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Backyard Starship #28
A Rumor of War
Everything old. . . is new again.
With the Stillness and their Wulgor allies growing in power, Van and the Fist of Orion reach a crossroads of epic proportions. Who will lead the charge for justice—will it be Van and his trusted friends, or will the former GKU demand a seat at the table in a universe where nothing is ever settled, and old grudges don't die—they just linger?
But old problems require new solutions, and Van sees the need for soldiers as an opportunity. From the growing ranks of the Shrikes, elite young leaders emerge, ready to answer the call when the Fist of Orion decides that sometimes, the best defense is a good offense.
Teamed with the AnaDarko crew, the newest Peacemakers will begin using science as a tool—taking the fight to the Stillness wherever they are. But that means risk, and risk means conflict, and there's nothing messier than a family brawl when it comes to purging the stars of an ancient evil.
Join Van and his crew as he learns that leading is harder than it looks, and sometimes, being true to yourself is the toughest fight of them all.
With the Stillness and their Wulgor allies growing in power, Van and the Fist of Orion reach a crossroads of epic proportions. Who will lead the charge for justice—will it be Van and his trusted friends, or will the former GKU demand a seat at the table in a universe where nothing is ever settled, and old grudges don't die—they just linger?
But old problems require new solutions, and Van sees the need for soldiers as an opportunity. From the growing ranks of the Shrikes, elite young leaders emerge, ready to answer the call when the Fist of Orion decides that sometimes, the best defense is a good offense.
Teamed with the AnaDarko crew, the newest Peacemakers will begin using science as a tool—taking the fight to the Stillness wherever they are. But that means risk, and risk means conflict, and there's nothing messier than a family brawl when it comes to purging the stars of an ancient evil.
Join Van and his crew as he learns that leading is harder than it looks, and sometimes, being true to yourself is the toughest fight of them all.
- GenresScience Fiction
416 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 13, 2025
1032 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
About the author
J.N. Chaney
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
January 31, 2026
Van Tudor and company are established characters at this point with no real difference in their personalities but their children, found family, and organization of Galactic Knights/Peacekeepers/Fists of Orion are all fantastic. If you've read this far, you're not going to see anything new but it has perfected the formula.
July 27, 2025
Someone is trying to undermine the Guild...
Van, the Nexus and the Guild are constantly on alert as attacks are made on Earth (as well as elsewhere) in subtle ways to undermine their protection. Drone attacks and evidence of compromised communications lead to new technology as they attempt to uncover who are behind this. Clues suggest the Stillness are at least partly involved and as previously some attacks are personal as the enemy goes after family members...
In this tale there is suspense, intrigue, mystery, technological advances, lobotomized Created Persons, fire fights, and much more as they attempt to discern who is against them and take the fight to them rather than just react to their attacks.
A compelling and entertaining read that leaves you wanting to know what happens next....
Van, the Nexus and the Guild are constantly on alert as attacks are made on Earth (as well as elsewhere) in subtle ways to undermine their protection. Drone attacks and evidence of compromised communications lead to new technology as they attempt to uncover who are behind this. Clues suggest the Stillness are at least partly involved and as previously some attacks are personal as the enemy goes after family members...
In this tale there is suspense, intrigue, mystery, technological advances, lobotomized Created Persons, fire fights, and much more as they attempt to discern who is against them and take the fight to them rather than just react to their attacks.
A compelling and entertaining read that leaves you wanting to know what happens next....
July 18, 2025
really good story
First, I never give 5 stars because there is always room for improvement. This book is a testament to that theory. It is among the top 5 of the series. Action, romance, intrigue, love, betrayal, more action. Stupid people being outsmarted, always a plus for me. Van &Torina are a tad older with grown offspring along with Icky and Funboy. I am really looking forward to what lies ahead. The first 17 books I have read 3 times. The rest before this one twice. I would love to see a series, if it remains true to the book and doesn’t go woke Or DEI.
First, I never give 5 stars because there is always room for improvement. This book is a testament to that theory. It is among the top 5 of the series. Action, romance, intrigue, love, betrayal, more action. Stupid people being outsmarted, always a plus for me. Van &Torina are a tad older with grown offspring along with Icky and Funboy. I am really looking forward to what lies ahead. The first 17 books I have read 3 times. The rest before this one twice. I would love to see a series, if it remains true to the book and doesn’t go woke Or DEI.
August 22, 2025
Loved! couple things bugged me
Still love this series and the characters!
‼️‼️Spoiler alert. Do not read farther: ‼️
So two things: 1) Exhile promised he would help to locate Budge’s lost data pad, the one taken by the bad guys, but he never followed through with that
2)Exhile helps them with the overwhelming attack by over 20 drones. He does so with a virus . Why didn’t Van, Perry, Exhile, or any of the crew think about grabbing those non-functionig hulks to examine for R & D? . Just seems very sloppy and not like any of them, especially Netty-P. Just a couple thoughts
Still love this series and the characters!
‼️‼️Spoiler alert. Do not read farther: ‼️
So two things: 1) Exhile promised he would help to locate Budge’s lost data pad, the one taken by the bad guys, but he never followed through with that
2)Exhile helps them with the overwhelming attack by over 20 drones. He does so with a virus . Why didn’t Van, Perry, Exhile, or any of the crew think about grabbing those non-functionig hulks to examine for R & D? . Just seems very sloppy and not like any of them, especially Netty-P. Just a couple thoughts
December 9, 2025
The worst of the series so far
Most of these books are quick reads that follow the same formula: bad thing happens, lots of fetch quests in the middle to bulk up the word count, then a conflict the end were some questions are answered.
In this case not only was the final combat underwhelming the book hardly pushed an of the main narrative points ahead. This book made almost zero progress despite the characters stating they were going to be proactive they hardly dis anything proactive and continued to let themselves get played by the bad guys.
Very disappointing.
Most of these books are quick reads that follow the same formula: bad thing happens, lots of fetch quests in the middle to bulk up the word count, then a conflict the end were some questions are answered.
In this case not only was the final combat underwhelming the book hardly pushed an of the main narrative points ahead. This book made almost zero progress despite the characters stating they were going to be proactive they hardly dis anything proactive and continued to let themselves get played by the bad guys.
Very disappointing.
July 20, 2025
When Rumors of War Become Real Conflict
Van Tudor and his Team are dedicated to making and keeping the Peace of the Universe controlled to protect Earth as much as possible from the greed and evil schemes of the governments, military, corporations, organizations, and societies operating throughout the Space around them while trying to stay alive and happy with their extended friends and family activities.
Van Tudor and his Team are dedicated to making and keeping the Peace of the Universe controlled to protect Earth as much as possible from the greed and evil schemes of the governments, military, corporations, organizations, and societies operating throughout the Space around them while trying to stay alive and happy with their extended friends and family activities.
August 4, 2025
Excellent Addition to the Backyard Starship Saga
Excellent Addition to the Backyard Starship Saga. This book has everything that makes you love the rest of the books. Van finds that they are being attacked on all sides and he is tempted to go to the dark side to get answers and to send a message. Does Van and the rest of his crew go down the rabbit whole of evil for revenge or do they do the right thing. It is a struggle.
Excellent Addition to the Backyard Starship Saga. This book has everything that makes you love the rest of the books. Van finds that they are being attacked on all sides and he is tempted to go to the dark side to get answers and to send a message. Does Van and the rest of his crew go down the rabbit whole of evil for revenge or do they do the right thing. It is a struggle.
August 13, 2025
Another good story
Book 28 already?! I am happy that Van and family are continuing their adventures, but the bad guys really need to be dealt with, once and for all.
The Deep needs exploration by Abel and Budge. Outer Regions by Kisni and her team. We need space archeology! We need to explore Exile's origins. Matterforge's universe spanning history. Or at least Matterforge fortune cookies!
Book 28 already?! I am happy that Van and family are continuing their adventures, but the bad guys really need to be dealt with, once and for all.
The Deep needs exploration by Abel and Budge. Outer Regions by Kisni and her team. We need space archeology! We need to explore Exile's origins. Matterforge's universe spanning history. Or at least Matterforge fortune cookies!
July 17, 2025
Excellent storytelling....
I myself, was glad to see the focus back on the original Fafnir crew. Nothing against the kids and their endeavors, but I would prefer them to have their own series of adventures. The space battles and strategies have always been my favorite parts of the BYSS books.....looking forward to the next one.
I myself, was glad to see the focus back on the original Fafnir crew. Nothing against the kids and their endeavors, but I would prefer them to have their own series of adventures. The space battles and strategies have always been my favorite parts of the BYSS books.....looking forward to the next one.
July 21, 2025
Good Read...
...except, guys, I'm from Delaware. Anyway, this story seemed to be more about not crossing the line between justice and vigilantism where the kids were concerned, with enough "other cool stuff" to make Van's days and nights interesting.
Keep it coming, guys. Except the Delaware jokes. We ain't laughing.
...except, guys, I'm from Delaware. Anyway, this story seemed to be more about not crossing the line between justice and vigilantism where the kids were concerned, with enough "other cool stuff" to make Van's days and nights interesting.
Keep it coming, guys. Except the Delaware jokes. We ain't laughing.
July 25, 2025
so looking forward
The next book is 29 my lucky number, so I am hoping that finally the Stillness will ge an almighty kick up the bumm and maybe out of the galaxies known to The Guild, all of them. Then made bankrupt an£ all their funds tabs or whatever spent on good projects. But I guess that is unlikely but I can wish…..
The next book is 29 my lucky number, so I am hoping that finally the Stillness will ge an almighty kick up the bumm and maybe out of the galaxies known to The Guild, all of them. Then made bankrupt an£ all their funds tabs or whatever spent on good projects. But I guess that is unlikely but I can wish…..
July 31, 2025
Sublime story telling
I have continued to read and enjoy this series, always eager to read the next.
One of my favourite stories, full of characters you now feel you know.
Excellent, just don't get how so many good stories are completed so quickly! That's talented story writers right there!
Thank you for entertaining me for so many years!
I have continued to read and enjoy this series, always eager to read the next.
One of my favourite stories, full of characters you now feel you know.
Excellent, just don't get how so many good stories are completed so quickly! That's talented story writers right there!
Thank you for entertaining me for so many years!
August 7, 2025
Really enjoyed the controlled chaos
While it seems like things should have died down and been on easy street things are just heating up. The bad guys are back with a vengeance Multiple Crew has to fight off multiple attacks from apparently different people All the while protecting the lives of their loved ones. Definitely a good read
While it seems like things should have died down and been on easy street things are just heating up. The bad guys are back with a vengeance Multiple Crew has to fight off multiple attacks from apparently different people All the while protecting the lives of their loved ones. Definitely a good read
August 12, 2025
I'm still loving this series
This is by far my favourite series. It's hard to believe that I've just finished Book 28. One of the things I enjoy besides the story lines and worlds building is the character development and aging of all main characters. It is brilliant. Now I'm hanging out for Book 29.
This is by far my favourite series. It's hard to believe that I've just finished Book 28. One of the things I enjoy besides the story lines and worlds building is the character development and aging of all main characters. It is brilliant. Now I'm hanging out for Book 29.
August 24, 2025
Unbelievable
How in the world can the authors keep a good story line going for 28 volumes, with another coming up shortly? I had my doubts when I picked up the first book, but have been pleased at the end of every book since. A well strung together tale that I look forward to continuing.
How in the world can the authors keep a good story line going for 28 volumes, with another coming up shortly? I had my doubts when I picked up the first book, but have been pleased at the end of every book since. A well strung together tale that I look forward to continuing.
November 8, 2025
There are always interesting and thought provoking ideas in these stories relevant to Earth & space.
The characters are well-known and well loved friends and aquaintances after many exciting and thrilling adventures together. It never quits amazing me how authentic and believable all these stories are.
The characters are well-known and well loved friends and aquaintances after many exciting and thrilling adventures together. It never quits amazing me how authentic and believable all these stories are.
January 19, 2026
Great book. Somebody may be from earth is trying to sabotage van and everybody. Found myself laughing really hard when people were trying to break into the spaceship and they couldn’t land alongside of it so they put the external speakers on and gave them the brown noise and made everybody kind of disperse. 🤓
April 10, 2026
Reviewed by Beth
I have basically read this series back to back.
Each story/book pulls you into the story. I can see the plot, story play out in my mind. The characters are WOW. They are funny heart warming, and fierce.
I honestly think this series would make a great movie or TV show.
I hope you enjoyed this series as I have.
I have basically read this series back to back.
Each story/book pulls you into the story. I can see the plot, story play out in my mind. The characters are WOW. They are funny heart warming, and fierce.
I honestly think this series would make a great movie or TV show.
I hope you enjoyed this series as I have.
July 14, 2025
Four star - Not as tightly written
I gave it a 4-star because I felt that there were too many strains in this novel and some ( like who might infiltrate Nexus, the outcome of the interrogation of a Shadow captive etc) made it a bit unsatisfactory
I gave it a 4-star because I felt that there were too many strains in this novel and some ( like who might infiltrate Nexus, the outcome of the interrogation of a Shadow captive etc) made it a bit unsatisfactory
July 18, 2025
no doubt this massive series Backyard Ship is my most enjoyable reading from the very first book installment
Thank you J.N and Terry!
please keep the story going !
And thank you for all the spinoffs, reading enjoyment at it best…..
Thank you J.N and Terry!
please keep the story going !
And thank you for all the spinoffs, reading enjoyment at it best…..
July 21, 2025
Ok, I’m disappointed. The first half at least of the book is pointless blather about “the family”. It’s just filler. Then it gets into some of the usual action I’m used to, and then stops! A bit like clickbait.
I gave it three stars, but that was me being generous.
I gave it three stars, but that was me being generous.
July 25, 2025
Great Read
I was surprised and very satisfied with the strength of the story and characters. The continuation of the story line was thoroughly enjoyed by how it has grown into this time around their family.
I was surprised and very satisfied with the strength of the story and characters. The continuation of the story line was thoroughly enjoyed by how it has grown into this time around their family.
July 28, 2025
Great read....
I always enjoyed catching up with Van and the gang. Each and every one of the new installments of the backyard starship is always welcome in my Reading Library. I enjoy every one of the Characters.
I always enjoyed catching up with Van and the gang. Each and every one of the new installments of the backyard starship is always welcome in my Reading Library. I enjoy every one of the Characters.
August 9, 2025
Superb as always
Even as they age the crew never fails. Van's incredible ability to sense the wind blowing danger is still running strong. He and his crew and friends and family are an unbeatable team. Awesome.
Even as they age the crew never fails. Van's incredible ability to sense the wind blowing danger is still running strong. He and his crew and friends and family are an unbeatable team. Awesome.
August 12, 2025
Everlasting
This series is so good! Gentlemen, I hope you never stop writing. Your stories and wit and humor are very addictive! The backyard starship series is something I share with anyone who says they like to read. It has become my all time favorite series!
This series is so good! Gentlemen, I hope you never stop writing. Your stories and wit and humor are very addictive! The backyard starship series is something I share with anyone who says they like to read. It has become my all time favorite series!
August 16, 2025
A Rumor Of War
Very good read on all 28 books. It keep you glued to the books. The humor is good too. I am 77 years old and avid science fiction reader. Unless you around my age group, most readers will not get the off hand remarks.
Very good read on all 28 books. It keep you glued to the books. The humor is good too. I am 77 years old and avid science fiction reader. Unless you around my age group, most readers will not get the off hand remarks.
January 7, 2026
The war comes to close to home
Well the war has come to earth, and the stillness is not just happy with that. They are still going after Van and Torina's kids. Put the rest of the crews children in the mix, and you have to except them to come a hunting.
Well the war has come to earth, and the stillness is not just happy with that. They are still going after Van and Torina's kids. Put the rest of the crews children in the mix, and you have to except them to come a hunting.
July 16, 2025
One of my favorite series. Glad to see this continue.
July 26, 2025
And, so it goes...
Waited a while for the story to continue, and it was worth it! Keep the story alive... the sooner, the better...
Waited a while for the story to continue, and it was worth it! Keep the story alive... the sooner, the better...
Read
July 30, 2025Good story and easy reading.
Good story and easy reading.looking to be the next one. All if this story has been fun to read, thanks.
Good story and easy reading.looking to be the next one. All if this story has been fun to read, thanks.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews