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1-800-STARSHIP #1
1-800-Starship
CALL NOW. BECOME A NOVA SLINGER TODAY.
Those are the words Mark Allen reads inside an old 80s comic book buried in the back of his uncle's retro 80s arcade.
Between playing Galaga and Pac-Man, he decides to pick up the phone and give it a call, only to discover that the number still works.
It doesn't take long before an old man shows up at his doorstep, dressed in strange clothes, driving a Delorean, and calling himself "The Recruiter". Mark thinks he's won a prize from some old contest… but the reality is far stranger.
The old man has come to take Mark to a faraway space station—to train him for an impossible fight against an enemy that threatens everything.
Because, as it turns out, the comic book is real. And so is the war.
Now, Mark enters a galaxy full of countless species and alien cultures, and each of them has somehow heard of Pretty in Pink, The Goonies, and Star Wars. When and how did Earth's culture find its way to the rest of the galaxy? And why did it all stop in the late 1980s?
Adventure is calling. Join the fight and save the universe today!
From the author of Backyard Starship comes a brand new adventure filled with aliens, arcades, and starships. Thrilling, insanely fun, and full of engrossing characters, 1-800-STARSHIP keeps its eyes on the future and its heart in the past.
Those are the words Mark Allen reads inside an old 80s comic book buried in the back of his uncle's retro 80s arcade.
Between playing Galaga and Pac-Man, he decides to pick up the phone and give it a call, only to discover that the number still works.
It doesn't take long before an old man shows up at his doorstep, dressed in strange clothes, driving a Delorean, and calling himself "The Recruiter". Mark thinks he's won a prize from some old contest… but the reality is far stranger.
The old man has come to take Mark to a faraway space station—to train him for an impossible fight against an enemy that threatens everything.
Because, as it turns out, the comic book is real. And so is the war.
Now, Mark enters a galaxy full of countless species and alien cultures, and each of them has somehow heard of Pretty in Pink, The Goonies, and Star Wars. When and how did Earth's culture find its way to the rest of the galaxy? And why did it all stop in the late 1980s?
Adventure is calling. Join the fight and save the universe today!
From the author of Backyard Starship comes a brand new adventure filled with aliens, arcades, and starships. Thrilling, insanely fun, and full of engrossing characters, 1-800-STARSHIP keeps its eyes on the future and its heart in the past.
480 pages, Hardcover
Published September 15, 2025
776 people are currently reading
1571 people want to read
About the author
J.N. Chaney
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
October 24, 2025
Best Left on the Shelf
I have been a fan of "The Last Star Fighter" ever since I first rented the movie from a video store in the late 1980s. This book and storyline seem to have been inspired by that tale, though it was not delivered with nearly as much skill as the original. This, sadly, was a surprise as Mr. Chaney usually writes a good storyline. The story premise was acceptable in the 1980s but does not translate well at all into the 21st century. There is almost no acknowledgment of any of today’s technology in this story and that lack is enough to make much of the rest of the book feel obsolete and archaic. I was disillusioned before the halfway point, and not really sure why I continued beyond that. Mark is an OK character, but I never did like Samuel or, for that matter, any of the rest of the loosely defined squad of pilots Mark was associated with.
The alien scourge, the Ascendancy, mostly defined as truly evil and best exterminated, were never well developed characters and the conflict was far too broad in scope for me to accept that the best approach was individual spaceship fighters. The technology used to support the fighters, the cassettes they rode in and the fluid used to keep them entombed in those cassettes also was too much of a stretch for me. By the halfway point most of this did not make sense and after that the rest of the book was mostly skimmed in an attempt to try and find some sort of balance or justification, and to just reach the end.
A few of the other reviews stated the story improved in the second half so I valiantly continued to read, hoping for better. Unfortunately, I never found it and finally quite when I realized I was no longer interested in who wins. This is not the writing which first attracted me to books by Mr. Chaney. I miss those earlier works.
I have been a fan of "The Last Star Fighter" ever since I first rented the movie from a video store in the late 1980s. This book and storyline seem to have been inspired by that tale, though it was not delivered with nearly as much skill as the original. This, sadly, was a surprise as Mr. Chaney usually writes a good storyline. The story premise was acceptable in the 1980s but does not translate well at all into the 21st century. There is almost no acknowledgment of any of today’s technology in this story and that lack is enough to make much of the rest of the book feel obsolete and archaic. I was disillusioned before the halfway point, and not really sure why I continued beyond that. Mark is an OK character, but I never did like Samuel or, for that matter, any of the rest of the loosely defined squad of pilots Mark was associated with.
The alien scourge, the Ascendancy, mostly defined as truly evil and best exterminated, were never well developed characters and the conflict was far too broad in scope for me to accept that the best approach was individual spaceship fighters. The technology used to support the fighters, the cassettes they rode in and the fluid used to keep them entombed in those cassettes also was too much of a stretch for me. By the halfway point most of this did not make sense and after that the rest of the book was mostly skimmed in an attempt to try and find some sort of balance or justification, and to just reach the end.
A few of the other reviews stated the story improved in the second half so I valiantly continued to read, hoping for better. Unfortunately, I never found it and finally quite when I realized I was no longer interested in who wins. This is not the writing which first attracted me to books by Mr. Chaney. I miss those earlier works.
November 10, 2025
And im hooked.
Here’s a polished version of your **book review** for *1-800-Starship* by J.N. Chaney — it keeps your personal voice and enthusiasm but smooths it into a clean review format:
---
### ⭐ Book Review: *1-800-Starship* by J.N. Chaney
J.N. Chaney has done it again — another winner! *1-800-Starship* is the first solo book I’ve read from him in a long time, and it reminded me exactly why I enjoy his writing so much. From the very beginning, I was hooked. The story pulled me in fast and kept me turning pages long after I should have stopped.
One of my favorite things about this book is how full it is of 1980s pop-culture references. From classic movies to video games , Chaney weaves nostalgia into every chapter without it ever feeling forced. Fans of *The Last Starfighter* will especially love this story — it feels like the spiritual successor to that movie, the kind of expanded universe we always wished we’d gotten.
The pacing, humor, and action are spot-on, and the story-building is both familiar and fresh. My only complaint? Now I have to wait for the next book. The gap between releases is going to be rough, because I’m already ready for more.
**Final Verdict:** A nostalgic, high-energy sci-fi adventure packed with heart, humor, and 80s flair. Highly recommended for any fan of *The Last Starfighter*, retro gaming, or just plain fun space stories.
Here’s a polished version of your **book review** for *1-800-Starship* by J.N. Chaney — it keeps your personal voice and enthusiasm but smooths it into a clean review format:
---
### ⭐ Book Review: *1-800-Starship* by J.N. Chaney
J.N. Chaney has done it again — another winner! *1-800-Starship* is the first solo book I’ve read from him in a long time, and it reminded me exactly why I enjoy his writing so much. From the very beginning, I was hooked. The story pulled me in fast and kept me turning pages long after I should have stopped.
One of my favorite things about this book is how full it is of 1980s pop-culture references. From classic movies to video games , Chaney weaves nostalgia into every chapter without it ever feeling forced. Fans of *The Last Starfighter* will especially love this story — it feels like the spiritual successor to that movie, the kind of expanded universe we always wished we’d gotten.
The pacing, humor, and action are spot-on, and the story-building is both familiar and fresh. My only complaint? Now I have to wait for the next book. The gap between releases is going to be rough, because I’m already ready for more.
**Final Verdict:** A nostalgic, high-energy sci-fi adventure packed with heart, humor, and 80s flair. Highly recommended for any fan of *The Last Starfighter*, retro gaming, or just plain fun space stories.
September 20, 2025
Amazing blend of past and future
A great blend of past and future, this really grabs you and doesn't let go. The world building was perfect, and the characters are ones you want to root for. highly recommend.
A great blend of past and future, this really grabs you and doesn't let go. The world building was perfect, and the characters are ones you want to root for. highly recommend.
September 19, 2025
Super read. I've been waiting for a book of this caliber that will continue into several more so I can read a fun novel that doesn't cuss and cuss it is a fun read
October 3, 2025
An excellent first story!
I cannot wait for the next chapter in this adventure for Mark and the rest of his pilots. I have really enjoyed the eighties throwbacks and the nostalgia of the old diner and the arcade machines. Many a coin was spent on them!
I cannot wait for the next chapter in this adventure for Mark and the rest of his pilots. I have really enjoyed the eighties throwbacks and the nostalgia of the old diner and the arcade machines. Many a coin was spent on them!
September 30, 2025
I think J.N.C. has done it again!
Good story line and good characters.
Really am looking forward to next book!
And next adventures.
Way to go Chaney!
Good story line and good characters.
Really am looking forward to next book!
And next adventures.
Way to go Chaney!
September 29, 2025
Phenomenal
JN Chaney did it again. Great book. Thought it would be a bit derivative of the Last Starfighter. Not at all. Can’t wait for book 2.
JN Chaney did it again. Great book. Thought it would be a bit derivative of the Last Starfighter. Not at all. Can’t wait for book 2.
September 27, 2025
Arcades rule
Okay first book is really cool, great start and really exciting. I can see a great future in this series some I'm excited to start he second book. Characters are so different from each other but sometimes that's what you need to make a good team.
Okay first book is really cool, great start and really exciting. I can see a great future in this series some I'm excited to start he second book. Characters are so different from each other but sometimes that's what you need to make a good team.
September 24, 2025
Great Read
Outstanding opening to a new series by Chaney! Marty McFly whisked away in a Delorean to become a STARFIGHTER! Can’t get better than that!
Outstanding opening to a new series by Chaney! Marty McFly whisked away in a Delorean to become a STARFIGHTER! Can’t get better than that!
September 21, 2025
Fun book book
Like the story line. New ideas on space travel. Always enjoy descriptions of aliens and how we interact with them.
Like the story line. New ideas on space travel. Always enjoy descriptions of aliens and how we interact with them.
September 17, 2025
amazing book! can't wait until book 2 is available!
November 2, 2025
I only read the first 2 % but it's a retelling of a favorite movie, "The Last Starfighter." I know the story and im not going to waste my time.
October 3, 2025
Take the plot of The Last Starfighter, add in a combination of the Death Star and Ringword, and attempt to tell the story with the tone and pop culture references of
Ready Player One
and you pretty much have 1-800-STARSHIP. This felt a bit more like fan fiction than a standalone novel. Kind of fun, kind of interesting, but a pale imitation of the source material.
October 4, 2025
all the positive reviews made me give it a chance, but damn. I was interested in its world, its larger conflict, even some of its characters, but the main character gave me no reason to care, because he has no reason to care. Mark is never given a motivation for getting involved in an intergalactic war and it holds the book's emotional weight back significantly. That, and its constant references to better material. Clearly the author wanted a certain vibe but didn't know how to get that across without just name-dropping all the media he likes. Will not be continuing the series
September 24, 2025
I don’t think I have ever read a book that borrows from so many other works with so many winks, nods, and knowing nudges. Take a little bit of Iron Eagle, a little bit of Maverick, some of Ready Player One, a dash of Star Wars, and two heaping scoops of The Last Starfighter, and you have the space opera stew that Chaney has cooked up. I did enjoy it, but I might have liked it better if I were a science fiction newbie. But maybe not.
October 5, 2025
Not remotely worth it...
Infantile and unreadable. Flying a camouflaged DeLorean through space to a recruiting center? Silly but not funny. I gave it back after 50 pages.
Infantile and unreadable. Flying a camouflaged DeLorean through space to a recruiting center? Silly but not funny. I gave it back after 50 pages.
November 12, 2025
SPOILER FREE REVIEW!
1-800-Starship is a fast, fun, and surprisingly smooth read that feels like it was built in a YA sci-fi lab, sprinkled with a few adult words to keep the older crowd from feeling left out. The plot is clear and easy to follow, the pacing is excellent, and it never drags for a single chapter. If you are a fan of The Last Starfighter, there is a decent chance this will scratch a similar itch. Then again, The Last Starfighter is a masterpiece, so depending on how high you hold that bar, this one might feel like the off-brand version you get when the real thing is out of stock.
Where 1-800-Starship shines is in its structure. You can tell it was outlined with care and planned from start to finish. The problem is that it sometimes feels outlined, like the characters are following a GPS route instead of making real decisions. Dialogue and character development lag behind the story’s otherwise confident pacing, and a few reactions made me tilt my head in confusion rather than excitement. It is one of those books where you can see the potential just beneath the surface, waiting for one more rewrite to bring it all together.
Still, I liked it. The story is light, fun, and cinematic, even if it leans more toward popcorn entertainment than deep character study. It may not have stuck the landing for me, but I get why J.N. Chaney has such a loyal fanbase. This might not be his best work, but it was good enough to make me curious about what else he has written. Sometimes a near miss is still a solid introduction.
VERDICT: A fast-moving, well-structured space adventure that reads like a YA love letter to The Last Starfighter. Not perfect, but enjoyable. If you want quick-paced escapism and do not mind shallow characters, this will do nicely. So while I gave it a three-star review, So while I gave it a three-star review, I hope I've adequately conveyed that it's a fun three-star read! It will not change your life, but not every book is supposed to.
READ IF: You are an escapist reader who loves a good time.
DON'T READ IF: You take yourself or your sci-fi too seriously.
Reviewed by Beau Selby, Carrots With Knives.
For more reviews: www.CarrotsWithKnives.com
1-800-Starship is a fast, fun, and surprisingly smooth read that feels like it was built in a YA sci-fi lab, sprinkled with a few adult words to keep the older crowd from feeling left out. The plot is clear and easy to follow, the pacing is excellent, and it never drags for a single chapter. If you are a fan of The Last Starfighter, there is a decent chance this will scratch a similar itch. Then again, The Last Starfighter is a masterpiece, so depending on how high you hold that bar, this one might feel like the off-brand version you get when the real thing is out of stock.
Where 1-800-Starship shines is in its structure. You can tell it was outlined with care and planned from start to finish. The problem is that it sometimes feels outlined, like the characters are following a GPS route instead of making real decisions. Dialogue and character development lag behind the story’s otherwise confident pacing, and a few reactions made me tilt my head in confusion rather than excitement. It is one of those books where you can see the potential just beneath the surface, waiting for one more rewrite to bring it all together.
Still, I liked it. The story is light, fun, and cinematic, even if it leans more toward popcorn entertainment than deep character study. It may not have stuck the landing for me, but I get why J.N. Chaney has such a loyal fanbase. This might not be his best work, but it was good enough to make me curious about what else he has written. Sometimes a near miss is still a solid introduction.
VERDICT: A fast-moving, well-structured space adventure that reads like a YA love letter to The Last Starfighter. Not perfect, but enjoyable. If you want quick-paced escapism and do not mind shallow characters, this will do nicely. So while I gave it a three-star review, So while I gave it a three-star review, I hope I've adequately conveyed that it's a fun three-star read! It will not change your life, but not every book is supposed to.
READ IF: You are an escapist reader who loves a good time.
DON'T READ IF: You take yourself or your sci-fi too seriously.
Reviewed by Beau Selby, Carrots With Knives.
For more reviews: www.CarrotsWithKnives.com
December 2, 2025
This is my first time to write post a review on Goodreads. After reading 1-800-STARSHIP I wanted to share my thoughts, but it was such a struggle to finish the book that I turned the review over to Chat GPT.
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I picked up 1-800-STARSHIP based on its “80s-nostalgia sci-fi” pitch (so many Kindle screensaver ads) and the high rating (4.39 on Goodreads at the time I started it) — but from the first page, it felt off. The writing was flat, the dialogue clunky, and nothing about the story’s voice or pacing pulled me in.
As the story went on, things didn’t improve — they got worse. The plot wasn’t just “inspired by” other books and movies; it often felt lifted from them, stitched together without adding anything new. The characters stayed shallow, the emotional beats rang hollow, and the advertised 80s theme ended up being little more than window dressing with no narrative purpose.
By the halfway point, I’d already dropped my personal rating to 2 stars. By the end, it felt closer to 1, but I’m settling on 2 stars only because I made myself finish it. That’s the sole reason this isn’t a 1-star review — I was too stubborn to just give up. For me, the experience was a steady slide from mild disappointment to full-on frustration, with nothing meaningful to redeem it. If you’re looking for genuine nostalgia, originality, or a cohesive story with depth or heart, you won’t find it here.
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I picked up 1-800-STARSHIP based on its “80s-nostalgia sci-fi” pitch (so many Kindle screensaver ads) and the high rating (4.39 on Goodreads at the time I started it) — but from the first page, it felt off. The writing was flat, the dialogue clunky, and nothing about the story’s voice or pacing pulled me in.
As the story went on, things didn’t improve — they got worse. The plot wasn’t just “inspired by” other books and movies; it often felt lifted from them, stitched together without adding anything new. The characters stayed shallow, the emotional beats rang hollow, and the advertised 80s theme ended up being little more than window dressing with no narrative purpose.
By the halfway point, I’d already dropped my personal rating to 2 stars. By the end, it felt closer to 1, but I’m settling on 2 stars only because I made myself finish it. That’s the sole reason this isn’t a 1-star review — I was too stubborn to just give up. For me, the experience was a steady slide from mild disappointment to full-on frustration, with nothing meaningful to redeem it. If you’re looking for genuine nostalgia, originality, or a cohesive story with depth or heart, you won’t find it here.
September 25, 2025
Another J.N. Chaney adventure
It’s been awhile since I last checked out J.N. Chaney. When I read Renegade Star I was hooked and loved every moment of it. Ever since then I was looking forward to his next adventure. Now I know he has other books with his name on it, but it also with someone else. That’s fine, but I was waiting for solo Chaney adventure, you know what I mean? Anyway, how’s the book?
I went in expecting tons of quips, jabs and overall a wild adventure. Now if you expected that, don’t, it’s not that. There’s jokes of course but this book is far more serious than Renegade Star. Though apart of me was looking for that style, I still wanted give this book a chance. And I’m glad I did. The characters are super interesting and fleshed out to max. Absolutely loved how everyone feels so different and most importantly alien.
I will admit, the bad guys, I didn’t feel their presence as much as I think book wanted me too. I understood there was a war but with a very little interactions with them the threat level didn’t feel as dire as is told. But, they did make for good target practice.
The story overall is great. Though it may not be similar to Renegade Star, in terms of tone and style, it was still great book that stands on its own. Looks forward to the new adventure with J.N. Chaney.
It’s been awhile since I last checked out J.N. Chaney. When I read Renegade Star I was hooked and loved every moment of it. Ever since then I was looking forward to his next adventure. Now I know he has other books with his name on it, but it also with someone else. That’s fine, but I was waiting for solo Chaney adventure, you know what I mean? Anyway, how’s the book?
I went in expecting tons of quips, jabs and overall a wild adventure. Now if you expected that, don’t, it’s not that. There’s jokes of course but this book is far more serious than Renegade Star. Though apart of me was looking for that style, I still wanted give this book a chance. And I’m glad I did. The characters are super interesting and fleshed out to max. Absolutely loved how everyone feels so different and most importantly alien.
I will admit, the bad guys, I didn’t feel their presence as much as I think book wanted me too. I understood there was a war but with a very little interactions with them the threat level didn’t feel as dire as is told. But, they did make for good target practice.
The story overall is great. Though it may not be similar to Renegade Star, in terms of tone and style, it was still great book that stands on its own. Looks forward to the new adventure with J.N. Chaney.
September 27, 2025
1-800 Starship is a fast-paced, space opera adventure, similar in vibe to Galaxy Quest & Ready Player One.
The story follows teen Mark Allen, who, while searching through 1980s comic books at his uncle’s retro arcade, comes across a strange message: “CALL NOW. BECOME A NOVA SLINGER TODAY.” Mark dials the phone number, and it still works. Soon after calling, an odd man shows up at his door claiming to be “The Recruiter” & informs Mark that the “Nova Slingers” are an actual organization & Mark is being recruited.
The writing is fresh & straightforward, allowing even readers who don’t typically read sci-fi to not only enjoy this book but to fully immerse themselves in it! And it’s perfect for those who prefer adventure and fun characters over hard science or deeply thematic stories. There’s a lot of ’80s pop culture (arcade games, movies, comics, etc.) that adds fun & originality to the world-building.
Mark is a strong protagonist who’s willing to take risks. The “call to adventure”and his role as reluctant hero are such a fun way for the story to begin. Once in space, he’s fascinated by alien species/cultures & delighted to learn that they somehow have knowledge of 1980s pop culture—movies like Pretty in Pink, The Goonies, & Star Wars! Mark shows immense courage in training for a seemingly impossible fight against an enemy who endangers everything.
The story is fast-moving with lots of action scenes & and feels very cinematic. Seasoned sci-fi readers will recognize familiar storyline hooks—the mentor guiding the hero, chosen one/fated destiny, alien civilizations. Some plot twists are predictable but are still well executed & fully entertaining.
Readers who enjoy fast-paced, light sci-fi adventures, great characters, & nostalgic pop-culture will love this book!
The story follows teen Mark Allen, who, while searching through 1980s comic books at his uncle’s retro arcade, comes across a strange message: “CALL NOW. BECOME A NOVA SLINGER TODAY.” Mark dials the phone number, and it still works. Soon after calling, an odd man shows up at his door claiming to be “The Recruiter” & informs Mark that the “Nova Slingers” are an actual organization & Mark is being recruited.
The writing is fresh & straightforward, allowing even readers who don’t typically read sci-fi to not only enjoy this book but to fully immerse themselves in it! And it’s perfect for those who prefer adventure and fun characters over hard science or deeply thematic stories. There’s a lot of ’80s pop culture (arcade games, movies, comics, etc.) that adds fun & originality to the world-building.
Mark is a strong protagonist who’s willing to take risks. The “call to adventure”and his role as reluctant hero are such a fun way for the story to begin. Once in space, he’s fascinated by alien species/cultures & delighted to learn that they somehow have knowledge of 1980s pop culture—movies like Pretty in Pink, The Goonies, & Star Wars! Mark shows immense courage in training for a seemingly impossible fight against an enemy who endangers everything.
The story is fast-moving with lots of action scenes & and feels very cinematic. Seasoned sci-fi readers will recognize familiar storyline hooks—the mentor guiding the hero, chosen one/fated destiny, alien civilizations. Some plot twists are predictable but are still well executed & fully entertaining.
Readers who enjoy fast-paced, light sci-fi adventures, great characters, & nostalgic pop-culture will love this book!
October 4, 2025
1-800-starship is a story of a war the earth doesn't even know it's fighting. The main character manages to get recruited to help fight the war, and finds out that earth isn't new to the fight, only nobody currently on earth knows that. It's a decent enough story, and I'm likely to read the next book in the series, because it's still interesting enough to be interesting.
If you've read Armada then you have a pretty good idea what this book is about. This one is different, but it's close enough, if you enjoyed Armada, it's likely you'll enjoy this book as well.
If you've read Armada then you have a pretty good idea what this book is about. This one is different, but it's close enough, if you enjoyed Armada, it's likely you'll enjoy this book as well.
October 12, 2025
I won this book as a free giveaway from Goodreads, 1st time! I figured I needed to read it soon. Thanx for choosing me Goodreads! I am a fan of the works of J.N. Chaney. It took me a sec but I LOVED his Sol Arbiter series, so I was excited about this new series. Overall it was not good or bad. It pushed very hard into the plot of The Last Starfighter and Armada, which was not a totally bad thing I just think Chaney is more creative that that. The plot was solid, the characters were likeable, if forgettable, and the book was an easy read. My issue was with the action.
In his Sol Arbiter series, Chaney gives great detail about close quarters, John Wick-eques, combat. I mean, it was super visceral. I loved it! The space ship action of 1-800-Starship left a lot to b desired. It was almost non-existent to unremarkable. I might give book #2 a try.
In his Sol Arbiter series, Chaney gives great detail about close quarters, John Wick-eques, combat. I mean, it was super visceral. I loved it! The space ship action of 1-800-Starship left a lot to b desired. It was almost non-existent to unremarkable. I might give book #2 a try.
October 27, 2025
Sweet Escapism but Odd Style
Have you ever read a book and guessed what kind of a person was writing it based on cultural references mentioned?
The story is fixated on 80’s nostalgia and even the narration has exclamations and idiomatic phrases of someone who would have lived that decade, and the ones surrounding it, as an adult, even though the main character is supposed to be an 18 year old in 2025. That incongruity made me think maybe someone born in the 50’s or at least 60’s wrote the novel.
Nope, J.N.Chaney was born in 1989. So why does he sound so much like a copy of the previous generation? Maybe I’m just nitpicking, but it feels like there’s a much older ghostwriter that hasn’t been credited.
Still a nice story, with endearing innards and an exciting punch of interstellar action that reads fast. I’d recommend it to any soft sci-fi enthusiast.
Have you ever read a book and guessed what kind of a person was writing it based on cultural references mentioned?
The story is fixated on 80’s nostalgia and even the narration has exclamations and idiomatic phrases of someone who would have lived that decade, and the ones surrounding it, as an adult, even though the main character is supposed to be an 18 year old in 2025. That incongruity made me think maybe someone born in the 50’s or at least 60’s wrote the novel.
Nope, J.N.Chaney was born in 1989. So why does he sound so much like a copy of the previous generation? Maybe I’m just nitpicking, but it feels like there’s a much older ghostwriter that hasn’t been credited.
Still a nice story, with endearing innards and an exciting punch of interstellar action that reads fast. I’d recommend it to any soft sci-fi enthusiast.
September 23, 2025
Really more like 4.5 stars - this was excellent. Drawing the parallel to The Last Starfighter is apt, although it's really only the start of the story that is the same. The rest goes a totally different direction in my opinion. I loved the cast of characters. The plot moved along but not too fast, and the main character didn't really rise as a leader too fast for me. It did skirt the edge of that, but in the end it was fine.
Tom Taylorson's narration was, of course, as spectacular as ever. I'm looking forward to the next one in this series.
Tom Taylorson's narration was, of course, as spectacular as ever. I'm looking forward to the next one in this series.
November 14, 2025
Fun read. A comic book leads Mark Allen to accidentally join a space adventure. His development of relationships with his squad-mates, plus his need to learn how to pilot his space fighter in a very short amount of time, provided some of the most interesting parts of the book. The space battles were very good, but surprisingly were not as dominant a focus of this novel as one might find in other space sci-fi books. Enough to be exciting, but not so much that they become repetitive which can happen in other books. I look forward to reading Book 2 in the series.
September 29, 2025
Mark Allen is a teenager with no direction, goals or ambition who lets life drag him across the universe and allows the characters dragging him to do so with no explanation. I found it difficult to like or empathize with his protagonist. This series is definitely not another Renegade Star series, which I would recommend. I would also recommend the Backyard Starship Series, but 1-800-Starship, not so much. Close, but no cigar.
September 25, 2025
Great new series
The first book in a series always has a lot of what I call setup. This book does that better than most. I love the characters and want to know them better. They live in an interesting universe with interesting technology and people. I can see this becoming a favorite.
The first book in a series always has a lot of what I call setup. This book does that better than most. I love the characters and want to know them better. They live in an interesting universe with interesting technology and people. I can see this becoming a favorite.
September 25, 2025
It grows on you
After you get over the blatant “lifting” of initial plot and certain names from a classic sci-fi movie, the story grows on you. About halfway through, the characters become individuals and the action is worth reading. Not the best Chaney. But maybe his other books benefited from their co-authors’ imaginations.
After you get over the blatant “lifting” of initial plot and certain names from a classic sci-fi movie, the story grows on you. About halfway through, the characters become individuals and the action is worth reading. Not the best Chaney. But maybe his other books benefited from their co-authors’ imaginations.
September 26, 2025
nostalgic read
This book reminds me of the last star fighter. Probably the video games, whisking the hero away and fighting the enemy. I enjoyed the banter and the story line. A few battle scenes irked me like why land all the fighters to fight on the ground? It’s a good read nonetheless. Looking forward to book 2.
This book reminds me of the last star fighter. Probably the video games, whisking the hero away and fighting the enemy. I enjoyed the banter and the story line. A few battle scenes irked me like why land all the fighters to fight on the ground? It’s a good read nonetheless. Looking forward to book 2.
October 6, 2025
Up until the last chapter it was really good
Spoiler alert. Our hero and his group of rookie pilots faces off against the enemy facing 4,000 to 1 odds. I kid you not. Up until then the book was a good read. Our innocent hero learns the ropes, is good at it and succeeds in helping to win the war. I love that kind of story.
Spoiler alert. Our hero and his group of rookie pilots faces off against the enemy facing 4,000 to 1 odds. I kid you not. Up until then the book was a good read. Our innocent hero learns the ropes, is good at it and succeeds in helping to win the war. I love that kind of story.
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