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The Armageddon Machine: a science fiction novella
The last, battered remnant of the feared Draconian starfleet limps through space, shadowed by ships of the victorious Million Star worlds. But the Draconian ship is still a terrible threat: it is the Draconian's final weapon, a device that can trigger the cascading collapse of space/time itself.
Mackenzie, in charge of the Million Star fleet, fears what will happen if he attempts to destroy the device. Then, one of the semi-mythical Xin ancients arrives on his ship, suggesting a plan that appears to endanger all of reality. In the final battle with the Draconians, Mackenzie must decide whether to trust the Xin or not. The fate of the universe itself hangs on his actions...
An SF short story in the Golden Age tradition.
Mackenzie, in charge of the Million Star fleet, fears what will happen if he attempts to destroy the device. Then, one of the semi-mythical Xin ancients arrives on his ship, suggesting a plan that appears to endanger all of reality. In the final battle with the Draconians, Mackenzie must decide whether to trust the Xin or not. The fate of the universe itself hangs on his actions...
An SF short story in the Golden Age tradition.
- GenresScience Fiction
51 pages, Kindle Edition
48 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
About the author
Simon Kewin
115 books85 followersSimon Kewin is a fantasy and sci/fi writer, author of the
Cloven Land
fantasy trilogy, cyberpunk thriller
The Genehunter
, steampunk Gormenghast saga
Engn
, the
Triple Stars
sci/fi trilogy and the Office of the Witchfinder General books, published by Elsewhen Press.
He's the author of several short story collections, with his shorter fiction appearing in Analog, Nature and over a hundred other magazines.
He is currently doing an MA in creative writing while writing at least three novels simultaneously.
He's the author of several short story collections, with his shorter fiction appearing in Analog, Nature and over a hundred other magazines.
He is currently doing an MA in creative writing while writing at least three novels simultaneously.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
April 7, 2019
I’ve read another novella by this author and found it to be pretty good. This one just didn’t really work for me. Maybe because I didn’t follow my own rule on mixing up genres and read two science fiction stories back to back and the first one was so good, it was practically unfair to this one. Maybe it was just that Armageddon Machine wasn’t the sort of scifi I was in the mood for. I prefer character driven plots, this one was too…Star Treky? I’m not sure. I actually can’t quite put into words why I didn’t really like this story. Objectively it had an interesting plot, the concept of small bang is original. But something about all the aliens…it just didn’t grab me. It’s supposed to be scifi in Golden Age tradition, which makes me think of silly paperback covers and, yes, Star Trek, and that certainly can be fun, but in this instance it left this reader indifferent. This novella was a freebie and certainly of a superior quality than that of an average kindle freebie. Yes, I found it fairly unengaging and unexciting considering fate of the world was being decided. But it may well be an acquired taste sort of thing. And it only takes 4o minutes or so to find out. You mileage with it may vary.
April 1, 2013
I'm not a fan of classic scifi and read very little of it so I have no idea how this novelette stacks up against others in the genre. The story follows Mackenzie, the commander of a star ship fleet which is shadowing the Isiur, some type of ultimate weapon. They're really not sure what it is, but it was built by the Draconians, a race bent on destruction for the fun of it. The Million Star forces have destroyed the Draconians at great cost. The Isiur is the last piece of Draconian resistance. Mackenzie fears attacking it might ignite a chain reaction that would destroy the universe. He's arguing this point with a delegation of the Million Star Council when a Xin named Metarion arrives. The Xin live extremely long lives and have assigned themselves the task of watching over the universe. Metarion recruits Mackenzie to take part in a bold plan to defuse the Isiur. The plan involves taking a Draconian prisoner to the Isiur and boarding it during a battle. Mackenzie has doubts about trusting Metarion. Is the Xin telling him everything? On whose side is the Xin?
I liked the references to physics and the inevitability of processes once triggered. The real battle here is in the realm of theoretical physics. However, Kewin does not weigh down the narrative with complicated science. There's just enough to let the reader follow the story.
The Armageddon Machine held my interest from start to finish. There are twists and surprises to keep the reader off balance and the protagonist elicited my interest and sympathy. If you're looking for a short, classic scifi read, you won't go too far off course with The Armageddon Machine.
I liked the references to physics and the inevitability of processes once triggered. The real battle here is in the realm of theoretical physics. However, Kewin does not weigh down the narrative with complicated science. There's just enough to let the reader follow the story.
The Armageddon Machine held my interest from start to finish. There are twists and surprises to keep the reader off balance and the protagonist elicited my interest and sympathy. If you're looking for a short, classic scifi read, you won't go too far off course with The Armageddon Machine.
October 26, 2016
The Armageddon Machine by Simon Kewin
4 – Stars
I'll start off by noting this is a short story (probably not quite long enough to be a novelette) that I was able to read in about forty minutes.
We find ourselves with McKenzie, the captain of a fleet of warships trailing the Armageddon Machine, a ship built by their recently destroyed enemy. The enemy, who is obsessed with fighting and killing everything in the galaxy built the ship in case of their demise.
Now, there are several different race of beings in the coalition McKenzie belongs to and some of them board his ship as a sort of delegation to discuss things. When the Armageddon Ship jumps away they're attempting to determine where the thing might have gone when an ancient arrives. The ancients are the oldest race in the galaxy (Stargate SG-1 nod?) and the one who arrives on board, explains the ship has jumped to a vast empty part of space between galaxies and that it needs McKenzie to assist in disarming the ship.
McKenzie seems to trust these beings instinctively and always had, even when he was just a kid and the ancient knows this about him and asks him, despite misgivings, to simply to as told and trust it.
I won't go further because there would be spoilers and the story is too short to give anything away. The book is well written and the pace is quick. If you've got an hour or less to kill, you could do far, far worse.
4 – Stars
I'll start off by noting this is a short story (probably not quite long enough to be a novelette) that I was able to read in about forty minutes.
We find ourselves with McKenzie, the captain of a fleet of warships trailing the Armageddon Machine, a ship built by their recently destroyed enemy. The enemy, who is obsessed with fighting and killing everything in the galaxy built the ship in case of their demise.
Now, there are several different race of beings in the coalition McKenzie belongs to and some of them board his ship as a sort of delegation to discuss things. When the Armageddon Ship jumps away they're attempting to determine where the thing might have gone when an ancient arrives. The ancients are the oldest race in the galaxy (Stargate SG-1 nod?) and the one who arrives on board, explains the ship has jumped to a vast empty part of space between galaxies and that it needs McKenzie to assist in disarming the ship.
McKenzie seems to trust these beings instinctively and always had, even when he was just a kid and the ancient knows this about him and asks him, despite misgivings, to simply to as told and trust it.
I won't go further because there would be spoilers and the story is too short to give anything away. The book is well written and the pace is quick. If you've got an hour or less to kill, you could do far, far worse.
December 29, 2025
The Armageddon Machine is a thoughtful, classic-style science fiction novel that channels the spirit of the Golden Age while engaging with timeless questions about trust, responsibility, and survival on a cosmic scale. Simon Kewin delivers a story that prioritizes ideas and moral tension over spectacle, giving the narrative a quiet but powerful intensity.
The premise is immediately compelling: a defeated yet still dangerous enemy ship carrying a weapon capable of collapsing space-time itself. Rather than focusing solely on military action, the novel centers on Commander Mackenzie’s dilemma whether destruction is truly the safest choice, or whether restraint and trust may be the only way to save reality. This uncertainty drives the story’s emotional and philosophical core.
The introduction of the semi-mythical Xin ancients adds a fascinating layer of ambiguity. Their proposed solution feels as dangerous as the threat itself, forcing Mackenzie and the reader to confront uncomfortable questions about faith, risk, and the limits of control. The novel excels in showing that leadership is not about certainty, but about choosing wisely when certainty is impossible.
What makes The Armageddon Machine stand out is its underlying optimism. Even in the shadow of universal annihilation, the story emphasizes hope, cooperation, and the belief that understanding can prevail over fear. It’s a reflective and rewarding read for fans of idea-driven science fiction that values meaning as much as momentum.
The premise is immediately compelling: a defeated yet still dangerous enemy ship carrying a weapon capable of collapsing space-time itself. Rather than focusing solely on military action, the novel centers on Commander Mackenzie’s dilemma whether destruction is truly the safest choice, or whether restraint and trust may be the only way to save reality. This uncertainty drives the story’s emotional and philosophical core.
The introduction of the semi-mythical Xin ancients adds a fascinating layer of ambiguity. Their proposed solution feels as dangerous as the threat itself, forcing Mackenzie and the reader to confront uncomfortable questions about faith, risk, and the limits of control. The novel excels in showing that leadership is not about certainty, but about choosing wisely when certainty is impossible.
What makes The Armageddon Machine stand out is its underlying optimism. Even in the shadow of universal annihilation, the story emphasizes hope, cooperation, and the belief that understanding can prevail over fear. It’s a reflective and rewarding read for fans of idea-driven science fiction that values meaning as much as momentum.
September 24, 2018
Enjoyable short story this is. The plot is quite simple with a little twist. Characters are a bit thin but that is easy to understand in a short story. I really didn't think the universe could be ending like this, before reading.
January 7, 2021
Entertaining reading 📚
A very will written Sci-Fi thriller novella with interesting characters. The story line is about the heading to the future in a new star 🌟 system. I would recommend this novella to anyone who is looking for a quick read. Enjoy reading 🔰 2020
A very will written Sci-Fi thriller novella with interesting characters. The story line is about the heading to the future in a new star 🌟 system. I would recommend this novella to anyone who is looking for a quick read. Enjoy reading 🔰 2020
October 29, 2020
Quick read.
Author freebie. Can be read extremely quickly. The logic of surviving the end of the universe seems a matter of Faith? Each person in the story had a different approach.
Author freebie. Can be read extremely quickly. The logic of surviving the end of the universe seems a matter of Faith? Each person in the story had a different approach.
December 19, 2019
Shorter than I expected, and I found it less than engaging
February 4, 2016
This review isn't going to be about the writing style, or if it was good sci-fi. This book struck me must as an attempt to preach a certain philosophy. I come at life from a Biblical world view, and that seems distinctively opposed to the world view of the author. This is the only book of Simon Kewin's that I have read, so I am only writing about what I see in this book.
The hero, who I assume represents humanity, is locked in a stalemate with 'Draconians', similar beings, who are trying to destroy all life. Perhaps it was the word 'Draconian' that made me think this was really more than a story. The counsel that tries to settle the dispute are just as ineffective as the UN and made up of characters that are amazingly similar to those there now.
This is where it gets more dangerous. A being shows up, unannounced and demonstrating seemingly divine properties. She is not so divine though but what she doesn't need human help. This being claims that she is part of a super 'race' that interferes to keep the universe alive. There is no proof that any of her claims are true, so all of the characters can do is blindly trust.
I think this to be a dangerous premise, even if it just a sci-fi book, because there are being out there that do act this way. They claim that they are from another planet/universe/dimension, that they have created us, that humanity is about to destroy itself, that they alone can teach humans how to stay live. However there is no proof that they are who they claim they are. Rather there are good indicators that they are nothing less than lying manipulative demons. Yes, I believe there are demons. The Bible tells us that they are here and that they like nothing better than deceiving people. They have been turning people from the Truth of God's Word with cleaver counterfeits, since Adam and Eve.
Just look at the claim that they created us. The claim always involves us evolving in the past and present. In this book they claim they directed this supposed evolution. The God of the Bible claims to be the only Creator. He was also not a director of evolution but a Creator. It was a one time event and was complete after seven days. What man is now man has always been, and always will be.
How about the claim that they are benevolent? Do they provide proof of this? Have they demonstrated their love for humans? God sent His only Son to die so that we could be redeemed from sin. What more proof of love could there be? They seem very worried that we come to deny our sin nature. This is the ultimate in deviltry. If we refuse to believe we are sinners, we will never recognize our need for forgiveness, and so will miss out on God's free gift.
Are they accurate? They claim to know the future, do they? How could we know if they are? The Bible tells us that only God knows the future. Sometimes God has given us glimpses of it, and He has sent messengers to tell people what will happen. Can we tell His messengers from the deceitful demons trying to turn us from Him. The God of the Bible give an incredible hard test to verify the authenticity of any spirit or being. Not only must they be 100% accurate, but also their message must match completely the message given in the Bible. The beings that are speaking to people today certainly fail the last point.
These demons, unlike the God of the Bible, have been proved to be liars over and over and over. Is it wise to trust them? If they would lie about verifiable things, wouldn't they also lie about things we can't test, much more important things, like sin, hell, salvation, forgiveness and heaven? The Bible warns against trusting any spirit that teaches anything contrary to the Bible.
For a more complete discussion I would recommend reading the Bible, & UFOs & ETs Pocket Guide: A biblical and cultural exploration of aliens by Dr. Danny Faulkner.
The hero, who I assume represents humanity, is locked in a stalemate with 'Draconians', similar beings, who are trying to destroy all life. Perhaps it was the word 'Draconian' that made me think this was really more than a story. The counsel that tries to settle the dispute are just as ineffective as the UN and made up of characters that are amazingly similar to those there now.
This is where it gets more dangerous. A being shows up, unannounced and demonstrating seemingly divine properties. She is not so divine though but what she doesn't need human help. This being claims that she is part of a super 'race' that interferes to keep the universe alive. There is no proof that any of her claims are true, so all of the characters can do is blindly trust.
I think this to be a dangerous premise, even if it just a sci-fi book, because there are being out there that do act this way. They claim that they are from another planet/universe/dimension, that they have created us, that humanity is about to destroy itself, that they alone can teach humans how to stay live. However there is no proof that they are who they claim they are. Rather there are good indicators that they are nothing less than lying manipulative demons. Yes, I believe there are demons. The Bible tells us that they are here and that they like nothing better than deceiving people. They have been turning people from the Truth of God's Word with cleaver counterfeits, since Adam and Eve.
Just look at the claim that they created us. The claim always involves us evolving in the past and present. In this book they claim they directed this supposed evolution. The God of the Bible claims to be the only Creator. He was also not a director of evolution but a Creator. It was a one time event and was complete after seven days. What man is now man has always been, and always will be.
How about the claim that they are benevolent? Do they provide proof of this? Have they demonstrated their love for humans? God sent His only Son to die so that we could be redeemed from sin. What more proof of love could there be? They seem very worried that we come to deny our sin nature. This is the ultimate in deviltry. If we refuse to believe we are sinners, we will never recognize our need for forgiveness, and so will miss out on God's free gift.
Are they accurate? They claim to know the future, do they? How could we know if they are? The Bible tells us that only God knows the future. Sometimes God has given us glimpses of it, and He has sent messengers to tell people what will happen. Can we tell His messengers from the deceitful demons trying to turn us from Him. The God of the Bible give an incredible hard test to verify the authenticity of any spirit or being. Not only must they be 100% accurate, but also their message must match completely the message given in the Bible. The beings that are speaking to people today certainly fail the last point.
These demons, unlike the God of the Bible, have been proved to be liars over and over and over. Is it wise to trust them? If they would lie about verifiable things, wouldn't they also lie about things we can't test, much more important things, like sin, hell, salvation, forgiveness and heaven? The Bible warns against trusting any spirit that teaches anything contrary to the Bible.
For a more complete discussion I would recommend reading the Bible, & UFOs & ETs Pocket Guide: A biblical and cultural exploration of aliens by Dr. Danny Faulkner.
June 17, 2017
"We are criticised when we do not intervene and criticised when we do."
A nice little novella (or long short story) that is a quick read.
The only real complaint I have with it is some of the character names. One of the alien species (with four arms) has decidedly human sounding names (e.g. Galen Jones). Otherwise, all the other aliens have suitably “alien” names (but not bizarre things like k’chtorr).
As I read it, I couldn't help but think about "Babylon 5" and the "Shadow War".
It is well paced with fluid writing and I am definitely willing to check out more of his work.
A nice little novella (or long short story) that is a quick read.
The only real complaint I have with it is some of the character names. One of the alien species (with four arms) has decidedly human sounding names (e.g. Galen Jones). Otherwise, all the other aliens have suitably “alien” names (but not bizarre things like k’chtorr).
As I read it, I couldn't help but think about "Babylon 5" and the "Shadow War".
It is well paced with fluid writing and I am definitely willing to check out more of his work.
October 24, 2015
This was a good read
This was one of those books that you sit back and think about how it could happen at some point in time. Truth be known that if there is life out in the universe and I think that there is, they are most likely just watching us and saying, we don't have to do anything to them they will destroy themselves. I hope we get a little smarter about how we handle things we don't understand before we get to far into space travel.
This was one of those books that you sit back and think about how it could happen at some point in time. Truth be known that if there is life out in the universe and I think that there is, they are most likely just watching us and saying, we don't have to do anything to them they will destroy themselves. I hope we get a little smarter about how we handle things we don't understand before we get to far into space travel.
December 9, 2015
Now I don't normally read novelettes but this was a free download. As the title reads this is about a doomsday machine, the big bang in reverse, not a bad read at all but could have done with being longer. Good as a time filler.
December 15, 2011
Read my review on my website: reidkemper.com.
Reid Review: "The Armageddon Machine" by Simon Kewin
Reid Review: "The Armageddon Machine" by Simon Kewin
October 21, 2015
This was nice little story, that was quite engrossing, i needed something to read on a long journey and downloaded this, and I was quite surprise it was so good, shame it wasn't longer.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews