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Positive tags
Hero archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
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Synopsis
Michael Gilmore, Captain of the HMSS Ark Royal is part of Earth’s first interstellar delegation to visit an alien planet. His passengers are an ill-tempered prince and an inscrutable quadruped alien. His First Officer is on the brink of mutiny, the ship’s A.I. seems to have turned renegade, and the neighbouring vessel harbours a genocidal maniac. What should be an prestigious honor is turning into a treacherous journey whose true purpose has yet to be revealed by their mysterious alien hosts…
Is The Ark appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 13 and up.
This adult space opera involves political intrigue, potential mutiny, and the threat of genocide aboard a diplomatic mission. Violence is moderate and implied rather than graphic, with no sexual content or strong language.
What to know going in
This book has moderate violence, no sexual content, and mild language. Content notes include genocide, political violence, and manipulation (see the full list above).
Publisher ages reflect reading level; our rating reflects content maturity — they can differ.
Who'll love this
Teens who love space adventures with mysteries, alien encounters, and tense political drama will enjoy this first contact story.