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Lost Cargo
Out of fuel and captured by pirates in his beat up chimera of a ship, Maurice "Moss" Foote is having a bad day, until he gets a lead on the score of a lifetime. Easy pickings, if his crew doesn't mind doing a bit of pirating themselves.
Moss certainly doesn't. His ship's computer, Violet, might. And his co-pilot, Hel, definitely will. But one tiny little lie might get them both on board.
What's the worst that could happen?
Roy Herzog is having a worse day. He lost everyone he could stomach working with, then crossed paths with the Silver Legion, the very organization he deserted to become a pirate.
Unfortunately for him, the Legion does not forget, and does not easily forgive. But there might be a way out, and perhaps a shot at revenge against the pilot who nearly killed him.
A pilot who flies a chimera.
Moss certainly doesn't. His ship's computer, Violet, might. And his co-pilot, Hel, definitely will. But one tiny little lie might get them both on board.
What's the worst that could happen?
Roy Herzog is having a worse day. He lost everyone he could stomach working with, then crossed paths with the Silver Legion, the very organization he deserted to become a pirate.
Unfortunately for him, the Legion does not forget, and does not easily forgive. But there might be a way out, and perhaps a shot at revenge against the pilot who nearly killed him.
A pilot who flies a chimera.
331 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2023
20 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
About the author
Noah Chinn
21 books88 followersNoah's books cover a wide variety of genres, but all of them possess a wry and quirky sense of humor to them.
Noah was born in Oshawa, Ontario, and had never really forgiven it for that. Shortly after university he moved to Japan, where he taught English for three years and barely learned a word of Japanese.
After that he moved to London, England to make it as a writer. Unfortunately the closest he came to literary success was working at several bookstores.
Upon returning to Canada he became an editor and has published a number of books in a variety of genres.
In addition to novels, Noah had a long running comic strip called Fuzzy Knights, which centered about the adventures of stuffed toy animals playing Dungeons and Dragons, and the evil hamster trying to destroy them.
Some have called this a cry for help.
He now lives with his unbelievably patient and supportive wife, Gillian, in Vancouver. He also has a ferret.
Noah was born in Oshawa, Ontario, and had never really forgiven it for that. Shortly after university he moved to Japan, where he taught English for three years and barely learned a word of Japanese.
After that he moved to London, England to make it as a writer. Unfortunately the closest he came to literary success was working at several bookstores.
Upon returning to Canada he became an editor and has published a number of books in a variety of genres.
In addition to novels, Noah had a long running comic strip called Fuzzy Knights, which centered about the adventures of stuffed toy animals playing Dungeons and Dragons, and the evil hamster trying to destroy them.
Some have called this a cry for help.
He now lives with his unbelievably patient and supportive wife, Gillian, in Vancouver. He also has a ferret.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 1, 2023
A great exploration on what it means to be human. Is an engineered being more human than a natural born? Can a human consciousness still be human without a body? What makes a person a person and not just a thing?
Add in some wonderful snarky humour, a 'hero' who is horrified when he ends up doing heroic deeds instead of running away, thwarted ambitions, and unintended consequences that lead to new fads (like a space race for a viewing audience of billions)--and let's not forget annoying side-kicks who just might help save the day, unless they're pitched out the nearest airlock first--and you have a great space opera sequel with kernels for future adventures.
Add in some wonderful snarky humour, a 'hero' who is horrified when he ends up doing heroic deeds instead of running away, thwarted ambitions, and unintended consequences that lead to new fads (like a space race for a viewing audience of billions)--and let's not forget annoying side-kicks who just might help save the day, unless they're pitched out the nearest airlock first--and you have a great space opera sequel with kernels for future adventures.
April 8, 2024
Noah Chinn is one of the voices of indie science fiction that doesn't get nearly the attention he deserves. I primarily know him from his reviews in KNIGHTS OF THE DINNER TABLE MAGAZINE but really enjoyed LOST SOULS by him. He invented a fantastic light-hearted space opera story about a smuggler, his AI starship, and a runaway slave in a well-designed setting where Earth has been destroyed.
The sequel has the premise of affable criminal, Moss, planning to do some good natured piracy under the lie of rescuing a bunch of slaves. Unfortunately for Moss, he discovers that the actual cargo is not something easily turned into profit.. Driven by a combination of guilt and anger from his crewmates, he must find a solution even as they're hunted by the cyborg armies of Earth.
Meanwhile, Roy Herzog, a cybernetic super soldier that was thwarted in kidnapping a bunch of colonists in the previous book, has set his sights on avenging himself on Moss. It's not his primary goal and I appreciated that but it's something he's happy to get if he's in the same area as Moss. Unfortunately, his plans are interrupted when he's taken by his old bosses who can't kill him but are not happy with his desertion.
This book does a lot to flesh out the setting and we learn about what happened to Earth, how freeborn humans (those who aren't genetically modified) ended up enslaved by the cyborgs, and what exactly is going on with humanity's future (hint: it's not good). I really enjoyed getting a sense of how this post-apocalypse setting functions.
I was surprised at how good Noah Chinn was at making his antagonsists sympathetic as well. Roy is a character that is utterly scummy, a pirate and slaver, but you understand how his mind works throughout. It's also good to see him operate behind the scenes, slowly turning all of his enemies among the crew of the Silver Legion into friends or at least allies of conveinance. He's not quite Tyrion Lannister or Palpatine but certainly has watched them work.
We also get a serious examination of the ethics of brain uploading and how it might screw with someone's sense of identity. We also find out why it isn't more widely practiced despite the fact that most people would be fascinated by the prospect of immortality, even if it was the diet coke of immortality as I describe it in my books. I think it's handled very well and Violet's struggles with being able to be "backed up" or "copied" even though it's not "her" are fascinating.
If I had one complaint about the book, it is a very small one and almost silly to mention. My inner shipper is annoyed that two of the main characters I was hoping for Moss to hook up with end up together instead. I'm still hoping he'll end up with one of them but it came out of nowhere. I strongly recommend this book and hope you will check it and its predecessor out. I definitely will be picking up the third book.
The sequel has the premise of affable criminal, Moss, planning to do some good natured piracy under the lie of rescuing a bunch of slaves. Unfortunately for Moss, he discovers that the actual cargo is not something easily turned into profit.. Driven by a combination of guilt and anger from his crewmates, he must find a solution even as they're hunted by the cyborg armies of Earth.
Meanwhile, Roy Herzog, a cybernetic super soldier that was thwarted in kidnapping a bunch of colonists in the previous book, has set his sights on avenging himself on Moss. It's not his primary goal and I appreciated that but it's something he's happy to get if he's in the same area as Moss. Unfortunately, his plans are interrupted when he's taken by his old bosses who can't kill him but are not happy with his desertion.
This book does a lot to flesh out the setting and we learn about what happened to Earth, how freeborn humans (those who aren't genetically modified) ended up enslaved by the cyborgs, and what exactly is going on with humanity's future (hint: it's not good). I really enjoyed getting a sense of how this post-apocalypse setting functions.
I was surprised at how good Noah Chinn was at making his antagonsists sympathetic as well. Roy is a character that is utterly scummy, a pirate and slaver, but you understand how his mind works throughout. It's also good to see him operate behind the scenes, slowly turning all of his enemies among the crew of the Silver Legion into friends or at least allies of conveinance. He's not quite Tyrion Lannister or Palpatine but certainly has watched them work.
We also get a serious examination of the ethics of brain uploading and how it might screw with someone's sense of identity. We also find out why it isn't more widely practiced despite the fact that most people would be fascinated by the prospect of immortality, even if it was the diet coke of immortality as I describe it in my books. I think it's handled very well and Violet's struggles with being able to be "backed up" or "copied" even though it's not "her" are fascinating.
If I had one complaint about the book, it is a very small one and almost silly to mention. My inner shipper is annoyed that two of the main characters I was hoping for Moss to hook up with end up together instead. I'm still hoping he'll end up with one of them but it came out of nowhere. I strongly recommend this book and hope you will check it and its predecessor out. I definitely will be picking up the third book.
March 2, 2024
Lost Cargo by Noah Chinn
Reviewed by Robert Runté
Lost Cargo is the sequel to Lost Souls. I gave Lost Souls a positive review , but Lost Cargo cements Chinn as one of my all-time favourite writers.
Lost Souls was good solid space opera that combined mystery, comedy and action. My only cavet was that the reader had to get past some potentially distracting backstory early on. If I’m honest, though, I only tripped over the backstory in Lost Souls because in my day-job as an editor, ‘too much backstory’ is something I have to watch out for. Having now read Lost Cargo, I realize that the mystery is all about the backstory and that Chinn totally knew what he was doing.
The central mystery of Lost Souls having been solved, I expected Lost Cargo to be the further but unrelated adventures of Moss and friends. I was half right. Moss sets out to make the one-big-score that will set him up for retirement; villain Roy sees his chance to take a shot at Moss; and the authorities are after them both. The storyline carried me along from incident to incident, enjoying the comedy and the deepening character arcs in what is basically a heist novel. If I had to sum up the writing of Lost Cargo in a single word, it would be “smooth”.
It was such fun I almost didn’t notice that the continuing dive into backstory was hinting at a much larger mystery than the one already solved in Lost Souls. I loved the climax to the Lost Cargo—I howled with laughter and pumped my fist when I realized what author Chinn had done to set up the ending—but this was no separate mystery, no simple heist actioner. Rather, it was yet another layer of the onion that is the Get Lost mystery series. Underneath it all, there is something going on and it’s big, and likely very, very bad.
Lost Cargo, then, is the middle book of a trilogy. By definition, the middle book is the transition from the initiating incident to the final resolution, and like the middle of any thick novel, often drags as the author kills time and fills in relevant details. That’s not the case here, though.
Lost Cargo is an excellent example of pacing and misdirection and can standalone as its own adventure. I totally did not see the ending coming, even though the foreshadowing is all there. I mean, okay, yes—with Moss as protagonist, it was obvious this was going to be a heist-gone-wrong novel—but from there on in, the reader is plunged ever deeper into the larger dynamics of Chinn’s world-building, and Chinn’s belief that no matter how bad things are, they can always get much worse.
The Lost Saga is independently published and recommended for anyone up for good old fashion space opera.
Reviewed by Robert Runté
Lost Cargo is the sequel to Lost Souls. I gave Lost Souls a positive review , but Lost Cargo cements Chinn as one of my all-time favourite writers.
Lost Souls was good solid space opera that combined mystery, comedy and action. My only cavet was that the reader had to get past some potentially distracting backstory early on. If I’m honest, though, I only tripped over the backstory in Lost Souls because in my day-job as an editor, ‘too much backstory’ is something I have to watch out for. Having now read Lost Cargo, I realize that the mystery is all about the backstory and that Chinn totally knew what he was doing.
The central mystery of Lost Souls having been solved, I expected Lost Cargo to be the further but unrelated adventures of Moss and friends. I was half right. Moss sets out to make the one-big-score that will set him up for retirement; villain Roy sees his chance to take a shot at Moss; and the authorities are after them both. The storyline carried me along from incident to incident, enjoying the comedy and the deepening character arcs in what is basically a heist novel. If I had to sum up the writing of Lost Cargo in a single word, it would be “smooth”.
It was such fun I almost didn’t notice that the continuing dive into backstory was hinting at a much larger mystery than the one already solved in Lost Souls. I loved the climax to the Lost Cargo—I howled with laughter and pumped my fist when I realized what author Chinn had done to set up the ending—but this was no separate mystery, no simple heist actioner. Rather, it was yet another layer of the onion that is the Get Lost mystery series. Underneath it all, there is something going on and it’s big, and likely very, very bad.
Lost Cargo, then, is the middle book of a trilogy. By definition, the middle book is the transition from the initiating incident to the final resolution, and like the middle of any thick novel, often drags as the author kills time and fills in relevant details. That’s not the case here, though.
Lost Cargo is an excellent example of pacing and misdirection and can standalone as its own adventure. I totally did not see the ending coming, even though the foreshadowing is all there. I mean, okay, yes—with Moss as protagonist, it was obvious this was going to be a heist-gone-wrong novel—but from there on in, the reader is plunged ever deeper into the larger dynamics of Chinn’s world-building, and Chinn’s belief that no matter how bad things are, they can always get much worse.
The Lost Saga is independently published and recommended for anyone up for good old fashion space opera.
November 2, 2023
As I said in my review of LOST SOULS, the first book in the “Get Lost” series, if you loved Firefly or any science fiction out there with a sense of humor, but a serious story line, you need to dive into this series!
While the story is set in an exciting fully-fleshed out 'verse, with all manner of intriguing alien races and culture, Noah keeps the focus on his delightful characters and their predicaments (some brought on themselves – looking at you Moss!)
And I LOVE that Noah had me laughing right off the bat in Chapter One. It reminds me that the story may have tense moments and uncertainty, but it’s gonna be fun. “Make the ship go” – LOL! If ANYONE thinks humanity would make it into space without a sense of humor and fun (and wit and sarcasm)… well, most people these days have trouble traveling on a plane with other humans, much less heading into the stars with them.
Despite the fact that Moss gets himself (and his crew and compatriots) into sticky situations most often with a profit motive, he always does the right thing ultimately, while getting out of them. And he just keeps going, like the Energizer Bunny, even in the face of some pretty unnerving circumstances. Moss and his folks will find a way out, by hook or mustelid (made you look it up!)
I grew up during the Golden Age of Science Fiction and graduated to McCaffrey, Norton, Schmitz, and SO many others. My “keeper” shelf is full of these, and Bujold, of course! This book reminded me of the best of those. Exciting, suspenseful, and droll humor – authentic human beings (and other not so human beings and some beings you just aren’t sure of at the moment) in space –and hope in the face of adversity and what sometimes seem to be unsurmountable challenges. FUN!
I am still hoping someone will discover this series and turn it into a streaming series! It is creative and complex and fast-paced and exciting. Noah is a great story-teller and his characters are engaging and fun. I am waiting anxiously for MORE in this 'verse!
While the story is set in an exciting fully-fleshed out 'verse, with all manner of intriguing alien races and culture, Noah keeps the focus on his delightful characters and their predicaments (some brought on themselves – looking at you Moss!)
And I LOVE that Noah had me laughing right off the bat in Chapter One. It reminds me that the story may have tense moments and uncertainty, but it’s gonna be fun. “Make the ship go” – LOL! If ANYONE thinks humanity would make it into space without a sense of humor and fun (and wit and sarcasm)… well, most people these days have trouble traveling on a plane with other humans, much less heading into the stars with them.
Despite the fact that Moss gets himself (and his crew and compatriots) into sticky situations most often with a profit motive, he always does the right thing ultimately, while getting out of them. And he just keeps going, like the Energizer Bunny, even in the face of some pretty unnerving circumstances. Moss and his folks will find a way out, by hook or mustelid (made you look it up!)
I grew up during the Golden Age of Science Fiction and graduated to McCaffrey, Norton, Schmitz, and SO many others. My “keeper” shelf is full of these, and Bujold, of course! This book reminded me of the best of those. Exciting, suspenseful, and droll humor – authentic human beings (and other not so human beings and some beings you just aren’t sure of at the moment) in space –and hope in the face of adversity and what sometimes seem to be unsurmountable challenges. FUN!
I am still hoping someone will discover this series and turn it into a streaming series! It is creative and complex and fast-paced and exciting. Noah is a great story-teller and his characters are engaging and fun. I am waiting anxiously for MORE in this 'verse!
November 2, 2023
In science fiction, it's not often that we come across a narrative as multifaceted and thought-provoking as Noah Chinn's "Lost Cargo". With a blend of heart-stopping space escapades and deep philosophical inquiries, Chinn takes readers on a whirlwind that pushes the boundaries of traditional space opera.
Maurice "Moss" Foote is the quintessential reluctant hero, a character whose journey we eagerly follow. His interactions with the calculating Violet and pragmatic Hel offer both tension and comic relief, providing a delicate balance to the plot's weightier elements. The introduction of Roy Herzog, a man haunted by his past and pursued by the relentless Silver Legion, adds layers of complexity and intrigue to an already gripping story.
But where "Lost Cargo" truly shines is in its exploration of the essence of humanity. Chinn delves into questions such as: What constitutes human consciousness? Is our humanity defined by our physical bodies or by something more intangible? Through its richly developed characters and their individual journeys, the story challenges our preconceived notions, prompting introspection and debate.
The book's humor is another of its standout features. Chinn has a knack for integrating sharp, snarky wit into the narrative, ensuring that even in its darkest moments, the story retains a levity that keeps readers engaged. The idea of a reluctant hero unintentionally performing heroic acts adds a unique spin, and the concept of a space race for a massive audience injects a contemporary twist into the traditional space opera mold.
"Lost Cargo" offers both thrilling action and profound insights, ensuring that readers are entertained, enlightened, and eagerly anticipating future installments. Whether you're a die-hard sci-fi fan or just dipping your toes into the genre, Noah Chinn's latest offering is an absolute must-read!
Maurice "Moss" Foote is the quintessential reluctant hero, a character whose journey we eagerly follow. His interactions with the calculating Violet and pragmatic Hel offer both tension and comic relief, providing a delicate balance to the plot's weightier elements. The introduction of Roy Herzog, a man haunted by his past and pursued by the relentless Silver Legion, adds layers of complexity and intrigue to an already gripping story.
But where "Lost Cargo" truly shines is in its exploration of the essence of humanity. Chinn delves into questions such as: What constitutes human consciousness? Is our humanity defined by our physical bodies or by something more intangible? Through its richly developed characters and their individual journeys, the story challenges our preconceived notions, prompting introspection and debate.
The book's humor is another of its standout features. Chinn has a knack for integrating sharp, snarky wit into the narrative, ensuring that even in its darkest moments, the story retains a levity that keeps readers engaged. The idea of a reluctant hero unintentionally performing heroic acts adds a unique spin, and the concept of a space race for a massive audience injects a contemporary twist into the traditional space opera mold.
"Lost Cargo" offers both thrilling action and profound insights, ensuring that readers are entertained, enlightened, and eagerly anticipating future installments. Whether you're a die-hard sci-fi fan or just dipping your toes into the genre, Noah Chinn's latest offering is an absolute must-read!
May 25, 2025
5 Stars, Engaging Characters
LOST CARGO (GET LOST SAGA, BOOK 2)
By Noah Chinn
I like Moss Foote, but Violet is my favorite character. More of her backstory comes out in this story, than what was revealed in book 1 of the Get Lost Saga, Lost Souls.
There are space pirates, lots of lost things, and misunderstandings. This is a series that will keep you engaged, long after you finish the book.
Highly recommend.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
#LostCargo #GetLostSagaSeries #sciencefiction #humerous #adventure #NoahChinn #IndependentPublisher #NoahChinnBooks
LOST CARGO (GET LOST SAGA, BOOK 2)
By Noah Chinn
I like Moss Foote, but Violet is my favorite character. More of her backstory comes out in this story, than what was revealed in book 1 of the Get Lost Saga, Lost Souls.
There are space pirates, lots of lost things, and misunderstandings. This is a series that will keep you engaged, long after you finish the book.
Highly recommend.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
#LostCargo #GetLostSagaSeries #sciencefiction #humerous #adventure #NoahChinn #IndependentPublisher #NoahChinnBooks
January 9, 2026
Thank you, Nathan Lowell
Very good series here. Love the twists and turns, the characters, the action and adventure. Really enjoying this. A shout out to Nathan Lowell. Author of The Wizard’s Butler series and more. He recommended Lost Souls. Since I enjoy his books, I tended to think he’d probably recommend something equally entertaining. He did. Now I have visions of Noah Chinn and Nathan Lowell sharing beers and banter. Wishing I was there.
Very good series here. Love the twists and turns, the characters, the action and adventure. Really enjoying this. A shout out to Nathan Lowell. Author of The Wizard’s Butler series and more. He recommended Lost Souls. Since I enjoy his books, I tended to think he’d probably recommend something equally entertaining. He did. Now I have visions of Noah Chinn and Nathan Lowell sharing beers and banter. Wishing I was there.
November 26, 2023
Noah Chinn's Lost Cargo redefines the space opera genre with its unique blend of action, philosophy, and humor. The story is a thrilling ride, filled with complex characters and thought-provoking themes. The balance between light-hearted moments and deeper inquiries into what makes us human is masterfully maintained throughout.
November 26, 2023
Wow, Lost Cargo blew my mind! Noah Chinn has outdone himself. It's like a roller coaster in space, with twists that keep you on the edge. Moss Foote is my new favorite hero. This book is a total game-changer for sci-fi lovers! I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to escape for a little while into a fun and interesting premise.
November 26, 2023
I don’t usually read sci-fi, but Lost Cargo was really fun! It’s easy to get into and has a bunch of cool space stuff. The characters are funny and real. If you’re just getting into sci-fi, this is a great start.
November 26, 2023
I found Lost Cargo to be a profoundly reflective piece. Chinn's exploration of humanity and consciousness is both nuanced and enlightening. It’s rare to find a book that combines such depth with the thrill of a space adventure. Truly a remarkable read.
November 26, 2023
As a long-time sci-fi reader, I appreciate how Lost Cargo pays homage to the genre while bringing something new. Chinn’s narrative is both classic and innovative, a rare find in modern science fiction.
November 26, 2023
Lost Cargo impressed me with its attention to detail. Chinn's world-building is intricate and immersive. The technology and space settings are so well described, I felt like I was there. A truly vivid and well-crafted universe.
November 26, 2023
I'm new to science fiction, but Lost Cargo has made me a fan! It's exciting, funny, and easy to understand. Noah Chinn writes in a way that's welcoming to newbies like me. I'm definitely looking for more books like this.
April 20, 2025
Another great adventure
Space ships, pirates, AI and more. A fun and entertaining read that kept me fully captivated. I love a book that can capture the reader and take them to a faraway place to make the real world drift away. Well done. I received this book for free and voluntarily reviewed.
Space ships, pirates, AI and more. A fun and entertaining read that kept me fully captivated. I love a book that can capture the reader and take them to a faraway place to make the real world drift away. Well done. I received this book for free and voluntarily reviewed.
October 13, 2025
better than the original
Characters get more interesting and developed this second book of the trilogy, so much so that the cliffhanger at the end leaves me eager to read the third.
Characters get more interesting and developed this second book of the trilogy, so much so that the cliffhanger at the end leaves me eager to read the third.
November 26, 2023
I loved reading Lost Cargo by Noah Chinn. It's a space story that’s both exciting and makes you think. The characters are really interesting, and the story is full of surprises.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews