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Backyard Starship #32
The Darkest Star
Reeling from loss, Van learns two lessons all over again.
Life goes on.
And your enemies never rest.
As the conflict between old allies heats up, Van is forced to decide which way the Fist of Orion will go—toward a lasting peace that he can gift to his children, or a conflict he doesn't want to establish order and justice once and for all.
When the GKU moves to seize territories in known space, the die is cast, and the Fafnir, now a vicious class 16, will be on the frontlines for a fight where no one is really sure who's a friend, who's an enemy—and who holds the cards that will determine the future.
But Van isn't entering the fight without something he can use, and plans he set in motion years earlier begin paying off. The Fist of Orion isn't just a region of space—it's a far-reaching offensive empire, and the GKU is about to discover an uncomfortable reality.
The long arm of the law can reach across stars, even if that star is dark, and distant, and using secrecy as the ultimate armor.
Life goes on.
And your enemies never rest.
As the conflict between old allies heats up, Van is forced to decide which way the Fist of Orion will go—toward a lasting peace that he can gift to his children, or a conflict he doesn't want to establish order and justice once and for all.
When the GKU moves to seize territories in known space, the die is cast, and the Fafnir, now a vicious class 16, will be on the frontlines for a fight where no one is really sure who's a friend, who's an enemy—and who holds the cards that will determine the future.
But Van isn't entering the fight without something he can use, and plans he set in motion years earlier begin paying off. The Fist of Orion isn't just a region of space—it's a far-reaching offensive empire, and the GKU is about to discover an uncomfortable reality.
The long arm of the law can reach across stars, even if that star is dark, and distant, and using secrecy as the ultimate armor.
363 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 5, 2026
About the author
J.N. Chaney
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 8, 2026
same old same old. what’s the end game here?
I’ve loved this series and spin offs since the first book but it’s feeling more and more like an AI is rewriting the same book again and again now.
After calamity the authors tried to split narrate between Van and Abel they got bored of that after two books and reverted back to Van.. fine ok but then we are back to the same old trope..
Lots of “stuff” happens… constant marvel like jokes and japes with each other, doom and gloom and then suddenly a big battle in the last chapter where Van and Co are saved by a McGuffin.
On top of this Torina continues to be sidelined into an atrociously boring non existent side character even though she was so important in the first saga.
Pretty much since the ending of the first series in the original “younger” timeline where we RUSHED through the calamity arc this series has just been so boringly obvious every book.
Guys I think it’s great that you definitely want people to stay interested but you need to step away for a bit and take some time in between books as rising them out is harming the series.
I’ve loved this series and spin offs since the first book but it’s feeling more and more like an AI is rewriting the same book again and again now.
After calamity the authors tried to split narrate between Van and Abel they got bored of that after two books and reverted back to Van.. fine ok but then we are back to the same old trope..
Lots of “stuff” happens… constant marvel like jokes and japes with each other, doom and gloom and then suddenly a big battle in the last chapter where Van and Co are saved by a McGuffin.
On top of this Torina continues to be sidelined into an atrociously boring non existent side character even though she was so important in the first saga.
Pretty much since the ending of the first series in the original “younger” timeline where we RUSHED through the calamity arc this series has just been so boringly obvious every book.
Guys I think it’s great that you definitely want people to stay interested but you need to step away for a bit and take some time in between books as rising them out is harming the series.
May 7, 2026
Great book I was thinking it was going to bring it to the end. Glad it didn’t. Have to wait till July to see what happens next. 🤓
April 17, 2026
Treachery from within! Well the GKU at least...
Recently, Van has been suspicious of what the GKU are up to with their combi drive-capable ships and by the end of this book, things become much clearer... Meanwhile, Van finds a new means if twisting to Reverie that cuts out the long time dilation and confirms that the GKU are using it to create the combo drives and certain people die...or do they, as the entities without DNA seem to be spreading...
More of Dohlenz's freakish creations also resurface leading to some major action...
Action, suspense, intrigue, pieces of the puzzle, more questions, ethical dilemmas, resurrection of a military arm of the GKU, and much more occurs in this potboiler! An entertaining read leaving you with the perennial what the hell is going to happen next?
Recently, Van has been suspicious of what the GKU are up to with their combi drive-capable ships and by the end of this book, things become much clearer... Meanwhile, Van finds a new means if twisting to Reverie that cuts out the long time dilation and confirms that the GKU are using it to create the combo drives and certain people die...or do they, as the entities without DNA seem to be spreading...
More of Dohlenz's freakish creations also resurface leading to some major action...
Action, suspense, intrigue, pieces of the puzzle, more questions, ethical dilemmas, resurrection of a military arm of the GKU, and much more occurs in this potboiler! An entertaining read leaving you with the perennial what the hell is going to happen next?
April 18, 2026
Still going strong
These bookshave a flair that evrn the old masters didn't have. I grew up on them and got in trouble in English for writing a book report on it. The characters are real Icky is a favorite. Even Funboy. Van is a unique person willi g to accept anybody regardless of differences. Makes we want to visit Pony Hollow. Great story with a not so subtle sub message. Highly recommend. I have read all except this one 3 times through. What's next.
These bookshave a flair that evrn the old masters didn't have. I grew up on them and got in trouble in English for writing a book report on it. The characters are real Icky is a favorite. Even Funboy. Van is a unique person willi g to accept anybody regardless of differences. Makes we want to visit Pony Hollow. Great story with a not so subtle sub message. Highly recommend. I have read all except this one 3 times through. What's next.
April 18, 2026
More Action!
Well told but there are plot points that fall flat, some that deviate from the originating details. Maybe due to the action scenarios not having the detail that were provided earlier in the series. There is a segue that appears due to inattention to those detailed plot point that appear as anomalies.
I adore this series, do not degrade its excellence by substituting a short story as a full book.
Well told but there are plot points that fall flat, some that deviate from the originating details. Maybe due to the action scenarios not having the detail that were provided earlier in the series. There is a segue that appears due to inattention to those detailed plot point that appear as anomalies.
I adore this series, do not degrade its excellence by substituting a short story as a full book.
May 7, 2026
An edge of your Seat book
Channel and Maggert have done it again. This is my 32nd book. I have watched all the characters evolve and thrive & the children grow up. This book presents challenges that the others have not and at times I have wondered how was going to turn out but Van, anguishing with leadership and his second, Torina continue on. This is a must read the whole series is.
Channel and Maggert have done it again. This is my 32nd book. I have watched all the characters evolve and thrive & the children grow up. This book presents challenges that the others have not and at times I have wondered how was going to turn out but Van, anguishing with leadership and his second, Torina continue on. This is a must read the whole series is.
May 26, 2026
Excellent
Another excellent book in this long and fascinating series. I keep running out of volumes only to find out that there will be another one in 6 months. Darn, I wish they wouldn't delay these things. Can't they just pop them out like toast? Just kidding. I actually know how much work it is to turn out a book, and understand fully the delays. I just like them, that's all. Thank you again for another good book.
Another excellent book in this long and fascinating series. I keep running out of volumes only to find out that there will be another one in 6 months. Darn, I wish they wouldn't delay these things. Can't they just pop them out like toast? Just kidding. I actually know how much work it is to turn out a book, and understand fully the delays. I just like them, that's all. Thank you again for another good book.
May 15, 2026
Absolutely amazing!
Truly incredible book! I couldn't put it down. There's been some major twists and turns that are going to change the face the universe in the backyard starship series. I can't wait to see what the next step is. But like any good book there's loss, joy, scientific advancement, and war. Because war never changes.
Truly incredible book! I couldn't put it down. There's been some major twists and turns that are going to change the face the universe in the backyard starship series. I can't wait to see what the next step is. But like any good book there's loss, joy, scientific advancement, and war. Because war never changes.
April 12, 2026
Another rousing story in this epic drama.
Is this really the end? Have our heroes and their offspring completed their quest to bring peace to the farflung galaxy?
I never want their story to end. But if it must let the war be finished.
Is this really the end? Have our heroes and their offspring completed their quest to bring peace to the farflung galaxy?
I never want their story to end. But if it must let the war be finished.
April 16, 2026
Maybe we’re done.
Getting a bit drawn out and all…feel like we’re just going through the motions at this point. Still love the story and the characters. Each book could have a bit more going on and a little less in the way of silly head up rear mistakes.
Getting a bit drawn out and all…feel like we’re just going through the motions at this point. Still love the story and the characters. Each book could have a bit more going on and a little less in the way of silly head up rear mistakes.
May 22, 2026
A new war starts
So once again Van and his crew find themselves in the frontline of a new war. But this time it's the GKU who are the enemy, with what is believed to be human helpers. But we know that they will stand and fight for what they believe is right.
So once again Van and his crew find themselves in the frontline of a new war. But this time it's the GKU who are the enemy, with what is believed to be human helpers. But we know that they will stand and fight for what they believe is right.
April 10, 2026
New threats
Just when you think you have it all figured out...Whammo! Matters and Cheney slap something new and exciting on the page!
Can't wait to see what happens next.
Just when you think you have it all figured out...Whammo! Matters and Cheney slap something new and exciting on the page!
Can't wait to see what happens next.
April 12, 2026
Top Notch Science Fiction!
April 12, 2026
Great book
Awesome series ! I started when there were 20+ books in the series. Each book afterwards has been worth the wait! Check them out!
Awesome series ! I started when there were 20+ books in the series. Each book afterwards has been worth the wait! Check them out!
April 17, 2026
fun and ease of reading
As always the duo's on the mark to entertain!
Each page is a turner and a fun read.
Waiting for the next book in this ongoing saga of fun.
As always the duo's on the mark to entertain!
Each page is a turner and a fun read.
Waiting for the next book in this ongoing saga of fun.
April 20, 2026
Hurrah for Van’s Family
Look forward to the kids in the future in this series. They need to stand up and give Van a break.
Look forward to the kids in the future in this series. They need to stand up and give Van a break.
April 22, 2026
Good as always!
Easy read,always entertaining, and only occasionally, using deep concepts that invite the reader to enlarge his grasp of reality! Love it!
Easy read,always entertaining, and only occasionally, using deep concepts that invite the reader to enlarge his grasp of reality! Love it!
April 26, 2026
The Darkest Star
I have read the whole series up to this point. The stories are good and the histories of the people involved are consistent. It has Benn very good reading.
I have read the whole series up to this point. The stories are good and the histories of the people involved are consistent. It has Benn very good reading.
April 30, 2026
Always the Clift hanger just when you get to the end ok waiting for book 33!
May 2, 2026
Excellent
Now I have to wait for a couple months before the next one is ready to read. Oh well... At least he keeps me reading, not scanning, which is a high complement. 🙂
Now I have to wait for a couple months before the next one is ready to read. Oh well... At least he keeps me reading, not scanning, which is a high complement. 🙂
April 27, 2026
captavating
Bark yard space ship is Alway a captivating read ! Got to get the next book in the series now !
Bark yard space ship is Alway a captivating read ! Got to get the next book in the series now !
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews