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Lost Starship #13
The Lost Tech
In the stillness of space, several asteroids disappear in the 82 G. Eridani System. Time passes and space wavers, and the missing asteroids reappear. They’re traveling at near-light-speed for the single populated planet. Nuclear-tipped missiles from the lone battleship fail to stop the asteroids, which crash against the planet, turning it into rubble and killing the 650 million inhabitants.
Someone has found and now tested the perfect planet killer, an ancient device that turns asteroids and icy planetesimals into world-destroying projectiles. Earth is a mere twenty light-years away. But who’s to say the hidden weapon will head there next? It can go anywhere in the Commonwealth and destroy any world.
Star Watch is desperate, employing every ship, every scientist and everyone, including the crew of Victory, to defend the planets.
Captain Maddox, Professor Ludendorff and others must put aside every difference and concentrate on finding a weakness in the ultimate weapon, one they can exploit. Otherwise—the alternative is too stark to contemplate. It is time to pull together and think and fight like never before.
THE LOST TECH is the thirteenth book in the Lost Starship Series.
Someone has found and now tested the perfect planet killer, an ancient device that turns asteroids and icy planetesimals into world-destroying projectiles. Earth is a mere twenty light-years away. But who’s to say the hidden weapon will head there next? It can go anywhere in the Commonwealth and destroy any world.
Star Watch is desperate, employing every ship, every scientist and everyone, including the crew of Victory, to defend the planets.
Captain Maddox, Professor Ludendorff and others must put aside every difference and concentrate on finding a weakness in the ultimate weapon, one they can exploit. Otherwise—the alternative is too stark to contemplate. It is time to pull together and think and fight like never before.
THE LOST TECH is the thirteenth book in the Lost Starship Series.
- GenresScience FictionAudiobook
471 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 31, 2021
337 people are currently reading
111 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 68 reviews
April 10, 2021
THE LOST ENDING
I think this series has got too long. For a starter, the interactions between Maddox and Luddendorf: and new man Ural and Strand are childish: I 'all talk to you only if you give a candle. In such an advanced society,the dialog fought to be be more complex. Valery is getting dumb. After w so many successful missions she simply states in a critical scene that " I don't know what to do ". And is more of the same. I think is time to deliver the final book.
I think this series has got too long. For a starter, the interactions between Maddox and Luddendorf: and new man Ural and Strand are childish: I 'all talk to you only if you give a candle. In such an advanced society,the dialog fought to be be more complex. Valery is getting dumb. After w so many successful missions she simply states in a critical scene that " I don't know what to do ". And is more of the same. I think is time to deliver the final book.
July 6, 2021
Quite enjoyable!
Read
May 16, 2021Driving Force Galyan
This has been a great series and I hope it continues. Driving Force Galyan is tied with Maddox as my favorite character in these stories.
I have been concerned the last couple installments that Galyan has become more emotional and is trying to take on more human qualities -- all while taking on a lesser role in each story. Be careful, there, Vaughn. Galyan is an AI. He is not human and he is not Commander Data from Star Trek TNG. He is the Victory personified.
Galyan is not just Driving Force Galyan, diefied former commander of Victory. He IS Driving Force Galyan. I can barely recall the last time he was referred to by his title other than just in passing.
It is normal that Galyan would care for his human family just as he does his Adok family. But even as an AI, he is and should remain Adok, not human. Tell us more about Galyan's life before the Swarm War -- his family, his world, his culture. How did he get promoted to Driving Force? Why was he diefied and no one else was? And what, exactly, does the title Driving Force mean? It implies more than just being captain of a starship.
Finally, Victory was his starship -- once. He should have more of a hand in its operation and command. Maddox is the Captain. Valerie is the XO. Galyan should become entrenched more fully as the First Mate.
This has been a great series and I hope it continues. Driving Force Galyan is tied with Maddox as my favorite character in these stories.
I have been concerned the last couple installments that Galyan has become more emotional and is trying to take on more human qualities -- all while taking on a lesser role in each story. Be careful, there, Vaughn. Galyan is an AI. He is not human and he is not Commander Data from Star Trek TNG. He is the Victory personified.
Galyan is not just Driving Force Galyan, diefied former commander of Victory. He IS Driving Force Galyan. I can barely recall the last time he was referred to by his title other than just in passing.
It is normal that Galyan would care for his human family just as he does his Adok family. But even as an AI, he is and should remain Adok, not human. Tell us more about Galyan's life before the Swarm War -- his family, his world, his culture. How did he get promoted to Driving Force? Why was he diefied and no one else was? And what, exactly, does the title Driving Force mean? It implies more than just being captain of a starship.
Finally, Victory was his starship -- once. He should have more of a hand in its operation and command. Maddox is the Captain. Valerie is the XO. Galyan should become entrenched more fully as the First Mate.
October 20, 2021
In "The Lost Tech," author Vaughn Heppner sends his hero Captain Maddox again into the grinder, this time to save earth from a potent weapon that could wipe it out. The weapon, referenced in the title, boasts an ancient pedigree, a piece of the arsenal left throughout space by the seemingly extinct Builders. An enhanced human who wants to destroy humanity to preserve the integrity of planets and space won the race to master the new tech, and at first Maddox has no idea even where to launch his investigation. The trail had gone cold. But Maddox, and Heppner, don't stew for long. This is a Lost Starship novel, and the 13th in the series doesn't disappoint. Maddox heads into new challenges. The writer ramps up the difficulties faced by the Star Watch agent and his crew to new heights. He brings on pretty nasty creatures that may present problems in future installments. And he keeps the series fresh. I had been on a Maddox binge as I had let the series slide while I tackled new novels with my latest job as a high school librarian. But over the summer, I read the remaining novels in the series. I felt serious disappointment at the conclusion of this one, since I'd already read No. 14.
June 24, 2024
Maddox & crew at it again
I have loved this series from the beginning. Characters are great & I love Galyan. This one is a doozy, landing them in an “out of this world” lethal environment, where they encounter bizarre characters and death is grabbing at their heels every step of the way. Can they outsmart the Melluthesa woman, Lisa, stopping her grand machinations, and then not only survive, but escape the death trap?
The crew and what they do (saving the day, time and time, again) somehow has been misconstrued by their enemies and their lies are spread far and wide, and the Victory crew is having the devil of a time trying to change that conspiracy propaganda, all the while holding those in key Star Watch roles accountable. It’s sometimes very hard to know who to trust and who is going to try to stab you in the back.
PS-to the author: We don’t hear anything more about Ryker. That’s weird. Right?
I have loved this series from the beginning. Characters are great & I love Galyan. This one is a doozy, landing them in an “out of this world” lethal environment, where they encounter bizarre characters and death is grabbing at their heels every step of the way. Can they outsmart the Melluthesa woman, Lisa, stopping her grand machinations, and then not only survive, but escape the death trap?
The crew and what they do (saving the day, time and time, again) somehow has been misconstrued by their enemies and their lies are spread far and wide, and the Victory crew is having the devil of a time trying to change that conspiracy propaganda, all the while holding those in key Star Watch roles accountable. It’s sometimes very hard to know who to trust and who is going to try to stab you in the back.
PS-to the author: We don’t hear anything more about Ryker. That’s weird. Right?
October 1, 2021
It still continues!
Captain Maddox and co are at it again! Lisa Myers has a plan to destroy all of humanity. However, a small snag must be corrected.
On Earth High Lord Admiral Cook has resumed control of Star Watch and begun cleaning house.
Captain Maddox is sent on another mission to capture or kill Lisa Myers. Another adventure begins …
I would like to see Captain Maddox refreshed after a long vacation and back on a Victory upgraded with heavy metal armament. The Iron Lady should resume her position. Then let the universe take note!
Captain Maddox and co are at it again! Lisa Myers has a plan to destroy all of humanity. However, a small snag must be corrected.
On Earth High Lord Admiral Cook has resumed control of Star Watch and begun cleaning house.
Captain Maddox is sent on another mission to capture or kill Lisa Myers. Another adventure begins …
I would like to see Captain Maddox refreshed after a long vacation and back on a Victory upgraded with heavy metal armament. The Iron Lady should resume her position. Then let the universe take note!
February 15, 2021
Was so excited to see a new book in the series
I feel like the characters are real and that I personally know them. It is amazing how attached you can become to fictional characters. Just finished this book and already want the next book to continue the story. Absolutely love everything Mr. Heppner has written and believe I have read all of them. Would give him 10 Stars if I could.
I feel like the characters are real and that I personally know them. It is amazing how attached you can become to fictional characters. Just finished this book and already want the next book to continue the story. Absolutely love everything Mr. Heppner has written and believe I have read all of them. Would give him 10 Stars if I could.
February 25, 2021
Another winner
This is my favorite series and Vaughn Heppner continually stays at the top of my list of authors I follow. I would enjoy a book concerning the remaining builders. Also, a book concerning the creations of the dawn of time and The One would certainly be entertaining. Lastly, I hope you return to the ancient civilizations series. I rank the series right behind the Lost Starship. Happy writing!
This is my favorite series and Vaughn Heppner continually stays at the top of my list of authors I follow. I would enjoy a book concerning the remaining builders. Also, a book concerning the creations of the dawn of time and The One would certainly be entertaining. Lastly, I hope you return to the ancient civilizations series. I rank the series right behind the Lost Starship. Happy writing!
June 23, 2021
I enjoy the Lost Starship series quite a bit. This is a decent entry in the series and I am wondering how far the author is going to take things. Some stories are better than others but they pass the time when working or driving and are pleasant to listen to when I don't have time to pick up a actual book. I have found that with most audio versions, you get a slightly different perspective and pick up things you did not notice in the hard copies.
November 16, 2021
Military space sci-fi
In the wake of destroying the liss and retaking control of Star Watch from their stooges, Captain Maddox and the starship Victory are sent on a new mission to determine what went on in a star system where a planet was recently destroyed. The information they obtain leads them on the search for a lost builder artifact and they cross paths once again with the Methuselah woman.
In the wake of destroying the liss and retaking control of Star Watch from their stooges, Captain Maddox and the starship Victory are sent on a new mission to determine what went on in a star system where a planet was recently destroyed. The information they obtain leads them on the search for a lost builder artifact and they cross paths once again with the Methuselah woman.
March 20, 2021
Another great tale from the master of sci-fi
A pleasure to get back to another of Vaughn Heppner’s space tales. I’ve read everything he’s written and never read a bad novel. VH has the ability to blend the excitement of his protagonist, Capt Maddox, with excellent plotting and writing. He’s done again with Lost Tech.
A pleasure to get back to another of Vaughn Heppner’s space tales. I’ve read everything he’s written and never read a bad novel. VH has the ability to blend the excitement of his protagonist, Capt Maddox, with excellent plotting and writing. He’s done again with Lost Tech.
March 23, 2021
Great story line! A real page turner!
I have read all the previous books in this series. This book continues a well developed storyline mixing in events of the past while merging new unexpected current events. I like everything about this book and this series except I read them too fast. I can’t help myself!
I have read all the previous books in this series. This book continues a well developed storyline mixing in events of the past while merging new unexpected current events. I like everything about this book and this series except I read them too fast. I can’t help myself!
May 6, 2021
Confusing!
It took some concentration,but I finally got into the story and the characters.but he whole fight in the null territory was frustrating, because I m still not sure that I understood what happened there. But, having said that, I did enjoy the book and I would probably enjoy reading a sequel.
It took some concentration,but I finally got into the story and the characters.but he whole fight in the null territory was frustrating, because I m still not sure that I understood what happened there. But, having said that, I did enjoy the book and I would probably enjoy reading a sequel.
May 29, 2021
Mr, Hepner is a wonderful writer and I enjoyed every one of the Lost Starship books.
This book once again follows Captian Maddex and the team.
One thing, if that progessor said "my boy" one more time, arrrggg
It looks like there will be another book in the series by the way it ended, looking forward to the next.
This book once again follows Captian Maddex and the team.
One thing, if that progessor said "my boy" one more time, arrrggg
It looks like there will be another book in the series by the way it ended, looking forward to the next.
June 19, 2021
Good read
The saga continues with the ongoing hunt for those who would see humanity enslaved or destroyed. Other than their inner circle, can you trust others whom you have always trusted before? Mind manipulation by other forces is difficult to detect. Is even the inner circle safe? Looking forward to the next installment!
The saga continues with the ongoing hunt for those who would see humanity enslaved or destroyed. Other than their inner circle, can you trust others whom you have always trusted before? Mind manipulation by other forces is difficult to detect. Is even the inner circle safe? Looking forward to the next installment!
August 11, 2021
Great book
Any military sci-fi fan should read this series. Engaging characters, fantastical story lines, and you are on the edge of your seat the entire time. I read the last three in the series in 1 1/2 weeks. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have. By the way, you should start from the beginning of the Lost Starship series as many things won’t make sense if you don’t.
Any military sci-fi fan should read this series. Engaging characters, fantastical story lines, and you are on the edge of your seat the entire time. I read the last three in the series in 1 1/2 weeks. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have. By the way, you should start from the beginning of the Lost Starship series as many things won’t make sense if you don’t.
February 15, 2021
Good escapism book to read during a snowstorm!
Great read. Captain Maddox is involved with yet another cliffhanger with no less than the entire human race at stake! Fun to read. Recommend the series.
Great read. Captain Maddox is involved with yet another cliffhanger with no less than the entire human race at stake! Fun to read. Recommend the series.
February 16, 2021
Another Great Adventure
Vaughn Heppner continues to demonstrate why he's one of the best SF authors in the field. Interesting storyline, complex characters and always a new twist. It may be time however to start wrapping up this 13 book series.
Vaughn Heppner continues to demonstrate why he's one of the best SF authors in the field. Interesting storyline, complex characters and always a new twist. It may be time however to start wrapping up this 13 book series.
February 17, 2021
Another Maddox success
I had !mostly forgotten about this series. With the addition of a truly awful creature that Maddox was unable to destroy or confine plus the battle he had to win by wits and luck kept my interest. Thank you
I had !mostly forgotten about this series. With the addition of a truly awful creature that Maddox was unable to destroy or confine plus the battle he had to win by wits and luck kept my interest. Thank you
February 22, 2021
Great reading
I enjoy. h help net's books. Even though HR may stretch physics he does an excellent job of making it believable. I have read several of his series but think this is a step ahead of the others. Hope he decides to continue this series.
I enjoy. h help net's books. Even though HR may stretch physics he does an excellent job of making it believable. I have read several of his series but think this is a step ahead of the others. Hope he decides to continue this series.
February 25, 2021
Solid read
Ludendorf is becoming very mundane but the rest of the crew is filling in nicely. Need to move beyond the constant builder / dark overpowered baddie and justvset a good old fashioned battle between races again
Ludendorf is becoming very mundane but the rest of the crew is filling in nicely. Need to move beyond the constant builder / dark overpowered baddie and justvset a good old fashioned battle between races again
March 2, 2021
Another Great Maddox & Company Aldventure
Really enjoy these books that are fun to read. Looking forward to their next adventure and the next book in the series. Hope they explore the Builder Library!
Really enjoy these books that are fun to read. Looking forward to their next adventure and the next book in the series. Hope they explore the Builder Library!
March 7, 2021
Love the series and characters
Great story line great characters. Want to read more. Would like to see grandmother back in service. Maddox take out Methuselah woman. Make a body the adock AI can use at will. Thanks for excellent entertainment.
Great story line great characters. Want to read more. Would like to see grandmother back in service. Maddox take out Methuselah woman. Make a body the adock AI can use at will. Thanks for excellent entertainment.
March 8, 2021
Love this series! I can't put the books down, and I enjoy re-reading the previous book just to remember where I was in the stories.
I'd like to see more action with the new men in the next one. Maybe they are under threat and Strand is needed to help and escapes, and they need Maddox to help.
I'd like to see more action with the new men in the next one. Maybe they are under threat and Strand is needed to help and escapes, and they need Maddox to help.
March 12, 2021
Fantastic Read. Doesn’t disappoint. I can’t wait till the next one.
Great group of characters that continue evolve as do the story lines. The crew never fail to pull together when needed to defeat the nemesis which are never in short supply.
Great group of characters that continue evolve as do the story lines. The crew never fail to pull together when needed to defeat the nemesis which are never in short supply.
March 11, 2021
Nice conclusion to a long series.
I liked the various missions Maddox and his crew performed. I also liked the various members both his and introduced in the different series. The inclusion of alien Tech also allowed the viewer to fantasize about the future.
I liked the various missions Maddox and his crew performed. I also liked the various members both his and introduced in the different series. The inclusion of alien Tech also allowed the viewer to fantasize about the future.
March 20, 2021
Captain Maddox is still going
Such a fun read. This series always entertains. The adventures lead into each other perfectly. I can't wait to see what the crew of Victory get into next.
Such a fun read. This series always entertains. The adventures lead into each other perfectly. I can't wait to see what the crew of Victory get into next.
March 21, 2021
Love the series, this was another great one. I can"t wait for the adventures to continue.
I have read every book in the series, these characters have become family. I love the adventure. Highly recommend Vaughn Heppner.
I have read every book in the series, these characters have become family. I love the adventure. Highly recommend Vaughn Heppner.
March 24, 2021
Been reading the entire series
Finally decided to give some stars. In fact this may be my first time doing so.
I'd like to see the next book tying up loose ends and exploring the Throne World a bit.
Finally decided to give some stars. In fact this may be my first time doing so.
I'd like to see the next book tying up loose ends and exploring the Throne World a bit.
April 7, 2021
An improving saga
Glad to see that the complexity of the story increases with the last few adventures and hope to see more resolution of old threads and new ones to explore in the next chapter
Glad to see that the complexity of the story increases with the last few adventures and hope to see more resolution of old threads and new ones to explore in the next chapter
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews