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Lost Starship #5
The Lost Patrol
We learned a terrible secret last voyage, the Swarm exists. It has a monstrous imperium, expanding, evolving and receiving incredible Builder tech.
Captain Maddox heads into the Deep Beyond to find the Swarm Imperium. We must know the worst so we can prepare against the deadliest species in the galaxy.
The captain and his crew battle loneliness and the terror of the unknown as they hunt through the stellar darkness. They’re thousands of light-years from home, from any help. What they find threatens their sanity and unity. It’s going to take the best Maddox and the ancient AI Galyan has to offer to pull the crew together. They have to save the starship from what waits in the galactic darkness or the human race will die.
Captain Maddox heads into the Deep Beyond to find the Swarm Imperium. We must know the worst so we can prepare against the deadliest species in the galaxy.
The captain and his crew battle loneliness and the terror of the unknown as they hunt through the stellar darkness. They’re thousands of light-years from home, from any help. What they find threatens their sanity and unity. It’s going to take the best Maddox and the ancient AI Galyan has to offer to pull the crew together. They have to save the starship from what waits in the galactic darkness or the human race will die.
448 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 18, 2016
887 people are currently reading
271 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 85 reviews
June 20, 2021
Another very good read in this really nice series.
September 11, 2016
Vaughn Heppner in "The Lost Patrol" continues to move the saga of Captain Maddox into new directions, introducing new characters and enemies. As if our captain didn't have enough trouble already. The fifth volume of the Lost Starship Series begins with Maddox making a free fall into space just for kicks. But this is Maddox, a guy who's half New Man and has saved the earth from certain annihilation. Immediately he's set upon by two separate assassination teams and meets up with the Spacers, a secretive and highly technically capable group rumored to have ties to the mysterious Builders. He meets an old woman Spacer, the Visionary, and she dubs him the "di-far," which means something like a playmaker in the universe. Maddox then takes on Shu 15, a Spacer he rescues. She's very thankful for her life and seems devoted, at first. But like all Heppner stories, there's more going on in the background. Allies can turn, and Shu 15 once tried to kill him in a past book in the series. This time Maddox sets out on probably his least favorite assignment with the ancient alien-built ship and its AI Galyan. He must find the dreaded Swarm Imperium. Maddox brings the professor, who hates Shu. Heppner creates all sorts of conflict, and it appears many times that this may be the final voyage of Maddox and crew. The threats and challenges pose a tremendous barrier to the mission's success, and the androids, who tried to kill Maddox early on in this volume, remain a threat. Maddox and company get little aid. What I enjoy most is how this motley crew pull a semblance of success from near impossible odds, and Heppner puts his imagination into overdrive to make Maddox's journey one hell of a ride.
December 7, 2016
Maddox sees androids everywhere
I chino
I think I'm starting to get a little bit tired of Captain Maddox. The plot shows little advancement towards resolving the key issues in the series,that is, the New Men, Mr.Strand, and the mysterious Buiders. In # 5, the author is a bit dishonest with the reader as androids keep appearing and reappearing for plot purposes,even though Maddox takes appropriate actions.
The book ends and it's clear a #6 is coming.
I chino
I think I'm starting to get a little bit tired of Captain Maddox. The plot shows little advancement towards resolving the key issues in the series,that is, the New Men, Mr.Strand, and the mysterious Buiders. In # 5, the author is a bit dishonest with the reader as androids keep appearing and reappearing for plot purposes,even though Maddox takes appropriate actions.
The book ends and it's clear a #6 is coming.
January 31, 2019
The fifth installment of author Vaughn Heppner’s Lost Starship series opens with the oldest Methuselah Man, Strand, on the run from humans, leading a group of New Men. Two months later, Captain Maddox wants to visit the Beyond, against the wishes of the starship Victory’s AI Galyan to deter the threat of the New Men. Androids continue to play part in some of the book’s early plot twists akin to the previous installment, with an entity known as the Visionary having a role, as well. There is also a minor love triangle among Maddox, Meta, and the Spacer Shu, although this quickly falls out of favor.
Maddox ultimately receives his independent command, and has a spat with giant men in the streets of Paris while on a date with Meta, with Lieutenant Keith Maker having lust in the romance game, which receives occasional repeated reference. Many androids that attempted a takeover of Earth are still at large, although who was behind the takeover is still somewhat an enigma, with the androids further being found aboard the Victory. Shu also antagonizes the professor since he dislikes Spacers, with the feeling being mutual, and Keith making a few passes at Shu.
Maddox and his companions eventually visit the pyramidal Nexus that holds key to quick travel across space, although several events occur that necessitate finding a replacement. Backstory on the “lost” humans that become the spacers the professor eventually tells, with Shu herself making a pass at the ethereal AI Galyan in an effort to reprogram him. Another alien race that the Victory encounters, the Chitins, has a role as well, and is in conflict with the Swarm Imperium, the Swarm themselves holding ten percent of the galaxy, their damage seen in a red giant star system.
A marine going by the name Yen Cho plays part in the latter chapters of the book, which ends with Commander Thrax Ti Ix anticipating the Time of the Great Migration and the Great Extinction, accounting for another satisfying entry in the series with plentiful action, background, and occasional romance. There are some times when the quantity of the chapters, numbering in the seventies, places itself over the quality of the subsections themselves, and the author as with before could have come up with better names other than “the New Men,” but those who enjoyed prior entries will enjoy this one.
Maddox ultimately receives his independent command, and has a spat with giant men in the streets of Paris while on a date with Meta, with Lieutenant Keith Maker having lust in the romance game, which receives occasional repeated reference. Many androids that attempted a takeover of Earth are still at large, although who was behind the takeover is still somewhat an enigma, with the androids further being found aboard the Victory. Shu also antagonizes the professor since he dislikes Spacers, with the feeling being mutual, and Keith making a few passes at Shu.
Maddox and his companions eventually visit the pyramidal Nexus that holds key to quick travel across space, although several events occur that necessitate finding a replacement. Backstory on the “lost” humans that become the spacers the professor eventually tells, with Shu herself making a pass at the ethereal AI Galyan in an effort to reprogram him. Another alien race that the Victory encounters, the Chitins, has a role as well, and is in conflict with the Swarm Imperium, the Swarm themselves holding ten percent of the galaxy, their damage seen in a red giant star system.
A marine going by the name Yen Cho plays part in the latter chapters of the book, which ends with Commander Thrax Ti Ix anticipating the Time of the Great Migration and the Great Extinction, accounting for another satisfying entry in the series with plentiful action, background, and occasional romance. There are some times when the quantity of the chapters, numbering in the seventies, places itself over the quality of the subsections themselves, and the author as with before could have come up with better names other than “the New Men,” but those who enjoyed prior entries will enjoy this one.
March 11, 2019
Formulaic, But Fun
This is probably not going to win any awards, but is a good bit of fun. Captain Maddox, the lead character, is probably a little too good, a little to perfect, to be truly enjoyable (sometimes you need character flaws and some angst). However, in the same way you enjoy a little comfort food, this is a fun comfort read. A little bit of action and adventure. This series is a great way to enjoy a nice, peaceful, fun read.
This is probably not going to win any awards, but is a good bit of fun. Captain Maddox, the lead character, is probably a little too good, a little to perfect, to be truly enjoyable (sometimes you need character flaws and some angst). However, in the same way you enjoy a little comfort food, this is a fun comfort read. A little bit of action and adventure. This series is a great way to enjoy a nice, peaceful, fun read.
October 21, 2019
Fairly good heavy metal sci-fi. Lots of technical stuff, although they never mention time-slip (maybe they can't go faster than half light). The story moves quickly, but there are simply too many things happening over and over again (androids, assassins, new enemies). I've got six more to read, probably one every month or so (I read this one in 4 days). I wonder how many more predicaments the author can think up.
September 14, 2021
For Vaughn Heppner / Lost Starship series fans, yes, read it, you will enjoy it. You will meet a new species and a not-so-loving love bot :) Absolutely do not start reading this series anywhere but book 1 (The Lost Starship) which I have read 2x. I've already Kindle Unlimited the next in the series!
May 6, 2025
This is the most exciting book so far, and the biggest baddies of the series so far hardly show up at all. This book includes a lot more history of the series' universe (my favorite part), a lot more of my favorite characters (a good thing), and is filled with nearly non-stop excitement. This book is the first one to branch out the most from the same basic stories of the first books and I like it. This series has been great so far, I can't wait to see where it goes next!
December 19, 2017
This series is passability written and the main character is unlikeable and shallow -- but of course all the Good Guys admire or love him and all the Bad Guys obsessive hate him.
The only reason I read this series is because I find the overall story to be very interesting.
Now reading part 6 with part 7 after that.
The only reason I read this series is because I find the overall story to be very interesting.
Now reading part 6 with part 7 after that.
May 9, 2018
Fun and exciting
I read the first book because I had nothing to do one day. I was hooked. Each book has captured my imagination from page one and never let go. Outstanding story telling. Fat paced, and fun.
Master Gunnery Sergeant,
Sammie A. Bibb
United States Marine Corps, Retired
I read the first book because I had nothing to do one day. I was hooked. Each book has captured my imagination from page one and never let go. Outstanding story telling. Fat paced, and fun.
Master Gunnery Sergeant,
Sammie A. Bibb
United States Marine Corps, Retired
October 3, 2021
Best one so far!
I really enjoyed book 5. The character development and maturity that happens in book 5 makes me want to keep reading the series. I was on the fence after book 4, but Captain Maddox is growing into his role as "captain" and I actually got a bit emotional along the way as he learns how to lead.
I really enjoyed book 5. The character development and maturity that happens in book 5 makes me want to keep reading the series. I was on the fence after book 4, but Captain Maddox is growing into his role as "captain" and I actually got a bit emotional along the way as he learns how to lead.
February 23, 2022
Does not follow
If there is one thing about a book that about me and makes me lose interest is when a story line does not follow.When they have the technology to do one thing yet they can't do another much easier thing . It just does not follow,and it has happened several times in this book. The series is imaginative and could had been very good, but it got lazy
If there is one thing about a book that about me and makes me lose interest is when a story line does not follow.When they have the technology to do one thing yet they can't do another much easier thing . It just does not follow,and it has happened several times in this book. The series is imaginative and could had been very good, but it got lazy
September 26, 2023
A book from Vaughn Heppner is always a good read!
As I breeze through they well written books immersed in the characters I feel I’m one of the crew, or should I say part of the family. If you are a lover of space operas this is a great series of books to read! If your reading this Vaughn keep them coming.
As I breeze through they well written books immersed in the characters I feel I’m one of the crew, or should I say part of the family. If you are a lover of space operas this is a great series of books to read! If your reading this Vaughn keep them coming.
August 10, 2024
Great Series
So far the first 5 books have been excellent. I have enjoyed them and have been totally hooked by the way the story lines have moved and consistently advanced my interest and kept me going. I am going to take a break, and read something else before returning for some more of this exciting adventure! jdr
So far the first 5 books have been excellent. I have enjoyed them and have been totally hooked by the way the story lines have moved and consistently advanced my interest and kept me going. I am going to take a break, and read something else before returning for some more of this exciting adventure! jdr
December 8, 2017
Actually better than the ones before it
This one seemed more edge-of-your-seat than the preceding novels in the series. I nearly abandoned the series after the one just prior, but this one has piqued my interest, again.
This one seemed more edge-of-your-seat than the preceding novels in the series. I nearly abandoned the series after the one just prior, but this one has piqued my interest, again.
July 7, 2017
Enjoyable continuation of the story some confusing bits where the story suddenly pulls lots of threads together at once but leaves the questions unanswered. But still a good read if you have read the series.
August 14, 2017
Excellent Book 5
Exciting and enjoyable 5th installment of the Lost Starship. More plot details revealed about The Builders, The Spacers, and The Androids, and a few other surprises. Starting Book 6 today!
Exciting and enjoyable 5th installment of the Lost Starship. More plot details revealed about The Builders, The Spacers, and The Androids, and a few other surprises. Starting Book 6 today!
September 28, 2017
Excellent read...
Can't wait to start the adventure with Captain Maddox....! The Swarm will meet their match with Trix hopefully getting crushed by the Captain and his crew... Better hope so humanity depends on it... Oh this is going to be good...!
Can't wait to start the adventure with Captain Maddox....! The Swarm will meet their match with Trix hopefully getting crushed by the Captain and his crew... Better hope so humanity depends on it... Oh this is going to be good...!
April 19, 2018
A great read!
I love these characters and their struggles. There is quite a few different types of alien lifeforms to keep up with but I have read all of the series to this point and have enjoyed all five.
I love these characters and their struggles. There is quite a few different types of alien lifeforms to keep up with but I have read all of the series to this point and have enjoyed all five.
October 2, 2018
Another fast paced page-turner!
The author has again continued with what I hope is now the standard, of giving us more bits and pieces of actual plus future mysteries. It still holds together logically while having plenty of action!
The author has again continued with what I hope is now the standard, of giving us more bits and pieces of actual plus future mysteries. It still holds together logically while having plenty of action!
May 3, 2019
good story with plenty of action
I enjoy this series it is full of great characters many twists and turns. I love the mystery
and all the questions and intrigue. there are plenty of questions answered and plenty more raised.
I enjoy this series it is full of great characters many twists and turns. I love the mystery
and all the questions and intrigue. there are plenty of questions answered and plenty more raised.
August 23, 2019
This is a series I may read again
There is almost too much in this episode. Plan on avoiding long periods of time Not reading it - you may forget enuff to be annoying. I need not explain why I told you that. *smile*
There is almost too much in this episode. Plan on avoiding long periods of time Not reading it - you may forget enuff to be annoying. I need not explain why I told you that. *smile*
June 23, 2020
Still think the writing is a joke but...
Heppner has a good way with plot. He just needs an editor. I've never seen a bigger example of the necessity of good editing. His writing is awkward and laughable at times.
Heppner has a good way with plot. He just needs an editor. I've never seen a bigger example of the necessity of good editing. His writing is awkward and laughable at times.
August 22, 2020
Another great adventure
Good read with twists and turns; never sure whether a character is for or against the hero. Different aliens add a variety that is often lacking in orther sci-fi stories.
Good read with twists and turns; never sure whether a character is for or against the hero. Different aliens add a variety that is often lacking in orther sci-fi stories.
July 5, 2021
Another step forward
Another step forward for our heroes while they explore the beyond. If you like the previous book you will like this one.The only shortfall i see is how the "family" works together. There is too much distrust in Maddox towards them.
Another step forward for our heroes while they explore the beyond. If you like the previous book you will like this one.The only shortfall i see is how the "family" works together. There is too much distrust in Maddox towards them.
September 2, 2021
.
I like this series.
Off to a great start, practically at the beginning. GOOD writing.
“He was a wizened little man with hellish embers for eyes.”
I got tired of the same old sht over again in this series and stopped reading.
Boring by Book 5.
I had enough.
.
I like this series.
Off to a great start, practically at the beginning. GOOD writing.
“He was a wizened little man with hellish embers for eyes.”
I got tired of the same old sht over again in this series and stopped reading.
Boring by Book 5.
I had enough.
.
August 5, 2022
Very good series
Very entertaining with good characterization and plot flow. Space opera at its best. If you like your sci-fi without all the hard core scientific facts you will enjoy this series.
Very entertaining with good characterization and plot flow. Space opera at its best. If you like your sci-fi without all the hard core scientific facts you will enjoy this series.
August 5, 2022
Finally hitting steady plot stride
Prior novels in this series had awkward pacing and development at many times. The author fina
lly reached a place where the story pours out more evenly and naturally.
Prior novels in this series had awkward pacing and development at many times. The author fina
lly reached a place where the story pours out more evenly and naturally.
January 3, 2018
Great book by a master storyteller. I have yet to be disappointed by a Vaughn Heppner book or series!
June 29, 2017
Great read!
Story moved at a steady pace and kept the action going throughout. Storyline progressed nicely with a good spot for the next book to pick up.
Story moved at a steady pace and kept the action going throughout. Storyline progressed nicely with a good spot for the next book to pick up.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews