A.I. Assault

The A.I. #3

by Vaughn Heppner

Jon Hawkins and his crew are exhausted and homesick. They've destroyed the alien machine menace, going deep into the Kuiper Belt to annihilate the secret AI base. From out here, the Sun looks like just another star. It's a lonely existence. They're ready to go home. What they don't know-what no one could-was that the AI Destroyer was only a scout. More alien vessels drop out of hyperspace. This is an AI Assault. The clock to human extinction has begun ticking. Jon and his crew are tired, homesick and pissed off. They've fought too hard and bled too much to quit now. They're going to find a way to beat the Death Machines, for the sake of their homes, they have to.

Genres: Science Fiction, Military Fiction, Space Opera, Artificial Intelligence, Military Science Fiction, Audiobook

324 pages, Paperback

Published May 6, 2017

About the author

You 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.

Reviews

[Fred Hughes]

The AI's send 3 mega ships to destroy our solar system with the main target being Earth. However we have a captured alien space ship and along with a fleet from Earth and Mars , and some trickery we are able to defeat them. But what happens when the AI system sends 100 Cyber Ships ??

Great read. Epic space battles

[Mike Nemeth]

In "A.I. Assault," the third of the A.I. series, author Vaughn Heppner picks up after Capt. Jon Hawkins has overcome yet again overwhelming odds to defeat yet another artificial intelligence threat determined to wipe out the "infestation" of humanity. But, like always, victory proved costly. In war, sacrifices had to be made. Many died. Hawkins expended resources. He gained allies, but they suffered. The humans did secure a drydock for their massive space ship and a means to get it repaired with maintenance bots not subject to hacking by the A.I. However, Hawkins only won a battle. More A.I. destroyers are on their way. And this time, they plan to annihilate the threat. Three warships are coming, and Hawkins must enlist the support of the dreaded Solar League, a government of quasi communist principles that's especially awful. A new character is that of Premier Benz, a guy who single-handedly topples the current regime of the Solar League. He's not a believer. But he's smart and insinuates himself into a high ranking position. When he gets his chance, he engineers a coup d'etat. This results in the head of the secret police getting the top leadership position. But Benz has his reasons. They don't always work as planned, and in typical Heppner fashion, the good guy gets so many challenges, it appears unlikely he'll survive any of them. While this unfolds, Hawkins must take down three robot ships. It's nonstop fun, and I read all three books in the series in a matter of days.

[Steve]

Great sci-fi. Jon, the the main protagonist and hero of the series is an amazing warrior who is capable of winning against all odds. His only fault is his backwards thinking on socialism. He despises it. But I have faith in Jon's intelligence and believe in time he will evolve to realize that If you don't control capitalism it controls you and that's what we have now...Darwinian survival of the fittest economics. Enlightened societies will evolve away from it just as they evolve away from superstitions such as religious belief. Limited thinkers have problems accepting these advanced ideas and prefer to extend the Dark Ages into perpetuity. When you hear words like "we just don't want to enable freeloaders" you know you're dealing with one of these knuckle-dragging retrogrades. Though a warrior and not a thinker, as Jon evolves he will eventually understand these truths. Maybe the mentalist will help him see clearly. 4 stars for the book and and a more balanced capitalism that includes socialism and a UBI..Universal Basic Income for all.

[Mark Armstrong]

Combines all of the best in Science Fiction lore

The story is a combination on several themes similar to ones I have read over the last 50 years, AI's, kind of like the old 'Colossus, the Forbin Project' the Cyborg wars against humanity, interstellar rivalries, government ideologies, and our new Starship Captan, Jon, the de facto self appointed savior of the human race. Lots of sub pLotsI, characters, just a good read, with the 3rd book bringing things together nicely, and setting the stage for the forth. I enjoyed the read, kept me wanting to read more.
Mark

[Bluecobras09]

As humanity is recovering from the destruction of the first A.I. ship the A.I. come looking for A.I. ship that Jon and his marines took possession of. The A.I. is arrogant, just like the first. Hates biological creatures, just like the first. But unlike the first, this one is not just scout, and it brought friends. Now the parties in the solar system that hate each other almost as much as the A.I.'s hate biological beings will have to work together to survive.

[Dejan]

I am not impressed. Characters are rendered flat and shallow. It seems the readers are placed in a situation to somehow sympathize with the Captain and his decision but going through story the captain it is less and less likable. AI is painted like an irrational 3 year spoiled child. AI have technology like antimatter engine and gravitational cannons but no-one knows how and why they have it. Also how the hull of the spaceship can sustain against it. So many illogical things in the book.

[Nancy S]

Engaging read

I truly enjoyed this series. The idea of artificial intelligence/computers setting up to destroy all human life may have been done before but this time it seemed a little different. The actions and command by John Hawkins was interesting and enjoyable to read. I would read the continuation of the series if it is published. Hopefully that will be soon.

[Ricardo Portella]

Good ending for the first trilogy

After a weak second volume, this third book was a good conclusion of this trilogy, although there were still some holes in the story like the box that Walleye recovered and it never mentioned after this. Also, the story about Benz it has some very unlikely situations. Let's see how the series will developer.

[Chuck Burns]

Excellent

This series is a very well written science fiction story. It can be quite cerebral at times, but that is part of it's charm for me. Lots of brute force action as well. Overall, a well rounded, and excellent read.

[David Adkins]

Great space opera. Can't wait for More.

Great characters, believable, evil villains. Once you start it's hard to stop. A truthful look at the human condition. What I believe to be at the heart of all great sf.

[John W McKinney]

Thoroughly enjoyed

Enjoyed this third book. Tied up a lot of loose ends but left room for several more books. Hopefully Vaughn will continue the storyline. Would like to see us bust the AI's.

[Chuck Bechold]

The book was well organized bringing all infractions together. The

melding of all and the role of the main character is very well expressed. He comes off as a person with faults, but working to do the right thing.

[The Ropers]

Helper strikes again

Helper has written another series of true Science fiction novellas with a great story line and well developed characters. There is no putting these down until .

[Ruth M. Williams]

Heppner continues his legendary writing talent

Vaughn Heppner continues his AI Series. This third book is just as great as the first two. I highly recommend all sci-fi fans continue on for the 4th morsel, as I am about to do.

[dave cornell]

Extremely satisfying soap opera

Malevolent alien AIs, exciting political intrigue, unique characters and grand space battles made this book a satisfying treat. Diving right into the next book in the series.

[Sue]

Better

This part has more intrigue and a plot. Too many battle scenes! Who can even begin to make a mental picture of all that stuff? Might be better to produce a few diagrams to go along. Still, could be way better. Slightly boring.

[Lee-sa Day]

Absolutely enjoying the series

So happy that some of the characters received their just desserts in this book. You can't go wrong reading anything Mr. Heppner writes because is that good.

[Randall Medlin]

Another enjoyable read. The quality of the writing seems to be improving in each book. The story is moving along nicely. I am interested to see where everyone goes from here. Will likely pick up the next 3 books in the series very soon.

[Jkane]

Heppner does a great job of moving the plot forward without simply repeating what has already transpired. He introduces new characters, though he sometimes does not develop the supporting characters as much as I’d like.

[Robert]

Robert's Review

Great book, the action is picking up, along with the mystery and intrigue of the next steps. I look forward to the continued pursuit of the arrogant A.I. culture.

[Mark Murray]

Wonderfully woven story

This is a quick paced and entertaining story. I enjoy the plot, intrigue and characters. The series continues to improve.

[Bj Scheckel]

A good action series

Keeps your interest and a good read. Hopefully, the series will continue and will successfully end. Looking GuaRd to the next book

[Ron Hurley]

Great action!

Vaugh Heppner is my fav sci fi writer. Strong protagonist in Jon. Fascinating "science" that seems possible

I can't wait for the sequel

[Blossom378]

Great story if a bit compressed

Ax ususl well written and surprising turns. A bit more predicta ble and a few too m a ny grand themes whould have been 2 or3 bokks

[Mr Andrew Foreman]

Engaging and well written. Can't wait for more!

A very well written and engaging trilogy. Well fleshed out characters and a strong and coherent plot line. Looking forward to more..

[Jesse Deleon]

Hopefully book 4 for winter reading.

Thank you Vaughn Heppner for this book series. I am for book 4 by winter for my reading list. A fan.

[Andrew Kirkham]

Good reaf

I really enjoyed the book from start to finish and look foward to the next one, I just can't wait.

[Jim Clark]

Fun read

Well written and a good Summer read. Imaginative and clever. I am enjoying the series and plan to read more.

[Jeffery Hall]

Great set of books

Excellent set of books .Looking forward to the next book. Powerful enemies impossible odds makes for a great story and this author dies it very well

[robert g. bentley]

Super series

Kept my full attention thru every book. Recommend to anyone who enjoys spellbinding science fiction. I look forward to reading more of Mr. Heppner.