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My Homemade Spaceship #1
My Homemade Spaceship
“The Earth will be conquered, and humanity enslaved.”
This is the warning delivered to Will Ryder by the alien spaceship that crash-landed in his backyard.
But there is hope.
With the ship's AI guiding him, Will must rebuild the craft in his barn and take to the stars to prevent the cataclysmic invasion.
Time is running out, money and materials are low, and the government is suspicious. Will’s destiny is across the galaxy, but getting off Earth alive may be his biggest challenge.
This is the warning delivered to Will Ryder by the alien spaceship that crash-landed in his backyard.
But there is hope.
With the ship's AI guiding him, Will must rebuild the craft in his barn and take to the stars to prevent the cataclysmic invasion.
Time is running out, money and materials are low, and the government is suspicious. Will’s destiny is across the galaxy, but getting off Earth alive may be his biggest challenge.
340 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 24, 2022
613 people are currently reading
182 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
June 4, 2023
COVID 1 vs ME 0
Okay, so I'm just over Covid, but I've still got the spicy cough, and the bad mood. So here goes: The writing seems amateurish. The author used the word "chuckled" 69 times. C'mon, use a Thesaurus author! The editing is...um...fair. I checked the list of books this bloke has written, and it appears he has published TEN books in just over a year! TEN! Is that even possible? I smell a rat...no wait...that was the dog. He gets blamed for everything...poor bastard. There is no bio for this author, so I wonder if it's a writing/publishing consortium sweatshop for underpaid authors.
Despite all that crusty negativity (cough, cough), the action scenes kept me going. Some of it made me wonder if there was any grain in this author's silo; like, "'sup? Oh...I need a couple of pounds of plutonium. Oh, lucky for me there's some evil neo-Nazis grubbing some up into a bomb. We'll just rob them." "Oh look, I just went to Vegas and won $3 Mil on the roulette wheel in two goes. That might attract unwanted attention." GEEZ...Ya think? Anyway, this dude builds a spaceship in his shed, so RESPECT! I can't even get my electric mower to work (maybe I'm supposed to use that charger.) Lucky he has that alien AI to help. Every time he has a problem, it has a little yodel in his ear and tells him how to solve it. Though he never thought to check if the alien AI was a goodie or a baddie. The ending was a fairly unsatisfying since it is a lead-in to Book 2.
So why is this bloke building a spaceship in his back yard? To save the world from alien invaders of course. Ya know, it's far-fetched. Too far-fetched for some, but not for me. I just put my disbelief in the beer fridge and kept on reading. Heck! I might even read the next instalment - just not for a while.
Bad writing + good storyline = meh...3 stars.
Okay, so I'm just over Covid, but I've still got the spicy cough, and the bad mood. So here goes: The writing seems amateurish. The author used the word "chuckled" 69 times. C'mon, use a Thesaurus author! The editing is...um...fair. I checked the list of books this bloke has written, and it appears he has published TEN books in just over a year! TEN! Is that even possible? I smell a rat...no wait...that was the dog. He gets blamed for everything...poor bastard. There is no bio for this author, so I wonder if it's a writing/publishing consortium sweatshop for underpaid authors.
Despite all that crusty negativity (cough, cough), the action scenes kept me going. Some of it made me wonder if there was any grain in this author's silo; like, "'sup? Oh...I need a couple of pounds of plutonium. Oh, lucky for me there's some evil neo-Nazis grubbing some up into a bomb. We'll just rob them." "Oh look, I just went to Vegas and won $3 Mil on the roulette wheel in two goes. That might attract unwanted attention." GEEZ...Ya think? Anyway, this dude builds a spaceship in his shed, so RESPECT! I can't even get my electric mower to work (maybe I'm supposed to use that charger.) Lucky he has that alien AI to help. Every time he has a problem, it has a little yodel in his ear and tells him how to solve it. Though he never thought to check if the alien AI was a goodie or a baddie. The ending was a fairly unsatisfying since it is a lead-in to Book 2.
So why is this bloke building a spaceship in his back yard? To save the world from alien invaders of course. Ya know, it's far-fetched. Too far-fetched for some, but not for me. I just put my disbelief in the beer fridge and kept on reading. Heck! I might even read the next instalment - just not for a while.
Bad writing + good storyline = meh...3 stars.
June 8, 2024
This is another one of those books where science is nonexistent and the story is implausible to say the least.
Still it is a not to bad adventure story and the hero is, so far, fairly likable. So is his AI sidekick.
The book is dragged down a bit by the usual leftist nonsense about always picking nazis as an enemy instead of a more realistic and present day one. Then he cluelessly drags in Estonia as well. If he had any guts he would have picked Belarus or Ukraine instead if he absolutely had to go down that path.
So another one that I am on the fence about.
Still it is a not to bad adventure story and the hero is, so far, fairly likable. So is his AI sidekick.
The book is dragged down a bit by the usual leftist nonsense about always picking nazis as an enemy instead of a more realistic and present day one. Then he cluelessly drags in Estonia as well. If he had any guts he would have picked Belarus or Ukraine instead if he absolutely had to go down that path.
So another one that I am on the fence about.
September 13, 2022
I wanted to like it
But the author seems more interested in clever repartee than moving the story along. And there were a couple huge plot holes that bugged me.
Trying too hard to be interesting.
But the author seems more interested in clever repartee than moving the story along. And there were a couple huge plot holes that bugged me.
Trying too hard to be interesting.
January 12, 2025
What a fun book!
"My Homemade Spaceship" by Douglas Michaels, narrated by JD Tanner and Jessica Threet, is an enthralling adventure that masterfully intertwines human resilience with an interstellar journey. The audiobook takes listeners on a thrilling ride filled with hope, danger, and ingenuity.
The story begins with Will Ryder, an ordinary individual living a mundane life until a spaceship crash-lands in his backyard. This unexpected encounter changes the course of his destiny as he's tasked with rebuilding the damaged craft with the guidance of an advanced AI named Francine. The plot's premise revolves around a dire warning from the alien craft: The Earth is on the brink of invasion. Will must piece together the spaceship using limited resources, all while avoiding government suspicion. The urgency of their mission creates an underlying tension that adds to the narrative's depth.
One of the book’s most compelling aspects is its characters. Will Ryder grows from a seemingly unremarkable individual into a reluctant hero. His character development is marked by moments of doubt, resilience, and ingenuity. Francine, the AI, is not just a robotic guide but adds a layer of warmth and humor, making their dialogues engaging and memorable. Their partnership highlights the human-AI dynamic, which forms the emotional core of the story.
JD Tanner and Jessica Threet's narration adds another dimension to the audiobook. Threet brings Francine’s AI persona to life with a perfect blend of calculated intelligence and unexpected warmth. Tanner’s portrayal of Will captures the character's every emotion, making the listeners feel his every triumph and setback. Their complementary styles ensure that each chapter is compelling and immersive.
The settings in "My Homemade Spaceship" are vividly described. The author paints the rural backdrop of Will's farm with as much detail as the vastness of space, creating a stark contrast between the familiar and the unknown. The descriptions of assembling the spaceship are meticulously detailed, drawing listeners into the technical intricacies while keeping the narrative pace brisk.
Aside from its engrossing story and well-etched characters, the audiobook’s themes resonate profoundly with contemporary issues. It explores humanity's preparedness for unforeseen challenges, the integration of AI into our lives, and the lengths to which ordinary people can go when faced with extraordinary circumstances.
In conclusion, "My Homemade Spaceship" is more than just a science fiction tale; it is a testament to human spirit and innovation. Douglas Michaels' storytelling combined with the brilliant narration by JD Tanner and Jessica Threet makes this audiobook a must-listen for anyone who enjoys a story of unlikely heroes and cosmic adventures.
"My Homemade Spaceship" by Douglas Michaels, narrated by JD Tanner and Jessica Threet, is an enthralling adventure that masterfully intertwines human resilience with an interstellar journey. The audiobook takes listeners on a thrilling ride filled with hope, danger, and ingenuity.
The story begins with Will Ryder, an ordinary individual living a mundane life until a spaceship crash-lands in his backyard. This unexpected encounter changes the course of his destiny as he's tasked with rebuilding the damaged craft with the guidance of an advanced AI named Francine. The plot's premise revolves around a dire warning from the alien craft: The Earth is on the brink of invasion. Will must piece together the spaceship using limited resources, all while avoiding government suspicion. The urgency of their mission creates an underlying tension that adds to the narrative's depth.
One of the book’s most compelling aspects is its characters. Will Ryder grows from a seemingly unremarkable individual into a reluctant hero. His character development is marked by moments of doubt, resilience, and ingenuity. Francine, the AI, is not just a robotic guide but adds a layer of warmth and humor, making their dialogues engaging and memorable. Their partnership highlights the human-AI dynamic, which forms the emotional core of the story.
JD Tanner and Jessica Threet's narration adds another dimension to the audiobook. Threet brings Francine’s AI persona to life with a perfect blend of calculated intelligence and unexpected warmth. Tanner’s portrayal of Will captures the character's every emotion, making the listeners feel his every triumph and setback. Their complementary styles ensure that each chapter is compelling and immersive.
The settings in "My Homemade Spaceship" are vividly described. The author paints the rural backdrop of Will's farm with as much detail as the vastness of space, creating a stark contrast between the familiar and the unknown. The descriptions of assembling the spaceship are meticulously detailed, drawing listeners into the technical intricacies while keeping the narrative pace brisk.
Aside from its engrossing story and well-etched characters, the audiobook’s themes resonate profoundly with contemporary issues. It explores humanity's preparedness for unforeseen challenges, the integration of AI into our lives, and the lengths to which ordinary people can go when faced with extraordinary circumstances.
In conclusion, "My Homemade Spaceship" is more than just a science fiction tale; it is a testament to human spirit and innovation. Douglas Michaels' storytelling combined with the brilliant narration by JD Tanner and Jessica Threet makes this audiobook a must-listen for anyone who enjoys a story of unlikely heroes and cosmic adventures.
February 8, 2024
The promise of making a space-ship is not really fulfilled, making it a bit of a let-down. The actual title of the book should be: "My mid-life crisis secret agent action life wannabe".
December 19, 2023
This book series is my ideal sweet spot for my current reading kick. Advanced (occasionally snarky) AI? Check. Interesting Tech? Check. Likeable character who chooses to do the right thing? Check.
The good: The author takes familiar themes and adds enough of a twist to keep things interesting. The "homemade" part was an interesting plot device that I hadn't seen before. The main character is relatively interesting and has a decent amount of depth. The writing prose is on the better end of Kindle Unlimited reads. The writing mostly gets out of the way for the plot which I appreciate.
The bad: Honestly, there's not a lot "bad" about this book (and later books). No spelling / grammar issues. No massive plot holes. So, why the three stars?
The meh: Most of the book spends its time in the "meh" side of things. The plots weren't massively hole-y, but there tons of things the main character does that are just kind of stupid. Examples: *Minor Spoilers* The main character, Will, receives integration with a hyper advanced AI. They need money to buy supplies to build a starship. Cool. How do they do it? Day-trading taking advantage of the hyper-AI's ability to analyze data on the Internet?! Nope. Las Vegas. He goes to Vegas without a plan. Walks in, without a plan. Instantly wins a million dollars with the help of the AI. This, of course, draws attention to himself and leads to a fight scene. Why did it have to go this way? Had he chosen to be smarter in placing his bets to not draw attention to himself, no problem. Had he chosen another way of getting cash. No problems. This series is riddled with this problem.
To me, it seems that the author has a good editor in terms of grammar, but lacks an editor in terms of someone who is willing to say, "But, why did he do this?!?" Instead of working through interesting ways of moving the plot forward, the author seems to be willing to have Will make dumb decisions that leads to action scenes.
The concept and writing was good enough to get me through these problems (and through the first three books). But, I can't take it anymore... It makes me kinda sad because I really wanted to like this series, but it's to the point where the plot issues are too much of a distraction.
The good: The author takes familiar themes and adds enough of a twist to keep things interesting. The "homemade" part was an interesting plot device that I hadn't seen before. The main character is relatively interesting and has a decent amount of depth. The writing prose is on the better end of Kindle Unlimited reads. The writing mostly gets out of the way for the plot which I appreciate.
The bad: Honestly, there's not a lot "bad" about this book (and later books). No spelling / grammar issues. No massive plot holes. So, why the three stars?
The meh: Most of the book spends its time in the "meh" side of things. The plots weren't massively hole-y, but there tons of things the main character does that are just kind of stupid. Examples: *Minor Spoilers* The main character, Will, receives integration with a hyper advanced AI. They need money to buy supplies to build a starship. Cool. How do they do it? Day-trading taking advantage of the hyper-AI's ability to analyze data on the Internet?! Nope. Las Vegas. He goes to Vegas without a plan. Walks in, without a plan. Instantly wins a million dollars with the help of the AI. This, of course, draws attention to himself and leads to a fight scene. Why did it have to go this way? Had he chosen to be smarter in placing his bets to not draw attention to himself, no problem. Had he chosen another way of getting cash. No problems. This series is riddled with this problem.
To me, it seems that the author has a good editor in terms of grammar, but lacks an editor in terms of someone who is willing to say, "But, why did he do this?!?" Instead of working through interesting ways of moving the plot forward, the author seems to be willing to have Will make dumb decisions that leads to action scenes.
The concept and writing was good enough to get me through these problems (and through the first three books). But, I can't take it anymore... It makes me kinda sad because I really wanted to like this series, but it's to the point where the plot issues are too much of a distraction.
September 22, 2024
Runaway run away, bad plot storyline, epic stupid stuff he goes to Vegas to gamble to make money, when the super AI confirmes he hackes the FBI, why not use stock marked or hack to get money. Its naive and clumsy stuff, to make things worse i say alright alright different take on the classic junk/built ship go to space to save humanity give it a chance, so stupid me bought book nr 2 it gets worse in book 2. The super duper AI has no plan how to make money or how to go forward to get upgrades, the Hero suggest being a space trucker brilliant fantastic plot choice not. And he gets super duper first contract Willy nilly without security on cargo or any sponsor referral on him being trustworthy to take 500 000 cargo to another planet.... I gave up after halfway through in book 2 the dialog and the progression got really really bad. Well serves stupid me right for thinking book 2 could be better...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2023
Another book where the Main character is a idiot.
So.. Just to ask.. Cause i see it often enough. Anyone else find it utterly silly that another race would send out a AI ...To help them fight a war ? One where it just happens to land on earth. And there is one person who is supposed to build a ship.. And with that ship that person is not only supposed to be able to SAVE the Entire planet earth. but also..THE GALAXY.
I mean. I know.. Its just a fantasy story. But come on. If one ship or even a dozen would make a difference.. You would think the benevolent aliens would not need a earth humans help at all.
Anyways.. Like i said. The MC seems to be a Clueless idiot. The dialog between him and the Alien AI is... CRINGE ...So Cringe its like saying the Pacific ocean is slightly DAMP.
DNF
Got 25% of the way through and so.. NOPE
November 28, 2022
Goodreads lists Michael Douglas’s series about a retired truck driver who finds an alien AI in a meteorite and helps it build a starship as My Backyard Spaceship. Amazon retitled the book My Homemade Spaceship. I suspect the change was made to avoid confusion with J. N. Chaney’s Backyard Starship series. Douglas’s book is moderately entertaining and provides what one would expect from the premise. The AI seems eager to please and our hero Will Ryder seems grateful for the opportunity to save the Earth. 3 stars.
September 10, 2024
The most unintentional hero I have had the joy to read. Read about him and enjoy this great book.
Douglas Michaels to me a fairly new author has crafted an adventure that will leave you with a good feeling about the underdog, he has crafted character development of a simple robot making him a necessary character in this book. The main simple character is a simple man but very necessary part of this adventure. The best thing about this book is your time reading and money spent on this book will be a good investment.
Douglas Michaels to me a fairly new author has crafted an adventure that will leave you with a good feeling about the underdog, he has crafted character development of a simple robot making him a necessary character in this book. The main simple character is a simple man but very necessary part of this adventure. The best thing about this book is your time reading and money spent on this book will be a good investment.
November 1, 2024
I really tried to finish this book.
It was actually an okay book.
But it screamed of a teenagers writing it. And it was all from a first-persons narrative.
The lines were too corny, and it did not have the sense, nor the depth, of an adult having written it.
But it was a decent book.
I only got to chapter 5, and I had to return it.
Maybe I’ll give it another shot if I’m going in a long run or something…where I don’t have to concentrate.
It was actually an okay book.
But it screamed of a teenagers writing it. And it was all from a first-persons narrative.
The lines were too corny, and it did not have the sense, nor the depth, of an adult having written it.
But it was a decent book.
I only got to chapter 5, and I had to return it.
Maybe I’ll give it another shot if I’m going in a long run or something…where I don’t have to concentrate.
August 1, 2022
great story line
Wow! A very different take on finding a spaceship. The main character was also different than the x military one man killing machine. An older, overweight retired truck driver, use to hard work and ready to enjoy the simple life. Until something crashes into his backyard. Read this one!
Wow! A very different take on finding a spaceship. The main character was also different than the x military one man killing machine. An older, overweight retired truck driver, use to hard work and ready to enjoy the simple life. Until something crashes into his backyard. Read this one!
September 30, 2022
My Backyard Spaceship
I came across this title by accident, but found this version a more fun and interesting read. The hero in the story just seemed more real and everything he tried didn'extt always turn out as planned. The FBI acted like the are now,present day!!! An awesome read, and can't wait to read the next adventure.
I came across this title by accident, but found this version a more fun and interesting read. The hero in the story just seemed more real and everything he tried didn'extt always turn out as planned. The FBI acted like the are now,present day!!! An awesome read, and can't wait to read the next adventure.
November 8, 2022
Absolutely loved it
Thank you Douglas, I really enjoyed reading this first in the series, and yes I’ll be on to the second soon. Light hearted and entertaining yet intense all at the same time. Great interaction between Will and Francine. Bob is a great addition as well. Congratulations!
Thank you Douglas, I really enjoyed reading this first in the series, and yes I’ll be on to the second soon. Light hearted and entertaining yet intense all at the same time. Great interaction between Will and Francine. Bob is a great addition as well. Congratulations!
January 12, 2023
Excellent story but missing a girl friend and man’s best friend
This an excellent well written story. But it is is missing a love interest and a dog; which would be two stars; but you get a man’s best friend star back for “Bob” so gets four stars. I highly look forward to the next book in the series.
This an excellent well written story. But it is is missing a love interest and a dog; which would be two stars; but you get a man’s best friend star back for “Bob” so gets four stars. I highly look forward to the next book in the series.
February 20, 2023
Never a dull moment
Ordinary guy meets advanced alien intelligence to build a space ship. There are nano bots and other technologies that give reality to some of the advanced fictional, yet plausible, technologies. Good character development adds to the feeling that the plot is feasible. The hero is given enhanced abilities to be able to “save the universe.”
Ordinary guy meets advanced alien intelligence to build a space ship. There are nano bots and other technologies that give reality to some of the advanced fictional, yet plausible, technologies. Good character development adds to the feeling that the plot is feasible. The hero is given enhanced abilities to be able to “save the universe.”
March 14, 2023
Fun first
Not a bad book. Definitely a fun start to a new series. Don't know where it's going in the long run but I certainly enjoy the activity. Some of the MC's actions were a bit naive and rushed But overall And exciting romp. And now he's in the final frontier. Let the exploration and upgrading begin. Looking forward to the next book.
Not a bad book. Definitely a fun start to a new series. Don't know where it's going in the long run but I certainly enjoy the activity. Some of the MC's actions were a bit naive and rushed But overall And exciting romp. And now he's in the final frontier. Let the exploration and upgrading begin. Looking forward to the next book.
Read
March 27, 2024the first 2 books were pretty good but book #3 had Zombies and brain worms. I wasted my money and time with this, next I expected vampires, werewolves, witches and ghost but it got a little better by the end of the book. Maybe someday I'll go back and finish the 7 book series but ZOMBIES is a waste of my time. this is about as useless as TV watching
October 6, 2022
A very compelling novel
The book had a very definite sense of believability if one can get past the idea of a rock from space with an AI aboard. . . At that point you are definitely hooked!
The book had a very definite sense of believability if one can get past the idea of a rock from space with an AI aboard. . . At that point you are definitely hooked!
October 16, 2022
Great Romp!
I found the hero very likeable even though I'm jealous of anyone that can retire that young. But wait, reset can't retire, must save the galaxy first... Too fun a read couldn't put the book down until sadly it was finished... Next!!!
I found the hero very likeable even though I'm jealous of anyone that can retire that young. But wait, reset can't retire, must save the galaxy first... Too fun a read couldn't put the book down until sadly it was finished... Next!!!
November 6, 2022
Pretty good read
Pretty good read for a first book in a series. So far not sure why this guy will be able to save the world...being a retired trucker. However it has been fun reading how he escapes Earth so am anxious to see how he and his AI find a way to save Earth
Pretty good read for a first book in a series. So far not sure why this guy will be able to save the world...being a retired trucker. However it has been fun reading how he escapes Earth so am anxious to see how he and his AI find a way to save Earth
November 12, 2022
Fantastic!
Wow, fantastic read! However, there was some places that were a bit slow to develop the storyline. But when it got there it was great. Can't wait for the next chapter to begin.
Wow, fantastic read! However, there was some places that were a bit slow to develop the storyline. But when it got there it was great. Can't wait for the next chapter to begin.
December 8, 2022
Amazing adventure story
What to do when an AI asks you to save Earth. Humorous story of government officials interfering while you try to save the planet. Mr. Michaels grabbed my attention from beginning to end.
What to do when an AI asks you to save Earth. Humorous story of government officials interfering while you try to save the planet. Mr. Michaels grabbed my attention from beginning to end.
December 12, 2022
Retirement Dream!
Wow,a very slow moving,yet extremely exciting fast paced out of this world adventure! Retirement, but given into the facts of life, and being tumbled up-side-down in side out! A fabulous story that would make any child’s space adventure dream come true!
Wow,a very slow moving,yet extremely exciting fast paced out of this world adventure! Retirement, but given into the facts of life, and being tumbled up-side-down in side out! A fabulous story that would make any child’s space adventure dream come true!
December 19, 2022
Great book
Was a little worried about the direction the book started out but was surprised at how well it came together. I found the book was especially well written and seemed to flow perfectly
Was a little worried about the direction the book started out but was surprised at how well it came together. I found the book was especially well written and seemed to flow perfectly
December 30, 2022
Interesting and fun, but not complicated
I enjoyed the first book, even though it's simplistic and not as well crafted as I like. I think four stars are generous but if you're looking for Heinlein or Asimov, this isn't it. Still, a few hours of fun diversion.
I enjoyed the first book, even though it's simplistic and not as well crafted as I like. I think four stars are generous but if you're looking for Heinlein or Asimov, this isn't it. Still, a few hours of fun diversion.
January 28, 2023
Slow start, but the intense finale was worth the wait
All we need now is romance, the action should be awesome, the writer knows how to build a story! The series will be awesome!! Highly recommended, can't for book two.
All we need now is romance, the action should be awesome, the writer knows how to build a story! The series will be awesome!! Highly recommended, can't for book two.
February 24, 2023
One man's adventure to save the human race
The accident, a meteor crashes thu the trees and plows a furrow on his land. He finds out that it's no accident because the alien AI inside chose him. And the adventure begins.
The accident, a meteor crashes thu the trees and plows a furrow on his land. He finds out that it's no accident because the alien AI inside chose him. And the adventure begins.
March 7, 2023
Fun read....
I downloaded this book sometime ago and I'm just now getting around reading it. This is the 1st book I have read by this author. It's a really good book. I like the back story and I can't wait to read the next book.
I downloaded this book sometime ago and I'm just now getting around reading it. This is the 1st book I have read by this author. It's a really good book. I like the back story and I can't wait to read the next book.
May 8, 2023
Love it
Great read and wonderful character building. I do hope Bob remains in the storyline. This series seems like it's going to be a lot of fun to read. The first book had a very light-hearted feel to it, and quite a few laughs. On to the next book!
Great read and wonderful character building. I do hope Bob remains in the storyline. This series seems like it's going to be a lot of fun to read. The first book had a very light-hearted feel to it, and quite a few laughs. On to the next book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews