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The Fallen Ship #1
The Fallen Ship: Rise of the Gia Rebellion
"If I could be half the person my dog is, I’d be twice the
human I am." — Charles Yu
Moving on from the trauma of combat in Afghanistan, former Green Beret Captain Sam Dale has just begun to settle down in his hometown of Castle Rock, Colorado. Now the owner of several small businesses, he is unaware that his world is about to be turned upside down. The call comes in at 2:30 a.m. The skies outside have opened up, unleashing a torrential rainstorm. Sam’s small towing company is being tasked with the retrieval of some kind of crashed aircraft.
At the site and up close, Sam soon suspects this is no ordinary aircraft. Could it be…some kind of small alien ship? And that’s when Sam comes face-to-face with the pilot—one who goes by the name of Cypress.
Sam will soon learn that a massive fleet of warships has recently jumped into the solar system, originating from the planet Naru. Soon, the initial stages of terra-displacement will ensue—the ravishing of Earth’s natural resources and genocide of the human populace. Sam and Cypress discover their goals are more aligned than expected—deciding to work together, albeit reluctantly. First up, they must recruit an army of local townsfolk. Unfortunately, too few of them are only marginally acceptable. Others are downright misfits. While it is time to defend a now totally isolated Castle Rock, it is also time to play offense and take the battle to the alien fleet up in space. Sam will now have to become the man he has fought so hard to leave in the past. The decorated Green Beret, the one with killer instincts and combat skills like few others.
And so, the epic interstellar saga, The Fallen Ship, begins…
human I am." — Charles Yu
Moving on from the trauma of combat in Afghanistan, former Green Beret Captain Sam Dale has just begun to settle down in his hometown of Castle Rock, Colorado. Now the owner of several small businesses, he is unaware that his world is about to be turned upside down. The call comes in at 2:30 a.m. The skies outside have opened up, unleashing a torrential rainstorm. Sam’s small towing company is being tasked with the retrieval of some kind of crashed aircraft.
At the site and up close, Sam soon suspects this is no ordinary aircraft. Could it be…some kind of small alien ship? And that’s when Sam comes face-to-face with the pilot—one who goes by the name of Cypress.
Sam will soon learn that a massive fleet of warships has recently jumped into the solar system, originating from the planet Naru. Soon, the initial stages of terra-displacement will ensue—the ravishing of Earth’s natural resources and genocide of the human populace. Sam and Cypress discover their goals are more aligned than expected—deciding to work together, albeit reluctantly. First up, they must recruit an army of local townsfolk. Unfortunately, too few of them are only marginally acceptable. Others are downright misfits. While it is time to defend a now totally isolated Castle Rock, it is also time to play offense and take the battle to the alien fleet up in space. Sam will now have to become the man he has fought so hard to leave in the past. The decorated Green Beret, the one with killer instincts and combat skills like few others.
And so, the epic interstellar saga, The Fallen Ship, begins…
- GenresScience Fiction
314 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 11, 2022
627 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
September 7, 2022
I am so entertained!
Cypress/Rocko is my favourite, but the main character Sam seems pretty great too. I think him liking Harper is super cute. The McGinnis' got me hook, line and sinker with this one and I'm totally looking forward to the next book.
Cypress/Rocko is my favourite, but the main character Sam seems pretty great too. I think him liking Harper is super cute. The McGinnis' got me hook, line and sinker with this one and I'm totally looking forward to the next book.
June 16, 2022
Didn't grasp my interest.
May 7, 2022
A great new start to another new series!
Thank you Mark Wayne and Kim McGinnis, for several hours of reading enjoyment!
I believe I have read everything written under the name of McGinnis, but since this is the first time I have written a review of a book with Kim's name attached, I would like to say "Welcome" to Kim and thanks for your additional talents. I'm not a great reviewer yet , but I promise I will try to give more reviews in the future.
Thank you Mark Wayne and Kim McGinnis, for several hours of reading enjoyment!
I believe I have read everything written under the name of McGinnis, but since this is the first time I have written a review of a book with Kim's name attached, I would like to say "Welcome" to Kim and thanks for your additional talents. I'm not a great reviewer yet , but I promise I will try to give more reviews in the future.
July 8, 2024
Another slow starter
I must be on a roll, 2 consecutive books at the start of their respective series and both take forever to get going
This one maybe not as bad as the previous, but still a good third of the beginning of the book is scene setting and character introduction, it is slow, it is detailed, it is dull. Thankfully from there it picks up
The premise is aliens attack earth, 1 AI is against us, another with us and the book is basically about how humanity starts to respond. I wouldn't call it fighting back just yet, they have only managed to do a small amount so far
Sam an ex-Green Beret ends up the leader of the rebellion, his possible girlfriend is his 2nd in command and then scientist is in the mix, as well as someone Sam annoyed early on, but now has to rely on
Overall it's ok. Not up to the standard of the authors previous books, but the potential is there and it's only the beginning
I must be on a roll, 2 consecutive books at the start of their respective series and both take forever to get going
This one maybe not as bad as the previous, but still a good third of the beginning of the book is scene setting and character introduction, it is slow, it is detailed, it is dull. Thankfully from there it picks up
The premise is aliens attack earth, 1 AI is against us, another with us and the book is basically about how humanity starts to respond. I wouldn't call it fighting back just yet, they have only managed to do a small amount so far
Sam an ex-Green Beret ends up the leader of the rebellion, his possible girlfriend is his 2nd in command and then scientist is in the mix, as well as someone Sam annoyed early on, but now has to rely on
Overall it's ok. Not up to the standard of the authors previous books, but the potential is there and it's only the beginning
June 23, 2022
Interesting. This wasn't as good as I expected but I think it's because I didn't expect some of the things that happened. You know how you're thinking it will go one way because that's the smarter plan, then the characters do a lot of things that are completely different? That's what I mean.
But it's not that they did it wrong, it just wasn't what I thought they'd do. The addition of things like the types of rifles they used seemed extraneous. There wasn't the level of excitement that I expected either. But don't get me wrong, it's a good story. Definitely one I'd recommend.
The narration by James Patrick Cronin was great. I didn't used to like him, but I've read enough of his other books in a different genre that he's grown on me.
But it's not that they did it wrong, it just wasn't what I thought they'd do. The addition of things like the types of rifles they used seemed extraneous. There wasn't the level of excitement that I expected either. But don't get me wrong, it's a good story. Definitely one I'd recommend.
The narration by James Patrick Cronin was great. I didn't used to like him, but I've read enough of his other books in a different genre that he's grown on me.
March 2, 2023
Interesting plot idea that began to deteriorate about 1/2 day through the book, then only loosely held together by the beginning of the 2nd book in the series. The lead character started as a sympathetic person one could identify with and a well-defined personality and capabilities. This personality and characteristics changed randomly through the series, not in a growth sequence, nor in a declination sequence, more a chaotic process, perhaps he became schizophrenic. It is a shame that this plot idea was not developed by a more capable author, it could have been a good read. Warning of rapidly increasing use of profanity throughout this book and especially the 2nd in the series. I cannot recommend this book, nor can I recommend this author.
June 3, 2022
Best Ever!!
I can't say enough about this story except.... I want more!! Sam, a former Green Beret, and his all walks-of-life resistance fighters are repelling the alien invasion with the help of an AI named Gia. Cypress, an alien whose consciousness is inhabiting a golden retriever, has partnered up with the humans to save Earth. The edge-of-your seat anticipation of what will happen next keeps you reading. Until, you get to that last sentence when you're left hanging. So, Mark, don't keep me waiting too long on pins n' needles. Readers like me can't stand the suspense! 😱😲
I can't say enough about this story except.... I want more!! Sam, a former Green Beret, and his all walks-of-life resistance fighters are repelling the alien invasion with the help of an AI named Gia. Cypress, an alien whose consciousness is inhabiting a golden retriever, has partnered up with the humans to save Earth. The edge-of-your seat anticipation of what will happen next keeps you reading. Until, you get to that last sentence when you're left hanging. So, Mark, don't keep me waiting too long on pins n' needles. Readers like me can't stand the suspense! 😱😲
June 16, 2022
Rock and roll read...
Mark Wayne McGinnis (and Kim McGinnis) know how to spin a sci to yarn. I have loved most of his writing and can't wait for more. The first book in the Fallen Ship Series has been fun. Set in a real Colorado town , with real local locations...it was a fun sci to frolic that left me wanting to travel to the town it is set in and try the famous donut (read the book, look up the location and the diner and see the pics). I am looking forward to following the character development, the plot and story and see where the McGinnis' take this tale it should be a fun ride.
Mark Wayne McGinnis (and Kim McGinnis) know how to spin a sci to yarn. I have loved most of his writing and can't wait for more. The first book in the Fallen Ship Series has been fun. Set in a real Colorado town , with real local locations...it was a fun sci to frolic that left me wanting to travel to the town it is set in and try the famous donut (read the book, look up the location and the diner and see the pics). I am looking forward to following the character development, the plot and story and see where the McGinnis' take this tale it should be a fun ride.
October 23, 2022
Fun story
Never picked up a McGinnis book I didn't like. This one was a bit on the softer side with the lovable golden retriever. Don't want to spoil a good story.... Anyway, I enjoyed the gripping sci-fii story with relatable characters throughout. Good and rather nastier ones too I would say. Both are needed in order to meet the needs for victory. That is what makes for great dialogue and good action in this book. Great time. Thanks. All in all, I can't wait for the next book in this series. Highly recommended.
Never picked up a McGinnis book I didn't like. This one was a bit on the softer side with the lovable golden retriever. Don't want to spoil a good story.... Anyway, I enjoyed the gripping sci-fii story with relatable characters throughout. Good and rather nastier ones too I would say. Both are needed in order to meet the needs for victory. That is what makes for great dialogue and good action in this book. Great time. Thanks. All in all, I can't wait for the next book in this series. Highly recommended.
May 10, 2022
Enjoyable for a skeptical non sci Fi fan
I am no fan of sci Fi, but enjoyed the free Kindle version of this book I took a chance on.
Being highly detailed and action packed story got me past the idea of a talking dog that was leading an alien invasion.
Glad I took a shot on this one and pleased I was able to power through something way different for me.
Take a shot at something different, if you are also an Amazon prime member.
.
I am no fan of sci Fi, but enjoyed the free Kindle version of this book I took a chance on.
Being highly detailed and action packed story got me past the idea of a talking dog that was leading an alien invasion.
Glad I took a shot on this one and pleased I was able to power through something way different for me.
Take a shot at something different, if you are also an Amazon prime member.
.
July 6, 2022
amazing story
Here is a retired soldier named Sam who served in the green beret with honor and trying to cope with starting over in Castle Rock when an alien and his ship crashes near the town. Enjoyed getting to meet Harper, Julian and the others that will help save the town and perhaps the world from an invasion. Gia is amazing and I enjoyed the humor put into this book and finding out the dog was the biggest hero of all.
Here is a retired soldier named Sam who served in the green beret with honor and trying to cope with starting over in Castle Rock when an alien and his ship crashes near the town. Enjoyed getting to meet Harper, Julian and the others that will help save the town and perhaps the world from an invasion. Gia is amazing and I enjoyed the humor put into this book and finding out the dog was the biggest hero of all.
August 7, 2022
this was not my usual read but so glad I gave it a chance
Got this a recommendation and though it’s not my usual read , I’m so glad I gave it a chance . It doesn’t end with a cliff hanger , it does leave you anxiously awaiting for news of the next book in the series . Which as of writing this , I haven’t found any information on . I will give 1 bit of information about this storyline, the dog lives :)
Got this a recommendation and though it’s not my usual read , I’m so glad I gave it a chance . It doesn’t end with a cliff hanger , it does leave you anxiously awaiting for news of the next book in the series . Which as of writing this , I haven’t found any information on . I will give 1 bit of information about this storyline, the dog lives :)
September 2, 2022
This was a pretty good story. I liked Sam and Harper but mostly I liked Cypress.
The story was about aliens that were about to take over earth and it was up to Sam to stop it.
It did suck that it gave you no hint whatsoever when the next book would be out. Could be tomorrow or two years from now. *Sigh*
There's a touch of romance and the F-bomb was used 50 times.
As for the narration: James Patrick Cronin did a fantastic job on the voices and the emotions when he read.
The story was about aliens that were about to take over earth and it was up to Sam to stop it.
It did suck that it gave you no hint whatsoever when the next book would be out. Could be tomorrow or two years from now. *Sigh*
There's a touch of romance and the F-bomb was used 50 times.
As for the narration: James Patrick Cronin did a fantastic job on the voices and the emotions when he read.
April 17, 2022
Another very good book by Mr McGinnis
As with all of his stories, his strong characters are former military, usually from elite units. Honestly I enjoyed this as much as the first one I read. He writes great word pictures with a strong storyline. His books are fun to read and quite addictive.
Enjoy, I did!
As with all of his stories, his strong characters are former military, usually from elite units. Honestly I enjoyed this as much as the first one I read. He writes great word pictures with a strong storyline. His books are fun to read and quite addictive.
Enjoy, I did!
April 18, 2022
Wonderful read!
I love these books where the the 'hero' with his motley crew of misfits help him win the scrimmage/battle against alien invaders! Is Gia the ascended AI really helping them or is she getting them ready for the big invasion?! Can't wait for the next book! Hurry up! We need answers! Waiting with bated breath!!
I love these books where the the 'hero' with his motley crew of misfits help him win the scrimmage/battle against alien invaders! Is Gia the ascended AI really helping them or is she getting them ready for the big invasion?! Can't wait for the next book! Hurry up! We need answers! Waiting with bated breath!!
April 20, 2022
Mark does it again!
Fallen ship should be a great new series if this first book is any indication. The premise and characters are interesting and fun. Not sure I would have made the same choice as cypress, and I don't see how anyone could stay devoutly religious while fighting aliens in space, but a great story none the less. I look forward to the next one!
Fallen ship should be a great new series if this first book is any indication. The premise and characters are interesting and fun. Not sure I would have made the same choice as cypress, and I don't see how anyone could stay devoutly religious while fighting aliens in space, but a great story none the less. I look forward to the next one!
Read
May 5, 2022Drinking from a much visited well.
My reading of this book was disturbed by recognizing the many little plagiarism as they appeared. This author is very original, in that he lifted much of the story from Theodore Sturgeon, who very rarely gets plagiarized, anymore. Its nice, to see younger readers still enjoying the classics.
My reading of this book was disturbed by recognizing the many little plagiarism as they appeared. This author is very original, in that he lifted much of the story from Theodore Sturgeon, who very rarely gets plagiarized, anymore. Its nice, to see younger readers still enjoying the classics.
May 6, 2022
Military Overload
I found the storyline appealing and supported by decent character development, but over saturated with collateral damage and loss of life. The appeal is in the characters and the continued indiscriminate slaughter tends to detract. This installment ends abruptly, where anticipated, but without any major story resolution.
I found the storyline appealing and supported by decent character development, but over saturated with collateral damage and loss of life. The appeal is in the characters and the continued indiscriminate slaughter tends to detract. This installment ends abruptly, where anticipated, but without any major story resolution.
May 17, 2022
Great Story.. 😃😃👍👍
I started reading it and couldn't stop. When I got to the last chapter, I was shocked to find out it was 'TO BE CONTINUED'. I already knew it was the first book in a series, but, it still made me want to read more. I'm looking forward to the next book to come out.
I started reading it and couldn't stop. When I got to the last chapter, I was shocked to find out it was 'TO BE CONTINUED'. I already knew it was the first book in a series, but, it still made me want to read more. I'm looking forward to the next book to come out.
May 19, 2022
I usually enjoyed this author‘s books, this one is no exception.
This book was a great read, it was fast paced good action scenes and a great eclectic mix of characters.
Not sure as of yet what the MC brings to the story. I guess this will be developed in the next sequence of books. Likable characters that support the MC. Eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.
This book was a great read, it was fast paced good action scenes and a great eclectic mix of characters.
Not sure as of yet what the MC brings to the story. I guess this will be developed in the next sequence of books. Likable characters that support the MC. Eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.
May 21, 2022
WOW!
If you like Mark McGinnis, (& now his.wife.team up with him) you're going to love this book! Wall to wall action. Page Turner. Action packed. Time to defeat aliens, but what? Only 2 days before the invasion starts. I am reminded of Battestar Gallactic reference to a " rag tag ... " read it. You're going to love it.
If you like Mark McGinnis, (& now his.wife.team up with him) you're going to love this book! Wall to wall action. Page Turner. Action packed. Time to defeat aliens, but what? Only 2 days before the invasion starts. I am reminded of Battestar Gallactic reference to a " rag tag ... " read it. You're going to love it.
June 12, 2022
Fast paced romp
I lived in Castle Rock for 20 years, so this was a surprise! The story established clear characters, who are almost immediately overwhelmed by an alien invasion. I actually enjoyed the slower, more thoughtful character development of the beginning, but there's plenty of room for that in the inevitable sequel.
I lived in Castle Rock for 20 years, so this was a surprise! The story established clear characters, who are almost immediately overwhelmed by an alien invasion. I actually enjoyed the slower, more thoughtful character development of the beginning, but there's plenty of room for that in the inevitable sequel.
July 7, 2022
This was a book club selection and the author attended our discussion group.
I am not the audience for this book. I don't care for science fiction, battle books, or star wars type narratives.
That being said, the author was delightful and his insight made me appreciate the book more.
Thank goodness the dog lived.
I am not the audience for this book. I don't care for science fiction, battle books, or star wars type narratives.
That being said, the author was delightful and his insight made me appreciate the book more.
Thank goodness the dog lived.
September 28, 2022
Ends on a cliffhanger
I read this one quickly, started last night and finished this evening. Really great, fast-paced story with good character development. It has unlikely and likely heroes working together to save earth from an alien attack. My main complaint is the story ends on a cliffhanger no date for the next book.
I read this one quickly, started last night and finished this evening. Really great, fast-paced story with good character development. It has unlikely and likely heroes working together to save earth from an alien attack. My main complaint is the story ends on a cliffhanger no date for the next book.
October 13, 2022
cliffhanger annoyance
Write a good book and people will want to read the sequel. Stopping writing half way through the last chapter to create “suspense” through a cliffhanger is a cheap way to try to force readers into the next book.
This was a mediocre read, and the stopping point was annoying enough to make reading onward entirely objectionable. Pity.
Write a good book and people will want to read the sequel. Stopping writing half way through the last chapter to create “suspense” through a cliffhanger is a cheap way to try to force readers into the next book.
This was a mediocre read, and the stopping point was annoying enough to make reading onward entirely objectionable. Pity.
December 10, 2022
I'd rather wait tables.
This is not the direction I thought this story was going to go in, not even close. It's a good story and I like the character's so far. If I sound hesitant your right! It's good don't get me wrong, but I'm going to read the 2nd book and see how that goes, we shall see.
This is not the direction I thought this story was going to go in, not even close. It's a good story and I like the character's so far. If I sound hesitant your right! It's good don't get me wrong, but I'm going to read the 2nd book and see how that goes, we shall see.
April 16, 2022
The Earth is under attack again.
Sam, is a Green Beret that has been to the show to many times.
A s Earth is looked upon as backward compared to the Solarians they think they will have an easy job in killing off the inhabitants.
Sam, is a Green Beret that has been to the show to many times.
A s Earth is looked upon as backward compared to the Solarians they think they will have an easy job in killing off the inhabitants.
April 28, 2022
very interesting concept
The idea that an alien mind is blended into a dog, and it talks is really a stretch out of the atypical story line, unusual but intriguing, can’t wait for the next book !
The idea that an alien mind is blended into a dog, and it talks is really a stretch out of the atypical story line, unusual but intriguing, can’t wait for the next book !
Read
May 5, 2022Great Scy-fy Read!
What a great story. Everything is easy to read, nothing mind breaking complicated either. The characters are all well described, and seem very real. I am really looking forward to book 2 .
What a great story. Everything is easy to read, nothing mind breaking complicated either. The characters are all well described, and seem very real. I am really looking forward to book 2 .
May 16, 2022
Fantastic new series from Mark Wayne McGinnis
Typical book from Mark Wayne McGinnis! Easy to read and riveting story. I can't wait for the next one. Keep this series going with multiple books! I'll buy them!
Typical book from Mark Wayne McGinnis! Easy to read and riveting story. I can't wait for the next one. Keep this series going with multiple books! I'll buy them!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews