A.I. Destroyer (The A.I. Series Book 1)

Lots of fun and action. Enjoyed watching the main character gain the trust of his sergeant's as he succeeds leading them to do what seems to be impossible. Though the author seems to think the capitalists should be portrayed as the good guys and socialists are full of deception and cowardice - I would say it's quite the opposite - he doesn't belabor the point and so I would fully recommend this book.

Thus is a fascinating story about a technologically advanced human society which is largely under fascist rule in the solar system. Then all their machines turn against them and the surviving mercenaries must survive and fight back. A great new series from a master writer, it is a must read!

I've actually read both books of the series already. Great plots, the starting characters are of an appropriate number to keep this reader from getting inundated, and new characters are also introduced with the same consideration.
These are indeed my primary reasons why I enjoyed - & will continue - reading all books by this author.
Thanks, Vaughn, Joe

Interesting story with lower tech (no FTL) drives yet has colonies out to Neptune - long travel times. Have distrust, paranoia, and rising to the occasion by an Officer Cadet. Lot of action that intensifies further you go into the story.

I actually loved the book the first time I bought it as 'Cybership'.
Too bad this is the exact same book with no mention of it anywhere being the same.
https://www.the store.com/Cybership-Vaughn-Heppner/dp/1544093063/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1508219905&sr=8-2&keywords=cybership

I have always enjoyed science fiction about the possible outcomes of creating artificial intelligence. This adventure was an interesting study of one possible outcome. It was fast paced and frightening. I like the hero and the main characters. They were well suited to the story. And they were well developed. I look forward to more adventures with Jon Hawkins.

After a really slow start, the real story begins somewhere in Chapter 7. To summarize the first 7: hero wakes from cryosleep with slowly returning memory. Arbiter (a politburo type) wants to kill hero. Robots want to kill everyone. That's it for the first 7 chapters. After that it is a relatively interesting story, but is certainly military SF. The A.I. character is a little shallow, and certainly doesn't act like the advance "civilization" and technology it is supposed to be. But putting that aside the book is an interesting read (after chapter 7).

"Cybership," authored Mr. Vaughn Heppner, has any potential story, fully hobbled by the amateurish, lead-footed writing. It is another example of a "hobbyist" author, lacking in the most basic of writing skills, permeating the SciFi genre of indie authors.

Sometime in the future, the Sol System has been colonized by humans, from Mercury to the outer planets. The inner system planets, are controlled by an Earth-based, Soviet-style, totalitarian, communistic government, and the expansion continues to the capitalistic, outer planets, as one by one, they fall to the military juggernaut. A regiment of Saturn's mercenary troops, vanquished during that campaign, are again defeated at Neptune. A massive, alien vessel appears as Neptune falls, aggressively attacks all humans, gains control of AI's and vessels throughout the region, and turns its genocidal war against "...organics..," remaining in the Sol System. A savant mercenary awakes upon an enemy warship, the "SLN Leonid Bresznev," sees the destruction being leveled against all humans, and begins his personal campaign to save humanity.

The basic writing, plot lines, and characterizations are in the main are crude and amateurish. Frankly, it is at the level of the relative many families have. You know the one: they "dabble" in water colors, pottery or knitting. You are polite, encourage their hobbyist passion, and are then dismayed when they gift you one of their projects. Again you are polite, express gratitude, and quickly find a spot for it, either in a closet or up in the attic, only to see the light of day, upon the relative's next visit. Mr. Heppner has taken his hobbyist passion into the public, commercial sphere, a place where it does not belong.

"Cybership," was fully read via Kindle Unlimited and is not recommended.

I have been reading and enjoying V Heppner for several years and really enjoy his writing style. His back-and-forth dialog style is strongly reminiscent of Jack Vance, and very amusing. I would rate this book as one of his best, and I hope he makes a series from it Thanks from a fan! BTilden

I very rarely write reviews for books. However there is one thing I do even less often, and that is abandon a book in the middle. I could not make it through this book. The conversations are circular and drag on forever. I bought the audio book and listening to it honestly upset me. The characters all just sounded so... stupid. Conversations go on for 20 pages and consist of one of the people saying something, followed by a long and tedious inner monologue of the main character, then the same thing is brought up a dozen times. Repetition is painful. Also the science is painful. There are odd combinations of real science with obviously false statements. When the Mentalist is able to determine the size, shape, and engine type of the BLACK alien ship from millions of kilometers away on a grainy image i couldnt believe it. Honestly this book just made me roll my eyes every other page and i just couldnt tough it out. Not sure how it has 4 and a half stars

I enjoyed book 1. I started this series because I saw that there are 3 already in it and was looking for a long-term read. I enjoyed the book but several really minor issues (errors) tweaked the perfectionist in me. You will probably see what I mean if you understand why this exchange bothered me:
"Coffee?" he asked.
"Caffeine is no good for a mentalist."
"Is there anything I can get you?"
"Do you have chocolate ice cream?"
All -in-all an enjoyable read.

This was a great series. I really enjoyed the interaction of the humans vs the A.I. monsters, and look forward to learning more about the A.I. in the (hopefully) up coming books. I will say, I kind of wish there was a little more growth in the characters personalities as they ran into more things they had never dealt with, and maybe never thought they would deal with. One of my favorite relationships that I also look forward to more of is Bast and Jon. That was a great friendship that grew as the story did. Thanks for the Great Read!

As usual V. Heppner delivers a good story line. A earth not yet venturing forth from their solar system fights an AI cyber ship bound on the destruction of organic life. A lowly officer of a mercenary unit awakens from cryogenic sleep to find the crew of the ship dead except two survivors and together they must awaken the other mercenaries to save earth but betrayal lurks in the shadows.

Readable. Fun. Fast-paced. It reminds me of old-fashioned Flash Gordon-like serials.

The author focuses on telling a story and doesn't explore challenges to philosophical thought.

I've enjoyed philosophical exploration in the past and will in the future. I read Vaughn Heppner when I need a break and want to escape for a little while.

Heppner once again captures the very essence of a warrior leader of men and takes the reader through a harrowing, seemingly impossible struggle with the ultimate goals of first saving his comrades, then focusing on long term survival of mankind against alien invaders. I expect he still keep adding to this series as they face future invaders.

Heppner is a great writer who keeps his reader entertained and wanting more. The character development is excellent, storytelling is first class,and his imagination is fantastic. This book as all of his books is a real page turner. The action is non-stop from cover to cover. Excellent Sci-fi! Now on book 2. Keep them coming!

I chose this rating because it is well worth five full stars as Heppner's books usually are; even for a 'jaded sci-fi reader like me. This book comes complete with a thriller plot bar none. Read it! You will call for more! Especially since the first baby AI is now online.

Extremely well written. This book captured my imagination with a creative plot, lots of action, and excellent character development. I felt like I was in the story. Can't wait until the next book comes out!!! You won't be disappointed with the quality of this story. A must read for those who love sci-fi adventure like I do.

Space. Cold, unforgiving, and ripe for epic battles. Jon Hawkins, officer candidate of the Black Anvils mercenary legion, is rudely awakened into the fight for not only his life, but for the fate of humanity. Space Marines, killer robots, aliens.... epic battles. Sit down, strap in, load your Gyroc rifle, and eat ready to save the solar system.

Vaughn Heppner has an uncanny ability to mesmerize the reader with non- stop spine tingling suspense chapter after chapter. His writing is intense as his characters are profound. I can’t wait to finish this series and the next and...

The storyline is definitely interesting. The plot twist makes you think perhaps broadcasting our existence out into the Galaxy may not be in our specie's best interest. Descriptive writing let's you imagine you are in the middle of the conflict. Exciting storyline.

I have enjoyed reading science fiction books since I was a child. I am now much older, and am still reading them.
I really enjoyed the premise of this book and the action sequences.
The characters were well thought out, if sometimes a little shallow.
I would recommend this book to anyone, and hope that a series occurs.

This is another of those stories that show the hero as being able to conquer all and save the universe. Perhaps there are folks like this now and in the future, but it is unlikely. Given those comments, the story was enjoyable and entertaining if predictable.

Vaughn Heppner I'd my favorite SiFy author. He keeps you guessing every chapter. His mixture ofc action and a little comedy in combat situation is good reading. I highly recommend picking up anyone of his Books and start reading.

Imaginative plot, characters that have some depth, plausible small-unit tactics, interesting aliens, makes a thoroughly enjoyable read. A great start and the setting of a high bar for subsequent volumes. I shall be eagerly awaiting them!

Cybership could be the start of an interesting series if Vaughn Heppner chooses to go there. It explores many (good and evil) issues as computers evolve to AI and beyond. I liked how Vaughn developed his characters (both human and non-human).

Another good read from Vaughn. This should definitely become a series, even I can see lots of possibilities coming from this initial story. There are lots of good characters and things could go in many different directions. Do it Vaughn!

A Good story, dealing with the ultimate in a long line of evil AI's. The hero is a real person who can recognize his weaknesses and work to overcome them. Will definitely keep reading.
Dave Tucker

Intensely great action fill adventure,great character playing there specify roles that really bring out the story and prevent you from putting down the book. I would love to see the next installment of the series.

I initially thought I'd started reading just another run of the mill space opera but then the characters began coming to life! Well written with an engaging plot! I'd recommend this to anyone who loves rooting for the good guys.?

Interesting new characters; protagonists and antagonists. The story brings a fresh a new world that I can add to my list of favorites. I'm looking forward to reading more as this story is the great beginning of a new series.

I liked the plot and the main character Job Hawkins. I like the way he interacted with the other characters. And his style of command. Easy to see another book! Hope you write one. Thanks for a good read!