Enjoy!-Stuart ChurchBest Science Fiction Book! This is one of the best sci-fi books I've read in the past ten years. MWM is great at military science fiction and now I know he is also great at writing sci-fi techno thrillers! Not since Mark Wayne McGinnis wrote Scrapyard Ship, have I been so entertained. Piper ChaseGreat. Just Great! I really love a book that is well written and with a great sense of humor! I was disappointed when I finished it. I can not criticize anything EXCEPT, it did not last long. I just wanted it to go on and on. I would recommend it to everyone, I believe they would really enjoy it! A sequel Mr.McGinnis pretty please? - Wesley GarrettGreat Adventure and Fun Read! Good character development and lots of action. It was a fun read and not too many future scenarios. Recommended reading if you like fun scifi. - Stan DrakeAn awesome science fiction thriller! Mr. McGinnis has done it again. This novel is full of interesting science, very bad guys, human drama, and best of all, fun. It's the type of story that you can't put down until you've read it all. Here's hoping a sequel is in the works. - IreneExcellent Science Fiction Book! Mark Wayne McGinnis has created an intriguing storyline with an excellent cast of characters with HOVER. I highly recommend this book along with all of this author's works of science fiction, beginning with Scrapyard Ship. - Lou M.From Scrapyard Ship to the USS Hamilton to HOVER, another great science fiction thriller is here!MWM knows how to spin a good yarn. This one is a mix of sci-fi space adventure and sci-fi techno-thriller. Thank you Mr. McGinnis for continuing to provide such fun entertainment.-Charles D.Amazing Space Adventure!Mark Wayne McGinnis has done it again. In the style of BV Larson, only better. The author adds just the right blend of humor and tension and just a splash of romance. - Sue P.
422 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 21, 2021
299 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
July 16, 2021
Would make an okay "B" movie
This book had a good concept going for it but the execution was lacking. In the first part of the book, circumstances are almost cliche. Jack is guardian for 5 kids, he is $300 grand in debt to a loan shark, he is totally out of his element domestically and burns dinner, and pisses off his new girlfriend on the very first date. His partner. Bart is a nerd extraordinaire who likes to wear goofy hats. Their interplay is reminiscent of Abbot and Costello or Laurel and Hardy.
The second half of the book picks up speed almost like the author realized he only had 150 pages to finish the story. From there, things feel really contrived and almost too easy. Like, the bad guy just hit my ship with an EMP. But my 13-year-old daughter who snuck aboard solves the problem - sure.
All this adds up to a book would make a decent b-movie.
This book had a good concept going for it but the execution was lacking. In the first part of the book, circumstances are almost cliche. Jack is guardian for 5 kids, he is $300 grand in debt to a loan shark, he is totally out of his element domestically and burns dinner, and pisses off his new girlfriend on the very first date. His partner. Bart is a nerd extraordinaire who likes to wear goofy hats. Their interplay is reminiscent of Abbot and Costello or Laurel and Hardy.
The second half of the book picks up speed almost like the author realized he only had 150 pages to finish the story. From there, things feel really contrived and almost too easy. Like, the bad guy just hit my ship with an EMP. But my 13-year-old daughter who snuck aboard solves the problem - sure.
All this adds up to a book would make a decent b-movie.
May 5, 2021
Great book.
I love this authors writing. This is another of his can't stop reading novels. The story is fast paced and enjoyable.
I love this authors writing. This is another of his can't stop reading novels. The story is fast paced and enjoyable.
Read
July 13, 20212/10: Managed half the book, tempted to read more but just couldn't get there.
April 25, 2021
Enjoyable
That was very enjoyable and a fun read. Some bad language at times but good overall. In the beginning you wish it could move faster but then towards to middle and the end you wish there was so much more to the story. Thank you so much for this story.
That was very enjoyable and a fun read. Some bad language at times but good overall. In the beginning you wish it could move faster but then towards to middle and the end you wish there was so much more to the story. Thank you so much for this story.
April 23, 2021
Fun ride!
I read McGinnis' books because they're always a fun romp. If you're looking for lighthearted entertainment this is a sure bet.
I read McGinnis' books because they're always a fun romp. If you're looking for lighthearted entertainment this is a sure bet.
December 13, 2022
This was just an okay book. I don't count it anywhere close one of my favorites by a long shot. I wouldn't recommend it. While the ending is decent, it did feel somewhat rushed compared to the rest of the novel, which was rather slow moving. I actually liked the character Alice, one of the kids, better than the main character who was mostly an a-hole through out the first half or more of the book. It was very hard to root for him.
Many of the minor characters were more sympathetic, but even those tended to fall into stereotypes or to seem unrealistic. The villain, though better done than the main character, was too stereotypical and overblown, coming off as maniacal at times.
Some reviewers have argued against the foul language, but honestly there was very little, and it certainly would not bother any teen readers who surely will have heard much more in their daily lives.
This was still a better book than some I have read. The science was plausible and interesting--although I do wish the author or his editor had caught the couple of flubs pointed out (like timing thunder from the lightning flash). My rating of three stars isn't intended to say it's not worth reading. It's a decent novel that will keep you turning the pages at a moderate rate. Just don't expect a fast-moving, gripping story.
Many of the minor characters were more sympathetic, but even those tended to fall into stereotypes or to seem unrealistic. The villain, though better done than the main character, was too stereotypical and overblown, coming off as maniacal at times.
Some reviewers have argued against the foul language, but honestly there was very little, and it certainly would not bother any teen readers who surely will have heard much more in their daily lives.
This was still a better book than some I have read. The science was plausible and interesting--although I do wish the author or his editor had caught the couple of flubs pointed out (like timing thunder from the lightning flash). My rating of three stars isn't intended to say it's not worth reading. It's a decent novel that will keep you turning the pages at a moderate rate. Just don't expect a fast-moving, gripping story.
May 22, 2021
Yuck
This book has just about every element I hate in a book: annoyingly precocious children, flawed protagonists, atomic powered supervillains, characters whose autism is used to make them amusing. Oh, and Jewish mothers, stereotyped enough to convey a certain anti-Semitism.
Were a European couple to be so very unlikely as to have FIVE children and then BOTH die, the children would not be rushed onto a plane, before the remains had even cooled and sent to some random penniless American to deal with, no matter the eccentric wishes of the late parents. The author has written other books which I quite enjoyed, but I resent the time wasted on this stinker
This book has just about every element I hate in a book: annoyingly precocious children, flawed protagonists, atomic powered supervillains, characters whose autism is used to make them amusing. Oh, and Jewish mothers, stereotyped enough to convey a certain anti-Semitism.
Were a European couple to be so very unlikely as to have FIVE children and then BOTH die, the children would not be rushed onto a plane, before the remains had even cooled and sent to some random penniless American to deal with, no matter the eccentric wishes of the late parents. The author has written other books which I quite enjoyed, but I resent the time wasted on this stinker
March 23, 2022
The storyline of "Hover" was what caught my attention to get this book as I love most Sci-Fi type stories. What I didn't care for, as it turned out, was the very graphic descriptions of the torture inflicted on the victims of the psychopathic bad guy. I had to skip over those parts. And along that line, what didn't the bad guy get offed in the end, to get his just reward for his cruelty. As you can tell, this aspect of the storyline was very distracting to me. I did love the ingenuity of the young daughter. The rest of the story was interesting in it's concept although very unbelievable. I was happy when it advanced quickly to the end. This wouldn't be a book that I would recommend to anyone. I gave it a rating of 3.
February 12, 2022
I really tried!! But I just couldn't finish it.
If you like a story with a bumbling idiot protagonist, distracted by a (full chapter) dysfunctional and out of control group of children
being raised by an insensitive genius moron, you'll love this.
I fairness my tolerance level for stupid in the main character is very low.
It's weird....I have really enjoyed so many of Mark McGinnis' other books and series. This one won't stop me from reading more... But I just could not finish this book, half ways not bad, right?
If you like a story with a bumbling idiot protagonist, distracted by a (full chapter) dysfunctional and out of control group of children
being raised by an insensitive genius moron, you'll love this.
I fairness my tolerance level for stupid in the main character is very low.
It's weird....I have really enjoyed so many of Mark McGinnis' other books and series. This one won't stop me from reading more... But I just could not finish this book, half ways not bad, right?
July 6, 2021
Slow start, decent ending
For me the first half of the book seemed to drag along with all the background info and build up. The last half things seemed to flow better as the interaction with the characters and the story line began to move along. It is a nice twist of plot toward the end with the nemesis. I fluctuated between 3 and 4 stars. I gave it three because of the first half of the book. I read at least 50 books a year. I would re-read this again at some point.
For me the first half of the book seemed to drag along with all the background info and build up. The last half things seemed to flow better as the interaction with the characters and the story line began to move along. It is a nice twist of plot toward the end with the nemesis. I fluctuated between 3 and 4 stars. I gave it three because of the first half of the book. I read at least 50 books a year. I would re-read this again at some point.
July 11, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyed
There's a lot of humor in this book and I loved how the author juxtaposition it with the storyline. It felt like you were right there with the characters in their world. The family scenes were hilarious, but poignant as well. Jack never seems to get a break, yet he does and then he doesn't. Hope you enjoy this book as much as I did. Would love to see a short series of it.
There's a lot of humor in this book and I loved how the author juxtaposition it with the storyline. It felt like you were right there with the characters in their world. The family scenes were hilarious, but poignant as well. Jack never seems to get a break, yet he does and then he doesn't. Hope you enjoy this book as much as I did. Would love to see a short series of it.
April 25, 2021
GREAT JUST GREAT
I really love a book that is well written and with a great sense of humour! I was disappointed when I finished it. I can not criticise any thing EXCEPT , it did not last long. I just wanted it to go on and on. I would recommend it to every one, I believe they would really enjoy it! A sequal Mr.McGinnis pretty please?
I really love a book that is well written and with a great sense of humour! I was disappointed when I finished it. I can not criticise any thing EXCEPT , it did not last long. I just wanted it to go on and on. I would recommend it to every one, I believe they would really enjoy it! A sequal Mr.McGinnis pretty please?
May 10, 2021
Jewish Laurel and Hardy
How could two clutzes like this be geniuses?! It was funny at first, but their antics seriously detracted from the story. The space ship was a joke, and what woman is going to be attached to either of these dolts? The problems of single parenting is no joke, however, and is possibly the most important part of the story.
How could two clutzes like this be geniuses?! It was funny at first, but their antics seriously detracted from the story. The space ship was a joke, and what woman is going to be attached to either of these dolts? The problems of single parenting is no joke, however, and is possibly the most important part of the story.
April 25, 2021
A slow start, satisfying finish
I will admit that this tale was not what I quite expected. A time or three, I was tempted to put it down. The main characters take a while to warm up too. The ride has a few dips and swerves, but at the end the will leave a happy smile.
I will admit that this tale was not what I quite expected. A time or three, I was tempted to put it down. The main characters take a while to warm up too. The ride has a few dips and swerves, but at the end the will leave a happy smile.
April 29, 2021
Up and down
Mark you can do better. I know I've read your work. Great story here but to many ups and downs in explaining parts. Your conclusion appeared to be a rush. I think a little more explanation on how things were going would be better.
Mark you can do better. I know I've read your work. Great story here but to many ups and downs in explaining parts. Your conclusion appeared to be a rush. I think a little more explanation on how things were going would be better.
June 5, 2021
Great story!
There were a lot of characters to learn at the beginning,but it was worth it! The story line was captivating and the plot had some interesting twists! Lots of action and excellent scene development. You definitely want to read this book!
There were a lot of characters to learn at the beginning,but it was worth it! The story line was captivating and the plot had some interesting twists! Lots of action and excellent scene development. You definitely want to read this book!
June 20, 2021
Loved it......!!!!!!!
I've always enjoyed Mark Wayne McGinnis's books. This one, however, just seemed to pull me in.All the characters were terrific and the story, a little mesmerizing.
Try it out. You'll like it.
I've always enjoyed Mark Wayne McGinnis's books. This one, however, just seemed to pull me in.All the characters were terrific and the story, a little mesmerizing.
Try it out. You'll like it.
June 27, 2021
Very cool sci-fi story. Neat tech, psycho billionaire, geek hero.
This is not your average story with aliens, space ships, battles and weapons. It starts off slow but stick with it. Neat twist at the end.
This is not your average story with aliens, space ships, battles and weapons. It starts off slow but stick with it. Neat twist at the end.
June 30, 2021
A cure for everything!
A guy who inherits 5 kids who never married is now a dad times five. Think about that, how would you handle that? A great story to save a kid and against terrible odds. You need to read to find out.
A guy who inherits 5 kids who never married is now a dad times five. Think about that, how would you handle that? A great story to save a kid and against terrible odds. You need to read to find out.
August 10, 2021
Nice premise! Not well done.
Exciting story, an out of control train wreck most of the way through. And at the end, the worst bad guy, our own government. Hope is not a plan, we are Americans, if abuses cannot go on,
Exciting story, an out of control train wreck most of the way through. And at the end, the worst bad guy, our own government. Hope is not a plan, we are Americans, if abuses cannot go on,
August 11, 2021
Fun read
Although a fun read, the concluding chapters seemed rushed as though the author had a deadline to meet. Could have spent a little more time on the ending suspense (which was lacking).
Although a fun read, the concluding chapters seemed rushed as though the author had a deadline to meet. Could have spent a little more time on the ending suspense (which was lacking).
August 16, 2021
From the Junkyard series to Hover
You sir are one of the best storytelling SiFi writers of this era. I can not wait to begin your next adventure into the plausible future we humans are sure to encounter.
I'm reminded of Verne, Asimov, and Clarke...!
You sir are one of the best storytelling SiFi writers of this era. I can not wait to begin your next adventure into the plausible future we humans are sure to encounter.
I'm reminded of Verne, Asimov, and Clarke...!
January 29, 2022
Too long and too bad
What a colossal waste of time the writing of this and the reading of this collection of words called "Hover" is.
Ridiculous bad guy, infantile plot & character development, childish sub plots, the list of horrors is endless.
What a colossal waste of time the writing of this and the reading of this collection of words called "Hover" is.
Ridiculous bad guy, infantile plot & character development, childish sub plots, the list of horrors is endless.
June 22, 2022
nice read evil vs good and guess who wins ;-)
Nicely written story- good plot - basically a fun story of discovery and triumph over evil and the happy ending was the cherry on top. Now just what else can be done with the discovery- book 2?
Nicely written story- good plot - basically a fun story of discovery and triumph over evil and the happy ending was the cherry on top. Now just what else can be done with the discovery- book 2?
April 24, 2021
A great story
An interesting new novel by the author. The story is compelling and gripping. The characters are well developed and you cannot help but root for the underdog.
An interesting new novel by the author. The story is compelling and gripping. The characters are well developed and you cannot help but root for the underdog.
May 2, 2021
Great Adventure and Fun Read!
Good character development and lots of action. It was a fun read and not too much future scenarios. Recommended to read.
Good character development and lots of action. It was a fun read and not too much future scenarios. Recommended to read.
May 3, 2021
A nice storyline
This book has a nice storyline as well as interesting characters. It is a nice simple and fun book for all ages
This book has a nice storyline as well as interesting characters. It is a nice simple and fun book for all ages
May 17, 2021
Good story
The bad guy is truly bad. The good guy is work in progress. The various ensemble members flesh out the cast well
The bad guy is truly bad. The good guy is work in progress. The various ensemble members flesh out the cast well
May 19, 2021
Outstanding book from a consistent author. I'm a sucker for books where the good guy wins and it all works out well for the main characters.
May 20, 2021
McGinnis always rocks
Another great read with oddballs that make the storyline really keep you turning the pages. Bad guys versus good guys and everything in between
Another great read with oddballs that make the storyline really keep you turning the pages. Bad guys versus good guys and everything in between
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews