Vega

The Gift #3

by Marc Stapleton

After the so-called success of his mission to Madrevaria, Kris finds himself back home, aimless and alone. A shocking and unexpected loss spurs him into action, and he soon tackles a hostage situation at the Aljarrian consulate, earning frontpage coverage as a masked vigilante in the process.

Forced onto a shorter leash by his CIA watchers, Kris is taken to Washington DC, but the trip is far from being the rest and relaxation he needed. A chance meeting with a congressperson ensues, a meeting that results in tragic and horrifying consequences…

It’s soon revealed that Vega has a massive secret – a deadly, terrible secret Kris is only now painfully aware of – along with the troubling realization that there’s truly no going back now. He’ll learn the reason Vega came here, to this place and to this time, or he’ll die trying…

Genres: Science Fiction

507 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 20, 2023

Reviews

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Vega" is more than just an audiobook; it's an immersive experience that plunges listeners into a world of intricate plots and multi-layered characters. Marc Stapleton’s storytelling prowess, combined with Andrew Tell’s compelling narration, makes this a gripping listen that keeps you hooked from start to finish.

Storyline
The story begins with Kris Chambers, returning home after a successful mission. However, he finds himself feeling lost and purposeless. His life takes a dramatic turn after a devastating personal loss, which propels him into a whirlwind of action and intrigue. Kris soon becomes a masked vigilante, tackling a hostage situation at the Aljarrian consulate. This daring act garners front-page headlines and draws unwelcome attention from his CIA handlers. As the plot unfolds, Kris is taken to Washington DC, hoping for a much-needed respite. Instead, he finds himself embroiled in a series of politically charged events that lead to tragic and horrifying consequences. The gravity of these events propels Kris into discovering a massive and deadly secret about Vega — a secret that poses a grave threat. Armed with this new knowledge, Kris realizes that there's no turning back; he must uncover the truth behind Vega’s presence in this time and place, or die trying.

Narration
Andrew Tell’s narration is one of the standout features of this audiobook. His ability to bring characters to life with distinct voices and convey the tension and emotion of each scene makes it an engaging and thrilling listen. Tell’s performance enhances the suspenseful atmosphere of the story, making it a truly immersive experience.

Themes
"Vega" delves into themes of loss, redemption, and the moral complexities of vigilantism. It explores the psychological impact of personal tragedy and the lengths to which individuals will go to seek justice or uncover the truth. The book also raises questions about the ethical implications of using power and technology, particularly in the context of national security and espionage.

Character Development
Marc Stapleton excels in character development, creating a protagonist who is both relatable and complex. Kris Chambers' journey from a lost and aimless individual to a determined and action-driven hero is convincingly portrayed. The supporting characters are also well-crafted, each adding depth and nuance to the storyline.

Conclusion
"Vega" is a must-listen for fans of thrillers and espionage novels. Marc Stapleton’s deft storytelling, combined with Andrew Tell’s dynamic narration, creates a captivating and thought-provoking audiobook experience. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Stapleton or new to his work, "Vega" offers a thrilling journey that remains impactful long after the last chapter.

[Ron]

DNF @37% on the first read in 2023.
Tried to read it again in 2025 and gave up at 45%. I'd forgotten about this series and didn't leave a note on book 3, so I just had book 1 and 2 with 4 stars. This one just got stupid, I couldn't follow any of the sequence in the cult lab, the writing just didn't do anything to help me visualize what was going on. Felt like a bizarre fever dream.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

I find this series a bit of a mix of good and sometimes missing points but curiosity has me keep reading. Would of liked this one to be a bit longer but the next one looks interesting so try see how the narrative changes. May not be for everyone this series but overall is OK.

[Gary Dewolfe · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. I try to figure out where we’re going with this but I sure can’t. I find it an interesting story. Some I’m sure won’t. I’m rooting for Kris..and Vega!