The Crank
A science-fiction adventure about an engineer who no longer trusts the intelligence running his ship—or the people who have surrendered their judgement to it.
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When the machine knows best, who gets to disagree?
The colossal SS Perseverance is crossing the cosmos with the help of Bostrom, an advanced artificial intelligence woven into the life of the ship. Most of the crew accept its guidance. Frank does not.
As his doubts deepen, a journey through space becomes a struggle over surveillance, freedom and the dangerous comfort of allowing technology to think on humanity’s behalf. The Crank combines space adventure with a sharp question: dependence may be efficient, but is it still living?
For readers who like ideas with their adventure
Read it if you enjoy artificial intelligence, isolated spacecraft, moral uncertainty and characters forced to question the systems around them.
Meet Frank and Bostrom
Frank’s suspicion and Bostrom’s pervasive influence turn the ship into a pressure chamber for a larger conflict between judgement, obedience and control.
A voyage into deep space—and into the uneasy territory between helpful intelligence and surrendered autonomy.
Continue exploring the world of The Crank
Read about artificial intelligence in the novel, explore its world-building, or watch the book video.
Board the SS Perseverance
Choose the print or ebook edition, or listen to the complete audio edition free through ElevenReader.
Questions readers ask
What kind of science fiction is The Crank?
It is an original space adventure centred on artificial intelligence, autonomy, surveillance and humanity’s dependence on technology.
Can I listen before buying?
Yes. The audio edition is available to listen to free on ElevenReader.
Is this part of the Incredible Science Fiction anthologies?
No. The Crank is Andrew G. Gibson’s original novel.