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Backyard Starship #14
Shattered Will
Earth is no longer alone, and Van isn’t happy about it.
When the Equal Grasp and other unsavory aliens launch their plot to open humanity up to the stars—in the name of profit, of course—Van and his crew spring into action, fearing the fallout of a world gone mad.
With each passing event in his career, Van continues to unravel locked memories, held by Perry, that explain a family history that is far more violent than he ever imagined.
And the memories aren’t focused on Van alone. They tell a tale of war in the stars—a war that left the Peacemakers in shambles, the GKU reeling, and three warrior races hiding among the deep.
But first, there’s the small matter of aliens in Wisconsin... and they're playing games in Van's back yard.
When the Equal Grasp and other unsavory aliens launch their plot to open humanity up to the stars—in the name of profit, of course—Van and his crew spring into action, fearing the fallout of a world gone mad.
With each passing event in his career, Van continues to unravel locked memories, held by Perry, that explain a family history that is far more violent than he ever imagined.
And the memories aren’t focused on Van alone. They tell a tale of war in the stars—a war that left the Peacemakers in shambles, the GKU reeling, and three warrior races hiding among the deep.
But first, there’s the small matter of aliens in Wisconsin... and they're playing games in Van's back yard.
10 pages, Audible Audio
First published June 18, 2023
1215 people are currently reading
211 people want to read
About the author
J.N. Chaney
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
February 1, 2024
The Backyard Spaceship series is an incredibly entertaining comfort food fiction about a space cop and his collection of wacky alien sidekicks. It's sort of like if you took Mystery Science Theater 3000 and made it about solving mysteries instead of watching bad movies. We're approaching the end of the series and it remains a solid and fun series.
November 6, 2025
Another great book. Now the aliens are coming to earth can they stop it? Now that van and Torina are married. We’ll see.
August 17, 2023
This book was probably the most enjoyable of all the previous books in this series. It seemed as if Van Tudor, Peacemaker, is realizing what a great team/crew he has put together and that they can accomplish just about anything. He’s also found out that his and his crews reputation is growing such that there’s a five million dollar/bond bounty on Van and each of his crew! If someone were able to bring down the Fafnir with entire crew aboard, they would become incredibly rich! But that’s not going to happen, we hope!
Initially, Icky and her fiancé were to be married soon, but that has been put on hold since there’s something going on around Earth that Van needs to quickly take care of. Earth is a protected planet as is the entire Solar System. It’s not supposed to know of the greater galaxy until it’s ready to adequately do so. They have to demonstrate an ability to create and handle antimatter and then discover the ability to twist through space. Once those two requirements have been met, then Earth will have its first formal extraterrestrial encounter. Until then, formal protocols are in place to be followed which are enforced by the Peacemaker Guild.
Van Tudor realizes more than most how greatly Earth is ignorant of the greater galaxy. He knows Earth is not ready for what is out there. Yeah, humans have been going into space for quite some time, but humanity has barely been to the Moon and only very infrequently for even that. He also knows very well that humans like him have also been introduced to the greater galactic civilization by one method or another to the point there are thousands of humans surviving very well with aliens. Yet, Earth is not ready. And neither is the greater galaxy.
As usual, the bad guys don’t follow the rules no matter where they apply. And yes, they are apparently responsible for the myriad of UFO sitings on Earth. There is now an organization called the *Equal Grasp* that is attempting to force Earth into accepting that aliens exist and that Earth has a lot to offer in trade and other stuff. That other stuff being minerals that would be exploited by these corrupt aliens until the planet dried up and blew away! They would offer Earth cheap trinkets that would appear to humans as magical devices and mostly like would include weapons far beyond what Earth consider lethal. Those weapons in the wrong hands could result in the Armageddon that humans have been avoiding for a long time.
Van Tudor isn’t going to let this exploitation of Earth happen. He’s going to do everything in his power to stop once more criminal element from doing harm to Earth and that’s why such a huge bounty has been placed on him and his crew. Yet, it’s a simple thing that strikes directly at the Fafnir and the crew in the very beginning. Van was asked by a friend and fellow Peacemaker, Jamberac, to take a Usu, to The Hole, the Peacemaker Guild’s prison. That would have been find and easy to do, but this Usu, is a cybernetic being and somehow infected Netty, the Fafnir’s AI with the Calamity virus! This is going to be a disaster.
While this is all going on, Van and Torina have a wedding to attend to and it’s not Icky’s. They are only a few days way from a very specific celestial event on Helso and that event date was to be their wedding day. Don’t know if they’ll make it!
So, fourteen books into this series and it’s still very interesting and exciting. I don’t know how Van Tudor and his crew manage to survive some of the ordeals they go through or are going through. The series does continue in Book 15, “[Constant Sorrow](https://amzn.to/45aWhVD)”. Not sure what that title means and I definitely don’t know what the title of this book 14 meant. It didn’t seem to apply to anything in this book.
Initially, Icky and her fiancé were to be married soon, but that has been put on hold since there’s something going on around Earth that Van needs to quickly take care of. Earth is a protected planet as is the entire Solar System. It’s not supposed to know of the greater galaxy until it’s ready to adequately do so. They have to demonstrate an ability to create and handle antimatter and then discover the ability to twist through space. Once those two requirements have been met, then Earth will have its first formal extraterrestrial encounter. Until then, formal protocols are in place to be followed which are enforced by the Peacemaker Guild.
Van Tudor realizes more than most how greatly Earth is ignorant of the greater galaxy. He knows Earth is not ready for what is out there. Yeah, humans have been going into space for quite some time, but humanity has barely been to the Moon and only very infrequently for even that. He also knows very well that humans like him have also been introduced to the greater galactic civilization by one method or another to the point there are thousands of humans surviving very well with aliens. Yet, Earth is not ready. And neither is the greater galaxy.
As usual, the bad guys don’t follow the rules no matter where they apply. And yes, they are apparently responsible for the myriad of UFO sitings on Earth. There is now an organization called the *Equal Grasp* that is attempting to force Earth into accepting that aliens exist and that Earth has a lot to offer in trade and other stuff. That other stuff being minerals that would be exploited by these corrupt aliens until the planet dried up and blew away! They would offer Earth cheap trinkets that would appear to humans as magical devices and mostly like would include weapons far beyond what Earth consider lethal. Those weapons in the wrong hands could result in the Armageddon that humans have been avoiding for a long time.
Van Tudor isn’t going to let this exploitation of Earth happen. He’s going to do everything in his power to stop once more criminal element from doing harm to Earth and that’s why such a huge bounty has been placed on him and his crew. Yet, it’s a simple thing that strikes directly at the Fafnir and the crew in the very beginning. Van was asked by a friend and fellow Peacemaker, Jamberac, to take a Usu, to The Hole, the Peacemaker Guild’s prison. That would have been find and easy to do, but this Usu, is a cybernetic being and somehow infected Netty, the Fafnir’s AI with the Calamity virus! This is going to be a disaster.
While this is all going on, Van and Torina have a wedding to attend to and it’s not Icky’s. They are only a few days way from a very specific celestial event on Helso and that event date was to be their wedding day. Don’t know if they’ll make it!
So, fourteen books into this series and it’s still very interesting and exciting. I don’t know how Van Tudor and his crew manage to survive some of the ordeals they go through or are going through. The series does continue in Book 15, “[Constant Sorrow](https://amzn.to/45aWhVD)”. Not sure what that title means and I definitely don’t know what the title of this book 14 meant. It didn’t seem to apply to anything in this book.
October 23, 2023
It's always about Family
Chaney and Maggert have continued an epic space opera in the great style it began with in the first book, Backyard Starship. Improbable things happen to improbable people. Van Tudor's increasingly motley crew of aliens of diverse sorts thwarting criminals at every turn. Their goal is always at the forefront: protect people. Earth is the planetary population that needs protection from humanity's never-ending failures of greed, power, and selfishness. Though, in this case, human faults are aided by aliens with the same faults.
The crew isn't perfect. Nonetheless, they chart a course with a reasonably sound morality and an accute sense of situational ethics.
They galaxy beyond the Sol system is full of dangers and full of people who want to live their lives in peace.
Van and his fiancé nearly become so caught up in their mission to prevent Earth from self-destruction at the hands of unscrupulous "business-entities" and unscrupulous humans they nearly forget their wedding day.
Flitting about space, winning space battles, putting up with crazy conspiracy theorists, and trying to stop deadly conspiracies has never been such a fun read.
Put aside your reality, put on your sense of humor and wonder.
Chaney and Maggert have continued an epic space opera in the great style it began with in the first book, Backyard Starship. Improbable things happen to improbable people. Van Tudor's increasingly motley crew of aliens of diverse sorts thwarting criminals at every turn. Their goal is always at the forefront: protect people. Earth is the planetary population that needs protection from humanity's never-ending failures of greed, power, and selfishness. Though, in this case, human faults are aided by aliens with the same faults.
The crew isn't perfect. Nonetheless, they chart a course with a reasonably sound morality and an accute sense of situational ethics.
They galaxy beyond the Sol system is full of dangers and full of people who want to live their lives in peace.
Van and his fiancé nearly become so caught up in their mission to prevent Earth from self-destruction at the hands of unscrupulous "business-entities" and unscrupulous humans they nearly forget their wedding day.
Flitting about space, winning space battles, putting up with crazy conspiracy theorists, and trying to stop deadly conspiracies has never been such a fun read.
Put aside your reality, put on your sense of humor and wonder.
June 20, 2023
Another epic chapter
This one's a bit slower than others, and aside from some future setup, it doesn't really move the over arching story forward much, and things are pretty much in the same state as they were at the end of the last book. The relationships, however, progressed, as well as the introduction of some new characters.
Hopefully, the next book will wrap things up a bit more and move the story futher along with some new twists and turns, but won't fully end things - I want more than one last book!
Either way, an another awesome read from the Chaney and Maggert duo.
This one's a bit slower than others, and aside from some future setup, it doesn't really move the over arching story forward much, and things are pretty much in the same state as they were at the end of the last book. The relationships, however, progressed, as well as the introduction of some new characters.
Hopefully, the next book will wrap things up a bit more and move the story futher along with some new twists and turns, but won't fully end things - I want more than one last book!
Either way, an another awesome read from the Chaney and Maggert duo.
October 7, 2023
Another 5 star Van chapter, long may it continue
I never get tired of hitting the five star rating for these authors. Such genuinely brilliant writing that I never tire of.
And this book has the - spoiler alert - wedding. From the very first book, you knew this was coming.
I rarely quote from books, but "Showing your affection with a legitimate way to inflict a violent death. How.....romantic?" creased me up when I read it.
How they keep producing such high quality work never fails to impress me. Carry on....
I never get tired of hitting the five star rating for these authors. Such genuinely brilliant writing that I never tire of.
And this book has the - spoiler alert - wedding. From the very first book, you knew this was coming.
I rarely quote from books, but "Showing your affection with a legitimate way to inflict a violent death. How.....romantic?" creased me up when I read it.
How they keep producing such high quality work never fails to impress me. Carry on....
October 9, 2024
Van Tudor III, grandson of the famous Peacemaker, Mark Tudor who stepped out of the shadow of his grandfather and made a name for himself in the galaxy. He's made a lot of enemies from criminals but also made a lot of friends from his selfless act of saving people and giving them what they need without ever thinking about himself. This book in the series, finally shows Van taking a little time to himself and his beloved. It's good to see Van's first mission come back full circle under the Thrice moon on Helso. Amazing work J.N. Chaney!
June 16, 2023
Awesome sci fi adventure
I laughed out loud a lot reading Shattered Will, and I cried during most of the epilogue. Bad stuff happens (one really heartbreaking thing), but Will felt like the calm before the storm. Van, Torina, and their supporting cast remain awesome. The relationships between these loveable characters are my favorite part of these books. And the Conoku kids rock!
I laughed out loud a lot reading Shattered Will, and I cried during most of the epilogue. Bad stuff happens (one really heartbreaking thing), but Will felt like the calm before the storm. Van, Torina, and their supporting cast remain awesome. The relationships between these loveable characters are my favorite part of these books. And the Conoku kids rock!
June 25, 2023
Another great installment and a real lovely ending
Excited to get into the next book. Glad the series is continuing on. This was so much fun as the issues culminate but past issues get put down. The story does have a sense of completeness at times yet to continuing urgency to keep going. The character development is very well done and very enjoyable. You find yourself feeling the emotions of the characters which is a sign of a great author in my opinion.
Excited to get into the next book. Glad the series is continuing on. This was so much fun as the issues culminate but past issues get put down. The story does have a sense of completeness at times yet to continuing urgency to keep going. The character development is very well done and very enjoyable. You find yourself feeling the emotions of the characters which is a sign of a great author in my opinion.
June 28, 2023
Different Pace
This was an interesting entry into the series as it was quite different from what came before. It mainly involved Earth based issues and spent a lot of time wondering how to put the genie back in the bottle. One trope that seems to happen a lot in this series is the constant teases and foreshadowing that takes place. I'm sure they will all come together nicely in the end.
As always, I look forward to the next book in the series!
This was an interesting entry into the series as it was quite different from what came before. It mainly involved Earth based issues and spent a lot of time wondering how to put the genie back in the bottle. One trope that seems to happen a lot in this series is the constant teases and foreshadowing that takes place. I'm sure they will all come together nicely in the end.
As always, I look forward to the next book in the series!
June 29, 2023
I have been quiet enjoying this take on a righteous space Paladin. Pulls a lot of eyes rolls for some of its flippant sophomoric banter and cultural tropes but otherwise a fun good read in a genre I call adventure porn. Definitely a great sci-if series for action, adventure, crime and investigation. Like reading a comic book series(graphic novel🙄) but with more substance and an assortment of antiquated pop culture references
July 6, 2023
really good series
Great character development. Builds the storyline around the crew of the starship and their role as peacekeepers.
The relationships and technical concepts are well crafted and keep the readers interested enough that I did a marathon of the first 14 books in about two weeks while recovering from an illness and now I am looking forward to the next release in August.
Great character development. Builds the storyline around the crew of the starship and their role as peacekeepers.
The relationships and technical concepts are well crafted and keep the readers interested enough that I did a marathon of the first 14 books in about two weeks while recovering from an illness and now I am looking forward to the next release in August.
June 22, 2023
This was another good book in the Backyard Starship series. The book is more of the same when it comes to Van and his colorful band of “misfits”. There are the usual bantering, adventures and revelations into Van’s family history, the Peacemakers and GKU. All of this is what makes the book good as far as I am concerned.
In this book Van is also trying to prevent the unsavory aliens mentioned in the book blurb from screwing up Earth and this allows the authors to add some more humans-discover-that-aliens-are-real, spaceships-do-exist and all that which is the kind of stories that I really like.
But there is a but. The authors drag in this annoying Calamity virus again. Not only does it have some very unfortunate consequences for Van’s team but, me personally, I think the cheap way they dragged it back into the story was really annoying.
If it was not for the aforementioned cool “first contact” (again) parts in the book I think I would have only given this book a three star rating thanks to that bloody Calamity twist. In the end I stuck with a four star one and I am (again) eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.
In this book Van is also trying to prevent the unsavory aliens mentioned in the book blurb from screwing up Earth and this allows the authors to add some more humans-discover-that-aliens-are-real, spaceships-do-exist and all that which is the kind of stories that I really like.
But there is a but. The authors drag in this annoying Calamity virus again. Not only does it have some very unfortunate consequences for Van’s team but, me personally, I think the cheap way they dragged it back into the story was really annoying.
If it was not for the aforementioned cool “first contact” (again) parts in the book I think I would have only given this book a three star rating thanks to that bloody Calamity twist. In the end I stuck with a four star one and I am (again) eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.
June 17, 2023
FunBoy is growing on me!
It's true! With every book since he first appeared, the lad has revealed another aspect of his personality and his skill set. I love him!
There are lots of different revelations in this book, and some of them lead, I am sure, to more revelations and resolutions in future books. Bring it on!!!
It's true! With every book since he first appeared, the lad has revealed another aspect of his personality and his skill set. I love him!
There are lots of different revelations in this book, and some of them lead, I am sure, to more revelations and resolutions in future books. Bring it on!!!
June 20, 2023
Wow!
Absolutely incredibly spectacular! Chaney doesn't disappoint. The story was engaging and it had some really hilariously funny moments. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I cannot wait until book 15. It is most definitely worth a read if you enjoyed the other books. Nothing too heavy or sad about this book thank goodness.
Absolutely incredibly spectacular! Chaney doesn't disappoint. The story was engaging and it had some really hilariously funny moments. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I cannot wait until book 15. It is most definitely worth a read if you enjoyed the other books. Nothing too heavy or sad about this book thank goodness.
June 25, 2023
Fun light read
This series is consistently engaging and fun easy reading. A touch of humor, a touch of drama, and a soupcon of action. The characterizations are shallow but sufficient. Unlike many Kindle Unlimited offerings, the author is restrained in their use of adjectives, the continuity is good, and there are few errors in usage, grammar, or spelling.
This series is consistently engaging and fun easy reading. A touch of humor, a touch of drama, and a soupcon of action. The characterizations are shallow but sufficient. Unlike many Kindle Unlimited offerings, the author is restrained in their use of adjectives, the continuity is good, and there are few errors in usage, grammar, or spelling.
July 4, 2023
I'm out of tissues! From crying and laughing.
Well it just gets nuttier every time, these people are wanted by every bad guy out there, yet they keep putting them away. I want a tattoo of Icky, on my arm with one pink bow in her blue fur. She is my favorite, and this series stays true to its story line and the characters are great!! Read this series, quit wasting time.
Well it just gets nuttier every time, these people are wanted by every bad guy out there, yet they keep putting them away. I want a tattoo of Icky, on my arm with one pink bow in her blue fur. She is my favorite, and this series stays true to its story line and the characters are great!! Read this series, quit wasting time.
July 7, 2023
One of the best so far...
This has to be one of my favorite series - I love the characters and the action,and the story has plenty of twists and turns to keep my attention. Well written and flows from end to end. I always keep the last book in my Unlimited library just to be sure I see the next volume as soon as it's released!
This has to be one of my favorite series - I love the characters and the action,and the story has plenty of twists and turns to keep my attention. Well written and flows from end to end. I always keep the last book in my Unlimited library just to be sure I see the next volume as soon as it's released!
July 7, 2023
Can't wait for the next...
This series continues to be truly great. Characters continue to grow + develop. Well written, good dialogue . Some of the issues cause me to really think about it- How would we Know if alien tech was now in common usage?
Recommended, but start at the beginning!
This series continues to be truly great. Characters continue to grow + develop. Well written, good dialogue . Some of the issues cause me to really think about it- How would we Know if alien tech was now in common usage?
Recommended, but start at the beginning!
December 14, 2023
Another long meandering book!
Th Authors have produced another long meandering work that somehow keeps the reader interested enough to continue to read to see where everything is going to ends up. I doubt that the (Backyard Starship series will ever be considered a must read series but though I have had difficulty in following all th mundane
Th Authors have produced another long meandering work that somehow keeps the reader interested enough to continue to read to see where everything is going to ends up. I doubt that the (Backyard Starship series will ever be considered a must read series but though I have had difficulty in following all th mundane
April 20, 2024
Backyard Starship 14
14 books into this great series and counting, Chaney and Magnet continue to create memorable characters and stories. It's very comfortable to resume this ongoing storyline of Peacekeeper Van Tudor and his crew, as they face new challenges and drama. I am anxious to begin book 15 and pick up where I left off.
14 books into this great series and counting, Chaney and Magnet continue to create memorable characters and stories. It's very comfortable to resume this ongoing storyline of Peacekeeper Van Tudor and his crew, as they face new challenges and drama. I am anxious to begin book 15 and pick up where I left off.
July 5, 2025
Shared Wedding and Ceremonies as Earth is Saved Again.
Tudor and team manage to protect Earth from tyrants and greedy schemers who are trying to take advantage of the transition to become part of the Known Universe. Money and influence are powerful, but a wedding is prominent in the peaceful transition that is pending.
Tudor and team manage to protect Earth from tyrants and greedy schemers who are trying to take advantage of the transition to become part of the Known Universe. Money and influence are powerful, but a wedding is prominent in the peaceful transition that is pending.
June 13, 2023
Outstanding
This is the best one yet. Well done J N and Terry. Sadness and loss but hopefully the character that is lost will be back. Happiness and triumph in the end. Can't wait for the next 😁
This is the best one yet. Well done J N and Terry. Sadness and loss but hopefully the character that is lost will be back. Happiness and triumph in the end. Can't wait for the next 😁
June 14, 2023
Pretty good
Chaney needs to get better editors. Torina went from being fluent in English to barely passable. It's these little slip-ups that trip up the flow of the plot. It happens a couple times in each book of this series
Chaney needs to get better editors. Torina went from being fluent in English to barely passable. It's these little slip-ups that trip up the flow of the plot. It happens a couple times in each book of this series
June 15, 2023
An exceptional series, looking forward to the next
As usual, funny , full of action with excellent characters and never a dull moment. Such a relief after some of the stretched out, droll series i have read in recent years.
As usual, funny , full of action with excellent characters and never a dull moment. Such a relief after some of the stretched out, droll series i have read in recent years.
June 16, 2023
Fantastic Story!
I have so totally enjoyed this series. Wonderful characters, fantastic adventures, and amazing twists and turns. I do hope they continue the fun for a long time. Write, write, write!!!
I have so totally enjoyed this series. Wonderful characters, fantastic adventures, and amazing twists and turns. I do hope they continue the fun for a long time. Write, write, write!!!
June 16, 2023
Great series and worth the time to read
I'm amazed that this author can write so many fantastic novels, I hope that he never stops writing. His books are some of the best Entertainment I have read and worth the time to read them. Thank you for a very fun entertaining read.
I'm amazed that this author can write so many fantastic novels, I hope that he never stops writing. His books are some of the best Entertainment I have read and worth the time to read them. Thank you for a very fun entertaining read.
June 18, 2023
wait was worth it
Very human characters and continued wonderful storyline. Very nice mix of reality on earth, UFOs and storyline on aliens who are “already” on earth. I was worried that some disaster was going to affect the wedding… looking forward to the next volume.
Very human characters and continued wonderful storyline. Very nice mix of reality on earth, UFOs and storyline on aliens who are “already” on earth. I was worried that some disaster was going to affect the wedding… looking forward to the next volume.
June 21, 2023
Each book enjoyable
As with aol the books in this continuing series. I found the character development to be on a par with the rest of the series. there are some you can not situations for the future that. I eagerly look forward to the next continuing book.
As with aol the books in this continuing series. I found the character development to be on a par with the rest of the series. there are some you can not situations for the future that. I eagerly look forward to the next continuing book.
June 22, 2023
Warm hearted ending
This book kept it light hearted while Wendi g it's way to the heartwarming marriage of Van and Torina. There's still a coalescing danger brewing on the horizon with some interesting solutions materializing
This book kept it light hearted while Wendi g it's way to the heartwarming marriage of Van and Torina. There's still a coalescing danger brewing on the horizon with some interesting solutions materializing
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews