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Backyard Starship #25
Fist of Orion
It's all come down to this.
A war for control of all civilization, pitting organic life against an ancient evil that knows no fear, no kindness, and no limits.
Calamity is loose, and it's been busy learning—from its time with Netty to running wild among the stars, the ultimate evil seeks nothing less than complete dominion over all space and time.
And for Calamity, life is in the way.
Van and his crew will enlist old friends, new friends, and the very beings he sought to protect from his first days as a rookie Peacemaker, fighting for the dignity of those who had no voices during the dark years of a corrupt guild.
It all comes down to this. And one way or another—it all ends here.
From the fields of Iowa to deepest space, the final conflict will unfold with only one thing Not everyone will survive, but Van will give his last breath to make certain that when future generations speak his name, they will always remember one fact.
Until the end, he gave it all for justice, no matter the cost.
A war for control of all civilization, pitting organic life against an ancient evil that knows no fear, no kindness, and no limits.
Calamity is loose, and it's been busy learning—from its time with Netty to running wild among the stars, the ultimate evil seeks nothing less than complete dominion over all space and time.
And for Calamity, life is in the way.
Van and his crew will enlist old friends, new friends, and the very beings he sought to protect from his first days as a rookie Peacemaker, fighting for the dignity of those who had no voices during the dark years of a corrupt guild.
It all comes down to this. And one way or another—it all ends here.
From the fields of Iowa to deepest space, the final conflict will unfold with only one thing Not everyone will survive, but Van will give his last breath to make certain that when future generations speak his name, they will always remember one fact.
Until the end, he gave it all for justice, no matter the cost.
466 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 15, 2025
736 people are currently reading
111 people want to read
About the author
J.N. Chaney
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
January 15, 2025
ONe of those books where you wish you ccould give 6 stars. A brilliant end to this phas of the Backyard Starship saga. The Epilogue had me in tears. Looking forward to thye next phas.
January 28, 2025
THE FIST OF ORION is yet another installment of the Backyard Spaceship series that has the same appeal as a comic book. Basically, you can keep reading them forever because there's no stopping them. In this case, this actually resolves one of the major plot points of the series and makes substantial change to the franchise. So much so it could be a good considered a good place to stop but I am not stopping.
January 24, 2025
Backyard Starship
I just finished reading number 25 in this series and can't wait for the next one.This series is one of the best that I have ever had the pleasure of reading. Every book in the series has kept me totally engrossed and wanting more if you like stories with lots of action and great characters then you have to read this series from the beginning.
I just finished reading number 25 in this series and can't wait for the next one.This series is one of the best that I have ever had the pleasure of reading. Every book in the series has kept me totally engrossed and wanting more if you like stories with lots of action and great characters then you have to read this series from the beginning.
March 3, 2025
Twenty-five books and I’ve read and reviewed every one. That’s quite an accomplishment for the authors and a lot of enjoyment for me. This series has gone from a single guy who just lost his Grandfather to finally a middle-aged man with a wife, kids and an extended family that could never have been imagined. but he is also so much more. Clive Van Able Tudor, III has far exceeded even his Grandfathers expectations. He’s had a very full life and an impact on an unknown number of people of various species. That last part tells a lot about this book and this series.
Van Tudor has been a Peacemaker for many, many years now and he’s trying his best to continue doing what he thinks is right. The Peacemaker Guild and his job as a Peacemaker is what he inherited from his Grandfather. He also inherited a whole lot of trouble by taking the job. Even the Peacemaker Guild turned out to not be doing the right things as it should have. So Van has been making changes.
He’s brought Earth into the galactic community whether it wanted to or not. But, he realized the danger of an ignorant Earth being besieged by all the various factions in the galaxy. Not all those factions were going to be honorable and treat Earth as it should so Van and his crew of the Fafnir (I still can’t stand that ship name!) have set about protecting Earth and it’s inhabitants. They have managed to root out the evil Yotov, a former Master Peacemaker, whose criminal organization attempted to exploit humanity to the very limit. And I mean exploit by taking humans from Earth, inserting computer chips in their brains thereby turning them into living slaves to whoever wanted to own another entity. But Yotov and her kind are behind them but as usual another evil villain steps up to take her place.
Calamity is an insidiously evil Artificial Intelligence that has set out to destroy all organic life. Where it came from, no one really knows. It’s been around a long time, but just now has started to become a real threat to everyday life in the galaxy. Calamity tends to act like a virus infecting anything and everything that it touches. Oh, it can’t actually infect an organic body, but it can and does infect any type of electronic device around those organics causing havoc where ever it appears.
The thing with Calamity is that it does seem to go dormant for awhile letting Van Tudor think that maybe they have defeated this enemy, but then another catastrophe takes place and the thing behind that catastrophe turns out to be Calamity once again. Even now, with Van Tudor his family, friends and their families establishing a base of operations on Earth known as the Nexus, they are not safe from Calamity attacks. They’ve had to build underground bunkers to keep their children safe and it’s terrifying to the adults when the alarm goes off and everyone scrambles for shelter. The psychology toll it is taking on the kids is something Van and his wife Tornia don’t want to dwell on nor do they want it to continue.
So the time has come for Van Tudor to do something about Calamity and that’s what this book is about. Oh, we’ll also see the rise of a new organization named the Fist of Orion and even a reformed Peacemaker Guild, but all of that is just preparation for this final battle with the greatest enemy the galaxy has ever known up to now. They have to figure out just who or what is Calamity. Then they have to figure out a way to contain it or if that’s even possible. This fight won’t be without danger, lots of danger since Calamity has and does kill without remorse. Van has seen a number of his friends brought down by other evil criminals and he knows that taking down Calamity might cause the death a more of his friends, a lot more. But, to not do something could mean the end to all organic life in the galaxy! That’s a price to great to bear without trying to stop that kind of future.
So, is the end of this series? I guess not since book 26, “Wolves Among the Stars”, will be available on Amazon as of 30 March 2025. I think we’re going to see a new generation introduced but I hope the peace that is existing now will last. I don’t think it does. So more exciting stuff is still ahead.
Van Tudor has been a Peacemaker for many, many years now and he’s trying his best to continue doing what he thinks is right. The Peacemaker Guild and his job as a Peacemaker is what he inherited from his Grandfather. He also inherited a whole lot of trouble by taking the job. Even the Peacemaker Guild turned out to not be doing the right things as it should have. So Van has been making changes.
He’s brought Earth into the galactic community whether it wanted to or not. But, he realized the danger of an ignorant Earth being besieged by all the various factions in the galaxy. Not all those factions were going to be honorable and treat Earth as it should so Van and his crew of the Fafnir (I still can’t stand that ship name!) have set about protecting Earth and it’s inhabitants. They have managed to root out the evil Yotov, a former Master Peacemaker, whose criminal organization attempted to exploit humanity to the very limit. And I mean exploit by taking humans from Earth, inserting computer chips in their brains thereby turning them into living slaves to whoever wanted to own another entity. But Yotov and her kind are behind them but as usual another evil villain steps up to take her place.
Calamity is an insidiously evil Artificial Intelligence that has set out to destroy all organic life. Where it came from, no one really knows. It’s been around a long time, but just now has started to become a real threat to everyday life in the galaxy. Calamity tends to act like a virus infecting anything and everything that it touches. Oh, it can’t actually infect an organic body, but it can and does infect any type of electronic device around those organics causing havoc where ever it appears.
The thing with Calamity is that it does seem to go dormant for awhile letting Van Tudor think that maybe they have defeated this enemy, but then another catastrophe takes place and the thing behind that catastrophe turns out to be Calamity once again. Even now, with Van Tudor his family, friends and their families establishing a base of operations on Earth known as the Nexus, they are not safe from Calamity attacks. They’ve had to build underground bunkers to keep their children safe and it’s terrifying to the adults when the alarm goes off and everyone scrambles for shelter. The psychology toll it is taking on the kids is something Van and his wife Tornia don’t want to dwell on nor do they want it to continue.
So the time has come for Van Tudor to do something about Calamity and that’s what this book is about. Oh, we’ll also see the rise of a new organization named the Fist of Orion and even a reformed Peacemaker Guild, but all of that is just preparation for this final battle with the greatest enemy the galaxy has ever known up to now. They have to figure out just who or what is Calamity. Then they have to figure out a way to contain it or if that’s even possible. This fight won’t be without danger, lots of danger since Calamity has and does kill without remorse. Van has seen a number of his friends brought down by other evil criminals and he knows that taking down Calamity might cause the death a more of his friends, a lot more. But, to not do something could mean the end to all organic life in the galaxy! That’s a price to great to bear without trying to stop that kind of future.
So, is the end of this series? I guess not since book 26, “Wolves Among the Stars”, will be available on Amazon as of 30 March 2025. I think we’re going to see a new generation introduced but I hope the peace that is existing now will last. I don’t think it does. So more exciting stuff is still ahead.
February 8, 2025
wow! wasn’t expecting all that! Roller coaster ride!
Wow! Wasn’t expecting all that! The entire book was a true Roller coaster ride! Where it ended, I definitely didn’t expect or see coming. I don’t know what exactly the next chapters will be like, but I’m very excited to become acquainted with new crews and new adventures, to see what the new Orion Fist Guild will stand for and if it can stand the test of time and corruption, especially with Earth entering into the Guild ranks. I love this series and it’s characters; they’re like family. This duo of authors have done exceptionally well taking along on this wonderful ride and I’m so very glad it’s not over. I can’t wait til March 30th and what the new adventures and crew will have in store for us. Well done gentlemen!! 😂👍❤️
Wow! Wasn’t expecting all that! The entire book was a true Roller coaster ride! Where it ended, I definitely didn’t expect or see coming. I don’t know what exactly the next chapters will be like, but I’m very excited to become acquainted with new crews and new adventures, to see what the new Orion Fist Guild will stand for and if it can stand the test of time and corruption, especially with Earth entering into the Guild ranks. I love this series and it’s characters; they’re like family. This duo of authors have done exceptionally well taking along on this wonderful ride and I’m so very glad it’s not over. I can’t wait til March 30th and what the new adventures and crew will have in store for us. Well done gentlemen!! 😂👍❤️
March 16, 2025
Wow. A GREAT Series…and not over yet
About the whole Backyard Starship series…
Stupendously conceived, engagingly written, internally consistent, fun, poignant, mind-blowing, unpredictable. You two authors’ imaginations are incredible, with your creatures, situations, planets, all woven together in a believable and gripping series of books.
A great lesson for us all in ethical, just and fair relationships between beings ephemeral, organic, semi-organic, and electro-mechanical “Created Persons”.
This book was a greatly moving and stupendous culmination.
Thanks for perhaps the best read of my life!
About the whole Backyard Starship series…
Stupendously conceived, engagingly written, internally consistent, fun, poignant, mind-blowing, unpredictable. You two authors’ imaginations are incredible, with your creatures, situations, planets, all woven together in a believable and gripping series of books.
A great lesson for us all in ethical, just and fair relationships between beings ephemeral, organic, semi-organic, and electro-mechanical “Created Persons”.
This book was a greatly moving and stupendous culmination.
Thanks for perhaps the best read of my life!
February 3, 2025
An Epic, Excellent Series
I would recommend this series to anyone who enjoys Sci Fi.
This is first rate stuff. I hesitated for too long to read it, put off by what I thought was a silly name for a series. Imagine my chagrin when I found out just how good it was.
From heart racing action, loveable unique characters, to intense drama and everything in between, I am both sad it's over and intensely grateful that I was along for the ride. I'm looking forward to more adventures with the Van Tudor clan and friends!
I would recommend this series to anyone who enjoys Sci Fi.
This is first rate stuff. I hesitated for too long to read it, put off by what I thought was a silly name for a series. Imagine my chagrin when I found out just how good it was.
From heart racing action, loveable unique characters, to intense drama and everything in between, I am both sad it's over and intensely grateful that I was along for the ride. I'm looking forward to more adventures with the Van Tudor clan and friends!
January 17, 2025
Best of the Best
Mr. Chaney and Mr. Maggert,
You created a "World" that a very large group of readers have grown to love. I thought until recently that this was to be the last book of the Backyard Starship series. Hearing that there would be more to come in the series was a welcome surprise. Having said that, this 25th book would have been a fantastic ending, the best of the best of 25.
Thank you.
Mr. Chaney and Mr. Maggert,
You created a "World" that a very large group of readers have grown to love. I thought until recently that this was to be the last book of the Backyard Starship series. Hearing that there would be more to come in the series was a welcome surprise. Having said that, this 25th book would have been a fantastic ending, the best of the best of 25.
Thank you.
January 22, 2025
What an ending
While I understand this is the final book in this current story arc and he will write more, this would have been a fitting ending to this crew.
That being said, I was a bit underwhelmed by the way that Calamity happened in this book, but it is what it is.
I really have loved this series, and obviously if you're reading this review you do too or else you wouldn't be on book 25! I can't wait to see what's next in the series.
While I understand this is the final book in this current story arc and he will write more, this would have been a fitting ending to this crew.
That being said, I was a bit underwhelmed by the way that Calamity happened in this book, but it is what it is.
I really have loved this series, and obviously if you're reading this review you do too or else you wouldn't be on book 25! I can't wait to see what's next in the series.
January 29, 2025
A question of how, not what.
This is probably one of the most important books in the Backyard Starship series. Long anticipated events take place that will move the story in a new direction. I don’t want to drop any spoilers so I’ll just quote Cap’n Van…
“Just wait for the sequel series,” I said. “It’ll be even better.”
This was a good, strong book, in a good strong series. I highly recommend it.
Cheers!
This is probably one of the most important books in the Backyard Starship series. Long anticipated events take place that will move the story in a new direction. I don’t want to drop any spoilers so I’ll just quote Cap’n Van…
“Just wait for the sequel series,” I said. “It’ll be even better.”
This was a good, strong book, in a good strong series. I highly recommend it.
Cheers!
February 8, 2025
Epic emding
Unfortunately the ending was a tad too telegraphed, but getting there was as good as ever and the epilogue a nice touch
Most series of this length lose something as they get to the end and whilst there were flat moments, the overall was a very good story, with excellent action, humour, diplomacy and family
Hopefully this is not the end. The epilogue alludes to a possible new series. It would not be a bad thing if that happens
Unfortunately the ending was a tad too telegraphed, but getting there was as good as ever and the epilogue a nice touch
Most series of this length lose something as they get to the end and whilst there were flat moments, the overall was a very good story, with excellent action, humour, diplomacy and family
Hopefully this is not the end. The epilogue alludes to a possible new series. It would not be a bad thing if that happens
February 14, 2025
Great addition to the series as always.
Deep universe with enough humor to balance out all the tragedies. I do wish we say more technological advances that were created by the team even though that sometimes leads to power creep over a long series such as this. While new tech is often introduced in each book it doesn’t often change the way the characters think about the world. Love the series though.
Deep universe with enough humor to balance out all the tragedies. I do wish we say more technological advances that were created by the team even though that sometimes leads to power creep over a long series such as this. While new tech is often introduced in each book it doesn’t often change the way the characters think about the world. Love the series though.
March 19, 2025
First time for 5, great story. Hokey at its best Van is a heros hero. Torina is heart.
The story is brutal and full of action. The ending was,,,,,,, not going to say, if you haven't read the previous 24 don7start here. I will repeat, one of the streaming games services needs to turn this into a series, and ke JN and Terry on as advisors so screen writers don't screw it up,
The story is brutal and full of action. The ending was,,,,,,, not going to say, if you haven't read the previous 24 don7start here. I will repeat, one of the streaming games services needs to turn this into a series, and ke JN and Terry on as advisors so screen writers don't screw it up,
January 19, 2025
Awesome, Excellent Read
I have been reading this series of books since the first one. The lives of the characters in these books from start to finish has been a road to a great story. I would like to say thank you to the author who wrote this fantastic stories which kept me waiting for each new book when it came out. Excellent read.
I have been reading this series of books since the first one. The lives of the characters in these books from start to finish has been a road to a great story. I would like to say thank you to the author who wrote this fantastic stories which kept me waiting for each new book when it came out. Excellent read.
January 20, 2025
Excellent series!
One of my very favorites, the cast of characters, is funny, unique, and morally unflapable... the good guys are good, and the bad guys are bad! I laugh, I cry, I root for good over evil on every page of this series. And I'm so happy that this is not the end of this saga. A new chapter has begun!
One of my very favorites, the cast of characters, is funny, unique, and morally unflapable... the good guys are good, and the bad guys are bad! I laugh, I cry, I root for good over evil on every page of this series. And I'm so happy that this is not the end of this saga. A new chapter has begun!
January 20, 2025
One of my 3 favourite series ever. Right along with The Messenger(the original) and The Frontiers Saga.
Have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of reading the series. It ended on a positive note and I am glad it will continue with the family. Cannot wait to enjoy the exploits of the next generation as the saga continues.
Cannot recommend it enough for anyone that enjoys adventure.
Have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of reading the series. It ended on a positive note and I am glad it will continue with the family. Cannot wait to enjoy the exploits of the next generation as the saga continues.
Cannot recommend it enough for anyone that enjoys adventure.
January 21, 2025
amazing series! well worth the time!
I have immerse myself in the series. I have totally enjoyed everything. I’ve read. I always look forward to the next book coming out. I teared up at the end. I felt so personally involved in this series. It is really made a difference in my life. I enjoy sci-fi so much and this was no disappointment.
I have immerse myself in the series. I have totally enjoyed everything. I’ve read. I always look forward to the next book coming out. I teared up at the end. I felt so personally involved in this series. It is really made a difference in my life. I enjoy sci-fi so much and this was no disappointment.
January 27, 2025
Wow! Just Wow,
I have thoroughly enjoyed this entire series from Book 1. I cannot think of a better series that I’ve read, and I’ve read a lot of them. The characters are perfect, the action is stimulating, and the crew banter delightful. My sincere thanks to Chaney & Maggert.
I have thoroughly enjoyed this entire series from Book 1. I cannot think of a better series that I’ve read, and I’ve read a lot of them. The characters are perfect, the action is stimulating, and the crew banter delightful. My sincere thanks to Chaney & Maggert.
February 4, 2025
excellent finally to an excellent series
I’m so glad so many books were already written when I started, I just went from book to book… couldn’t stop.
The way the series started was so rapid fire adventure to adventure, I didn’t think it could last but such well developed characters and personalities
This is a must read for all space fans…
Well done!!
I’m so glad so many books were already written when I started, I just went from book to book… couldn’t stop.
The way the series started was so rapid fire adventure to adventure, I didn’t think it could last but such well developed characters and personalities
This is a must read for all space fans…
Well done!!
March 31, 2025
Rich literature
I study all the sciences, soft and hard. I believe my enjoyment of this series was enhanced considerably due to that knowledge.
This series is indeed fine literature with a stable base in human sciences.
This fine fiction may very well be the best guess yet of the future of humanity!
If we survive long enough to realize this possible future.
I study all the sciences, soft and hard. I believe my enjoyment of this series was enhanced considerably due to that knowledge.
This series is indeed fine literature with a stable base in human sciences.
This fine fiction may very well be the best guess yet of the future of humanity!
If we survive long enough to realize this possible future.
June 25, 2025
An amazing ending to this book and the whole series thus far !
I don’t think I have ever read a series of books that have kept me so totally engrossed. I have laughed, been so tensed in the fights, and cried at the ending of this book. What a series!!! Thanks, guys, for a great series!
Barry Colson
(Aka PapaC)
I don’t think I have ever read a series of books that have kept me so totally engrossed. I have laughed, been so tensed in the fights, and cried at the ending of this book. What a series!!! Thanks, guys, for a great series!
Barry Colson
(Aka PapaC)
July 18, 2025
The First of Orion Takes Over the Peacekeepers Guild Operations
Tudor Team and almost all the associated Known Universe governments and citizens take on the Calamity Crisis by taking direct action to stop Calamity from killing "organics" and eliminate that crisis. But surprisingly Calamity discovers new and different things about Van and his Team.
Tudor Team and almost all the associated Known Universe governments and citizens take on the Calamity Crisis by taking direct action to stop Calamity from killing "organics" and eliminate that crisis. But surprisingly Calamity discovers new and different things about Van and his Team.
January 16, 2025
Great book!
I laughed, I cried, it was better than Cats!
In all seriousness that was expecting this to be the last book of the series and while nory lines do come to a close it's not the end!
I laughed, I cried, it was better than Cats!
In all seriousness that was expecting this to be the last book of the series and while nory lines do come to a close it's not the end!
January 19, 2025
As always,
Another story comes to a conclusion. It has been a very enjoyable journey from a "Backyard Starship" to the Grand Finale! Messrs Chaney and Maggert have done the art of storytelling one fantastic endeavor. As always, Looking Forward to the continuation
Another story comes to a conclusion. It has been a very enjoyable journey from a "Backyard Starship" to the Grand Finale! Messrs Chaney and Maggert have done the art of storytelling one fantastic endeavor. As always, Looking Forward to the continuation
January 19, 2025
Awesome Series
This series will entertain you, hold you in suspense and may even make you cry. If you are new to sci-fi or just wanting to see what its all about, Van Tudor and his loyal crew of the Fafnir will surely keep you engaged.
This series will entertain you, hold you in suspense and may even make you cry. If you are new to sci-fi or just wanting to see what its all about, Van Tudor and his loyal crew of the Fafnir will surely keep you engaged.
January 19, 2025
Great
I lost interest in this series after book 24 which I thought was boring I thought I'd give book 25 a try and I'm glad I did my interest and enjoyment came back my only problem is using the first of Orion it sounds like a hyper aggressive evil empire or a anime porn movie
I lost interest in this series after book 24 which I thought was boring I thought I'd give book 25 a try and I'm glad I did my interest and enjoyment came back my only problem is using the first of Orion it sounds like a hyper aggressive evil empire or a anime porn movie
January 20, 2025
Just awsome!
This whole series was a wonderfully written epic adventure that captivated me. So, so happy we will see more adventures from this wonderful universe. Thank you Mr. Chaney and Mr. Maggert for a great story!
This whole series was a wonderfully written epic adventure that captivated me. So, so happy we will see more adventures from this wonderful universe. Thank you Mr. Chaney and Mr. Maggert for a great story!
January 20, 2025
As usual, rip roaring action, packed front to back.
So many things have come to fruition in this book. If you've come this far, you won't be disappointed. But it's still not a slam dunk. Twists await you.
So many things have come to fruition in this book. If you've come this far, you won't be disappointed. But it's still not a slam dunk. Twists await you.
January 22, 2025
Great (non) ending!
I expected this to be the culmination of the BYSS series but I'm happy to see it continue. All the characters feel like old friends and I'm looking forward to getting to know the 7 new PeaceMakers!
I expected this to be the culmination of the BYSS series but I'm happy to see it continue. All the characters feel like old friends and I'm looking forward to getting to know the 7 new PeaceMakers!
January 24, 2025
wonderful hope fine for more
Reading this fine series and associated ones ha s taken the last two years of my life, and I have loved every darn minute if it.
Read enjoy and allow yourself to drift off and enjoy something which may never happen, although it could.
Reading this fine series and associated ones ha s taken the last two years of my life, and I have loved every darn minute if it.
Read enjoy and allow yourself to drift off and enjoy something which may never happen, although it could.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews