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Backyard Starship #33
Escape Velocity
In the crush of defeat, Van faces his end—and the end of the Fist of Orion.
But the GKU has overplayed their hand. Arrogant, vicious, and cruel, their massed attack pushes Van to a place he swore to avoid.
Violence. Vengeance. And a policy of scorched earth that will burn down networks built upon power and greed. Alongside his stalwart family and crew, the Fafnir and her fleet are unleashed in a campaign that will bring centuries of arrogance crashing to a bitter end.
And the earth is right in the middle of it all.
The rules have changed. The goal is the same. Freedom for humanity, freedom for the stars, and a war that answers, once and for all, who is in charge of the greatest new power the galaxy has seen in thousands of years.
He tried using diplomacy. He tried using peace.
Now, he's going to use the Fist of Orion, and the stars will never be the same.
But the GKU has overplayed their hand. Arrogant, vicious, and cruel, their massed attack pushes Van to a place he swore to avoid.
Violence. Vengeance. And a policy of scorched earth that will burn down networks built upon power and greed. Alongside his stalwart family and crew, the Fafnir and her fleet are unleashed in a campaign that will bring centuries of arrogance crashing to a bitter end.
And the earth is right in the middle of it all.
The rules have changed. The goal is the same. Freedom for humanity, freedom for the stars, and a war that answers, once and for all, who is in charge of the greatest new power the galaxy has seen in thousands of years.
He tried using diplomacy. He tried using peace.
Now, he's going to use the Fist of Orion, and the stars will never be the same.
331 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2026
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J.N. Chaney
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 24, 2026
This series never disappoints
July 16, 2026
Another great read
Once again Van and his crew have to sort out the problems with the GKU. They need to find a way to deal with them once and for all. With the help of friends they have a great chance of doing so.
Once again Van and his crew have to sort out the problems with the GKU. They need to find a way to deal with them once and for all. With the help of friends they have a great chance of doing so.
August 1, 2026
ESCAPE VELOCITY is the latest installment of the Backyard Spaceship series that has become a whole franchise with its various spin offs. You'd think I would have gotten sick of Van Tudor and his band of Mystery Science Theater 3000-esque robots by now but I'm still reading the main series. Heck, I might be starting soon on the spinoffs. This book continues Van trying to deal with various threats and may soon deal with whatever evil force is stealing suns. We also have the return of the galaxy's biggest buffet.
July 13, 2026
Van takes action against the GKU
There is currently a stalemate between Van and the GKU, but eventually with their blockade of Fort Cankullian, the GKU may get an upper hand. For this reason, Van realizes he must take action. They come up with several ideas, including taking back Reverie. The distance to Reverie means that it will be very difficult to achieve but their discovery of the ability to make a supertwist , ableit with risk, out to Reverie due to the peculiarities of the neighboring Junkyard means it could be achievable. Meanwhile events transpire closer to home, the Ursu prove to be a valuable resource and a plan to remove a thorn in their side is made. Van is also starting to feel old, and gets visited by Alexander...
There is much action, suspense, intrigue, battle, travel, espionage, humor, some revelations, and much more in this tale. A highly entertaining read.
There is currently a stalemate between Van and the GKU, but eventually with their blockade of Fort Cankullian, the GKU may get an upper hand. For this reason, Van realizes he must take action. They come up with several ideas, including taking back Reverie. The distance to Reverie means that it will be very difficult to achieve but their discovery of the ability to make a supertwist , ableit with risk, out to Reverie due to the peculiarities of the neighboring Junkyard means it could be achievable. Meanwhile events transpire closer to home, the Ursu prove to be a valuable resource and a plan to remove a thorn in their side is made. Van is also starting to feel old, and gets visited by Alexander...
There is much action, suspense, intrigue, battle, travel, espionage, humor, some revelations, and much more in this tale. A highly entertaining read.
July 9, 2026
This series is beginning to move towards an intersection
Terry's remarkable and truly astounding command of the written word is genuinely impressive and noteworthy. He possesses an incredible ability to take even the most banal and ordinary subject matter, such as something as simple and everyday as a piece of cake, and skillfully work it into a memorable and engaging passage that resonates with readers. That distinctive talent, combined and balanced with equal parts comedy and humor alongside serious business and meaningful content, are precisely what attracts and draws me to this series and keeps me coming back for more.
Terry's remarkable and truly astounding command of the written word is genuinely impressive and noteworthy. He possesses an incredible ability to take even the most banal and ordinary subject matter, such as something as simple and everyday as a piece of cake, and skillfully work it into a memorable and engaging passage that resonates with readers. That distinctive talent, combined and balanced with equal parts comedy and humor alongside serious business and meaningful content, are precisely what attracts and draws me to this series and keeps me coming back for more.
July 11, 2026
I would think, after 33 books in the series, that it would be difficult for Chaney & Maggert to come up with something totally surprising.
And I would be wrong. The series is moving towards a period of interstices with two other series going on right now, and will tie off some of the loose ends from earlier series.
Keep them coming, guys! And I'm eagerly awaiting to see Thomas and Nobu when they team up with Van and his crew...and when the Flying Gas Can makes its return to help put a bow on all three series.
And I would be wrong. The series is moving towards a period of interstices with two other series going on right now, and will tie off some of the loose ends from earlier series.
Keep them coming, guys! And I'm eagerly awaiting to see Thomas and Nobu when they team up with Van and his crew...and when the Flying Gas Can makes its return to help put a bow on all three series.
October 11, 2026
Another great one
It is just absolutely unbelievable that the authors can keep this story going for 33 volumes. My only complaint is that the period between volumes is too long, but I suspect that that has more to do with the publishers and the writers. Keep it up, guys! Thank you.
It is just absolutely unbelievable that the authors can keep this story going for 33 volumes. My only complaint is that the period between volumes is too long, but I suspect that that has more to do with the publishers and the writers. Keep it up, guys! Thank you.
July 6, 2026
Escape Velocity
Best Series I have ever read, and I an hardly wait for the next book.Can and TBE Crews of their Starships continuing their righteous adventures from Earth and across Space!
Best Series I have ever read, and I an hardly wait for the next book.Can and TBE Crews of their Starships continuing their righteous adventures from Earth and across Space!
July 7, 2026
Interesting
I enjoyed reading this episode and yes I was surprised at all the characters who are going through a change of perspective that making sure to keep the story line working
I enjoyed reading this episode and yes I was surprised at all the characters who are going through a change of perspective that making sure to keep the story line working
July 25, 2026
Don't mess with Icky.
This series is one of my favorites, Van and Torina and the whole crew are incredible characters that make you laugh and think about the battle between good and evil. This crew is awesome and this is a great series to read.
This series is one of my favorites, Van and Torina and the whole crew are incredible characters that make you laugh and think about the battle between good and evil. This crew is awesome and this is a great series to read.
July 28, 2026
Great read...
Anytime I can catch up with the gang I do. The mysteries that Van and the gang come across are always entertaining. I can't wait to find out what's coming next. Will Van be stepping aside to retirement?
Anytime I can catch up with the gang I do. The mysteries that Van and the gang come across are always entertaining. I can't wait to find out what's coming next. Will Van be stepping aside to retirement?
August 19, 2026
The story go on and he finds his sword masters to train with.
I have been following this story and the evil just gets knocked down one at a time, fun. Getting towards the end and I'm sitting on there of my seat.
I have been following this story and the evil just gets knocked down one at a time, fun. Getting towards the end and I'm sitting on there of my seat.
July 5, 2026
Can’t not like this series
I really enjoy this series. Wouldn’t argue against this being some of Chaney and Maggert’s best stuff. Dialogue, characters, action…all top-notch.
I really enjoy this series. Wouldn’t argue against this being some of Chaney and Maggert’s best stuff. Dialogue, characters, action…all top-notch.
July 23, 2026
Escape Volocity
The books keep getting better. They finally used the USA which showed up 8 or 10 books back. Now they got a new mystery to work on.
The books keep getting better. They finally used the USA which showed up 8 or 10 books back. Now they got a new mystery to work on.
August 17, 2026
Amazing story.
This series continues to captivate. The characters age, but remain firmly imbedded and active in the story. Cant wait for the next adventure.
This series continues to captivate. The characters age, but remain firmly imbedded and active in the story. Cant wait for the next adventure.
September 7, 2026
Amazing
Absolutely great book. Definitely worth the read, new mysteries, new paths for everyone to take.
Can't wait for the next book,
Absolutely great book. Definitely worth the read, new mysteries, new paths for everyone to take.
Can't wait for the next book,
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews