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Extinction Wars #3
Star Viking
Earth’s last Assault Troopers become Star Vikings, raiding alien worlds.
In the third book of the Extinction Wars series, the Emperor of the Lokhars declares a holy crusade against the last humans, promising to finish what he started. Years ago at his orders, the Lokhars nuked the Earth and sprayed it with a bio-terminator.
Creed has begun raiding alien worlds for more starships and the tech needed to clean the radioactive Earth. But how can his handful of cruisers stop the approaching armada?
If Creed hopes to save humanity, he’ll need to unlock the secrets of the Forerunner artifact he brought back from hyperspace. Then, in a race against time, he’ll have to risk everything on a desperate raid into the heart of the alien empire.
In the third book of the Extinction Wars series, the Emperor of the Lokhars declares a holy crusade against the last humans, promising to finish what he started. Years ago at his orders, the Lokhars nuked the Earth and sprayed it with a bio-terminator.
Creed has begun raiding alien worlds for more starships and the tech needed to clean the radioactive Earth. But how can his handful of cruisers stop the approaching armada?
If Creed hopes to save humanity, he’ll need to unlock the secrets of the Forerunner artifact he brought back from hyperspace. Then, in a race against time, he’ll have to risk everything on a desperate raid into the heart of the alien empire.
342 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 27, 2014
308 people are currently reading
198 people want to read
About the author
Vaughn Heppner
147 books569 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
March 23, 2015
Another Imaginative Book in an Imaginative, Swashbuckling Series
More please!
This is the third of three, so far. All are highly worth reading.
Vaughn has done a great job furthering his saga of the Galaxy's Orion Arm. He's entertainingly interwoven the past deeds and future fates of multiple races, focusing on humanity and our swashbuckling, ballsy, aggressive nature as the key to the defeat of ancient evil and uniting alien races who've been at each others' throats.
Speaking of the entire series, his encounters are wonderfully constructed, varying from shoot-em-up action, plain-talking mocking, dramatically hilarious, tough-man confrontational, and brutally vengeful. It's been a series of great reads!
He has a very good handle on editing despite leaving his books so affordable; he's struck a good balance between production and costly time spent on catching errors. The errors that remain are minor, and in no way hinder understanding or the pace of his prose.
Thanks, Vaughn! And please clean up the loose ends for us in another book or three!
More please!
This is the third of three, so far. All are highly worth reading.
Vaughn has done a great job furthering his saga of the Galaxy's Orion Arm. He's entertainingly interwoven the past deeds and future fates of multiple races, focusing on humanity and our swashbuckling, ballsy, aggressive nature as the key to the defeat of ancient evil and uniting alien races who've been at each others' throats.
Speaking of the entire series, his encounters are wonderfully constructed, varying from shoot-em-up action, plain-talking mocking, dramatically hilarious, tough-man confrontational, and brutally vengeful. It's been a series of great reads!
He has a very good handle on editing despite leaving his books so affordable; he's struck a good balance between production and costly time spent on catching errors. The errors that remain are minor, and in no way hinder understanding or the pace of his prose.
Thanks, Vaughn! And please clean up the loose ends for us in another book or three!
December 29, 2018
This is the third book in the Extinction Wars series and I place it above the second one in the series mostly because it weaved together hints of revelations from the other prequels and solved mysteries that has come up in the other novels (not all, but most of them) and finally revealed the origins and secrets of many of the races.
I will now start on the fourth book in the series, but honestly I see no real way it will be as fulfilling as book 3...but then again, I didn't expect this book to be as satisfying as it was, so who knows?
I will now start on the fourth book in the series, but honestly I see no real way it will be as fulfilling as book 3...but then again, I didn't expect this book to be as satisfying as it was, so who knows?
June 9, 2017
Great finish to a wonderful series.
Again I enjoyed the series and this last book therein. The alien characters were not so alien with such bizarre names and motives that they caused the reader confusion. ThAt made the books understandable and easy to read and enjoy. Great book!
Again I enjoyed the series and this last book therein. The alien characters were not so alien with such bizarre names and motives that they caused the reader confusion. ThAt made the books understandable and easy to read and enjoy. Great book!
December 15, 2017
This book was just amazing. Dives right into the action and the writing is great all around. Some of the jokes made me laugh out loud. I wasn't expecting that at all when I started reading this book.
The story kept getting better and better every page. I read it all in one sitting after around 40%. You won't be disappointed. 🌟 🌟🌟🌟🌟
The story kept getting better and better every page. I read it all in one sitting after around 40%. You won't be disappointed. 🌟 🌟🌟🌟🌟
February 23, 2020
Love this series
I probably know more about different military battles then most men unless they have read all the Vaughn Heppner books that I have. The main characters always have amazing courage and come up with amazing strategies, that I would have never thought of which makes the books very educational as well as entertaining.
I probably know more about different military battles then most men unless they have read all the Vaughn Heppner books that I have. The main characters always have amazing courage and come up with amazing strategies, that I would have never thought of which makes the books very educational as well as entertaining.
November 17, 2018
Heppner did a great job pulling together the many threads in this series. He seems to have matured in his writing skills. He provided a tense and satisfying ending. I also enjoyed the enemy characters, finding them believable and credible. I definitely recommend. It's a great read.
June 30, 2017
Recommend for summer reading!
I am still recommending this fantastic series for summer reading. Vaughn Heppner is my summer author for reading. A fan.
I am still recommending this fantastic series for summer reading. Vaughn Heppner is my summer author for reading. A fan.
March 19, 2018
Awesome...onto the next one!
August 16, 2018
This is an exceptional saga. I rate it very highly.
October 26, 2018
I really enjoyed this book, and looking forward to the next installment.
October 28, 2018
Good read
I felt like playing poker with the lowest ammount of chips at the table and trying to survive...a good under dog story.
I felt like playing poker with the lowest ammount of chips at the table and trying to survive...a good under dog story.
February 14, 2020
Great read
I couldn't wait to get home to continue reading this adventure. Kuddos to you Mr. Heppner. Cant wait to continue the story.
I couldn't wait to get home to continue reading this adventure. Kuddos to you Mr. Heppner. Cant wait to continue the story.
December 4, 2014
This continues the story of Commander Creed. If you haven’t read the previous two books in the series, then go back and do so. I can’t remember Commander Creed’s first name but it doesn’t make any difference because that’s all he ever calls himself. He also says his name on about every page of this book! Any time he meets a new alien, they want to know who he is. So, it’s “Commander Creed” and that explains everything. Creed is one of a very few humans left in the galaxy but he is determined to ensure that humans are going to rebuild after the Lokars destroyed Earth.
Creed and his followers, those who survived the near total destruction of Earth, have just returned from a terribly costly battle with Abbadon and the Karg. Commander Creed now has in his possession a very valuable and rare ancient relic. The aliens view these relics as religious artifacts that definitely don’t belong in the hands of humans who they consider barely intelligent animals.
The first group to try and take the artifact away is the Starkiens, an race of intelligent (supposedly) baboons! Starkiens are nomads who contract out to other races to fight or otherwise ensure deals and agreements are kept. They want the artifact to give them some semblance of importance within the galactic community.
Of course, Commander Creed isn’t about to let them have it. Nor is he going to let anyone else have this artifact. Even though he has very little defensive capabilities since their recent fight left them pretty much wiped out equipment-wise, he uses what he has and that is his wits to convince the Starkiens to go away.
Now all he has to do is stop the Purple Tamika from coming and taking the artifact and they are much, much more powerful than the Starkiens. So, Commander Creed and his bunch with the small assistance of the artifact, begin to raid other planets in order to gather starships and military supplies and equipment. Their first raid (he calls his guys “Star Vikings” because they are like ancient Vikings raiding other villages) is highly successful and it is against the Purple Tamika which really makes them mad if they were capable of getting any madder at Commander Creed.
The rest of the book is all about Commander Creed being a brash and arrogant SOB to everyone. That’s how he gets things done. He carries a .44 cal pistol at his side and he doesn’t hesitate to use it no matter where he’s at. How he manages to survive some of his exploits is beyond me. It is really a wonder that none of the aliens he’s met so far haven’t vaporized him.
This is a good story although it can get a little tiring listening to, “…my name is Commander Creed.”, all the time! I think it should be changed to Superman and leave it at that. The book is well written with good editing. I can see a possible continuation but I’m not sure how that would be written.
Creed and his followers, those who survived the near total destruction of Earth, have just returned from a terribly costly battle with Abbadon and the Karg. Commander Creed now has in his possession a very valuable and rare ancient relic. The aliens view these relics as religious artifacts that definitely don’t belong in the hands of humans who they consider barely intelligent animals.
The first group to try and take the artifact away is the Starkiens, an race of intelligent (supposedly) baboons! Starkiens are nomads who contract out to other races to fight or otherwise ensure deals and agreements are kept. They want the artifact to give them some semblance of importance within the galactic community.
Of course, Commander Creed isn’t about to let them have it. Nor is he going to let anyone else have this artifact. Even though he has very little defensive capabilities since their recent fight left them pretty much wiped out equipment-wise, he uses what he has and that is his wits to convince the Starkiens to go away.
Now all he has to do is stop the Purple Tamika from coming and taking the artifact and they are much, much more powerful than the Starkiens. So, Commander Creed and his bunch with the small assistance of the artifact, begin to raid other planets in order to gather starships and military supplies and equipment. Their first raid (he calls his guys “Star Vikings” because they are like ancient Vikings raiding other villages) is highly successful and it is against the Purple Tamika which really makes them mad if they were capable of getting any madder at Commander Creed.
The rest of the book is all about Commander Creed being a brash and arrogant SOB to everyone. That’s how he gets things done. He carries a .44 cal pistol at his side and he doesn’t hesitate to use it no matter where he’s at. How he manages to survive some of his exploits is beyond me. It is really a wonder that none of the aliens he’s met so far haven’t vaporized him.
This is a good story although it can get a little tiring listening to, “…my name is Commander Creed.”, all the time! I think it should be changed to Superman and leave it at that. The book is well written with good editing. I can see a possible continuation but I’m not sure how that would be written.
March 14, 2015
Vaughn Heppner's "Star Viking" ushers in the return of Commader Creed, a no-nonsense, blunt-speaking, alien-enhanced warrior who is the only chance of humanity's survival. Earth is devastated and those who are left either live on orbiting freighters or as a band of surgically beefed up soldiers under Creed's command. The third novel starts with three Lokhar priest-like assassins going after him by blowing themselves up. He's injured but not exterminated as they'd much prefer. And he's angry. Turns out even his allies amongst the race of alien tiger bipeds, Dr. Sant, turn against him now that the Shi-Feng have targeted him for death. Heppner has created a truly vast canvas of alien cultures, and he knows how to generate conflict to get the reader turning the pages. Creed knows the name of the artifact, which turns out about as valuable as a used car that doesn't run. But he's good at using resources. He convinces Holgatha, the computer that is the massive and heavily fought over artifact, to join him in raiding a planet important to the Purple Tamika faction of the tiger-race Lokhars. And he even tries to get the Starkiens, who look and smell like baboons, to join with him. They resist, thinking like all other aliens that humans are beasts. But I can't help but love anything Heppner writes. It's muy macho and all about adventure. And I hope he pushes deeper into the humans' alliance with N7 and his androids with the next book.
January 25, 2015
An excellent story with Commander Creed getting lucky as hell (and a little skillful) and leading what is left of humanity into galactic leadership role. Hen ends up uniting a fractured race and helped to bring shunned race back into a position of honor. You can't feel too good about humanity as the key resources we bring to the table is deceit, disrespect, boldness and thievery or piracy or simply being vikings.
Towards the end of the book, Commander Creed has to look at internal problems. We see the restarting of troubles that are very much in the news today.
The series provides all that is needed for success... a hero to focus on, his team of doers, internal and external antagonists, problems to solve and solutions that might not be exactly what was expected. It's a story you can sink your teeth into without having to become a physicist, military strategist, or political scientist. Perfect depth for entertainment.
Towards the end of the book, Commander Creed has to look at internal problems. We see the restarting of troubles that are very much in the news today.
The series provides all that is needed for success... a hero to focus on, his team of doers, internal and external antagonists, problems to solve and solutions that might not be exactly what was expected. It's a story you can sink your teeth into without having to become a physicist, military strategist, or political scientist. Perfect depth for entertainment.
May 18, 2016
Creed and Company Save the Human Race Now I'm going to be honest, this series for me is the most captivating, wonderfully craptastic thing I've read in a long time. I laughed, I yelled, I cringed, I cheered for more. N7 is a great big yes for me and I demand more. Dimitri, Rollo and Ella had better be safe at the end of this series or I'll be crushed. I love those characters. If anything threatened the human race I'd want this rag-tag group fighting for us.
September 5, 2016
Gran
Great story line. Read it in two days. Looking forward to next book in the series. Expect same amount of entertainment.
Great story line. Read it in two days. Looking forward to next book in the series. Expect same amount of entertainment.
November 7, 2014
Just when you...
I am clueless as,to why I like this series. the summary before each new volume is so-so, and makes it tough to wade in. deeper. The author has a way with his plot that draws you in.
I am clueless as,to why I like this series. the summary before each new volume is so-so, and makes it tough to wade in. deeper. The author has a way with his plot that draws you in.
February 3, 2015
Can't get enough
The battles are great and humans just keep hanging on. The extinction wars series takes that brutal nearly ugly side of human nature and holds them up in a unique and original light. Can't wait for more.
The battles are great and humans just keep hanging on. The extinction wars series takes that brutal nearly ugly side of human nature and holds them up in a unique and original light. Can't wait for more.
January 19, 2015
Well done!
continue to utilize ancient and not so ancient excerpts from the past. when or if you reveal a creator please do not turn your excellent series into a blasphemous statement. remember that scripture warns against testing our Lord!
continue to utilize ancient and not so ancient excerpts from the past. when or if you reveal a creator please do not turn your excellent series into a blasphemous statement. remember that scripture warns against testing our Lord!
February 24, 2015
Another exciting story
Love how Creed is able to manipulate any hopeless situation to his and humanity's advantage. I also love the strong female characters and that the story does not get bogged down in relationships. Would love to read more!
Love how Creed is able to manipulate any hopeless situation to his and humanity's advantage. I also love the strong female characters and that the story does not get bogged down in relationships. Would love to read more!
May 28, 2015
A great time. Loved the series
I gave it five Stars not only because it was an amazing time. Trying to see what Creeds next move would be and what would happen to the humans as a race and our planet earth but to also encourage Vaughn to write #4!
I gave it five Stars not only because it was an amazing time. Trying to see what Creeds next move would be and what would happen to the humans as a race and our planet earth but to also encourage Vaughn to write #4!
June 28, 2015
Easy, enjoyable read
Five stars because I enjoyed the series. A fun adventure with a flawed protagonist. A larger than life story with twists and turns to hold one's interest. Recommended as a good summer read.
Five stars because I enjoyed the series. A fun adventure with a flawed protagonist. A larger than life story with twists and turns to hold one's interest. Recommended as a good summer read.
August 4, 2015
Great series.
Excellent believability and detail with respect to physics. Good character building as well. This is a series that is big enough to keep going for decades. Very highly recommended.
Excellent believability and detail with respect to physics. Good character building as well. This is a series that is big enough to keep going for decades. Very highly recommended.
December 30, 2015
Much better than the last two in the series. My only complaint was the contrast of the protagonist love for his fellow humans, yet he lacked compassion for his fellow soldiers who were constantly dying on his behalf.
August 26, 2016
It was very fun to hear how earth returns
The reader will like the character development. It is, also impressive in it's scope I have joyed the series and am now trying to get to fortress earth!
The reader will like the character development. It is, also impressive in it's scope I have joyed the series and am now trying to get to fortress earth!
October 9, 2014
Still going strong!
since starting this series I have become more and more hooked than I'd ever imagined, I'm back in my happy place with a good book!
since starting this series I have become more and more hooked than I'd ever imagined, I'm back in my happy place with a good book!
October 10, 2014
Awesome Military sci-fi
As with all of his books Heppner continues to provide the reader with an exciting trip through a well-developed well-written space opera.
As with all of his books Heppner continues to provide the reader with an exciting trip through a well-developed well-written space opera.
October 25, 2014
Great read
I love this series can't wait for more from the commander and his Vikings if u like space opera and military history you will love this book
I love this series can't wait for more from the commander and his Vikings if u like space opera and military history you will love this book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews