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Backyard Starship #17
Ghost in the Deep
For Van and his crew, danger is no longer just among the stars.
On earth, the Fafnir has drawn the attention of the most dangerous predator known to humanity—
Bureaucrats.
Between human enemies and alien allies, Van finds himself on the edge of a powerful change in his career.
From the depths of his own family history, an old enemy returns with plans for power at any cost. Just as his grandfather did fifty years earlier, Van will meet and challenge the threat of an ancient empire that spans deserts and stars and time. This enemy will force Van’s hand as he confronts a question at the heart of who is is—what does it mean to be alive, and who controls your life?
But there’s more than just war and crime. There might be a wedding, and there will be cheese, and Funboy has a growing career as a television personality in the Midwest, but only if he can wear a tuxedo, of course.
Join Van and the crew as they find that friendship never dies, and neither does greed—at least, not around the Guild.
On earth, the Fafnir has drawn the attention of the most dangerous predator known to humanity—
Bureaucrats.
Between human enemies and alien allies, Van finds himself on the edge of a powerful change in his career.
From the depths of his own family history, an old enemy returns with plans for power at any cost. Just as his grandfather did fifty years earlier, Van will meet and challenge the threat of an ancient empire that spans deserts and stars and time. This enemy will force Van’s hand as he confronts a question at the heart of who is is—what does it mean to be alive, and who controls your life?
But there’s more than just war and crime. There might be a wedding, and there will be cheese, and Funboy has a growing career as a television personality in the Midwest, but only if he can wear a tuxedo, of course.
Join Van and the crew as they find that friendship never dies, and neither does greed—at least, not around the Guild.
406 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 29, 2023
964 people are currently reading
176 people want to read
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J.N. Chaney
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
February 15, 2024
Solid sequel
The world of Backyard Starship remains my space opera comfort food. Our heroes continue to be a cast of humans and aliens fighting evil in space with just the right amount of humor.
The world of Backyard Starship remains my space opera comfort food. Our heroes continue to be a cast of humans and aliens fighting evil in space with just the right amount of humor.
November 21, 2023
This 17th book in the series, while entertaining, does little to move the story along. Yes, our Protagonist is one step closer to a BIG decision, and yes, there's some closure in other areas, but very little really happens. At this point, I'm so invested in the series, I'll finish whatever comes next, but I'm hopeful it gets a little more interesting.
October 31, 2023
It's about time, Master
A little less than a year ago I started the first "Backyard Starship" book. I thought that it was a silly name and a silly idea, but I grew up reading Heinlein and the idea of "Backyard Starship" drew a connection with his "Have Spacesuit, Will Travel" which I could not ignore.
Sixteen books later I am glad that I gave it a chance.
This is a good book. Well written. Excellent plot. Strong character development. It fits in well with the rest of the series, moves the story along and continues to provide excitement and surprise.
I care about the characters in the series. I like them. I like their alien-ness. I like that they can be people and still be aliens. Their struggles are important.
Writing a series this long, and keeping the conflict relevant must be difficult. Maggert and Cheny do it well. I look forward to the next book eagerly.
Read everyday and read for fun! Cheers!
A little less than a year ago I started the first "Backyard Starship" book. I thought that it was a silly name and a silly idea, but I grew up reading Heinlein and the idea of "Backyard Starship" drew a connection with his "Have Spacesuit, Will Travel" which I could not ignore.
Sixteen books later I am glad that I gave it a chance.
This is a good book. Well written. Excellent plot. Strong character development. It fits in well with the rest of the series, moves the story along and continues to provide excitement and surprise.
I care about the characters in the series. I like them. I like their alien-ness. I like that they can be people and still be aliens. Their struggles are important.
Writing a series this long, and keeping the conflict relevant must be difficult. Maggert and Cheny do it well. I look forward to the next book eagerly.
Read everyday and read for fun! Cheers!
November 21, 2025
So many things happening in this book hard to put down. Looks like van is going to become a master maybe wow Zeno. ? That was something can’t wait for the next one. 🤓
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2025
Different in a good way
Van Tudor III. Has grown from a wide eyed naive young man to a tower of strength and virtue. Icky is..well Icky. A group of unrelated different species welded into a family. Earth is being infiltrated by alien low tech and Van doesn’t like it. Will he accept the offer of becoming a Master in the Peacemaker organization? That may be decided by outside influence from old forgotten enemies turned friends. Maybe his Mother and Grandmother will hep that decision. The question is, will he decide or will a decision be forced upon him. Start at book 1, otherwise you will be lost.
Van Tudor III. Has grown from a wide eyed naive young man to a tower of strength and virtue. Icky is..well Icky. A group of unrelated different species welded into a family. Earth is being infiltrated by alien low tech and Van doesn’t like it. Will he accept the offer of becoming a Master in the Peacemaker organization? That may be decided by outside influence from old forgotten enemies turned friends. Maybe his Mother and Grandmother will hep that decision. The question is, will he decide or will a decision be forced upon him. Start at book 1, otherwise you will be lost.
March 15, 2024
As we left our last book, the farm in Iowa, home to Peacemaker Van Tudor and his entire family for the past many, many years was under threat of being confiscated! Yes! Some Army Colonel from a nearby Army base had come to war Van that the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) backed up by DHS was coming to take them all away for allowing illegal aliens entry to the United States. It seems by Van landing the *Fafnir* or *Frankie* on his own property with his crew, who were definitely not US citizens, was breaking the law! Of course the Army Colonel was promising to make all this legal trouble go away if Van would only surrender his ship! That wasn’t going to happen.
So, Van had sent part of his crew into orbit in the *Fafnir* and he was waiting his fate at the farm. Sure enough, on the appointed day and time, a whole caravan of black sedans and an Army truck came storming out to the farm. While the ICE Agents didn’t appear to be enthusiastic about their job, especially with Icky standing on the porch, they did serve Van with the legal papers which placed him all everyone on the property under arrest and confiscated all the property and anything on it. While this was going on, another large helicopter arrived and from this one popped another Colonel although this was an Air Force Colonel. He approached Van, the ICE Agents, and the Army Colonel and told them they had to cease and desist. His explanation is in the book, but it did cause the ICE Agents and the Army Colonel to pack-up and leave with everyone else staying in place. The AF Colonel told Van that this solution to his problem was only good for 30 days so something has to be figured out in the meantime to protect the farm and others when they visited the Earth.
So this was just another headache to add to Van Tudors problems. Van noticed that a lot of his problems were now focusing on his desire to protect Earth. There were a lot of shady characters that were more than willing to turn the Earth into a test bed for new ungodly weapons of alien origin. He had the battleship *Iowa* stationed in orbit near Jupiter and was building Cantullin Station also near Jupiter and those two should be capable of protecting Earth, but Van was pleasantly surprised when his newly reformed Mother came to him and stated that she and a number of her friends (read Ferals) were willing to stay in orbit above Earth and act as protectorates until something permanent could be worked out. This pleased Van to know end and he was glad to see his Mother working for something good for a change.
So Van went back to Anvil Dark still trying to track down some nefarious activities that seemed to be circulating around Pont Alus Kyr, a medical research facility that Van had been to on numerous occasions. The facility, on the surface, appeared to be just what it was, but the security around the facility was terrible and several questionable things had happen while Van had been a Peacemaker to make him uncomfortable with the place. Now at while at Anvil Dark, Van met with Master Volffin and another Peacemaker named Casaril. Van was aware that the other Masters and the Guild were still awaiting his decision on becoming a Master. He also found out that Peacemaker Casaril was an up-and-comer who could just as easily slip into the vacant Master slot if Van did turn it down. Van didn’t believe Casaril would be any different than a lot of the past evil Masters who were out for themselves. Yet, he still refrained from accepting the job.
Van felt he had things to do out in the field and he was afraid that being a Master would tie him to a desk at Anvil Dark. He had discussed his thoughts with his crew at length and most thought that he would be an excellent Master especially when they needed new leadership. Still Van was hesitant. And that’s the way this book continues. Van is still not convinced that he wants to be a Master. He has other things to do and also wants to make sure Earth enters into this galactic community the right way. He’s also found out that there were significant reasons his Grandfather had turned down is opportunity to become a Master and it wasn’t because he didn’t want the job.
Yet, we’ll have to wait for the next book to find out if, in fact, Van Tudor does become a Master or stays a Peacemaker. Book 18, “Distant Warning” is available on Amazon right now.
So, Van had sent part of his crew into orbit in the *Fafnir* and he was waiting his fate at the farm. Sure enough, on the appointed day and time, a whole caravan of black sedans and an Army truck came storming out to the farm. While the ICE Agents didn’t appear to be enthusiastic about their job, especially with Icky standing on the porch, they did serve Van with the legal papers which placed him all everyone on the property under arrest and confiscated all the property and anything on it. While this was going on, another large helicopter arrived and from this one popped another Colonel although this was an Air Force Colonel. He approached Van, the ICE Agents, and the Army Colonel and told them they had to cease and desist. His explanation is in the book, but it did cause the ICE Agents and the Army Colonel to pack-up and leave with everyone else staying in place. The AF Colonel told Van that this solution to his problem was only good for 30 days so something has to be figured out in the meantime to protect the farm and others when they visited the Earth.
So this was just another headache to add to Van Tudors problems. Van noticed that a lot of his problems were now focusing on his desire to protect Earth. There were a lot of shady characters that were more than willing to turn the Earth into a test bed for new ungodly weapons of alien origin. He had the battleship *Iowa* stationed in orbit near Jupiter and was building Cantullin Station also near Jupiter and those two should be capable of protecting Earth, but Van was pleasantly surprised when his newly reformed Mother came to him and stated that she and a number of her friends (read Ferals) were willing to stay in orbit above Earth and act as protectorates until something permanent could be worked out. This pleased Van to know end and he was glad to see his Mother working for something good for a change.
So Van went back to Anvil Dark still trying to track down some nefarious activities that seemed to be circulating around Pont Alus Kyr, a medical research facility that Van had been to on numerous occasions. The facility, on the surface, appeared to be just what it was, but the security around the facility was terrible and several questionable things had happen while Van had been a Peacemaker to make him uncomfortable with the place. Now at while at Anvil Dark, Van met with Master Volffin and another Peacemaker named Casaril. Van was aware that the other Masters and the Guild were still awaiting his decision on becoming a Master. He also found out that Peacemaker Casaril was an up-and-comer who could just as easily slip into the vacant Master slot if Van did turn it down. Van didn’t believe Casaril would be any different than a lot of the past evil Masters who were out for themselves. Yet, he still refrained from accepting the job.
Van felt he had things to do out in the field and he was afraid that being a Master would tie him to a desk at Anvil Dark. He had discussed his thoughts with his crew at length and most thought that he would be an excellent Master especially when they needed new leadership. Still Van was hesitant. And that’s the way this book continues. Van is still not convinced that he wants to be a Master. He has other things to do and also wants to make sure Earth enters into this galactic community the right way. He’s also found out that there were significant reasons his Grandfather had turned down is opportunity to become a Master and it wasn’t because he didn’t want the job.
Yet, we’ll have to wait for the next book to find out if, in fact, Van Tudor does become a Master or stays a Peacemaker. Book 18, “Distant Warning” is available on Amazon right now.
June 11, 2024
Absolutely superb as ever, and we're on book 17!!!
Because I consume these excellent books so quickly, I decided to wait until I had built up a few books in the series to enjoy after book 16.
It's been over a year since I read a BS book and I thought I might struggle to remember every character. I needn't have worried, they all came flooding back.
I know I shouldn't have concerned myself that these authors would struggle for a new, but connected, storyline. But I did. And I was so very wrong. They delivered as they always have before. No spoilers, but there's a "new" character too. Read it and find out for yourself.
And the humour. Oh my, the humour is just superb. Why aren't these guys writing sitcoms - they'd clean up the market.
It would be remiss of me to review without a quote and I like this slight dig at our current regime - "Their contrition was genuine, of that I was sure. Not that being sorry would undo the vast damage done. But at least these people weren’t just trying to cover their asses or, worse, somehow double-down on the wrong they’d done. That was something too many people were doing these days, both in known space and back on Earth."
Thanks again Messrs Chaney and Maggert. Onto book 18...
Because I consume these excellent books so quickly, I decided to wait until I had built up a few books in the series to enjoy after book 16.
It's been over a year since I read a BS book and I thought I might struggle to remember every character. I needn't have worried, they all came flooding back.
I know I shouldn't have concerned myself that these authors would struggle for a new, but connected, storyline. But I did. And I was so very wrong. They delivered as they always have before. No spoilers, but there's a "new" character too. Read it and find out for yourself.
And the humour. Oh my, the humour is just superb. Why aren't these guys writing sitcoms - they'd clean up the market.
It would be remiss of me to review without a quote and I like this slight dig at our current regime - "Their contrition was genuine, of that I was sure. Not that being sorry would undo the vast damage done. But at least these people weren’t just trying to cover their asses or, worse, somehow double-down on the wrong they’d done. That was something too many people were doing these days, both in known space and back on Earth."
Thanks again Messrs Chaney and Maggert. Onto book 18...
November 27, 2023
Keeps Going
If you're still reading it at book 17 then you also love this series. I really enjoy most things about this series, and in reality Terry can go on forever with this group as there will always be crime in the galaxy.
I still say that I get really frustrated with Van. First he is a very self destructive character, such as with the whole Master debate. He also always thinks of things as some giant conspiracy which may or may not be true. I also have gotten annoyed with how he has approached defending Earth. I feel like there are so many better approaches, but whatever. Seems like there are hints of what's to come at the end which I won't spoil.
Regardless I look forward to jumping into the next book.
If you're still reading it at book 17 then you also love this series. I really enjoy most things about this series, and in reality Terry can go on forever with this group as there will always be crime in the galaxy.
I still say that I get really frustrated with Van. First he is a very self destructive character, such as with the whole Master debate. He also always thinks of things as some giant conspiracy which may or may not be true. I also have gotten annoyed with how he has approached defending Earth. I feel like there are so many better approaches, but whatever. Seems like there are hints of what's to come at the end which I won't spoil.
Regardless I look forward to jumping into the next book.
April 10, 2024
I’m totally bought into the characters, the storyline and premise of these novels are entertaining quick pace and somewhat plausible by the use of their scientific terms and knowledge.
I have a hard time with the focus for their main theme, the chipping of persons personalities, and the ability to bring them back is not the issue I have. If they’re able to do this, and by the way, Zeno was brought back as if she had never died. Why would legal scientist not follow in this path for all folks and species for immortality ?
They only focus on the parts of where folks are being shipped and enslaved to do Mundane computer work. Which I agree should be illegal. But what about all the good this could be, this is totally gloss over and unrepresented if you asked me.
I have a hard time with the focus for their main theme, the chipping of persons personalities, and the ability to bring them back is not the issue I have. If they’re able to do this, and by the way, Zeno was brought back as if she had never died. Why would legal scientist not follow in this path for all folks and species for immortality ?
They only focus on the parts of where folks are being shipped and enslaved to do Mundane computer work. Which I agree should be illegal. But what about all the good this could be, this is totally gloss over and unrepresented if you asked me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2023
Sooooo good!
Love the series! Love the characters! Love the storyline and how it always gives something a little different and unexpected. The twist at the end of this book was a doozy, yet I’ve been secretly hoping something like this would happen. This author(s) style of writing is everything I love, especially the humor and convincingly real banter between the main characters, as only happens with people who really get one another and thoroughly enjoy each others company. I read a new book as soon as I can and usually don’t put it down until it’s finished and then I’m back to waiting for the next one. Every time is like greeting old friends. I Love it!
Love the series! Love the characters! Love the storyline and how it always gives something a little different and unexpected. The twist at the end of this book was a doozy, yet I’ve been secretly hoping something like this would happen. This author(s) style of writing is everything I love, especially the humor and convincingly real banter between the main characters, as only happens with people who really get one another and thoroughly enjoy each others company. I read a new book as soon as I can and usually don’t put it down until it’s finished and then I’m back to waiting for the next one. Every time is like greeting old friends. I Love it!
November 21, 2023
WHAT A RIDE OR SHOULD I SAY FLIGHT!
J.N. Chaney and Terry Maggert have written another GREAT book together in book 17 "Ghost in the Deep" in the BACKYARD STARSHIP series. Van, Torrina, Perry, Icky, Funboy, Rab, and the rest of the gang continue to track down the bad guys and bring them to justice, protect the innocent, and protect the universe as well as Earth itself. This book will hold your interest throughout the whole book with action and suspense. I really have enjoyed this book as well as the rest in this series and can't wait to read book 18 when it comes out. I hope you too will enjoy reading this book as well.
J.N. Chaney and Terry Maggert have written another GREAT book together in book 17 "Ghost in the Deep" in the BACKYARD STARSHIP series. Van, Torrina, Perry, Icky, Funboy, Rab, and the rest of the gang continue to track down the bad guys and bring them to justice, protect the innocent, and protect the universe as well as Earth itself. This book will hold your interest throughout the whole book with action and suspense. I really have enjoyed this book as well as the rest in this series and can't wait to read book 18 when it comes out. I hope you too will enjoy reading this book as well.
December 9, 2023
It just gets better and better
I read somewhere that someone thought that this series was written kind of lame, that the humor was immature, but I'm gonna tell you something about this. These men, JN Chaney and Terry Maggert, have come up with a masterful way of weaving, a science fiction space opera into a fantastic, imaginative story. Their humor only makes the story more enjoyable, so if you want to accuse me of being a child, then so be it. But at 68 , I enjoyed every one of the books.
I read somewhere that someone thought that this series was written kind of lame, that the humor was immature, but I'm gonna tell you something about this. These men, JN Chaney and Terry Maggert, have come up with a masterful way of weaving, a science fiction space opera into a fantastic, imaginative story. Their humor only makes the story more enjoyable, so if you want to accuse me of being a child, then so be it. But at 68 , I enjoyed every one of the books.
December 27, 2023
Not as dynamic as most of the previous books in th series
The Authors seem to try to close a lot of plot holes and diminish some of the plot armor surrounding Van Tudor and his crew. There are a lot of unlikely twists to get everything back on the straight and narrow. Again the Authors have taken a bunch of ideas that have been thrown against the wall and somehow manage to connect enough of them to make a book that ties it all more or less together an make th reader or readers ready Book18. Well On with the story!
The Authors seem to try to close a lot of plot holes and diminish some of the plot armor surrounding Van Tudor and his crew. There are a lot of unlikely twists to get everything back on the straight and narrow. Again the Authors have taken a bunch of ideas that have been thrown against the wall and somehow manage to connect enough of them to make a book that ties it all more or less together an make th reader or readers ready Book18. Well On with the story!
October 30, 2023
Read in one sitting...
I didn't mean to stay up stupidly !ate and finish this book. The story is so compelling and flows so smoothly that I wasn't aware of how much time had passed.
One of the best series around. It's science fiction, but also philosophical, romance, coming of age, family issues and work relationships!
Bit of a cliffhanger, though. Can't wait for the next book.
I didn't mean to stay up stupidly !ate and finish this book. The story is so compelling and flows so smoothly that I wasn't aware of how much time had passed.
One of the best series around. It's science fiction, but also philosophical, romance, coming of age, family issues and work relationships!
Bit of a cliffhanger, though. Can't wait for the next book.
November 7, 2023
It's getting more interesting with each book
Van and his crew have their hands full in this book. We have a wedding, a friend returns from the dead, and that just the start. We find once again we find elements of the American government working or appears to be working on their own agenda. Van also has to make what could be the biggest decision of his life, which will effect everything going forward. Recommended.
Van and his crew have their hands full in this book. We have a wedding, a friend returns from the dead, and that just the start. We find once again we find elements of the American government working or appears to be working on their own agenda. Van also has to make what could be the biggest decision of his life, which will effect everything going forward. Recommended.
November 24, 2023
17 books in and I’m still 100% invested in this series!
The storytellers don’t allow you to get bored with this series. The maturation and growth of the main characters is plausible and feels natural. Van has become real and you are vested in what happens to him and his crew. He is the ultimate space detective peeling away a mystery to a crime/crimes that has many layers to it as he gets closer and closer to figuring it all out. I highly recommend this series.
The storytellers don’t allow you to get bored with this series. The maturation and growth of the main characters is plausible and feels natural. Van has become real and you are vested in what happens to him and his crew. He is the ultimate space detective peeling away a mystery to a crime/crimes that has many layers to it as he gets closer and closer to figuring it all out. I highly recommend this series.
December 30, 2023
Great Read
Like all of the Backyard Starship books this book was excellent. This one ties up some loose ends that we had from other books. Will Van become a Master. How will he reconcile it with his crew, himself and he way he feels about his Grandfather. Will the ghost of his Grandfather stop him or encourage him? All of this while still being a peacemaker and investigating notorious criminals.
Like all of the Backyard Starship books this book was excellent. This one ties up some loose ends that we had from other books. Will Van become a Master. How will he reconcile it with his crew, himself and he way he feels about his Grandfather. Will the ghost of his Grandfather stop him or encourage him? All of this while still being a peacemaker and investigating notorious criminals.
February 26, 2024
Amazing Story Telling
I really need to go back and review the first 16, but I'll start here. Usually, by this point in a series, I'm getting bored with the same old characters doing the same old things and fighting the same old fights. Not so with this series. Van and company come across as real; these are people I could be friends with. Adventure, romance, excitement, political intrigue and a host of suspicious characters.
You won't regret reading this series.
I really need to go back and review the first 16, but I'll start here. Usually, by this point in a series, I'm getting bored with the same old characters doing the same old things and fighting the same old fights. Not so with this series. Van and company come across as real; these are people I could be friends with. Adventure, romance, excitement, political intrigue and a host of suspicious characters.
You won't regret reading this series.
November 2, 2023
Outstanding
I just finished reading this book and loved it right from the beginning. This story is full of action and science fiction with lots of humor. There are parts where what the author wrote had me laughing so hard I had tears running down my face. If you like fast paced action and plenty of science fiction with lots of comedy thrown in then you have to read this series.
I just finished reading this book and loved it right from the beginning. This story is full of action and science fiction with lots of humor. There are parts where what the author wrote had me laughing so hard I had tears running down my face. If you like fast paced action and plenty of science fiction with lots of comedy thrown in then you have to read this series.
November 4, 2023
I can't improve on 5 stars.
All the traditional science fiction writers take a simple premise and weave it into an adventure story. This is up there with the best and most creative weavings ever.
We started with the discovery of a spaceship in the barn. 17 books later, Van and his crew are out there struggling to stop the countless alien races destroying each other, while stopping them from looting a technologically backward world.
I'm off to see if I can pre-order the next book yet.
All the traditional science fiction writers take a simple premise and weave it into an adventure story. This is up there with the best and most creative weavings ever.
We started with the discovery of a spaceship in the barn. 17 books later, Van and his crew are out there struggling to stop the countless alien races destroying each other, while stopping them from looting a technologically backward world.
I'm off to see if I can pre-order the next book yet.
November 3, 2023
Excellent sci fi adventure
More bad stuff happens. There are some explosively surprising plot twists. Some happiness occurs, accompanied by laughter and tears. I love these characters. This series is consistently awesome, even though it occasionally rips my heart out and stomps on it.
More bad stuff happens. There are some explosively surprising plot twists. Some happiness occurs, accompanied by laughter and tears. I love these characters. This series is consistently awesome, even though it occasionally rips my heart out and stomps on it.
November 6, 2023
really great continuation of storyline
really great continuation of storyline
Many mysteries explained - plot well developed
Just enough resistance to becoming a Master of the Guild.
Some interesting political parallels presented about 2/3 way into the book
Explaining crime and political objectives
really great continuation of storyline
Many mysteries explained - plot well developed
Just enough resistance to becoming a Master of the Guild.
Some interesting political parallels presented about 2/3 way into the book
Explaining crime and political objectives
November 14, 2023
Spectacular
Absolutely spectacular. If you read any of the backyard starship books you know that they are all at once hilariously funny and tragic in their own way. This book was no different. Just wait until you get to the end, and tell me you don't feel emotion. If you don't feel emotion then you're a Terminator sent from our future. Do yourself a favor and read this book.
Absolutely spectacular. If you read any of the backyard starship books you know that they are all at once hilariously funny and tragic in their own way. This book was no different. Just wait until you get to the end, and tell me you don't feel emotion. If you don't feel emotion then you're a Terminator sent from our future. Do yourself a favor and read this book.
November 16, 2023
Good as always
This is another in this series of science fiction stories that are fun, interesting, thought-provoking and better than most others that would copy or try to better them. They deliver the whole thing and do it well. This is, in fact, the only series I keep coming back to. I look forward to the next book!
This is another in this series of science fiction stories that are fun, interesting, thought-provoking and better than most others that would copy or try to better them. They deliver the whole thing and do it well. This is, in fact, the only series I keep coming back to. I look forward to the next book!
November 19, 2023
extremely entertaining
This might be my favorite book. Great character development. Any book that expands my imagination, draws you into the story line, makes you feel like you are part of the crew and makes you laugh is a fun read. Loved the references to the present and minimal military battles. I can hardly wait for the next book.
This might be my favorite book. Great character development. Any book that expands my imagination, draws you into the story line, makes you feel like you are part of the crew and makes you laugh is a fun read. Loved the references to the present and minimal military battles. I can hardly wait for the next book.
November 21, 2023
Hurry with the next installment!!
Ok. I'm a sappy, hopeful, begotten, lover of space opera in general and the Backyard Starship in particular. So sue me. I have laughed, cried, and overall thrilled with impatience through every break in this series like a dog panting at the butcher shop window. My hope is there will never be a "last" volume.
Ok. I'm a sappy, hopeful, begotten, lover of space opera in general and the Backyard Starship in particular. So sue me. I have laughed, cried, and overall thrilled with impatience through every break in this series like a dog panting at the butcher shop window. My hope is there will never be a "last" volume.
November 27, 2023
Another Great Addition and Closure
Another great addition to the series. The main characters (crew) are great people. I'm happy there's closure for a past friend. The interactions between the characters are meaningful. I've loved the series from the beginning. Each book answers questions and yet brings up many more. Can't wait for more books in the future.
Another great addition to the series. The main characters (crew) are great people. I'm happy there's closure for a past friend. The interactions between the characters are meaningful. I've loved the series from the beginning. Each book answers questions and yet brings up many more. Can't wait for more books in the future.
November 27, 2023
Decisions, decisions
Van is trying to decide if Equal Grasp should get more involved on Earth; if he should become a Master of the PeaceMaker Guild; if he should fight the nefarious Dr. Strangelove...sorry, wrong book.
Anyway, Van's (as well as Torina, Perry, Icky, Gabby, Funboy, Rab and the rest) fates all rest on his decisions.
He doesn't disappoint!!
Van is trying to decide if Equal Grasp should get more involved on Earth; if he should become a Master of the PeaceMaker Guild; if he should fight the nefarious Dr. Strangelove...sorry, wrong book.
Anyway, Van's (as well as Torina, Perry, Icky, Gabby, Funboy, Rab and the rest) fates all rest on his decisions.
He doesn't disappoint!!
December 3, 2023
Futuristic
Finally! I have been hoping Van would step up and couldn't stop reading until I finished the book! The story keeps getting better and better! This has been one of the best series I've ever read. And there's another book! Thank you! I don't want the series to end. The adventures are A blast!
Finally! I have been hoping Van would step up and couldn't stop reading until I finished the book! The story keeps getting better and better! This has been one of the best series I've ever read. And there's another book! Thank you! I don't want the series to end. The adventures are A blast!
December 11, 2023
Best
This series is one of the best reads I’ve ever had, by two of my favorite authors. Their stories have affected me in profound ways. New avenues of thought, of happiness and heartbreak, amazing opportunities and horrific devastation have played out in these stories. I look forward to many more.
Dean (or Rudger in my other adventures)
This series is one of the best reads I’ve ever had, by two of my favorite authors. Their stories have affected me in profound ways. New avenues of thought, of happiness and heartbreak, amazing opportunities and horrific devastation have played out in these stories. I look forward to many more.
Dean (or Rudger in my other adventures)
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