What do you think?
Rate this book
Backyard Starship #30
Birds of Prey
High in earth orbit, the Fist of Orion has been busy.
With new Shrike attack craft, Van decides it's time to go on the offensive. Despite bringing peace to many of the stars, the war has turned—and come home, bringing with it a new kind fight that Van knows all to well.
Politics.
With that brawl comes money, and with money, the fight gets serious. Retta's network reveals a threat rising in Europe, as various nations struggle to break free of earth, make bonds among the stars, and find new and exciting ways to turn the planet into something to be packaged and sold.
For a profit, of course.
Earth isn't the only world in danger, and a mystery in deepest space brings a strange connection to Perry's past—one that will unlock a second front on Van's war, all while opening the crew up to danger rooted in the halls of Anvil Dark.
Anvil Dark, and the GKU aren't allies, not really, and Van is faced with old enemies and new recruits in a dirty fight for control of something that should belong to everyone—the law. Using technocrats, criminals, and opportunists, Van's enemies have bought their way into an alliance that will push the Fafnir and her crew into a battle for the ultimate control of earth's future—
—And the defense of earth will be waged as Van keeps one eye on deepest space, where an ancient enemy has awakened, eager for vengeance. Eager for the end of all life.
And eager to end the Tudor line, once and for all.
With new Shrike attack craft, Van decides it's time to go on the offensive. Despite bringing peace to many of the stars, the war has turned—and come home, bringing with it a new kind fight that Van knows all to well.
Politics.
With that brawl comes money, and with money, the fight gets serious. Retta's network reveals a threat rising in Europe, as various nations struggle to break free of earth, make bonds among the stars, and find new and exciting ways to turn the planet into something to be packaged and sold.
For a profit, of course.
Earth isn't the only world in danger, and a mystery in deepest space brings a strange connection to Perry's past—one that will unlock a second front on Van's war, all while opening the crew up to danger rooted in the halls of Anvil Dark.
Anvil Dark, and the GKU aren't allies, not really, and Van is faced with old enemies and new recruits in a dirty fight for control of something that should belong to everyone—the law. Using technocrats, criminals, and opportunists, Van's enemies have bought their way into an alliance that will push the Fafnir and her crew into a battle for the ultimate control of earth's future—
—And the defense of earth will be waged as Van keeps one eye on deepest space, where an ancient enemy has awakened, eager for vengeance. Eager for the end of all life.
And eager to end the Tudor line, once and for all.
- GenresScience Fiction
404 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 23, 2025
About the author
J.N. Chaney
510 books9,701 followersIf you want to stay up to date on my releases, concept art, or speak to me directly - you should join my Facebook fan group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/67862...
We have discussions on everything from books, movies, shows, and all things scifi. Come join the conversation.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/67862...
We have discussions on everything from books, movies, shows, and all things scifi. Come join the conversation.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 30, 2026
Another great book the 30th book was just as good as the first book. flying from one side of the universe to the other. Was glad to see they finally got to kick some stillness ass. Going to be hard to wait till March for the next book to come out. I will be waiting.🤓
November 30, 2025
The fight of the Stillness continues...
As usual Van is spinning multiple plates, but the Stillness are the top priority. He is such a thorn in their side that another bounty is placed leading to numerous attempts to cash in! Rumors of a meet lead to some desperate planning and unrest in the Six Leagues continues as a faction attempts to secede and Van and his side are sidestepped as the GKU step in!
The usual blend of suspense, intrigue, humour, reveals and surprises lead to a fun tale in this continuing saga.
As usual Van is spinning multiple plates, but the Stillness are the top priority. He is such a thorn in their side that another bounty is placed leading to numerous attempts to cash in! Rumors of a meet lead to some desperate planning and unrest in the Six Leagues continues as a faction attempts to secede and Van and his side are sidestepped as the GKU step in!
The usual blend of suspense, intrigue, humour, reveals and surprises lead to a fun tale in this continuing saga.
December 7, 2025
Great way to end a menace
This was a fun read And I enjoyed the coming together of all these forces. I am a little worried about how much damage the Fafnir keeps taking But I am happy the crewi has stayed together and the shrikes are working out well. I'm a little worried about the GKU and it's underlying motives But it was nice to see them come together to put the smack down on the stillness.
This was a fun read And I enjoyed the coming together of all these forces. I am a little worried about how much damage the Fafnir keeps taking But I am happy the crewi has stayed together and the shrikes are working out well. I'm a little worried about the GKU and it's underlying motives But it was nice to see them come together to put the smack down on the stillness.
December 7, 2025
This reader always enjoys these creative stories that are fun and mind expanding.
If any series of books could make a reader long for Earth to forge new frontiers in space, it would be this one. The characters and stories are interesting and engaging and as outlandish as they are, everything is totally believable.
If any series of books could make a reader long for Earth to forge new frontiers in space, it would be this one. The characters and stories are interesting and engaging and as outlandish as they are, everything is totally believable.
November 26, 2025
Series just gets better
This may be my favorite series ever. I set another book aside when this one came out. That was a good call. I love the characters and they keep developing in interesting ways. This book had a lot of suspense and a surprise ending.
This may be my favorite series ever. I set another book aside when this one came out. That was a good call. I love the characters and they keep developing in interesting ways. This book had a lot of suspense and a surprise ending.
December 13, 2025
Crazy good!
Kept me on the edge to the end! Glad to see my favorite bird survive. This series has kept me entertained for a while now, I recommend it to everyone who likes stories of space and earth adventures!
Kept me on the edge to the end! Glad to see my favorite bird survive. This series has kept me entertained for a while now, I recommend it to everyone who likes stories of space and earth adventures!
December 13, 2025
pretty good.
A tad draggy in parts, but overall a good suspense novel ending with a classic battle. Even knowing that Van would survive ( he is the reason for the series). Did not retract from the story. Trying to figure out how and being wrong 79% was good.
A tad draggy in parts, but overall a good suspense novel ending with a classic battle. Even knowing that Van would survive ( he is the reason for the series). Did not retract from the story. Trying to figure out how and being wrong 79% was good.
December 29, 2025
Another great one!
This is one of the Best Series I just happened to come across, if your a SC-Fi, Treckie, Star wars nut this one for you. The authors are great people who interact with their readers!
This is one of the Best Series I just happened to come across, if your a SC-Fi, Treckie, Star wars nut this one for you. The authors are great people who interact with their readers!
December 29, 2025
Superlative as always.
Just when you think all bets are off and our heroes can't slip past disaster one more time, they rise from the ashes like a phoenix. How can they keep beating the odds until the last minute? Good writing and fabulous characters!
Just when you think all bets are off and our heroes can't slip past disaster one more time, they rise from the ashes like a phoenix. How can they keep beating the odds until the last minute? Good writing and fabulous characters!
January 2, 2026
A good plotline end
A comprehensive narrative that concludes one narrative arc while simultaneously introducing a new storyline. I'd keep reading because the void can be a surprising place.
A comprehensive narrative that concludes one narrative arc while simultaneously introducing a new storyline. I'd keep reading because the void can be a surprising place.
January 18, 2026
This is easily one of the best science fiction series written. Great characters and storytelling! If you are intimidated by the 30 books (so far) series, don’t be. Read all of them and enjoy the ride. Also, Scarlet Chrome Delight? Very funny
February 3, 2026
Loved the side nods to old sci-fi movies
Okay, so I'm into science fiction, and have been for 6 decades, or so.
Loved the nods to Asimov and Clarke, as well as Ballroom Blitz and Thunderstruck, not to mention the HAL 9000.
Hilarious to us old guys.
Okay, so I'm into science fiction, and have been for 6 decades, or so.
Loved the nods to Asimov and Clarke, as well as Ballroom Blitz and Thunderstruck, not to mention the HAL 9000.
Hilarious to us old guys.
March 10, 2026
Excellent
I just don't see how the authors can keep this up for 30 plus volumes. They are really good, exciting, and engaging books. The development over so many volumes would drop into the pits for lesser writers. I really like this series.
I just don't see how the authors can keep this up for 30 plus volumes. They are really good, exciting, and engaging books. The development over so many volumes would drop into the pits for lesser writers. I really like this series.
March 22, 2026
The big battle
So the stillness is the main and only target for Van and his crew. But things are not going to be easy. Tonina and Perry are both at the front, with Van having to make some major decisions. Fully recommend this series.
So the stillness is the main and only target for Van and his crew. But things are not going to be easy. Tonina and Perry are both at the front, with Van having to make some major decisions. Fully recommend this series.
November 25, 2025
Closer to the conclusion...
Of this book series by proposing and answering the big secret question...who is stealing stars?
More answers.to come in the next few books.
Of this book series by proposing and answering the big secret question...who is stealing stars?
More answers.to come in the next few books.
November 27, 2025
Keep going
Another great story and now the real danger is near. I look forward to the next step into the true danger.
Another great story and now the real danger is near. I look forward to the next step into the true danger.
November 27, 2025
Great series with unique characters who continue to be engaging. I really look forward to reading the next book and enjoying the evolution of this storyline….
December 8, 2025
Birds of Prey
The whole series so far had been really good. Will be reading #31. I don't binge read a series, but this is hard to let go.
The whole series so far had been really good. Will be reading #31. I don't binge read a series, but this is hard to let go.
December 8, 2025
Still Got It
I have thoroughly enjoyed every book in this series. Good humor, believable science. My only complaint is that I finish them so quickly
I have thoroughly enjoyed every book in this series. Good humor, believable science. My only complaint is that I finish them so quickly
December 10, 2025
wow!!!
I absolutely could not stop reading this book to the end! It just gets better and better and I cannot wait to read the next installment!
I absolutely could not stop reading this book to the end! It just gets better and better and I cannot wait to read the next installment!
December 13, 2025
Top Notch Science Fiction!
December 14, 2025
Great!!
Really great book. New mysteries, adventures and fun had by all.
Definitely worth the time and read.
Don't miss it
Really great book. New mysteries, adventures and fun had by all.
Definitely worth the time and read.
Don't miss it
December 25, 2025
Well that was another good one
Loved the twists (pun fully intended) and turns in the chapter of the universe spanning epic. Rates right up there with Homer's works for me!
Loved the twists (pun fully intended) and turns in the chapter of the universe spanning epic. Rates right up there with Homer's works for me!
January 1, 2026
Great continuation
30 books in and this series does not slow down. I couldn't be more happy with my first read of 2026
30 books in and this series does not slow down. I couldn't be more happy with my first read of 2026
March 5, 2026
Great read...
Well now that the stillness has been taken care of. Or has it? I guess I'll have to go to the next book to find out. And see who these new players are.
Well now that the stillness has been taken care of. Or has it? I guess I'll have to go to the next book to find out. And see who these new players are.
March 22, 2026
It was a pretty good read
The problem with it and really the whole series is that it is very wordy. I like the action. I just wish there was more of it and less convo.
The problem with it and really the whole series is that it is very wordy. I like the action. I just wish there was more of it and less convo.
Read
June 10, 2026The Guild Hurts the Stillness
But, how badly? Was this confrontation enough to end the theater of the Stillness. I can't wait to see what happens next.
But, how badly? Was this confrontation enough to end the theater of the Stillness. I can't wait to see what happens next.
June 14, 2026
Excellent
And now I have to keep on reading. I guess if a robot has no part that is organic it would not have DNA. ..
And now I have to keep on reading. I guess if a robot has no part that is organic it would not have DNA. ..
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews