🌍 Book Review: Ark by Veronica Roth (Kindle Edition, Forward Collection #1)
A quiet, contemplative sci-fi story about loss, resilience, and the beauty of what remains—Veronica Roth opens the Forward Collection with a poignant meditation on the end of the world and the human instinct to preserve.
🧠 Overview
Published in September 2019, Ark is a 45-page science fiction short story that kicks off Amazon’s Forward Collection, a series of speculative tales by renowned authors. Roth’s contribution centers on Samantha, a young scientist who chooses to stay behind on Earth while most of humanity evacuates in anticipation of a catastrophic asteroid strike.
Her mission: catalog the planet’s remaining plant life for future generations. As the clock ticks down, Samantha finds herself reflecting on beauty, purpose, and the quiet connections that make life meaningful—even in its final moments.
🌱 Key Themes & Highlights
- 🪐 End-of-world scenario: Humanity faces extinction, but the story focuses on emotional and ecological preservation
- 🌸 Botanical symbolism: Samantha’s work with plants becomes a metaphor for hope and continuity
- 🧠 Philosophical tone: Rather than action-packed, the story is introspective and emotionally resonant
- 💬 Human connection: A final encounter with another person adds warmth and depth to the narrative
“On the eve of Earth’s destruction, a young scientist discovers something too precious to lose…” — Goodreads summary
💬 Reader Reception
- ⭐ Goodreads rating: 3.59/5 from over 26,000 ratings
- 📖 Readers praise the story’s lyrical prose, emotional subtlety, and thoughtful pacing
- 🧾 Some found it too quiet or slow, but many appreciated its meditative tone and thematic richness
- 💬 “A beautiful reflection on what we choose to save when everything else is lost.”
⚠️ Considerations
- 📄 Short format: At 45 pages, it’s a one-sitting read—best approached as a literary vignette
- 📚 Standalone: Part of the Forward Collection, but works independently
- 🧠 Low on plot, high on mood: Ideal for readers who enjoy character-driven, philosophical sci-fi
🏁 Final Verdict
Ark is a gentle, thought-provoking story that trades spectacle for introspection. Veronica Roth’s writing invites readers to consider what truly matters when time runs out—and what beauty might still be worth preserving. If you’re drawn to quiet sci-fi with emotional depth, this Kindle edition is a lovely, lingering ready.
