What do you think?
Lost Starship #22
The Lost World
There are reports that hijacked Star Watch personnel are released onto a jungle planet in the Beyond. There, New Men hunt them down like animals with high-powered rifles and killer dogs.
Captain Maddox would check that out, but he’s grounded on Earth and Galyan refuses to let anyone else use Starship Victory.
Valerie goes in a Patrol scout with Keith at helm and the newly young Riker as security.
They stumble onto an ancient conspiracy that started long before humanity was rooting around for tubers on Earth. Somehow, it’s related to what the New Men are doing on the jungle planet.
Valerie will do everything she can to save her hijacked crew from this evil, although she’s alone in the Beyond in an escape pod that is running out of air. If she fails, God help us all.
THE LOST WORLD is book 22 in the Lost Starship series, a star-spanning saga of deadly space war and planetary struggles as told by millions-bestselling author Vaughn Heppner.
Captain Maddox would check that out, but he’s grounded on Earth and Galyan refuses to let anyone else use Starship Victory.
Valerie goes in a Patrol scout with Keith at helm and the newly young Riker as security.
They stumble onto an ancient conspiracy that started long before humanity was rooting around for tubers on Earth. Somehow, it’s related to what the New Men are doing on the jungle planet.
Valerie will do everything she can to save her hijacked crew from this evil, although she’s alone in the Beyond in an escape pod that is running out of air. If she fails, God help us all.
THE LOST WORLD is book 22 in the Lost Starship series, a star-spanning saga of deadly space war and planetary struggles as told by millions-bestselling author Vaughn Heppner.
445 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 7, 2024
About the author
Vaughn Heppner
140 books576 followersYou can visit Vaughn at www.vaughnheppner.com
I was born in Canada and remember as a small boy crawling in my snow-fort. I closed my eyes, and when I tried to open them, they were frozen shut. I didn't panic, but wiped away the ice crystals, unglued my eyes and kept on building my tunnel. Those were great days! I moved to Central California before seventh grade and couldn't believe I lived in a land where oranges grew on trees and you could pick grapes from the vine.
I used to wonder what I wanted to do with my life, what kind of work specifically. I was miserable not knowing and bordering on desperate. Then one day a friend gave me his typewriter. I began working on a novel. A different person told me it was much easier on a computer, so I bought one and began getting up at 4:30 A.M. each morning before work, writing for three hours. My eyes were unglued once again as the pang of misery left my gut. I knew exactly what I wanted to do: write. So now that's what I do, I write, and write, and write, and I love it.
I was born in Canada and remember as a small boy crawling in my snow-fort. I closed my eyes, and when I tried to open them, they were frozen shut. I didn't panic, but wiped away the ice crystals, unglued my eyes and kept on building my tunnel. Those were great days! I moved to Central California before seventh grade and couldn't believe I lived in a land where oranges grew on trees and you could pick grapes from the vine.
I used to wonder what I wanted to do with my life, what kind of work specifically. I was miserable not knowing and bordering on desperate. Then one day a friend gave me his typewriter. I began working on a novel. A different person told me it was much easier on a computer, so I bought one and began getting up at 4:30 A.M. each morning before work, writing for three hours. My eyes were unglued once again as the pang of misery left my gut. I knew exactly what I wanted to do: write. So now that's what I do, I write, and write, and write, and I love it.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 18, 2024
Valerie, Ryker & Keith are in the spotlight on this one!👍
This one was very different in that it circled mostly around Valerie, Ryker & Keith rather than Maddox, Galyan & the Victory crew.
**Warning-Very vague but might be spoilers: There were some portions that bothered me in this one, like: Ryker going along on a Patrol mission, even though he *needed to make himself scarce on Earth, he simply doesn’t seem to be the best person to put on a *bridge, especially where you’d expect a science expert or scanner tech expert. I mean it’s a patrol ship going to new uncharted and dangerous places. I’d believe him in an ancillary position on the ship for something like security aboard ship and ground forays; but the bridge position where lots of tech & AI skills are needed…? Yeah, not so believable. And since when are ground searches done with a single person, no one to watch your back? Never! Yet, he’s required to do so. And this patrol ship is bigger than the Tinpin which carried up to 8, I think so this one has more space and should have had a marine detail., but we never see or hear anything about them or anyone else in the ship other than the bridge, one instance of a medical doctor and a science doctor, which again, I find to be weird. However, as usual, Ryker was extremely helpful but still the bridge detail was not & still is not his forte.
The other conflict that stuck out to me was a discrepancy from book to book. In this one, Galyan claims to not be able to enter a spaceship until the hatch is open, yet we know from previous books that simply isn’t true as he has spied on many crew members of different ships while they were sealed inside their ships in space.
Question— if you’re in outer space and routinely, or even rarely sending people to the surface of new, non-scouted planets then wouldn’t it be prudent to have decontamination procedures and a sensor alarm for detected foreign substance as post mission routine for those scout shuttles & crew returning after their mission? That just seems obvious. Right?
I also found myself scanning words and sentences in this one, which I usually never do with this author/storyline. It happens to be one of those books that is extra wordy in places. Which I either don’t usually notice or this one simply has more word padding. At least in IMO.
I do like the end and how it feels like Maddox may be trying to be less strict, less NewMan and more human, as well as outwardly showing his crew his appreciation. That’s all new territory for him but it’ll make the Victory crew stronger & it sounds like they’ll need it as forces from different directions-the New Men, Leviathan, Yon Soth & even from headquarters are building & scheming as threats to Maddox, the crew and humanity. But the crew of Victory is a family and they’ll stand strong and together to fight against evil and to protect humanity.
Love these characters! Can’t wait for the next book! I’m anticipating some New Man conflict and payback.
This one was very different in that it circled mostly around Valerie, Ryker & Keith rather than Maddox, Galyan & the Victory crew.
**Warning-Very vague but might be spoilers: There were some portions that bothered me in this one, like: Ryker going along on a Patrol mission, even though he *needed to make himself scarce on Earth, he simply doesn’t seem to be the best person to put on a *bridge, especially where you’d expect a science expert or scanner tech expert. I mean it’s a patrol ship going to new uncharted and dangerous places. I’d believe him in an ancillary position on the ship for something like security aboard ship and ground forays; but the bridge position where lots of tech & AI skills are needed…? Yeah, not so believable. And since when are ground searches done with a single person, no one to watch your back? Never! Yet, he’s required to do so. And this patrol ship is bigger than the Tinpin which carried up to 8, I think so this one has more space and should have had a marine detail., but we never see or hear anything about them or anyone else in the ship other than the bridge, one instance of a medical doctor and a science doctor, which again, I find to be weird. However, as usual, Ryker was extremely helpful but still the bridge detail was not & still is not his forte.
The other conflict that stuck out to me was a discrepancy from book to book. In this one, Galyan claims to not be able to enter a spaceship until the hatch is open, yet we know from previous books that simply isn’t true as he has spied on many crew members of different ships while they were sealed inside their ships in space.
Question— if you’re in outer space and routinely, or even rarely sending people to the surface of new, non-scouted planets then wouldn’t it be prudent to have decontamination procedures and a sensor alarm for detected foreign substance as post mission routine for those scout shuttles & crew returning after their mission? That just seems obvious. Right?
I also found myself scanning words and sentences in this one, which I usually never do with this author/storyline. It happens to be one of those books that is extra wordy in places. Which I either don’t usually notice or this one simply has more word padding. At least in IMO.
I do like the end and how it feels like Maddox may be trying to be less strict, less NewMan and more human, as well as outwardly showing his crew his appreciation. That’s all new territory for him but it’ll make the Victory crew stronger & it sounds like they’ll need it as forces from different directions-the New Men, Leviathan, Yon Soth & even from headquarters are building & scheming as threats to Maddox, the crew and humanity. But the crew of Victory is a family and they’ll stand strong and together to fight against evil and to protect humanity.
Love these characters! Can’t wait for the next book! I’m anticipating some New Man conflict and payback.
April 13, 2025
Interesting Story!
This was an interesting story because it wasn't wholly about Captain Maddox. It was rather about the story's crew members, namely: L.C. Valerie Noonan, Keith Maker, and Sgt. Riker. Ven without the leadership and prowl of Captain Maddox, his subordinates seem have managed the handle thing well on their own. Surviving the pocket universe an the entity there, but the New Men and the being captured by the 'Bloodtooth' crew, they showed how capable they are without Captain Maddox. Great story!
This was an interesting story because it wasn't wholly about Captain Maddox. It was rather about the story's crew members, namely: L.C. Valerie Noonan, Keith Maker, and Sgt. Riker. Ven without the leadership and prowl of Captain Maddox, his subordinates seem have managed the handle thing well on their own. Surviving the pocket universe an the entity there, but the New Men and the being captured by the 'Bloodtooth' crew, they showed how capable they are without Captain Maddox. Great story!
December 5, 2024
Confirmation Confirmed - It’s A Family!
The Lost Starship Series has finally confirmed what many of us have known
from the start. Starship Victory may seem to be military based but in reality it’s much more like that of a ‘family!’ Each member of the men & women that serve to crew Victory plays an important role in this fantastic Sci-Fi series. Created by Vaughn Heppner, I recommend this Sci-Fi for all ages of Sci-Fi readers!
The Lost Starship Series has finally confirmed what many of us have known
from the start. Starship Victory may seem to be military based but in reality it’s much more like that of a ‘family!’ Each member of the men & women that serve to crew Victory plays an important role in this fantastic Sci-Fi series. Created by Vaughn Heppner, I recommend this Sci-Fi for all ages of Sci-Fi readers!
July 15, 2026
I wasn’t sure what to think, a lot of books started with establishment of the plot through the actions of characters outside our main crew with Maddox and Victory. But this book was different, we followed a few of the crew through a different story for most of the book, our main crew didn’t join in until almost the end. It wasn’t awful, but I don’t think it was my favorite. I felt like the book really didn’t start until halfway through.
February 24, 2026
Great Series
If you are reading this you have probably read the series or are lost and searching for the next read. I would suggest going to book 1. It is a great series and you will thoroughly enjoy it. For those that have read all the books you would agree I imagine. If not why read so many books! Looking forward to the next one.
If you are reading this you have probably read the series or are lost and searching for the next read. I would suggest going to book 1. It is a great series and you will thoroughly enjoy it. For those that have read all the books you would agree I imagine. If not why read so many books! Looking forward to the next one.
November 22, 2024
Ack! Who wrote this? The characters have the same names, but their simple-minded sophomoric interactions with each other and unnatural behavior mixes with a senseless plot like curdled milk.
I have been a long time Vaughn Heppner fan and this does not feel like his writing to me. Just not a good read.
I have been a long time Vaughn Heppner fan and this does not feel like his writing to me. Just not a good read.
November 23, 2024
ok read
Slow and way out there creating an alternative reality in the first part of the book. It started to come together about halfway through. Then it pick up the pace and did a good job of bringing the story home.
Slow and way out there creating an alternative reality in the first part of the book. It started to come together about halfway through. Then it pick up the pace and did a good job of bringing the story home.
November 24, 2024
Valerie and Riker Lead the Way
I always enjoy the Lost Star ship books. This was especially fun to read with Valerie and Riker carrying so much of the story line. I excitedly await the next episode.
I always enjoy the Lost Star ship books. This was especially fun to read with Valerie and Riker carrying so much of the story line. I excitedly await the next episode.
November 24, 2024
Keep the crew together
Did not like the split up of the crew. Yet the last twenty percent of the book was good with Victory. Riker story was kind of slow. This is probably my least favorite in the series.
Did not like the split up of the crew. Yet the last twenty percent of the book was good with Victory. Riker story was kind of slow. This is probably my least favorite in the series.
December 4, 2024
My Lowest rating
My lowest rating of all Starship series. Writing and plot lines
seemed disjointed not the norm for previous books. First 80% related to Valerie and Riker exploits with no interconnection. Windup after big battle was kinda a "huh". Not the best Heppner.
My lowest rating of all Starship series. Writing and plot lines
seemed disjointed not the norm for previous books. First 80% related to Valerie and Riker exploits with no interconnection. Windup after big battle was kinda a "huh". Not the best Heppner.
December 23, 2024
Space opera
The story begins with Valerie, Keith and Riker on a patrol mission of their own. It devolves into the type of crisis we have come to expect in the beyond. Having escaped a strange pocket universe, they run into a New Man starship and are separated.
The story begins with Valerie, Keith and Riker on a patrol mission of their own. It devolves into the type of crisis we have come to expect in the beyond. Having escaped a strange pocket universe, they run into a New Man starship and are separated.
February 11, 2025
Amazing look
This is an amazing look into three of Maddox's trusted crew members. You get to learn more about Riker, Keith, and Valerie. A must-read for fans of 'Lost Starship Series' Looking forward to the xt epic adventure!
This is an amazing look into three of Maddox's trusted crew members. You get to learn more about Riker, Keith, and Valerie. A must-read for fans of 'Lost Starship Series' Looking forward to the xt epic adventure!
March 9, 2025
22 books into the series, and I still want more
A twist in the plot, this book was a great read, but also opens up a multitude of story lines that could be explored. I'm in, wherever it takes us
A twist in the plot, this book was a great read, but also opens up a multitude of story lines that could be explored. I'm in, wherever it takes us
March 10, 2025
Really enjoyable, no slacking in book 22
A slightly different spin on the saga with focus on a smaller team but then all brought together again.
Great continuation of the Saga and looking forward to more independence from Earth for the crew.
A slightly different spin on the saga with focus on a smaller team but then all brought together again.
Great continuation of the Saga and looking forward to more independence from Earth for the crew.
May 11, 2025
Commander Noonan
This was a nice change of pace for the author Vaughn Heppner. I really enjoyed getting into depth with some of the other characters. This was a very satisfying iteration of the lost starship series. Thank you.
This was a nice change of pace for the author Vaughn Heppner. I really enjoyed getting into depth with some of the other characters. This was a very satisfying iteration of the lost starship series. Thank you.
June 6, 2026
skepticism turned into a page turner
At first, I was set back on how the story evolved. But after it played out, I was pulled in to an exhaustive story that found me white knuckling my phone. Awesome. Deep breath. Just awesome.
At first, I was set back on how the story evolved. But after it played out, I was pulled in to an exhaustive story that found me white knuckling my phone. Awesome. Deep breath. Just awesome.
November 12, 2024
Good Read
Thanks, Vaughn. I register your story of Captain !added and crew. I was pleased when the last 5 books showed up on my reader, ready to enraptured me again.
Thanks, Vaughn. I register your story of Captain !added and crew. I was pleased when the last 5 books showed up on my reader, ready to enraptured me again.
November 21, 2024
Best Series Ever!
I absolutely love this series of books, I can't wait for the next one. The starship Victory is invincible with Captain Maddox at the helm.
I absolutely love this series of books, I can't wait for the next one. The starship Victory is invincible with Captain Maddox at the helm.
November 23, 2024
Good but not great
It was interesting to read and the back half was much better than the first. I would like more space battles in future books.
It was interesting to read and the back half was much better than the first. I would like more space battles in future books.
November 23, 2024
Love it
I always want more Captain Maddox and crew. Please keep the series going. I will absolutely continue to read them and want more.
I always want more Captain Maddox and crew. Please keep the series going. I will absolutely continue to read them and want more.
January 26, 2025
Awaiting next few books
Riveting!!! Read last five books since Christmas on my new nook,now time to get stuff done. But spring isn't here yet
Riveting!!! Read last five books since Christmas on my new nook,now time to get stuff done. But spring isn't here yet
January 31, 2025
another fine installment
Good story continuing the lost saga with the starship victory. Hopefully more to come. The series goes on and gets better.
Good story continuing the lost saga with the starship victory. Hopefully more to come. The series goes on and gets better.
January 23, 2026
Another grand adventure awaits...
I AM HOOKED...another great book in this saga...now onto bok 23.
If you are looking for an engaging sci-fi adventure you've found it here.
I AM HOOKED...another great book in this saga...now onto bok 23.
If you are looking for an engaging sci-fi adventure you've found it here.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews