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Lost Starship #15
The Lost Barrier
At Omicron 9, Professor Ludendorff unearthed artifacts of the fabled Old Ones. During a meeting in a subterranean chamber, a portal appeared and aliens attacked, perhaps to kidnap the professor or grab the artifacts. Maddox’s new intuitive sense gave him just enough warning. He saved Ludendorff and rushed into the portal to forestall any more assaults—and thus began his lonely odyssey from one strange place to another.
Maddox eventually found a Builder potential unit, and they resolved to work together. But the unit betrayed him and then Victory, taking them to a system where Maddox had already been, one behind an impenetrable barrier and possessing an ancient power.
Maddox and Victory were outmatched and outgunned, facing aliens wielding super-science weapons. But if the captain ever wanted to see his wife and daughter again, and stop Lisa Meyers from her ongoing genocidal plans against humanity, he was going to have to solve an eon-old mystery and defeat every extraterrestrial bastard that got in his way.
THE LOST BARRIER is the fifteenth book in the Lost Starship Series.
Maddox eventually found a Builder potential unit, and they resolved to work together. But the unit betrayed him and then Victory, taking them to a system where Maddox had already been, one behind an impenetrable barrier and possessing an ancient power.
Maddox and Victory were outmatched and outgunned, facing aliens wielding super-science weapons. But if the captain ever wanted to see his wife and daughter again, and stop Lisa Meyers from her ongoing genocidal plans against humanity, he was going to have to solve an eon-old mystery and defeat every extraterrestrial bastard that got in his way.
THE LOST BARRIER is the fifteenth book in the Lost Starship Series.
- GenresScience FictionAudiobook
499 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 30, 2021
235 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
About the author
Vaughn Heppner
146 books570 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 60 reviews
December 3, 2021
Awful book!! 15th fail
These are awful books, and getting worse. The most basic failure of them, is thT they are written from a completely misogynistic perspective. These books seem to be appealing to an "InCel" audience. I can u derstand that it might be difficult for a male author to write female characters. But this author seems determined to ensure that every female character is either incompetent, driven only by sex, a sexual predator, a villian, or a victim. The fact that there are no real plot lines, or satisfactory explanations to outcomes is beyond ridiculous. I just cannot stand to read this drivel anymore. I e suffered the series i hopes it night go somewhere. But the only conclusion ive gotten to with this latest instalment is that this is a very bad series of books, it has no ckue where it is going, and seems to be aimed at a the horny little InCel reject set. Im not sure if this is representative of the author, or just their target demo, but it fails either way.
These are awful books, and getting worse. The most basic failure of them, is thT they are written from a completely misogynistic perspective. These books seem to be appealing to an "InCel" audience. I can u derstand that it might be difficult for a male author to write female characters. But this author seems determined to ensure that every female character is either incompetent, driven only by sex, a sexual predator, a villian, or a victim. The fact that there are no real plot lines, or satisfactory explanations to outcomes is beyond ridiculous. I just cannot stand to read this drivel anymore. I e suffered the series i hopes it night go somewhere. But the only conclusion ive gotten to with this latest instalment is that this is a very bad series of books, it has no ckue where it is going, and seems to be aimed at a the horny little InCel reject set. Im not sure if this is representative of the author, or just their target demo, but it fails either way.
November 4, 2022
Captain Maddox lands in probably the biggest quagmire of his career in Vaughn Heppner's "The Lost Barrier," the 15th in the Lost Starship series. He gets on the wrong side of a Builder entity, gets dumped in an impenetrable star system with no escape and finds himself on the wrong side of a warlike group of humans who have been stuck there for millenia. No big deal. He is after all Captain Maddox. It's been some months since I read the book, but I thoroughly enjoyed the ride as I was on vacation in the East Coast and had no real responsibilities. Heppner knows how to take his readers into new lands where he fabricates dilemmas with utterly no viable solutions. Somehow he navigates these challenges through his many recurring characters. The holo-image Galyan for instance begins to develop a sense of humor, or at least the vestige of one. I slammed through this book and then got stuck with something extremely dry. The good thing is Heppner's got another series out there that I haven't touched.
August 4, 2022
Another wild ride!
I have no idea what goes on in Heppner-sensei's head but I had no idea what to expect in this book and I'm amazed that 15 stories in there are still fresh ideas.
Fantastical science, mythological magic, petty and cruel aliens... Maddox and the crew delivered once again.
I personally don't care for how nameless crew members are killed somehow every story and Maddox never has to wrestle with the grief of send letters home.. nor am I a fan of how intransigent and jealous Ludendorf continues to be in each story while having almost no character development.. but I am a fan of seeing characters like Riker used more surgically, and at Valerie's growth.
This story rewards the reader for sticking with it and I almost tears up at the end. Excellent book and I'm going to dive into #16 immediately.
I have no idea what goes on in Heppner-sensei's head but I had no idea what to expect in this book and I'm amazed that 15 stories in there are still fresh ideas.
Fantastical science, mythological magic, petty and cruel aliens... Maddox and the crew delivered once again.
I personally don't care for how nameless crew members are killed somehow every story and Maddox never has to wrestle with the grief of send letters home.. nor am I a fan of how intransigent and jealous Ludendorf continues to be in each story while having almost no character development.. but I am a fan of seeing characters like Riker used more surgically, and at Valerie's growth.
This story rewards the reader for sticking with it and I almost tears up at the end. Excellent book and I'm going to dive into #16 immediately.
December 31, 2021
Another very badly written book. Time to close the series.
At no point in time during the book did I feel anything for the relationship between the Captain and Meta. Just mentioning it ad nauseum doesn't mean anything.
This series has become more about "magic" than science. Enough with the mind altering powers everyone has. This is ridiculous and an easy way out of writing a good story.
Also, the book is filled with grammatical errors and missing words.
The series was fun to read at the beginning but now...It has become fast food books and hold nothing of interest anymore.
At no point in time during the book did I feel anything for the relationship between the Captain and Meta. Just mentioning it ad nauseum doesn't mean anything.
This series has become more about "magic" than science. Enough with the mind altering powers everyone has. This is ridiculous and an easy way out of writing a good story.
Also, the book is filled with grammatical errors and missing words.
The series was fun to read at the beginning but now...It has become fast food books and hold nothing of interest anymore.
February 27, 2022
Always something new and unexpected
Great read, I truly enjoy the characters, their story lines and how they grow and change. I can not wait to see where this story takes us next.
Captain Maddox is once again dragged into another fight for all humanity. Forced to leave his wife and young daughter on earth. Maddox and the rest of the crew have their work cut out for them once again as they have to deal with several different enemies far away from home and then find a way home.
Great read, I truly enjoy the characters, their story lines and how they grow and change. I can not wait to see where this story takes us next.
Captain Maddox is once again dragged into another fight for all humanity. Forced to leave his wife and young daughter on earth. Maddox and the rest of the crew have their work cut out for them once again as they have to deal with several different enemies far away from home and then find a way home.
December 6, 2021
Another Great Installment
I always find myself on pins and needles waiting for the next starship book. I was happy to see the end of Lisa Meyers and the beginning of Maddox’s family. Though I definitely missed the New Men perspectives in this book. What I would really like to see in the next installment is what Golden Ural has been up to on the library planet and what some of his thoughts have been these past few years. Excited for the next one!
I always find myself on pins and needles waiting for the next starship book. I was happy to see the end of Lisa Meyers and the beginning of Maddox’s family. Though I definitely missed the New Men perspectives in this book. What I would really like to see in the next installment is what Golden Ural has been up to on the library planet and what some of his thoughts have been these past few years. Excited for the next one!
December 15, 2021
Another awe inspiring tale!
Not giving away any hilites, I loved the track this book took. Instead of just slugging it out with a clear enemy there were many obstacles Maddox had to overcome. It made for a richer story and it was as usual a great ride. I hope the last few sentences hint at the contents of the next book, as the little Adok surely deserves it. Loved and recommend this story, and entire series.
Not giving away any hilites, I loved the track this book took. Instead of just slugging it out with a clear enemy there were many obstacles Maddox had to overcome. It made for a richer story and it was as usual a great ride. I hope the last few sentences hint at the contents of the next book, as the little Adok surely deserves it. Loved and recommend this story, and entire series.
January 22, 2022
Very entertaining!
In fairness, I am a huge fan of Vaughn Heppner's books. He really pulls the reader into the story and along for the ride. Obviously, since this is the 15th book in this series, I've invested a lot of attention towards the characters of the Lost Starship series. And yet... I am not ready for the story to end. I hope to read more about our intrepid Captain and his unique crew.
In fairness, I am a huge fan of Vaughn Heppner's books. He really pulls the reader into the story and along for the ride. Obviously, since this is the 15th book in this series, I've invested a lot of attention towards the characters of the Lost Starship series. And yet... I am not ready for the story to end. I hope to read more about our intrepid Captain and his unique crew.
March 6, 2023
it started well
As the series progresses the author sneaks in more and more of his religious beliefs. They were not present at the beginning and it’s objectionable to hold the reader hostage after investing in reading the first half of the series. The author is also becoming lazy as he writes with reguard to plot manipulation. Five stars in the beginning one star as it hopefully winds down.
As the series progresses the author sneaks in more and more of his religious beliefs. They were not present at the beginning and it’s objectionable to hold the reader hostage after investing in reading the first half of the series. The author is also becoming lazy as he writes with reguard to plot manipulation. Five stars in the beginning one star as it hopefully winds down.
January 22, 2022
One saga ended or did it?
Thank you Mr Heppner, for the wild ride with the crew of Victory. Would like to see it continue, but with Gaylan looking for his people as was promised earlier. Captain Maddox keeps his promise. Even though, at first, this book was a bit hard to get started, it however, came together and I did not want to put it down.
Thank you Mr Heppner, for the wild ride with the crew of Victory. Would like to see it continue, but with Gaylan looking for his people as was promised earlier. Captain Maddox keeps his promise. Even though, at first, this book was a bit hard to get started, it however, came together and I did not want to put it down.
February 22, 2022
Absolutely awesome
I love this series, I feel like the characters are real and like I am right there with them through their adventures. I am so ready to read the next book in the series. Happy Lisa Meyers got her just desserts. Poor Maddox missed so much time. Glad he found his family safe.
I love this series, I feel like the characters are real and like I am right there with them through their adventures. I am so ready to read the next book in the series. Happy Lisa Meyers got her just desserts. Poor Maddox missed so much time. Glad he found his family safe.
March 3, 2022
Another hit for Star Watch!
Vaughn does a credible job of humanizing Captain Maddox in this series. He at times seems like he lost his way and he isn’t going to get I back. But I won’t give a spoiler alert! You have to read this all in one fell swoop! Great book again from Mr Hepner. I can’t wait to see more adventures for Victory.
Vaughn does a credible job of humanizing Captain Maddox in this series. He at times seems like he lost his way and he isn’t going to get I back. But I won’t give a spoiler alert! You have to read this all in one fell swoop! Great book again from Mr Hepner. I can’t wait to see more adventures for Victory.
April 20, 2022
Well told story
I've read this entire series to date and have really enjoyed each book. I was initially afraid this one would get too introspective as the description stated the hero was on his own, but honestly this may be one of my favorites in the series. Well told with good flow, never knowing what was going to happen next.
I've read this entire series to date and have really enjoyed each book. I was initially afraid this one would get too introspective as the description stated the hero was on his own, but honestly this may be one of my favorites in the series. Well told with good flow, never knowing what was going to happen next.
June 13, 2022
Military space sci-fi
Maddox takes a new short term mission to check up on the professor without Victory or her crew. Things always take a turn and he ends up on the other side of the galaxy desperate to find a way back to Meta and his daughter. Complications abound with spacers, Lisa Meyers, Ardinzaro, Builders, Junten, and Yon Soth.
Maddox takes a new short term mission to check up on the professor without Victory or her crew. Things always take a turn and he ends up on the other side of the galaxy desperate to find a way back to Meta and his daughter. Complications abound with spacers, Lisa Meyers, Ardinzaro, Builders, Junten, and Yon Soth.
December 5, 2021
inspiring
Vaughan has an imagination exceeding the majority of his peers. This story wove many elements of prior books in this series and closed many open threads. Cheers, Vaughn for such an entertaining ride!
Vaughan has an imagination exceeding the majority of his peers. This story wove many elements of prior books in this series and closed many open threads. Cheers, Vaughn for such an entertaining ride!
December 12, 2021
Fantastic Read…!
Hopeful that the next book in the series puts both Maddox and Meta back on Victory while Mary O’Hara baby sits Jewel. The mission… Find remnants of the Adoks for Gyland. In doing so they must defeat yet another Yon Soth.
Hopeful that the next book in the series puts both Maddox and Meta back on Victory while Mary O’Hara baby sits Jewel. The mission… Find remnants of the Adoks for Gyland. In doing so they must defeat yet another Yon Soth.
December 17, 2021
Excellent writing !
Loved the details, they stayed well within the arch of the story. Battle scenes were a bit much, but I loved the more human feeling edge given to the captain.Maddox at his best I might add, good job Mr Heppner good job.
Loved the details, they stayed well within the arch of the story. Battle scenes were a bit much, but I loved the more human feeling edge given to the captain.Maddox at his best I might add, good job Mr Heppner good job.
December 18, 2021
200,000 light years…
A long way from earth Maddox does his best to get back home to his wife and daughter. However there are many players in the same location and he has to navigate each of them to have a chance of doing so.
Great addition to the series.
A long way from earth Maddox does his best to get back home to his wife and daughter. However there are many players in the same location and he has to navigate each of them to have a chance of doing so.
Great addition to the series.
December 31, 2021
Fantastic adventure
Once again Mr. Happened has delivered a great book. The continuing adventures of starship Victory had me enthralled from beginning to finish. Great story, fascinating tech, impressive imagination have made this one of the best of the series.
Once again Mr. Happened has delivered a great book. The continuing adventures of starship Victory had me enthralled from beginning to finish. Great story, fascinating tech, impressive imagination have made this one of the best of the series.
March 9, 2022
An excellent ending!
I very much enjoyed this book. It was entertaining and gave closure to the series. I will miss the characters. Many thanks to the author and I look forward to your next voyages.
I very much enjoyed this book. It was entertaining and gave closure to the series. I will miss the characters. Many thanks to the author and I look forward to your next voyages.
April 6, 2022
Triumph over tragedy once again.
I really have enjoyed each book in this series. The adventures and challenges that face the crew of Victory twist and turn. Keeping me turning the pages as fadt as possible.
I really have enjoyed each book in this series. The adventures and challenges that face the crew of Victory twist and turn. Keeping me turning the pages as fadt as possible.
May 1, 2022
Storyline still going strong
Considering its book 15, this was an excellent read with a new story line and and old acquaintances.
Looking forward to book 16 and how a family man captain will work out.
Considering its book 15, this was an excellent read with a new story line and and old acquaintances.
Looking forward to book 16 and how a family man captain will work out.
May 30, 2022
Please stop using the R-word.
It's not complicated. It's not amusing. You're a solid sci-fi writer without it.
No one is talking about a Blueberry in the future. No one is using an unpopular derogatory slang for mentally impaired folks in the future.
Times change.
It's not complicated. It's not amusing. You're a solid sci-fi writer without it.
No one is talking about a Blueberry in the future. No one is using an unpopular derogatory slang for mentally impaired folks in the future.
Times change.
July 11, 2022
Exciting
This has been an amazing read with action, drama, and mind numbing challenges at times following the constantly evolving storyline! Another well written book that keeps you riveted, unable to set it down.
This has been an amazing read with action, drama, and mind numbing challenges at times following the constantly evolving storyline! Another well written book that keeps you riveted, unable to set it down.
August 15, 2022
more god than I would have liked
The author inserts references to god and prayer that don’t fit well within the narrative. Otherwise the cast of characters is good despite the story taken place far away
The author inserts references to god and prayer that don’t fit well within the narrative. Otherwise the cast of characters is good despite the story taken place far away
August 8, 2024
Tied up a lot of loose ends
A lot came together in this book, yet there is still so much more to discover. The major questions of life are still asked, and some answers are offered.
It will be interesting to see how often he goes to his beliefs in God.
A lot came together in this book, yet there is still so much more to discover. The major questions of life are still asked, and some answers are offered.
It will be interesting to see how often he goes to his beliefs in God.
December 2, 2021
Love this series.
I love the adventures of Maddox. He has depth a lot of other main characters lack. The series is an amazing read.
I love the adventures of Maddox. He has depth a lot of other main characters lack. The series is an amazing read.
December 6, 2021
Great Series possibly the best Space opera written.
Love the series. When a new book come available I stop reading my current read and read the next book in The Lost Starship series
Love the series. When a new book come available I stop reading my current read and read the next book in The Lost Starship series
December 5, 2021
Awsome
Awesome sequel to the series. I hope this is not the end. Now we need one with Gaylan trying to find any more Adoks.
Awesome sequel to the series. I hope this is not the end. Now we need one with Gaylan trying to find any more Adoks.
December 6, 2021
Another great one by Vaughn!
Another great installment in the series. This series is worth the read. Keep up the good work. Will not disappoint.
Another great installment in the series. This series is worth the read. Keep up the good work. Will not disappoint.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews