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Lost Starship #14
The Lost Secret
Long ago, the Builders ruled the stars, using a unique super-science to create marvels and wonders. But the Builders vanished—no one knows why—leaving many of their treasures hidden throughout the galaxy.
Now, Captain Maddox and arrogant New Men learn about the fabled Library Planet. Legend holds it’s an ancient repository of Builder knowledge. The side that plunders the planetary vaults first will surely become the premier power in the Orion Spiral Arm.
The race is on, but with many unforeseen dangers including deadly ghost-ships, possible time-travelers and cunning spies—others desire what lies inside the Library Planet.
This will prove a desperate struggle as puny humans led by Captain Maddox try to wrench an advantage for Star Watch, and as a grim menace of unparalleled horror slowly unfolds before them.
Now, Captain Maddox and arrogant New Men learn about the fabled Library Planet. Legend holds it’s an ancient repository of Builder knowledge. The side that plunders the planetary vaults first will surely become the premier power in the Orion Spiral Arm.
The race is on, but with many unforeseen dangers including deadly ghost-ships, possible time-travelers and cunning spies—others desire what lies inside the Library Planet.
This will prove a desperate struggle as puny humans led by Captain Maddox try to wrench an advantage for Star Watch, and as a grim menace of unparalleled horror slowly unfolds before them.
- GenresScience FictionAudiobook
496 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 10, 2021
293 people are currently reading
105 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 52 reviews
July 7, 2021
Time to close the loop. Feels like fast-food with no end in sight. Every good story must come to an end at one point and this storyline has gone beyond it.
Give it a rest and more on.
Give it a rest and more on.
July 11, 2021
Very good.
May 24, 2021
Fantastic series
I feel like part of the Maddox family. I love this series and hope it continues for a very long time. I get so happy and excited when I see a new book but then I do marathon reading and it ends, I finish it too soon. Can't wait until the next book in the series. Highly recommend this series as well as every other book written by Mr. Happened, I believe I have read everyone of them available in my Kindle Unlimited.
I feel like part of the Maddox family. I love this series and hope it continues for a very long time. I get so happy and excited when I see a new book but then I do marathon reading and it ends, I finish it too soon. Can't wait until the next book in the series. Highly recommend this series as well as every other book written by Mr. Happened, I believe I have read everyone of them available in my Kindle Unlimited.
September 2, 2021
I just read a review that said Vaughn Heppner should move on from his swashbuckling Captain Maddox after "The Lost Secret," the 14th in the Lost Starship series. I disagree. He does more to develop Maddox's character in this episode than in perhaps most of the balance of the rest of the combined tale. And that's saying something. Maddox is part New Man, the genetically enhanced version of humanity developed by the two Methuselah men, Strand and Ludendorff. How he's different has always eluded me. He's not as tall, not as strong and purportedly not as smart. He does, however, outsmart all of the New Men nearly every time he encounters them. But he's half New Man. Yet, every one of the genetically engineered hombres has a human mother, same as Maddox. A thought for a different day. But Secret has all the elements of a Heppner novel, mystery, mental conflict and space battles. I think there's even an android or two. Here Maddox expresses doubt. He develops. He establishes connection, with his friends and enemies but especially himself. The entire novel revolves around the Library Planet, an outpost of the long-dead Builders. And that's cool, don't get me wrong. Still, my takeaway was Heppner's very unHeppner foray into Maddox's background. I found it so satisfying that I realized after stumbling upon the final page that I had skipped ahead several (maybe five) novels in the series. That led me to read two more, which I will review after I finish this. Now I'm on a third, maybe No. 12. I spent the entire summer avoiding a book I'm trying to force myself to complete. (I'm failing.) I should have tossed it earlier. I mean, I have other books to read. I work in a high school library as the uncertified librarian. I started Dante's "Inferno," which made me think the author had known Owsly Stanley III, the pioneer of the Grateful Dead's Kool-Aid parties. I digress. Flashback. So no. Heppner, please stick with it. There's a rock solid quality to knowing that Captain Maddox, his ace pilot Keith, tough wife Meta and sidekick AI Adok are out there saving future Earth from certain destruction even if they face mind-altering villains.
June 30, 2024
the crew takes a real beating this time!
Love these characters plus the ongoing action packed and dramatic, adventurous storyline. I look forward with anticipation for every book. Mr Heppner is an artful, creative writer who knows how to layout a story and build characters with great depth who become these real people we care about.
It’s new worlds, new enemies, old enemies, new, unknown allegiance entities & oh so many questions with answers that are evasive and unpredictable. But, it’s one answer in one particular moment which changes everything for Maddox.
This one has so many of the antagonists converging in the same place and of course this does not create a celebration party atmosphere but rather a very dangerous boiling point. The Library planet holds a surprise that no one anticipated, bringing a whole new aspect to the storyline. And per usual, the story ends on a zinger of a surprise. Can’t wait for the next book!!
Love these characters plus the ongoing action packed and dramatic, adventurous storyline. I look forward with anticipation for every book. Mr Heppner is an artful, creative writer who knows how to layout a story and build characters with great depth who become these real people we care about.
It’s new worlds, new enemies, old enemies, new, unknown allegiance entities & oh so many questions with answers that are evasive and unpredictable. But, it’s one answer in one particular moment which changes everything for Maddox.
This one has so many of the antagonists converging in the same place and of course this does not create a celebration party atmosphere but rather a very dangerous boiling point. The Library planet holds a surprise that no one anticipated, bringing a whole new aspect to the storyline. And per usual, the story ends on a zinger of a surprise. Can’t wait for the next book!!
October 8, 2021
Preface to Epilogue?
Captain Maddox, Ludendorff, Galyan and the crew of Victory journey to the Library Planet in search of its secrets and a way to fix the damage done to the Iron Lady’s mind.
On the way they meet Half-Life and Balron, a new Ancient One and navigate adventures, some lasting micro-seconds.
Ultimately, what will the Library Planet reveal and will it help or hinder Star Watch and Earth?
Hopefully this is not the conclusion to the Lost Starship series. Finally, Earth has a chance to get back on its "feet." Now we have a great cast of characters and plot lines galore. Victory has yet to have its weapons upgraded with heavy metals. We need to know what happens with Methuselah woman Lisa Myers, what is coming next, what lies in Golden Urals future - and Meta is pregnant! Will it be a new man baby or a girl?
PLEASE GIVE US MORE!
Captain Maddox, Ludendorff, Galyan and the crew of Victory journey to the Library Planet in search of its secrets and a way to fix the damage done to the Iron Lady’s mind.
On the way they meet Half-Life and Balron, a new Ancient One and navigate adventures, some lasting micro-seconds.
Ultimately, what will the Library Planet reveal and will it help or hinder Star Watch and Earth?
Hopefully this is not the conclusion to the Lost Starship series. Finally, Earth has a chance to get back on its "feet." Now we have a great cast of characters and plot lines galore. Victory has yet to have its weapons upgraded with heavy metals. We need to know what happens with Methuselah woman Lisa Myers, what is coming next, what lies in Golden Urals future - and Meta is pregnant! Will it be a new man baby or a girl?
PLEASE GIVE US MORE!
October 14, 2021
roller coaster ride
Perhaps it’s the hectic ups and downs, or the unraveling of more secrets, or due to the enhanced Erill essence, Maddox seems to be one more ‘human’.
I suppose he’s going to need this emotional all-roundness to face the ever stronger foe.
Some loopholes as usual especially with the catastrophic last battle which they could have avoided given that they had gathered sufficient ground information prior, at best it was a Pyrrhic victory.
Apart from this little hiccup this is yet another book of the series that is so exciting to read on that you just can’t put it down.
Perhaps it’s the hectic ups and downs, or the unraveling of more secrets, or due to the enhanced Erill essence, Maddox seems to be one more ‘human’.
I suppose he’s going to need this emotional all-roundness to face the ever stronger foe.
Some loopholes as usual especially with the catastrophic last battle which they could have avoided given that they had gathered sufficient ground information prior, at best it was a Pyrrhic victory.
Apart from this little hiccup this is yet another book of the series that is so exciting to read on that you just can’t put it down.
June 16, 2021
Always look forward to an adventure with Maddox
I usually need a refresher, but as I had Book 13 on the Kindle for a long time, was pleasantly surprised to see this one available when I finished it and had the opportunity to read two books back to back.
I liked this one. Opens up a new dynamic and we spend some time with the New Men. What‘s the deal with Franco? Seems like a lost plot line there.
Otherwise, I liked the ending.
I usually need a refresher, but as I had Book 13 on the Kindle for a long time, was pleasantly surprised to see this one available when I finished it and had the opportunity to read two books back to back.
I liked this one. Opens up a new dynamic and we spend some time with the New Men. What‘s the deal with Franco? Seems like a lost plot line there.
Otherwise, I liked the ending.
July 16, 2021
Good addition to the adventure
Without giving anything away, the addition of a few mind twisting scenarios was very interesting, also gain a greater understanding of what happen to certain characters and why it happen was also eye opening and intriguing. I must say, I am looking forward to reading how these new characters are going to impact the story, I feel they could play major roles.
Without giving anything away, the addition of a few mind twisting scenarios was very interesting, also gain a greater understanding of what happen to certain characters and why it happen was also eye opening and intriguing. I must say, I am looking forward to reading how these new characters are going to impact the story, I feel they could play major roles.
July 8, 2021
The Lost Starship: my Favorite Military SciFi Series!
I love Captain Maddox and his great adventures! His crew is the best! The storylines are exciting and many times have unexpected side stories which enhances the Captain's quests. I look forward to the next adventure - one that will include Meta's surprise news. Just love this series!
I love Captain Maddox and his great adventures! His crew is the best! The storylines are exciting and many times have unexpected side stories which enhances the Captain's quests. I look forward to the next adventure - one that will include Meta's surprise news. Just love this series!
August 2, 2021
Fourteen down, how many to go.
I do like the series and the general plot. However, it still remains too easy for a spy/traitor/stowaway to get on board, and at the end a bad guy/gal always manages to suddenly escape to cause havoc in another book or two.
And the list of possible enemies keeps growing. The finish one off and another appears.
I do like the series and the general plot. However, it still remains too easy for a spy/traitor/stowaway to get on board, and at the end a bad guy/gal always manages to suddenly escape to cause havoc in another book or two.
And the list of possible enemies keeps growing. The finish one off and another appears.
August 30, 2021
Always unable to put down!
Love the books, love the characters, love the intertwining of God into the storylines. Really appreciate Maddox and his loyalty to his wife; something lacking into today’s day and age. Just good reads that keep interrupting my responsibilities in a good way. Keep .
‘em coming please.
Love the books, love the characters, love the intertwining of God into the storylines. Really appreciate Maddox and his loyalty to his wife; something lacking into today’s day and age. Just good reads that keep interrupting my responsibilities in a good way. Keep .
‘em coming please.
May 29, 2021
Great Read
Another great and entertaining story. While I really enjoy the world building and characters we are now 14 books strong and would be nice to start wrapping things up a bit.
Another great and entertaining story. While I really enjoy the world building and characters we are now 14 books strong and would be nice to start wrapping things up a bit.
May 30, 2021
Great Adventure
The continuing adventures of Captain Maddox make for a great read. The story keeps you interested and wanting more. An engaging series that keeps you hooked. Well done.
The continuing adventures of Captain Maddox make for a great read. The story keeps you interested and wanting more. An engaging series that keeps you hooked. Well done.
July 22, 2021
Good, but not one of the best
Not a bad further adventure, but I hope the next book is more like the earlier ones. The story somehow did not quite have the same flair as earlier books.
Not a bad further adventure, but I hope the next book is more like the earlier ones. The story somehow did not quite have the same flair as earlier books.
July 31, 2021
Good story
I have been following this series from the beginning. I love the places it goes and the characters. Certainly, with the Unfinished business for Captain Medex, the story can continue.
I have been following this series from the beginning. I love the places it goes and the characters. Certainly, with the Unfinished business for Captain Medex, the story can continue.
August 8, 2021
Awesome series
Yes we want more! I enjoy galavanting around the galaxy with the crew of Victory. Please keep the story going. This is one of the best series that I have read. I don't want to put it down.
Yes we want more! I enjoy galavanting around the galaxy with the crew of Victory. Please keep the story going. This is one of the best series that I have read. I don't want to put it down.
August 19, 2021
Wow!
What a great 14th book in the Lost Starship series! The author’s imagination continues to intrigue and captivate his readership! I’m so looking forward to future installments. Thank you!
What a great 14th book in the Lost Starship series! The author’s imagination continues to intrigue and captivate his readership! I’m so looking forward to future installments. Thank you!
October 22, 2021
Maddox to the rescue!
I've been reading this series since book one, and I must say, they are just plain fun. Most of the adventures are fast paced and shall I say.... Incredulous ! Maddox and Victory must fun
I've been reading this series since book one, and I must say, they are just plain fun. Most of the adventures are fast paced and shall I say.... Incredulous ! Maddox and Victory must fun
November 8, 2021
Best of the Series
I am a huge fan of this series and The Lost Secret is the best chapter to date! Dual storylines, new information from past books, strengthened characters... a brilliant job by VH!!
I am a huge fan of this series and The Lost Secret is the best chapter to date! Dual storylines, new information from past books, strengthened characters... a brilliant job by VH!!
June 3, 2022
WARNING….THIS SERIES IS HIGHLY ADDICTIVE!
Please do not begin reading this series of books by Vaughn Heppner unless you are ok with endless hours of constant adventure and entertainment that never disappoints!
Please do not begin reading this series of books by Vaughn Heppner unless you are ok with endless hours of constant adventure and entertainment that never disappoints!
April 8, 2023
The entire series fun reading
I have enjoyed reading the entire series so far, I never know what interesting twists and turns each book and chapters will take and makes for enjoyable reading
I have enjoyed reading the entire series so far, I never know what interesting twists and turns each book and chapters will take and makes for enjoyable reading
April 13, 2023
Number 14!
Well this one certainly covered lots of areas that had had me thinking, lots of things clarified in the same manner expected of Mr Heppner.
Good read, eager for the next.
Excellent
Well this one certainly covered lots of areas that had had me thinking, lots of things clarified in the same manner expected of Mr Heppner.
Good read, eager for the next.
Excellent
January 2, 2024
Another home run for Mr Heppner
As with all the other books in this series Vaughn has not left us disappointed. These books are very entertaining, and leave you wanting more. And that is fine with me! Can’t wait to start the next Book.
As with all the other books in this series Vaughn has not left us disappointed. These books are very entertaining, and leave you wanting more. And that is fine with me! Can’t wait to start the next Book.
May 29, 2021
Great read...
I have read all of the other books in this series! They just get better and better! I love the characters and their interactions with each other!
I have read all of the other books in this series! They just get better and better! I love the characters and their interactions with each other!
May 30, 2021
Another great read!
This is an awesome series can’t wait for the next! All of his books are great, keep up the good work!!,,
This is an awesome series can’t wait for the next! All of his books are great, keep up the good work!!,,
June 2, 2021
Really really good
Love this series. Quite intriguing. Love the characters and the story telling. Highly recommended to those who like space opera and military SciFi
Love this series. Quite intriguing. Love the characters and the story telling. Highly recommended to those who like space opera and military SciFi
June 9, 2021
Awesome
Best series ever. I look forward to the next adventure. I have a feeling the New men emperor may be a cyborg considering his stamina against the captain. Keep them coming.
Best series ever. I look forward to the next adventure. I have a feeling the New men emperor may be a cyborg considering his stamina against the captain. Keep them coming.
June 14, 2021
Captain Maddox does it again
I agree with the Iron Lady, time to promote the Captain. This series is great. Please continue to write more
I agree with the Iron Lady, time to promote the Captain. This series is great. Please continue to write more
July 15, 2021
Completing the series
I have enjoyed this series but feel isn't finished yet. I would like see an ending that dramatic and a happy ending to all of players.
I have enjoyed this series but feel isn't finished yet. I would like see an ending that dramatic and a happy ending to all of players.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews