With his new rank, secrets begin to unfold for Van as war and politics become one and the same. The Fafnir is no longer a mere ship—it’s a force to be reckoned with, but it isn’t complete.
One possible answer lies in deep space, in a secret facility funded by an array of allies. But this laboratory creates something far more deadly than a virus or a weapon.
It produces ships.
Null Stellarium is more than a shipyard. It’s a proving ground, steeped with science and engineering designed to push warships faster than ever before, and armed to confront the growing menace of a universe where everything is influenced by a hidden evil.
As Van and his crew grow into their new roles, Perry unlocks a memory that reaches into the very beginning of the Tudor family’s service, nearly a century earlier.
But sometimes, the truth is hidden for a reason, and Van must decide—
How much does he really want to know? And how far can he take his ship, knowing there’s a price on his head?
Yet another fun installment of the Backyard Spaceship series. I have no doubt that there's plenty of more adventures for the crew of the Fafnir, one that reminds me of the gang from MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000 with the muppet like aliens as well as our everyman hero.
It sure was nice to catch up with the crew. This time, we have unknown aliens wreaking havoc in a place that's outside known space. They're a long way from home with limited resources. But they're a clever bunch who have to learn to trust a potential spy, deal with Perry's ongoing memories that are being revealed, and another enemy that's . . . in cahoots with the first one? It's all very mysterious and held my interest. There's a whole thing with Icky that was very entertaining. I laughed out loud several times. I think my favorite scene was one in which a Queen of Her Little Tiny Kingdom gets a comeuppance. Van, you have indeed grown into a serious commander who takes no nonsense.
Jeffrey Kafer is a master of this series and all the characters. What a pleasure.
This book took pause from the grand story arc that is the BS series (all pun intended). The book was entertaining, but it was obvious that there wasn't much of a story outside of tying together a few loose characters and plot points into a loose knot. At this point in the series, I've long forgotten half of the people Van re-encounters or mentions. There are so many loose story arcs that character names have become somewhat random baddie #1 or good guy #3. So, Chaney and Maggert spent sometime loosely weaving them together. Still enjoy the book series, but hope they can land the plane in the remainder 10 books in the series.
This is simply beautiful writing and fantastic storytelling. It has the cutting edge technology and human insight that characterized Michael Crichton's books.
If you aren't reading the Backyard Starship series, you really should be, but definitely start with book 1. Bad things happen, secrets are discovered, plots are uncovered, and characters die. But Van does his best to keep his people safe, happy, and healthy. The non-human sapients are believable and well-written. The space-crabs are just plain awesome and so loveable I can't stand it. And Gabby gets more fascinating with each interaction.
I've had Backyard Starship book one as a sample downloaded for a while, but I kept ignoring it as it was made by two authors and having so many in the series put me off. Came round to it after struggling to find something to read, read the first sample, immediately bought the book half way through, then kept buying them and reading the series back to back, and wow I was wrong to think that two authors would be a problem, this is an amazing book series. The only downside is the 14th book isn't yet available and the last one ended in the middle of things (unlike the others which round things off a bit for the current story, but still leave you wanting more).
For the most part, the books feel very episodic, building up the world and overarching story over each book like a good TV series. There's some unexpected turns, fun times, sad times, big space battles, small space battles, robots, aliens, humans, love interests, its all there and for the most part, well written.
Now, to find something that can fill the gap before June rolls around the new book drops, life will be a struggle.
"I'm in a jam! Whatever will I do? Wait! What? You have some exceedingly easy to obtain tech that will give me an untold edge in my quest to right the wrongs of the universe? Why, thanks! I can't wait to have you conveniently pull me out of an another untenable situation later!" The books read more like an outline to a video game than anything. I also wish someone would introduce Chaney to the use of the word "Whom" and to the subjunctive mood. I guess I'm just old fashioned because it seems many contemporary North American writers have totally given up on that type of grammar. Why? I don't know. Chaney has too many characters on their protagonist's ship becuase it's obvious that anything more that 4 is beyond their ability to handle since characters disappear in and out of focus until their extraordinary abilities are needed to save the day! The author's lame pop culture references appear to just be a lazy juvenile attempt at humor andn a desire to become the next Douglas Adams. Chaney is far from being original or bright enough to play in the same league though they seem to think they are just as witty and deeply profound. They are not. Despite that I've read all of the books. They are fun. Nothing substantial but they are fun.
This story is a little different. Peacemaker Van Tudor and his crew of the *Fafnir* have been fighting the bad guys for quite some time. They have diligently did their duty to the Guild and humanity. The number of criminals Van Tudor and his people have brought to justice has grown to a noticeable size. Yet, there still exists individuals and organizations that are still in the shadows and must be brought to justice. But, others have begun to recognize that Van Tudor and his crew can’t do it all. They are see the signs that their trials and tribulations are wearing on each one of them. So, Torina’s parents asks for a meeting with Van Tudor and his entire crew.
But first, B. had asked Van and his ship to investigate what appeared to be a derelict ship heading out of the system. He reluctantly agreed since this was one more mystery someone wanted his crew to solve. It could be nothing until it was something. As they approached the ship, they could get no life signs of any kind. So, they needed to board it and find out what was going on. Turns out this was just another attempt to get rid of Van, his crew and his ship! By whom, they don’t know, but that will have to wait for another time.
Torina remembers that she has to contact her Mother and find out what she wants. What she wants is for the FaFnir to meet with her and her Father on their yacht near a place called the Armory, a secret GKU facility overseen by the GKU. There they find out that it’s time for Van Tudor and his crew to take a much, much needed vacation! This is something very surprising to everyone, especially to Van. He believes that he’s been taking a few days off here and there when he felt he and his crew needed some down-time. Yet, the point is that only a day or two at a time isn’t enough, not nearly enough to unwind from the problems they have faced and solved. To cap this request that they take an extended vacation is further endorsed by Master Cataric. He knows that Van has attempted to “unwind” in their martial arts session. But he also knows that Van has been pushing himself far, far too much and too long. He fully endorses this long vacation concept.
So, where do they are go or do they all go their separate ways and reconvene at a later date? Nope, it just so happens that Mother Hen, who runs the Armory, wants the crew of the Fafnir to go on an extend cruise. This “cruise” will take them far, far beyond known space to a supposed location of a secret GKU lab. Why this lab is so far away from know space isn’t a mystery. They are conducting experiments that could definitely blow them and everything within the labs purview to bits! So, yeah, they are out there on their own. But someone needs to checkup on them to make sure they are actually still in existence. The lab isn’t necessarily stationary, but is somewhat mobile so they currently only have a general idea of its location and they haven’t heard from it in over a year!
So, how far will they have to go. Well, they can’t make it in one twist. That would require an enormous amount of antimatter and that’s just not feasible. But, they can make it in about sixteen twists which should take them about sixty-two days! So, Van realizes what they are saying is he and his crew will be aboard the *Fafnir* for over two months with just themselves no external contact whatsoever! Two months with Icky, Funboy, Gabby, and Rab. He obviously wouldn’t have a problem being with Tornia for two months or even his whole life, but could he put up with the others and could they put up with him for that long? Well, the SussBrid, the Guild’s master shrink says they’ll be able to do it because of their already strong relationships as a crew. Surprisingly, everyone of Van’s crew agrees to the trip!
So, they provision up with about everything they can think of using the resources of the Milton’s yacht and those of the Armory. The Fafnir is stuffed full, but thanks to Gabby’s organizational skills, they should have everything they need. Except antimatter might be a problem. There are some strategically placed refueling stations on the way are not far off their path, but once those stations are drained there won’t be more. And considering they might get to the vicinity of where the lab is supposed to be and find nothing but dust, will they have enough antimatter to get back home? Yeah, it’s a risk, but Natty and Natty-P have figured they can make it out and back.
So, off they go on a new adventure. For Van it’s strange not to be thinking of the problems he has faced within known space that haven’t been resolved yet. But, he finally understands those are not his problems for now. It’s kind of nice to not to be worried about those things for while. Unfortunately, Van realizes he’s going to be facing a lot more troubles when he gets into deep, deep unknown space. An emptiness so vast it’s hard to comprehend.
This book didn’t explain nor finish with this particular mission. I know there’s more to come in book 14, “Shattered Will”, available on Amazon now.
Unlike the previous book, Death Awaits, that I reviewed this is a book in a series where the author(s) manages to stay the course and keep my interest. At least most of the time. With 13 books in the series so far there are bound to be some which are less good than the others. Yes the universe expands and more characters are added but the focus is still solidly on Van and his merry band of misfits.
I think this book starts a new story arc in the Backyard Starship series and introduces a new, at this time rather mysterious, enemy to, not only Van & Co but, to everyone in their little corner of the galaxy.
There are a lot of discoveries, some science advancements and, of course, a lot of Van & Co with their usual bantering, ass kicking and so on and so forth.
What I do not like that much is the events happening on Earth in this book. I fear that this will just be an unnecessary side story and worse, that it will drag in Earth governments, and, unless Earth governments in this universe is very, very different from in real life, they are bound to screw things up in the most frustrating ways imaginable.
Also, if I should nitpick a bit. Hodgepodge engine? Seriously? I really hate when authors think they are funny when they invent silly and childish names for things. It is not funny, just annoying.
Anyway, overall this was a very enjoyable book for me.
So, it took me a long time to finally check this series out.. The blurb Van Tudor and his faithful friends a mechanical bird blue gorilla etc and his adventures around the galaxy struck me as a star trek/Guardians of the Galaxy/ etc etc. After the 1st in the series though I was hooked and have read the first 13, starting 14 now, straight thru. I am always looking for inconsistencies, unfinished story lines, unfinished plots and any other holes I can poke in a long single story line... So far.. I can't poke any holes any ANY, and this is thru 13 books.
Way to go guys!! This is a great fun read. Costing me a bundle, but if you keep writing them, I will keep reading them. Holding my interest as much as Anne McAffrey, Tom Clancy, Terry Brooks have ever held it.
So just as one set of bad guys/software are vanquished, conveniently another one is found to keep the team occupied Thankfully it's still engaging the team are still as tightly knit as ever and the humour is worth waiting for. Odd side stories get thrown in, a long the way to make you pay attention and the main story itself moves along at far pace. It does slow down on occasion but usual with a valid reason Already pre-ordered the next, so it's definitely worth sticking with
As always, this books delivers. It delivers a great story, great characters and some snark. Van and his crew are in desperate need of a vacation. He is sent to a very distant station in the middle of nowhere because there is no signal from them. The ride there is 2 months, time enough for he and his crew to relax an not worry about all of the things they have been facing. In classic Fafner style, the crew finds a mystery that needs to be solved. Add a couple of bad guys and you have another great Backyard Starship book.
I'll start off by saying that I love this series. The dialogue is a ton of fun to read, and it's a great escape from reality. I highly recommend anyone this series.
As for the annoying parts. Way too many things are coincidental in this book series. Van is always in the right place at the right time. Or he just so happens to be told to go out to a very remote outpost where (something) happens. And the conspiracies are a bit wild for me. If you can get past that aspect then you will enjoy this book greatly.
Just finished reading this book in this series and loved every minute of it right from the start it keeps you entertained with lots of action and plenty of stuff to laugh at. This is one of the best series that I have had the of reading.If you like fast paced science fiction with some humor then you have to read this series.
Really great addition to the series! I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and the story has definitely taken a turn to the point where I don't know what's going to happen next and I love it! Definitely worth a read, I highly recommend it if you enjoyed the previous books or any of his previous series.
Edge of your seat fighting in space ship!!! Can you expect more?
Van and his crew are pushed to new and unexpected extremes. Some in the legal arena, some in otherwise empty spaces between solar systems. The important question...who will survive? The answer lingers out there beyond the next page!
Yeah here we are facing down an unknown race of villains that want to do harm, and then there is Iowa, it's tough to fight the never ending battle for truth and justice, sometimes you just need a break. Nope! never gonna happen, this story just gets better and the more I have a crush on Icky because she is awesome!! Read the series, good luck putting it down.
The Backyard Starship series continues to deliver strong sci-fi, strong story and strong characters. We spend most of the book way of far in the Blue, exploring new worlds and meeting new people, only to find that Grandpa Tudor still has secrets to share.
I have run out of superlatives for this series. The story continues albeit with new adversaries in a new location, but the main players are still here (no spoilers) and their relationships developing. The humour is, for me, so well written and placed - well done Messrs Chaney and Maggert.
Backyard Starship books are such fun to read! Reminiscent of Guardians, the characters are fun, witty, and definitely off beat. such as the character that is a germiphobe funboy. I guarantee these are laugh out loud books that will take you on a great journey!
Another good addition in this series. If you haven't read the first ones, definitely go back
Like I was saying if you're starting at this book, go back to the first one and earn your way to this. It is worth the journey. This was a lot of fun. Going to be cracking the cover of the next one after this review
Can and crew are as to take some time off, rest up and recharge. But it's not that simple, they are not told about the issues the place they have been told to go to. Out of the flying pan into the fire, more hidden memories are opened in Perry. But will they help or hinder.
This installment continues the storyline, bringing in new situations and characters, resolving some previous issues and presenting many new ones. Along with the battles we have some scientific advances and are left at the end on the book with a strong pull into the next volume.
Continuing adventures of Van and Crew as they move from one trial to the next! Great story telling! Terry Margery and JN Chaney have come through for yet again!
I really enjoyed this book. I like all of the adventures that the crew gets into. I like the main characters and their interactions with each other. I can't wait to see where in the universe they go from here. And who are the new aliens?
Kept my attention for every page. Never a dull moment with this book.
From the very first page to the end this book kept my attention. Looking forward to the next book in this series as always. Van and the crew stay busy.
Well another great storyline from the great duo of J.N and Terry looking forward to the next episode Shattered Will. I think Vans grandpa got with Matterforge to setup apothecary lock outs with Perry
Van, Torina, and the rest of the crew are sent far out into the black to investigate the lack of response from a remote research station. What they find is very unexpected. A great story.
Great team writing for a good extension of this enjoyable series. I look forward to the next book. I sometimes wish I was a slower reader so I would enjoy these books longer.
Absolutely still an interesting, funny, entertaining story with humor, action and romance...A LITTLE bit of romance! The humor is well developed as are the action sequences. Definitely a great read!