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Backyard Starship #27
Forged in Stillness
Reformed, repackaged, and re-engineered, the Stillness reveal that they never went away.
They merely waited. Watching. Planning.
And those plans will collide with the rising stars of an empire based on justice and action. Out in the deep black, Abel Tudor and his crew will fight to prove that command isn't given, it's earned—and their parents chose well, giving them the helm to a warship that could change history with one fateful journey.
But they have allies who are proven veterans of a galaxy gone mad with violence. Van, Torina, and the crew aren’t retiring—they’re reloading, and with the Fafnir and crew come something the Stillness have never faced before.
Van Tudor, the commander of it all. He’s older, wiser, and unwavering in his commitment to justice, but now, he’s got decades of experience in the trenches with his friends, family, and allies who share his vision for freedom and peace—at any cost.
Along the way, Van, Abel, and their teams will meet old friends, new enemies, and discover that space isn't just crowded—
It can be lethal.
Especially for the young, no matter who their parents are.
They merely waited. Watching. Planning.
And those plans will collide with the rising stars of an empire based on justice and action. Out in the deep black, Abel Tudor and his crew will fight to prove that command isn't given, it's earned—and their parents chose well, giving them the helm to a warship that could change history with one fateful journey.
But they have allies who are proven veterans of a galaxy gone mad with violence. Van, Torina, and the crew aren’t retiring—they’re reloading, and with the Fafnir and crew come something the Stillness have never faced before.
Van Tudor, the commander of it all. He’s older, wiser, and unwavering in his commitment to justice, but now, he’s got decades of experience in the trenches with his friends, family, and allies who share his vision for freedom and peace—at any cost.
Along the way, Van, Abel, and their teams will meet old friends, new enemies, and discover that space isn't just crowded—
It can be lethal.
Especially for the young, no matter who their parents are.
- GenresScience Fiction
398 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 18, 2025
874 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
About the author
J.N. Chaney
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
June 17, 2025
WOLVES AMONG THE STARS is fun but has some minor issues. The gigantic time skip is something that takes a bit to get used to in the Backyard Starship series as now the protagonist and his wife have kids who are entering the Fists of Orion themselves (which is not really distinguished from the Galactic Peacekeeping Guild despite all of the build up). Still, it's the same sort of funny quips, bird robots, and Mystery Science Theater friendship crossed with crime fighting IN SPACE.
August 17, 2025
Well, here we are chugging along with book #27 in the series that will never end! I don’t mean that in a bad way, but after spending so much time with Peacemaker Van Tudor and then Auxiliary Torina Milon (now his wife of a few years), we now seem to be focusing on their kids. Not only their kids but those of Funboy and Gabby, and Icky and Paxomar, with Alex Mandeville’s son thrown in for good measure. I kind of believe that once your main character has done all that he can do, maybe it’s time to wrap up that series and possibly start a new one, with the kids, even. Just my opinion of course, and one the author doesn’t share.
So, we start off with all the kids, Abel and Kisni, Melly and Budge, Clip & Tiki, and finally Zeke under the watchful eye of Funboy. They are somewhere in front of a grapefruit bottling plant in Orlando, Florida. They were there to shoot a commercial with Funboy as a means to promote off-world relations with the people of Earth.
Everything was going just fine even though most of the “kids” didn’t even like grapefruit juice and were very reluctant to drink it even for this commercial. But, Funboy was getting their cooperation, finally, when a glass of the stuff was shattered while still in the hand of Abel. Not only that happened, but when Abel looked towards his sister, Kisni, he noticed that sealing foam was hissing and bubbling from her b-suit which only did that if something had penetrated it to the body inside. Yeah, Kisni had been shot!
All heck broke loose after that with all of the young adults being armed and going after the apparent sniper. Yet they had no idea where the shot came from and after a frantic quick search it was decided to get Kisni back to the Nexus as quick as possible. Fortunately, B was there doing some other business, so she quickly stepped in and took care of Kisni. It turned out that the wound wasn’t that serious.
But Van Tudor and Tornia considered it terribly serious. Someone was shooting at their kids. They had no idea who that someone might be, but their thoughts kept circling around to a possible Stillness assassin. But after this incident, nothing else happened anywhere around the Nexus or in the proximity of any of the main characters in this story.
But, Van and company decided that it might be best to get the kids away from Earth for a while if they were, in fact, the target of the assassin. It so happens that Pont Alus Kyr, the medical research facility now orbiting Earth had a new project that they needed help from the Fist of Orion. This just so happened to provide the very mission to send all the young people on away from Earth for a while.
So, Van ask Rab to command the *AnaDarko* with his crew comprised of all the Fist of Orion and Peacemaker Adept young people. This, Van and others thought, would get them out of harms way for a potential six-month mission. This is where they made a serious mistake. Hopefully the young people now excited about going on a mission together don’t wind up getting themselves killed. But, this was just a scientific mission to place some satellites around some distant planets. There didn’t seem to be anyway that anyone could come to harm although space can be dangerous just by being in it!
Van and the rest of the adults really need to consider what they are doing, but they don’t, at least right now. While the *AnaDarko* with Rab in command will be a very capable ship, they also send the Prowler, the stealth spy ship, along with two other ships manned by the Conoku. That should be plenty of protection, or so everyone thought!
There is a lot intrigue in this story, but nothing really gets resolved. It does appear that the Stillness is back causing some havoc within known space and it’s becoming a problem that Van Tudor and his crew need to address. But how is the big question.
This story, even after 27 books, doesn’t end. No, book 8, “A Rumor of War”, is out on Amazon now. I guess I’ll be adding that one to my reading list as always.
==[Note: As of 12/03/2023, this will not be published on Amazon since I have been banned from posting reviews for some unknown reason. Once the ban is lifted, assuming it does get lifted, I’ll go back and post this to Amazon.]==
So, we start off with all the kids, Abel and Kisni, Melly and Budge, Clip & Tiki, and finally Zeke under the watchful eye of Funboy. They are somewhere in front of a grapefruit bottling plant in Orlando, Florida. They were there to shoot a commercial with Funboy as a means to promote off-world relations with the people of Earth.
Everything was going just fine even though most of the “kids” didn’t even like grapefruit juice and were very reluctant to drink it even for this commercial. But, Funboy was getting their cooperation, finally, when a glass of the stuff was shattered while still in the hand of Abel. Not only that happened, but when Abel looked towards his sister, Kisni, he noticed that sealing foam was hissing and bubbling from her b-suit which only did that if something had penetrated it to the body inside. Yeah, Kisni had been shot!
All heck broke loose after that with all of the young adults being armed and going after the apparent sniper. Yet they had no idea where the shot came from and after a frantic quick search it was decided to get Kisni back to the Nexus as quick as possible. Fortunately, B was there doing some other business, so she quickly stepped in and took care of Kisni. It turned out that the wound wasn’t that serious.
But Van Tudor and Tornia considered it terribly serious. Someone was shooting at their kids. They had no idea who that someone might be, but their thoughts kept circling around to a possible Stillness assassin. But after this incident, nothing else happened anywhere around the Nexus or in the proximity of any of the main characters in this story.
But, Van and company decided that it might be best to get the kids away from Earth for a while if they were, in fact, the target of the assassin. It so happens that Pont Alus Kyr, the medical research facility now orbiting Earth had a new project that they needed help from the Fist of Orion. This just so happened to provide the very mission to send all the young people on away from Earth for a while.
So, Van ask Rab to command the *AnaDarko* with his crew comprised of all the Fist of Orion and Peacemaker Adept young people. This, Van and others thought, would get them out of harms way for a potential six-month mission. This is where they made a serious mistake. Hopefully the young people now excited about going on a mission together don’t wind up getting themselves killed. But, this was just a scientific mission to place some satellites around some distant planets. There didn’t seem to be anyway that anyone could come to harm although space can be dangerous just by being in it!
Van and the rest of the adults really need to consider what they are doing, but they don’t, at least right now. While the *AnaDarko* with Rab in command will be a very capable ship, they also send the Prowler, the stealth spy ship, along with two other ships manned by the Conoku. That should be plenty of protection, or so everyone thought!
There is a lot intrigue in this story, but nothing really gets resolved. It does appear that the Stillness is back causing some havoc within known space and it’s becoming a problem that Van Tudor and his crew need to address. But how is the big question.
This story, even after 27 books, doesn’t end. No, book 8, “A Rumor of War”, is out on Amazon now. I guess I’ll be adding that one to my reading list as always.
==[Note: As of 12/03/2023, this will not be published on Amazon since I have been banned from posting reviews for some unknown reason. Once the ban is lifted, assuming it does get lifted, I’ll go back and post this to Amazon.]==
May 27, 2025
The enemy becomes clearer....
The kids are on a mission to launch probes and investigate potential new life forms on gas giants and liquid worlds. These life forms may have a common link...
Meanwhile the enemy sets traps to try and kill them and in so doing reveals clues as to who or what they are.
Usu body doubles also appear, revealing that their infiltration may be deep, as well as security breaches all over the Nexus are identified from backdoor implants...
The old enemy, the Stillness, are returning...
This novel features the usual heady mix of suspense, intrigue, warfare and battles, surprises, potential problems and solutions...
The kids are on a mission to launch probes and investigate potential new life forms on gas giants and liquid worlds. These life forms may have a common link...
Meanwhile the enemy sets traps to try and kill them and in so doing reveals clues as to who or what they are.
Usu body doubles also appear, revealing that their infiltration may be deep, as well as security breaches all over the Nexus are identified from backdoor implants...
The old enemy, the Stillness, are returning...
This novel features the usual heady mix of suspense, intrigue, warfare and battles, surprises, potential problems and solutions...
June 12, 2025
The story Continues
This story was supposed to end a couple of books ago, but I am really glad it did not. The new Enemy is the Stillness and they are pulling no punches. Van and his team need to come up with a way to fight them because they are fighting dirty. Also, their children are not off limits.
This is a well crafted story that keeps you interested from start to finish. The introduction of new characters, Van’s, Funboy’s, Iky’s and Mandaville’s kids is excellent. Keep the stories coming.
This story was supposed to end a couple of books ago, but I am really glad it did not. The new Enemy is the Stillness and they are pulling no punches. Van and his team need to come up with a way to fight them because they are fighting dirty. Also, their children are not off limits.
This is a well crafted story that keeps you interested from start to finish. The introduction of new characters, Van’s, Funboy’s, Iky’s and Mandaville’s kids is excellent. Keep the stories coming.
June 13, 2025
This story is a fun ride along with Fan's crew and kids, keeping Earth and the universe safe.
The story of the Peacemakers continues and the children of Van and Toronto and children of their crew and friend have graduated the Peacemakers Academy and are crewing a starship one scientific mission when they repeatedly come under attack and an has to rethink putting all on the same ship and in danger.
The story of the Peacemakers continues and the children of Van and Toronto and children of their crew and friend have graduated the Peacemakers Academy and are crewing a starship one scientific mission when they repeatedly come under attack and an has to rethink putting all on the same ship and in danger.
May 25, 2025
Just when you think things have wound down. .
The kids are grown. Calamity has been neutralized. Van is thinking about retirement. But the universe isn't done yet. The kids are beginning careers in the Fist of Orion. But they've been attacked on a scientific mission. Why? Who? I feel another adventure . . .
The kids are grown. Calamity has been neutralized. Van is thinking about retirement. But the universe isn't done yet. The kids are beginning careers in the Fist of Orion. But they've been attacked on a scientific mission. Why? Who? I feel another adventure . . .
June 9, 2025
A new war starts
Well Van and Torina and the crew have had 20 years of peace, But a old enemy has raised its head first attacking the kids. The stillness it appears has been rebuilding it's forces and weapons, with new allies. But Van will not stand by and let that go unanswered.
Well Van and Torina and the crew have had 20 years of peace, But a old enemy has raised its head first attacking the kids. The stillness it appears has been rebuilding it's forces and weapons, with new allies. But Van will not stand by and let that go unanswered.
July 20, 2025
Foraging in Stillness and Star Music
The Tudor Team is reorganizing and ramping up for a new war with new partners working together to build the peace so long promised as resources and experience are passed to the younger Peacemakers and Peacekeepers to allow the parents and supporters a chance to rest.
The Tudor Team is reorganizing and ramping up for a new war with new partners working together to build the peace so long promised as resources and experience are passed to the younger Peacemakers and Peacekeepers to allow the parents and supporters a chance to rest.
May 24, 2025
A bridging novel
Always enjoyable because of the 'cast' but I think this book is mainly designed to set up the next one.
Lots of thinking and reviewing lists, time to get stuff done, Van.
Always enjoyable because of the 'cast' but I think this book is mainly designed to set up the next one.
Lots of thinking and reviewing lists, time to get stuff done, Van.
May 24, 2025
Great storyline and Pace - & Science
I love this novel better than the previous one. The story arcs were great, weaving the next generation with the original casts, their humor, human reactions, with quite a bit of astrophysics and great imagination.
I love this novel better than the previous one. The story arcs were great, weaving the next generation with the original casts, their humor, human reactions, with quite a bit of astrophysics and great imagination.
May 25, 2025
just when you thought you were done
I had about resolved that we were over with the backyard starship series, but Chaney and Maggert really brought this home. They could almost start a brand new series with where they stopped today.
I had about resolved that we were over with the backyard starship series, but Chaney and Maggert really brought this home. They could almost start a brand new series with where they stopped today.
May 26, 2025
The Backyard Starship series gets...
Better and better! We've moved forward 20 years and the story just gets better. Now the youngsters care growing up. I'm glad Van and company are finally after the stillness! Keep the series coming. I do truly enjoy it!
Better and better! We've moved forward 20 years and the story just gets better. Now the youngsters care growing up. I'm glad Van and company are finally after the stillness! Keep the series coming. I do truly enjoy it!
June 2, 2025
Tudor and the next generation
The kids of Van, Torino and the rest of the crew start coming into their own. And the Stillness is due for a reckoning. Can't wait to read the ensuring action.
The kids of Van, Torino and the rest of the crew start coming into their own. And the Stillness is due for a reckoning. Can't wait to read the ensuring action.
June 3, 2025
Great read...
It's hard for me to believe that this is the book 27. I so enjoy all of the characters! And now with the 20 year jump, It's like you can start over getting to know a whole new generation.
It's hard for me to believe that this is the book 27. I so enjoy all of the characters! And now with the 20 year jump, It's like you can start over getting to know a whole new generation.
June 9, 2025
still got it
Keeps building on previous excellence— the kids are growing into their own. Exile is on board and the Stillness is in the cross hairs of their demise. Can not wait for the next book
Keeps building on previous excellence— the kids are growing into their own. Exile is on board and the Stillness is in the cross hairs of their demise. Can not wait for the next book
June 20, 2025
Wow, 27
There are not many series that can last half as long as this one. And, this one is good, to boot. This one is a heart rending story of the changing of generations, and as such is a bit sad in places. Still, a great book. On to the next one.
There are not many series that can last half as long as this one. And, this one is good, to boot. This one is a heart rending story of the changing of generations, and as such is a bit sad in places. Still, a great book. On to the next one.
June 30, 2025
I have loved this series from the first book but what made this series so good was the action sequences. They were outstanding and the best part of the novels. This book was just slow and quite boring.
September 1, 2025
Enjoying the series
I just wish the author would write faster. I felt like the series had used up all the story possible but the addition of the next generation opened a new path.
I just wish the author would write faster. I felt like the series had used up all the story possible but the addition of the next generation opened a new path.
September 10, 2025
And the story continues…
I don’t know how the writers continue to develop engaging storylines. This series is one of my favorite space operas with a little paramilitary and science thrown in.
I don’t know how the writers continue to develop engaging storylines. This series is one of my favorite space operas with a little paramilitary and science thrown in.
May 23, 2025
Great start to the new war
Straight thrill ride, peppered with the best humor. Couldn't ask for more, well you could but no one could do it.
Straight thrill ride, peppered with the best humor. Couldn't ask for more, well you could but no one could do it.
June 2, 2025
Great read
Enjoyed this book more about the kids and the coming conflict. Just can't wait for the next book. Looking forward to explaining the space whale life as we know it
Enjoyed this book more about the kids and the coming conflict. Just can't wait for the next book. Looking forward to explaining the space whale life as we know it
June 4, 2025
Read this
I enjoyed reading this episode and the growth of characters were evolving was done with my blessings as it kept me reading till the end!!!
I enjoyed reading this episode and the growth of characters were evolving was done with my blessings as it kept me reading till the end!!!
June 5, 2025
Future
Life continues and expands throughout the Tudor saga. The old enemy decides they have grown enough to take on old and new peacemakers.
Life continues and expands throughout the Tudor saga. The old enemy decides they have grown enough to take on old and new peacemakers.
June 12, 2025
Top Notch Science Fiction!
June 14, 2025
Just keep it going
I've always enjoyed this series And to keep it fresh and to keep it going hats off to you guys thank you and I'll keep reading you keep writing
I've always enjoyed this series And to keep it fresh and to keep it going hats off to you guys thank you and I'll keep reading you keep writing
June 18, 2025
wow!
All I can say is that this series is so awesome! Haven’t read anything like this in years!! Where is the next book??
All I can say is that this series is so awesome! Haven’t read anything like this in years!! Where is the next book??
Read
June 19, 2025Enjoyed this book but lost some of the plot between issues however soon caught up the storyline and await the next adventure
July 5, 2025
Really good!
It took a little time for me to get used to the new characters.
However it was really good. Definitely worth the read.
It took a little time for me to get used to the new characters.
However it was really good. Definitely worth the read.
July 10, 2025
Great read.
It has been fun seeing the kids grow in their rolls. nice twist with having a enemy turn helpfully yet not fully trusted.
It has been fun seeing the kids grow in their rolls. nice twist with having a enemy turn helpfully yet not fully trusted.
July 30, 2025
very good
I enjoyed reading this 27th book of The Backyard Starship. It was well thought out and kept my interest. Thanks
I enjoyed reading this 27th book of The Backyard Starship. It was well thought out and kept my interest. Thanks
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews