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The Traveler #1
Galactic Marine
You ever have one of those days?
U.S. Marine Sergeant Jake Bayard did when he has to cancel a hot date to board a transport plane to the South Pole, which is hijacked by aliens with hostile intent to Earth.
Bayard escapes into tunnels deep under the ice and stumbles upon advanced technology that teleports him to Epsilon Eridani.
Desperately alone and on the run, Bayard falls back onto his combat training, soon discovering that these aliens keep human herds for meat. That’s it. He enlists some of the downtrodden and declares war against the hungry oppressors.
GALACTIC MARINE is the story of a gung-ho Terran taking on the masters of an insidious and ancient alien conspiracy.
U.S. Marine Sergeant Jake Bayard did when he has to cancel a hot date to board a transport plane to the South Pole, which is hijacked by aliens with hostile intent to Earth.
Bayard escapes into tunnels deep under the ice and stumbles upon advanced technology that teleports him to Epsilon Eridani.
Desperately alone and on the run, Bayard falls back onto his combat training, soon discovering that these aliens keep human herds for meat. That’s it. He enlists some of the downtrodden and declares war against the hungry oppressors.
GALACTIC MARINE is the story of a gung-ho Terran taking on the masters of an insidious and ancient alien conspiracy.
260 pages, Paperback
Published February 8, 2022
487 people are currently reading
102 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 72 reviews
February 23, 2022
young adult book with a protagonist dumber than any teenager
Stopped reading at 41% because I couldn't take it anymore. The main character is a blabbering, juvenile idiot with no redeeming qualities. The whole plot - if you can call it that - is so silly it beggars belief.
I used to be a big fan of Heppner's work but something changed in the last couple years. The Lost Starship series is getting more and more ridiculous and jumped the shark long ago, it seems VH is continuing it only for the money. Same goes for the A.I. series.
This has been my last Heppner book. So long, Vaughn, it's not you, it's me.
Stopped reading at 41% because I couldn't take it anymore. The main character is a blabbering, juvenile idiot with no redeeming qualities. The whole plot - if you can call it that - is so silly it beggars belief.
I used to be a big fan of Heppner's work but something changed in the last couple years. The Lost Starship series is getting more and more ridiculous and jumped the shark long ago, it seems VH is continuing it only for the money. Same goes for the A.I. series.
This has been my last Heppner book. So long, Vaughn, it's not you, it's me.
November 29, 2023
Old is New
A refreshingly new take on a lot of “old” theories and suppositions compiled into a new author’s interpretation of what if and how about, etc. with enough action and unknown twists and turns to immediately involve the reader. Good on the author! Bring it on, I’m along for the ride!
A refreshingly new take on a lot of “old” theories and suppositions compiled into a new author’s interpretation of what if and how about, etc. with enough action and unknown twists and turns to immediately involve the reader. Good on the author! Bring it on, I’m along for the ride!
May 15, 2025
Vaughn Heppner is a prolific writer. After reading most of his catalog years ago, I kept up with only one of his titles — those involving the adventures of Captain Maddox, the half human half New Man as he and his crew fought against incredible odds to save human civilization from a mind-bending array of threats. But after wrapping up "The Lost World," the 22nd in the series, I wanted more. I wanted a distraction from the chaos of the outside world. I'd seen Heppner's "The Traveler" series but didn't want to commit to anything. I hadn't even read the synopsis to "Galactic Marine," the first in the series. Then I did, ordered it and started reading. And I haven't really stopped. At this writing, I've already consumed five of the titles and just ordered No. 6. I wasn't overly impressed by the protagonist, Marine Jake Bayard, at first. He's boorish and arrogant and comes off initially as more muscle bound than intellectual. But as I read I learned that's by design. Heppner sketched out a template for a long-running adventure. Bayard learns as he goes, gaining empathy for the diverse cast of characters he comes into contact with. And his disdain for earth's enemies only grows. As it should. Heppner's work often focuses on the forces of freedom vanquishing evil in all its guises. The Traveler doesn't disappoint. It moves right along. By the time I finished the first novel, I wasn't ready to let go.
July 29, 2025
I went in blind to this series, turned out by accident, but I was somewhat interested in where things were going. However the writing wasn't all that great, the MC kept focusing on his hot date night he missed out on, and the pacing was a little odd. I'd say the overall idea was decent but the character writing was a bit undeveloped and stereotypical, lacking depth. I really was wondering what the author was doing when the MC was questioning what proof scientists had to say when dinosaurs lived and how they knew humans weren't around at the same time. There was some following thoughts he had after that and it was a bit jarring. I dunno, maybe a pulpy read but I'm not interested enough to continue.
March 25, 2022
Summer in Antarctica?
Twelve days left in the Marines, Bayard planned to retire and excel at doing nothing, maybe become a surf bum? However tonight after a long pursuit, he was going on a date with Juanita. At least that was the plan until his sergeant put him on a surprise TDY assignment.
Whisked away on a pretty much empty C130 to Antarctica things were not going his way. Who was this weird little man who virtually abducted him and what did he want? Not a bad little tale and there's more to come.
Twelve days left in the Marines, Bayard planned to retire and excel at doing nothing, maybe become a surf bum? However tonight after a long pursuit, he was going on a date with Juanita. At least that was the plan until his sergeant put him on a surprise TDY assignment.
Whisked away on a pretty much empty C130 to Antarctica things were not going his way. Who was this weird little man who virtually abducted him and what did he want? Not a bad little tale and there's more to come.
April 25, 2022
Very slow start, but picks up towards the end
It is a VERY slow start, almost glacial, pun intended. Half way through and seriously considered giving up and watching paint dry for excitement
Thankfully I kept at it and it did improve, more characters appeared and some of the info mentioned in the first half started to make a bit more sense. Until then alot had just been plain clutter
Overall an ok book. Given who the author is and the number of other books of his I have read, I will give more in the series a go, but they really need to be a tad quicker
It is a VERY slow start, almost glacial, pun intended. Half way through and seriously considered giving up and watching paint dry for excitement
Thankfully I kept at it and it did improve, more characters appeared and some of the info mentioned in the first half started to make a bit more sense. Until then alot had just been plain clutter
Overall an ok book. Given who the author is and the number of other books of his I have read, I will give more in the series a go, but they really need to be a tad quicker
February 14, 2022
Love where this is headed!
Spoiler alert!
I can feel the direction this story will take as series . We have our likeable hero, whose combat skills are superb and enhanced. He will face not one, but three groups of foes. Two of those have superhuman abilities. The third group has a nasty habit of raising hominids as a food source.
I look forward to seeing how our hero will fare against these odds!
Spoiler alert!
I can feel the direction this story will take as series . We have our likeable hero, whose combat skills are superb and enhanced. He will face not one, but three groups of foes. Two of those have superhuman abilities. The third group has a nasty habit of raising hominids as a food source.
I look forward to seeing how our hero will fare against these odds!
February 25, 2022
Good story
Interesting premise and ok character development. A little hard to imagine that anyone with such high body temperature could fool enough doctors and security professionals to get into the highest levels of government and military. And only Superman could fight against as many foes and escape virtually unscathed.
I'm not sure I will buy a sequel but I am glad that I have read this book.
Interesting premise and ok character development. A little hard to imagine that anyone with such high body temperature could fool enough doctors and security professionals to get into the highest levels of government and military. And only Superman could fight against as many foes and escape virtually unscathed.
I'm not sure I will buy a sequel but I am glad that I have read this book.
March 31, 2022
One is never disappointed with Heppner
The series have some potential. I think I'm going to like the characters and it's got some storyline to develop. My main complaint about this book
and why I didn't get it at five stars was the length of the book. I think he could have given more time to the plot and character development. But he did tweak my interest and I will read the next book in the the series. Looking forward to see what he can do with this character.
The series have some potential. I think I'm going to like the characters and it's got some storyline to develop. My main complaint about this book
and why I didn't get it at five stars was the length of the book. I think he could have given more time to the plot and character development. But he did tweak my interest and I will read the next book in the the series. Looking forward to see what he can do with this character.
February 10, 2023
Traveler! Hold my seat Mr. Heppner it's already one heck of a ride!
Vaughn Heppner knows how to craft a tale! He is a penultimate storyteller! I already know I am going to love the Traveler Series; Book One was a blast! Always interesting, never predictable and populated with strong, interesting characters... And the premise? Why, it holds great, near infinite promise! What a pallet to craft on! This is going to be fun!
Vaughn Heppner knows how to craft a tale! He is a penultimate storyteller! I already know I am going to love the Traveler Series; Book One was a blast! Always interesting, never predictable and populated with strong, interesting characters... And the premise? Why, it holds great, near infinite promise! What a pallet to craft on! This is going to be fun!
August 23, 2023
Slow methodical beginning almost boring
Slow methodical beginning almost boring but suddenly the reader is transferred to a complex alien plot where the protagonist doesn't know who to trust or what to believe. The book has everything a sci-fi fan could possibly want a great humble hero really nasty antagonists and page turning plot! I'm ready to read the next book in the series.
Slow methodical beginning almost boring but suddenly the reader is transferred to a complex alien plot where the protagonist doesn't know who to trust or what to believe. The book has everything a sci-fi fan could possibly want a great humble hero really nasty antagonists and page turning plot! I'm ready to read the next book in the series.
February 13, 2022
Good potential.
The story started out pretty thin. It requires accepting premises without much or any support or background. The story became more interesting by the end. Still a bit thin. However, having read lots of this author’s stories, I ha confidence that this will be a very interesting tale.
The story started out pretty thin. It requires accepting premises without much or any support or background. The story became more interesting by the end. Still a bit thin. However, having read lots of this author’s stories, I ha confidence that this will be a very interesting tale.
February 18, 2022
Enjoyed a lot
I’ve read all of Vaughn’s books and found them to be rewarding for the reader. Galactic Marine definitely needs a sequel (or many), Vaughn dangled that with an action ending. I like his character development and the believable storyline based on myth, cosmology, and ancient history. Bravo Vaughn you held this 79 year olds interest without one doze off. Thank you.
I’ve read all of Vaughn’s books and found them to be rewarding for the reader. Galactic Marine definitely needs a sequel (or many), Vaughn dangled that with an action ending. I like his character development and the believable storyline based on myth, cosmology, and ancient history. Bravo Vaughn you held this 79 year olds interest without one doze off. Thank you.
May 24, 2022
A different planet hopper
Great story telling with very good characters and a good blend of fantasy, sci-fi and reality. Story is not tech oriented which is a nice break and leans more on a survival mindset and you feel you are right there as he describes his surroundings. Thoroughly entertaining.
Great story telling with very good characters and a good blend of fantasy, sci-fi and reality. Story is not tech oriented which is a nice break and leans more on a survival mindset and you feel you are right there as he describes his surroundings. Thoroughly entertaining.
June 19, 2022
A good read
A good read I thoroughly enjoyed. I will download the next instalment and read that hoping number two is as good as number one. This traveller does sound intriguing and could turn out to be a good series so let's keep our fingers crossed. Give this a go and hope you enjoy as much as I did.
A good read I thoroughly enjoyed. I will download the next instalment and read that hoping number two is as good as number one. This traveller does sound intriguing and could turn out to be a good series so let's keep our fingers crossed. Give this a go and hope you enjoy as much as I did.
October 6, 2022
Good military fiction
The Traveller is an interesting character. A little one dimensional at first, but he gets better as time goes by. Loved the fact that, although part of a series, it's also a stand alone novel. The action increases throughout the novel, I loved that. The atmosphere was very well depicted. Wonderful world building. A good novel.
The Traveller is an interesting character. A little one dimensional at first, but he gets better as time goes by. Loved the fact that, although part of a series, it's also a stand alone novel. The action increases throughout the novel, I loved that. The atmosphere was very well depicted. Wonderful world building. A good novel.
January 24, 2023
Rollicking fun space story
What IS a Traveler? Who are they? Where are they from? Are they really human? What is their purpose? So many questions our protagonist has to figure out! This is a fun easy read that moves fast and is rather creative. Lots of action and very descriptive, so you definitely won’t get bored.
What IS a Traveler? Who are they? Where are they from? Are they really human? What is their purpose? So many questions our protagonist has to figure out! This is a fun easy read that moves fast and is rather creative. Lots of action and very descriptive, so you definitely won’t get bored.
February 9, 2023
Not my cup of tea. It could be that I'm already familiar with the stargate/wargate genre of sci-fi stories, but this one felt like it dragged its heels and didn't have a strong central plot. I enjoyed the bickering between the protagonist and the neanderthals, and that was the highlight of it for me. Not bad, but not want I needed.
February 10, 2022
Mixes prehistory earth an interstellar travel.
An easy read where a US Marine, who is about to retire, finds out that he and his dad (who died under suspicious circumstances) are interstellar travelers.
An easy read where a US Marine, who is about to retire, finds out that he and his dad (who died under suspicious circumstances) are interstellar travelers.
February 13, 2022
Engaging fun read 📚
Liked the departure from wormholes, FTL travel and plasma and planet busting weapons
Also liked intertwined protagonists and threads of military scifi. No particular dislikes.
Liked the departure from wormholes, FTL travel and plasma and planet busting weapons
Also liked intertwined protagonists and threads of military scifi. No particular dislikes.
February 16, 2022
A good foundation to a promising series
Vaughn Heppner is a great storyteller I get the feeling he was just warming up with this book. This story can take us anywhere his imagination will take us. Looking forward to the next adventures of the Traveller.
Vaughn Heppner is a great storyteller I get the feeling he was just warming up with this book. This story can take us anywhere his imagination will take us. Looking forward to the next adventures of the Traveller.
February 16, 2022
About 4.5 stars
The best praise I can give the book is that I did skim one single page. May not sound like much but if have read any of my reviews I am always writing about how I find parts of books boring and end up skimming multiple pages to get to a better part.
The best praise I can give the book is that I did skim one single page. May not sound like much but if have read any of my reviews I am always writing about how I find parts of books boring and end up skimming multiple pages to get to a better part.
February 18, 2022
Entertaining
Really entertaining start to a new series. I would say it is probably not as good as some other outstanding series by Heppner, but still penty good and will likely get better in the follow up.
Really entertaining start to a new series. I would say it is probably not as good as some other outstanding series by Heppner, but still penty good and will likely get better in the follow up.
February 18, 2022
Great start to a storylune
Excellent character building, great storytelling and as always a great adventure off world!! Please keep the story going!! I would love to see where Bayar goes!
Excellent character building, great storytelling and as always a great adventure off world!! Please keep the story going!! I would love to see where Bayar goes!
February 19, 2022
Very Interesting Concept
I enjoyed the story. I will read any and everything Mr. Vaughn Heppner writes, have never been disappointed by any of his books and I hope I have read them all because would be disappointed if I missed any.
I enjoyed the story. I will read any and everything Mr. Vaughn Heppner writes, have never been disappointed by any of his books and I hope I have read them all because would be disappointed if I missed any.
February 19, 2022
Great first book for a series
Vaughn, keep writing. A great first book for a series. Please keep writing and expanding this series.
Give us more.
I love your books. Exciting, good character development a wonderful plots
Keep writing.
Vaughn, keep writing. A great first book for a series. Please keep writing and expanding this series.
Give us more.
I love your books. Exciting, good character development a wonderful plots
Keep writing.
February 23, 2022
Slow start but quickly became a VH must
Character development was a bit slow and disjointed but the 2nd half delivers like you expect from all Heppner classics and this series is destined to hoin the ranks.
Character development was a bit slow and disjointed but the 2nd half delivers like you expect from all Heppner classics and this series is destined to hoin the ranks.
February 27, 2022
Very good bok, Very readable. Your min words are annoying. Your min words are annoying. Your min words are annoying.
Your min words are annoying. Your min words are annoying. Your min words are annoying. Your min words are annoying 2. Your min words are annoying3.
Your min words are annoying. Your min words are annoying. Your min words are annoying. Your min words are annoying 2. Your min words are annoying3.
March 3, 2022
Good reading
Interesting concept, it keeps your interest and the characters are well defined and distinct from one another.
It'll be interesting to see where the story goes in a second book.
Interesting concept, it keeps your interest and the characters are well defined and distinct from one another.
It'll be interesting to see where the story goes in a second book.
March 11, 2022
Traveler
Unexpected moved along good action. Beleiveable, seller fi. The character development very good. Use of ancient history very amusing and accurate. Had to stop and check some the word meanings, good on you.
Unexpected moved along good action. Beleiveable, seller fi. The character development very good. Use of ancient history very amusing and accurate. Had to stop and check some the word meanings, good on you.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews