When the Fafnir responds to a desperate distress call, their act of kindness is turned against them, making Van the most wanted man in the known universe.
Targeted by a vicious, charismatic politician and his shadowy partner, Van and his friends are faced with a decision that carries long term consequences—deliver justice. . . or run and hide.
The choice is easy. The Fafnir will attack, and criminals will pay regardless of the bounty chasing them across the stars.
But first, there’s a little business to take care of in the form of a social event at Milon Estates. Dress is formal, the atmosphere tense, and a choice must be made. And just like Van’s decision to fight, the event on Helso will change his life forever.
The crew is willing, and the ship is ready. Now, all Van has to do is avoid the law, apply the law, and dive headfirst into a conspiracy that will play out on the largest stage of all: The Galaxy itself.
Peacemaker Van Tudor and his ship, the Fafnir are out rescuing people from various pirates that still infest the galaxy. Sometimes they are lucky to get to the victims before they meet their end and other times they manage to capture one of the criminals and put them away. It's usually a matter of locking them up in the Fafnir's brig until they can transfer them to whomever had jurisdiction. This particular run had them trying to save an unknown ship from said pirates and it wasn't going well. In fact, they couldn't get to the unknown ship before it came apart in the dense atmosphere of a super-giant gas planet it was trying to hide in. What they did manage to do was capture one of the attackers. Since Spind Drift was in the Eridani system they decided to head there and drop off their prisoner.
While at Spindrift and specifically at the watering hole called "The Blast Crater" Van noticed a news announcement with his mug clearing showing as the center of attention. When he stop drinking and started listening, he found out that the new Satrap (whatever the heck that is!) of the Seven Stars League had just placed a bounty on his head! This guy was asking for anyone's assistance in bringing said criminal Peacemaker Tudor to justice. He was also going to address the Peacemaker Guild for their assistance in capturing one of their own. Since Peacemakers have been know to not always be the good guys, this wasn't too shocking news, but it was to Van Tudor! They hurriedly left Spindrift to some place quiet and out of the way so Van could think about this new situation.
While thinking he got a surpassingly unexpected call from the Quiet Room. It wasn't his usual contact, but another agent for the giant financial organization asking if Van could stop by the Planet Procyon to go over some "irregularities" in his account. To everyone on the Fafnir, this sounded like a trap. So, Van decided to go anyway since they also got a call from Lunzy telling him to stay away from Anvil Dark for now.
On their approach to Procyon they saw a Class 7 and Class 9 starships looking like they were not having a friendly discussion. The Calls 9 was pounding the Class 7 and pretty much taking it apart. By the time the Fafnir was able to physically intervene, the Class 9 vessel had hightailed it to the nearest twist point and was gone. All that was left of the Class 7 was some drifting junk, but there were two crewmen still aboard and still alive. There also wasn't much to salvage. The Fafnir also didn't have much in the way of medical care so they had to quickly go somewhere that such care could be provided. They found on sensors a not too distant scientific research station orbiting a planet undergoing terraforming. Upon docking at the space station they noticed a very heavily docked starship bristling with weapons. It was later found out to belong to Group 41, a notorious, but not currently wanted, hired mercenary outfit.
While at the orbiting research station, Van got another call from Netty's clone? aboard the Iowa, their battleship starship orbiting above a dwarf planet called Orcus. Again, it seems that pirates were on the loose and had to be stopped. They were aboard Van Tudor's property and they weren't invited. So this story line gets going with the knowledge that these pirates were hired by none other than Yotov! Yes, the disgraced and supposedly imprisoned former Guild Master! It seems that the new Satrap of the Seven Stars League had commuted her sentence and now she was free to do what she pleased. Now she had hired these pirates to search the Iowa from some previously stolen money plates. Apparently, the Iowa had been used as a smuggler's ship a long time ago and Yotov had been involved. The pirates didn't find the plates, but the crew of the Fafnir ultimately did. They had to return them to the Quiet Room who had a substantial reward out for their return.
As you can read, the Fafnir is again going to be quite busy in this book. Not only are they chasing around pirates, but have now to contend with a former foe and probably new enemy, Yotov. We'll also find out that some one aboard the Fafnir hasn't been playing by the rules a little too much and almost gets the ship destroyed! Fortunately, this happened after Van Tudor finds himself promoted to Full Veteran Peacemaker status and engaged to Torina! Yes, if you didn't know something was seriously going on between the two, you definitely should have. She makes the first move in a big way, but Van is perfectly alright with the situation and so is everyone else.
Then things get complicated. The Guild issues a Special Instrument signed off by the Masters. They want Van to be in on the execution of this instrument against the Trinduk and the Sorcerers and anyone else in league with them. Van soon learns that this Special Instrument basically sets him up as judge, jury and executioner. That's troubling on so many levels for him and his crew. But, unknown to his crew, he's also dealing with the Galactic Knights Uniformed. They are real and, once again, he's involved. So, lots of new stuff happening in this book. Even though one of his crew members spends some time in jail at Anvil Dark, the crew at least all stay alive for now.
I don't have a clue as to how the title of this book fits with the story. Maybe you can figure that out. I'd really like to see a picture of Torina and the rest of the crew since we're getting to know them so well. But, that won't happen in an ebook so we'll just have to be happy reading the next book "Blackest Ocean", book 8. It's on my reading list now!
Kingdom Come is a thrilling cosmic adventure, blending action and moral dilemmas. Van becomes the universe's most wanted man after a good deed goes wrong.
Van's character growth and the detailed universe add depth to the story but expect some complexity with multiple plots and characters.
In short, it's a must-read for space adventure fans, leaving you eager for the next chapter in Van's cosmic journey.
This was a good book in the Backyard Starship series. The books in this series generally provides light but fun adventure stories with a very likable crew of humans, AI’s and aliens. Although there is a red thread between the books each books generally have a decent conclusion of the particular adventure that makes up each book which I very much appreciate.
I got a bit of oh-no-not-that-crap feeling at the beginning of the book when it looked like Van was going to be framed for some “crime” that he, obviously, did not commit due to political shenanigans. Luckily that part didn’t really play that big role in the story and our heroes went about their business as usual for most of the book.
It did help of course that the Peacemakers stood buy him and made sure the political asshats got more or less nowhere with the bovine excrements.
I really like Van and his team. They work well together, they are quite funny and they kick ass. Each of them can be quite hilarious but I especially like his sharp tongued AI and the can-I-please-bust-some-heads Icky. The Peacemaker, former stickler for procedures, master running most of the Peacemakers are growing on me as well.
Apart from the usual head busting and criminal catching routine there are both some personal development for Van and Torina as well as, quite some, revelations about the beginning of the Peacemakers and several characters in the overall story arc.
Of course there are also quite some decent action in the book including bringing the Peacemaker’s mythical bad-ass cruiser into play, albeit briefly. Speaking of bad-ass ships, I really hope that they finally get their battle cruiser, aptly named Iowa, in a working (as in kick-ass) state sometime soon.
Overall this was a good book. Nice mix of adventure, fun dialogue, crime investigation, story arc progression and action.
The novel starts with an old enemy being released due to a change in government and a charge of corruption against Tudor. However, as Van soon discovers, the Guild are not that concerned by the charges. Instead more intrigue occurs as three races combined in Unity seem to be a target for the sorcerors, but unexpected allies, a proposal or two, several space battles, hackers, paperwork, parties and other things lead to an interesting time as some Guild secrets come to light. A few new races are introduced, several perilous missions are undertaken and some revealing occurrences happen in this fun tale.
For some unrealized reason, it took longer for me to become fully vested in this installment than the previous books. By the end, the interest was well deserved and I was pleased I persevered. Continued character development for the main cast members, and additional layers in the overall plot were defined and detailed. Several detailed battles, some collateral losses and a renewed sense of purpose move the storyline forward effectively. With some story threads resolved, this book ends well and positions the reader for the next release.
There is a rule, folks, called Chekov's Gun. If you mention something, it has to be relevant. Briefly introducing a character who does nothing but make a congratulatory phone call in book 7 had better show up somewhere in at least one of the subsequent books that I am eagerly anticipating.
And I'm still mad at you (Maggert and Chaney) about Rollis. How hard would a book up copy of Rollis been? He was far and away my favorite character.
Backyard starship – a galaxy of action and character
Having just finished book 7 in this series, I have to say I’ve enjoyed every book. This really should be developed into a streaming series with lots of seasons to cover the 30 books. Each one is fresh in its plot and storytelling, character development, humor, technology, imagination, and more. Very reminiscent of the wit and quirky space opera personalities and humor of “Serenity” and “Firefly.” but very fresh and original in its own cast of spacefaring do gooders.
One of the best easy-read, multi I volume space jaunts
If you are hardcore sci-fi where everything has to match the known laws of physics, this is not the story for you. If you enjoy reading and want an easily read drama that brings you into the characters, this is it. Well written. Close your eyes and envision the crew going about their work to apprehend or defeat the inexhaustible plethora of bad guys.
Another fine story in this Backyard Spaceship series. Van and Toorina are getting more serious. the stakes are getting higher, the characters are developing and do not disappoint. A very enjoyable read I look forward to the continuation of this series. I know all good things must come to an end but I think it was a lot of life left in the series.
Character development is well done. I like all of them for different reasons. Some plot twists are unavoidable so easily recognized, but the series just has this happy vibe going on that makes continuous reading a delight. The various technology explanations are also well done. They also came up with an interesting propulsion system. I’ll keep reading til the end.
Started with the first book because I was waiting for others of my authors to finish. What a treat. These adventures are captivating. Every foray I take into space with Van, Toriena and the rest of the crew is a delight. Van gets a promotion but one of his crew gets in trouble. In the end, we find out just a little more about how the Peacemakers work and the Galactic Knights. Worth the read.
The Backyard Spaceship series is a fantastic one that I enjoy for what it is: basically Mystery Science Theater 3000 except SPACE COPS instead of movie reviews. The protagonist and his army of robot buddies as well as girlfriend travel around the universe, attempting to stop pirates and slavers. It's always fun and as deep as a kiddie pool. Which isn't a bad thing when you want to relax with something.
Great story character development was well done. You really get engaged
As I mentioned the title, the character development was great. The utilization of emotional attachment is characters was strong and then some. While the drama and the action was enough to keep every reader engaged, the intricacy of the storyline was deep enough for those that really need that to enjoy a book. This really hit a lot of good points as far as being a great read
Van is getting plenty of practice at planning & managing space combat whether he wants it or not. Considering that he and the crew of Fafnir are typically faced with 3 to 1 odds or even worse it certainly isn’t as recommended for a stress free life!
The group spends a little less time directly opposing the scum behind the murder & chip business. Instead they are working their way up the food chain in the effort to have a more powerful impact against them.
Tudor are crew members are going after the conspiracies and groups that have been uniting as they attempt to take over every opportunity to gain in power, strength, and money by destroying the assets of others and corrupting the spaceships through outright war while bidding their activities. Secrets and diversions manipulate politics, government, police actions, and trade.
So, here we are at the end of book 7. i will have a very hard time waiting for book 8. The series has been a joy, fun, It has all the adorable qualities Of an outstanding science fiction movie scene on Saturday evening after a great day with family at the beach.
Van, Torina, Perry, Netty, Zeno and Icky...they save the day again while nearly sacrificing themselves in the process. But in the end Van realizes he and his family have been in space and the Peacemaker business much longer than he's ever been aware of...can't wait for Book 8 to see how this all comes out!
I've been fortunate that I have been able to binge on a few of the books at a time because this is such a fun read. There are so many layers to this series and new discoveries all the time. Van's universe expands a lot in this book and I loved it. I highly recommend this series!
I'm really enjoying this series. It's action packed, fun characters, witty dialogue, and its in space. I do feel as if the Chaney & Maggert is getting to into the weeds with the various secret societies and plots, but so far they've been able to keep the story a float.
I had just reviewed my hopes that the books continued to be great, then I started this one. I panicked, it wasn't going well. BUT, you got me! After a few looong pages it was back to space cop adventures I can't put down. I'm sure you did that on purpose! Got another to read... 5 generations !! Really?! Awesome
I love this series. Fast action on a galactic scale, yet somehow believable. No messy politics, no messy sex. Especially no gynaecological explorations to break up the story line. I could let my grandchildren read these books. Thoroughly recommend this series as a cracking good read.
JN Chaney and Terry Maggert have done a great job with this book and series. I only recently learned of these authors and am reading book after book. It is nice to be able to follow the entire saga as fast as I can read. The complexity of the stories they tell is amazing. Imagination on steroids. Lots of ‘tongue in cheek’ humor as well. Great read!
This series has been getting better and better. The twist and turns, the explanation to the whys, match good logic and the humor keeps me happy to read this outstanding piece of work. Please keep up the good drama and keep it moving positive. Hate always those series that make it always about the darkness and not the hope. Thanks 😊
I reviewed a few of these books now, and book number seven made me realize something new. Not only is their great adventure, a little bit of romance, and appropriate humor, but there is also great creativity in the detail of many of the cultures, planets, technology, and so on for those who haven’t done so, check out the Wikipedia. It’s great!
I lone the expansion of worlds and races the author introduces us to. I also like seeing how the how the one time farm boy slowly gets to see what’s behind the curtain so to speak! Can’t wait for the next book!
Van and his crew are definitely easy to love, and Kingdom Come has plenty of thrills, as well as sadness, humor, and surprises. I really enjoy the worldbuilding and non-human sapients in this universe.
Truly, I laughed and cried as the story unfolded. This goes beyond straight science fiction and into novel status. The characters grow, realize their flaws and face moral conundrums. It's beautiful writing.
Well another great storyline from the dynamic duo lol. Plenty of action and blood and guts lol. Quite a few twists and turns and a few mystery peacemakers one of which is going to be his mother lol. Looking forward to the next episode
Van, Torina, and the rest of the very diverse crew are back in another adventure. They are doing good things and fighting bad guys. Lots of space battles and other excitement. A great read.