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Backyard Starship #11
Echoes of Empire
Van and his crew have killed an empire.
The problem is the empire doesn’t know it’s dead. Moving among the stars, the Peacemakers are faced with their greatest challenge—removing and evil so vast, it has a presence in every known star system.
To that end, they’ll need to move fast. To move fast, they must be mobile, and that means big changes in their tactics. . . and crew. With the help of a shadowy figure known as the Body Thief, Van will continue his policy of justice and freedom for all citizens.
Even if they began life on a computer chip.
In the deepest reaches of known space, the Fafnir will seek new technologies from old sources, arming their ranks against enemies who use force before reason, and weapons before words. And this time, they’ll have advice from a being who might be as old as the stars themselves—if they can come to an understanding about what it truly means to be alive.
Get ready for the 11th entry in the bestselling Backyard Starship series from J.N. Chaney and Terry Maggert.
The problem is the empire doesn’t know it’s dead. Moving among the stars, the Peacemakers are faced with their greatest challenge—removing and evil so vast, it has a presence in every known star system.
To that end, they’ll need to move fast. To move fast, they must be mobile, and that means big changes in their tactics. . . and crew. With the help of a shadowy figure known as the Body Thief, Van will continue his policy of justice and freedom for all citizens.
Even if they began life on a computer chip.
In the deepest reaches of known space, the Fafnir will seek new technologies from old sources, arming their ranks against enemies who use force before reason, and weapons before words. And this time, they’ll have advice from a being who might be as old as the stars themselves—if they can come to an understanding about what it truly means to be alive.
Get ready for the 11th entry in the bestselling Backyard Starship series from J.N. Chaney and Terry Maggert.
432 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 11, 2022
1259 people are currently reading
250 people want to read
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J.N. Chaney
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
January 23, 2023
I knew it had to end, and ten good books out of a series isn't a bad run.
I read the previous ten books. I'm stopping with this one since it's reached the expiration date.
What I didn't like:
* The crew continually bitch at each other. The author repeatedly tells me everyone else thinks it's cute, and a sign the crew gets along well together. Real life experience tells me people that continually spar with each other occasionally land a blow that hurts too deeply to forgive. The end result being the group breaks apart with hurt feelings. Reading about it has worn thin, regardless of what fictional characters think about it.
* When you're writing a spaceships and lasers epic you really should pay attention to your physics.
* Stupidly over complex plot.
The final straw for me was the dinner scene at "the Friendly Table." They know their nemesis, a mass murderer on an epic scale, will get an acquittal at trial because he's so well connected. They decide to assassinate him. He deserves it. Fine, good choice!
Our hero is told they have to wait until after it happens, then use their super cool new nuclear weapon missile... to minimize the collateral damage... When you hear "surgical strike nuclear weapon" what words seem out of place?
They explain it uses some new isotope that makes it possible to only vaporize a really small area... Then three kilos of antimatter are mentioned, which leaves me completely confused. Is the bomb antimatter or a new isotope? Three kilos of antimatter will destroy a *lot* more than a small area, And something something is way expensive! Wut??? Then they mention Element 252 and I'm even more confused.
Then for the kicker, they say the heros have to sit perfectly still to aim, and use a super mcguffin machine that prevents the Element 252 from decaying until they're ready to fire...
I screech to a halt right there. You can't prevent radioactives from decaying without rewriting the physical laws of the universe. Whoever wrote this should have run this by a physics geek. There would have been much eye rolling.
The reader part of me was thinking "give the guy a nano poison that gives you a deniable kill", or "Execute him on galactic TV as a warning to the next ten generations that some things are beyond the pale", or "the hero says 'just get out of the way and I'll take care of it for you.'"
The writer part of me says this is stupidly over complex to manufacture tension.
The pragmatist part of me says "there are better books out there..."
Sorry guys, I'm done. Good run up until this though.
I read the previous ten books. I'm stopping with this one since it's reached the expiration date.
What I didn't like:
* The crew continually bitch at each other. The author repeatedly tells me everyone else thinks it's cute, and a sign the crew gets along well together. Real life experience tells me people that continually spar with each other occasionally land a blow that hurts too deeply to forgive. The end result being the group breaks apart with hurt feelings. Reading about it has worn thin, regardless of what fictional characters think about it.
* When you're writing a spaceships and lasers epic you really should pay attention to your physics.
* Stupidly over complex plot.
The final straw for me was the dinner scene at "the Friendly Table." They know their nemesis, a mass murderer on an epic scale, will get an acquittal at trial because he's so well connected. They decide to assassinate him. He deserves it. Fine, good choice!
Our hero is told they have to wait until after it happens, then use their super cool new nuclear weapon missile... to minimize the collateral damage... When you hear "surgical strike nuclear weapon" what words seem out of place?
They explain it uses some new isotope that makes it possible to only vaporize a really small area... Then three kilos of antimatter are mentioned, which leaves me completely confused. Is the bomb antimatter or a new isotope? Three kilos of antimatter will destroy a *lot* more than a small area, And something something is way expensive! Wut??? Then they mention Element 252 and I'm even more confused.
Then for the kicker, they say the heros have to sit perfectly still to aim, and use a super mcguffin machine that prevents the Element 252 from decaying until they're ready to fire...
I screech to a halt right there. You can't prevent radioactives from decaying without rewriting the physical laws of the universe. Whoever wrote this should have run this by a physics geek. There would have been much eye rolling.
The reader part of me was thinking "give the guy a nano poison that gives you a deniable kill", or "Execute him on galactic TV as a warning to the next ten generations that some things are beyond the pale", or "the hero says 'just get out of the way and I'll take care of it for you.'"
The writer part of me says this is stupidly over complex to manufacture tension.
The pragmatist part of me says "there are better books out there..."
Sorry guys, I'm done. Good run up until this though.
September 25, 2023
After eleven books, you either know whether you like Backyard Spaceship or you don't. I enjoyed this installment but I also am of the mind that it took a turn for the darker than I'd hoped. I really feel like the consequences of our heroes' failure in this book puts a sour taste in my mouth. On the plus side, they finally got the central bad guy...OR DID THEY?
February 14, 2023
We're back with our human hero and Peacemaker Van Tudor. He and his crew have just taken down the head of the BeneStar Corporation which was involved in much of the corruption going on in the galaxy. They had their evil hands in to every vile thing that the Peacemaker Guild came across and it was time to stop. Peacemaker Tudor managed to break into the HQ of the organization and actually captured the headman, Helem Gauss. In so doing, it cost the life of his cousin, Carter Yost.
But now with the BeneStar Corp. in disarray, things have kind of settled down for the Peacemakers. Still, Van wants to get his ship and the Iowa fixed up some. They remember some new tech that Helem Gauss had used that had to do with gravity. These gravity plates when attached to a starship would give said starship very advanced flight capabilities. They would be perfect for the Fafnir, but they didn't know how many of these plates existed. They also appeared to be alien in nature, because there wasn't any indication that Helem Gauss had or did build more than he seemed to have. So after searching a derelict that Helem Gauss had been using and finding just enough to outfit the Fafnir, they were recalled to Anvil Dark by Master Gerhardt.
The recall was to put Van on notice that he was going to have to testify at the trial of Helem Gauss in the near future. Van really wanted to see Gauss convicted and executed for his vast number of crimes which he personally directed. They should have enough proof to put him away for good. Except Gerhardt was going to tell Van Tudor that the way galaxy justice worked was just a bad as it worked on Earth. Those who had the money, had the means to almost get them out of any legal situations. Gauss and his legions of attorneys intended to delay, side-track and disrupt the legal process any way he could. Gerhardt firmly felt that there was a very strong possibility that Gauss would find most of the charges against him either dismissed or reduced. Gerhardt further believed that Gauss would either have to pay a large fine or be given a sentence that would be considered time served while currently incarcerated as his sentence and he would be set free very soon.
Of course Van Tudor couldn't believe this kind of stupidity would exist in this highly advanced galaxy. Yet, it did, and Gerhardt knew it also, so that's why he had a contingency plan. They knew where Gauss would flee once he was set free. The Guild was preparing a very special device, a small-area nuclear detonation (SAND) device which he wanted Van Tudor to deliver. Van was all for this and would be more than happy to end Helem Gauss. but he needed to do it in such away as to cause no collateral damage even with a nuclear bomb!
So, this book is about Peacemaker Van Tudor and his effort to eliminate one Helem Gauss permanently. Several things are going to impact this effort. For one, Gauss is very, very, very rich. Another is that he has been behind all these body snatching and computerization of individuals consciousness onto computer chips. Gauss plans to meet up with the doctor who does this branding of persons into computers which could led to a whole different Helem Gauss than who he is now. That must be stopped or they could lose track of Gauss permanently.
We also see the introduction of Netty-P. I'll let you read about that and they why. And this story doesn't necessarily end on an all positive note. We might just lose one of the Fafnir's crew members. Still, Van Tudor and his exploits are far from over. Book 12, "Song of Darkness" is available on Amazon and I'm adding it to my reading list.
But now with the BeneStar Corp. in disarray, things have kind of settled down for the Peacemakers. Still, Van wants to get his ship and the Iowa fixed up some. They remember some new tech that Helem Gauss had used that had to do with gravity. These gravity plates when attached to a starship would give said starship very advanced flight capabilities. They would be perfect for the Fafnir, but they didn't know how many of these plates existed. They also appeared to be alien in nature, because there wasn't any indication that Helem Gauss had or did build more than he seemed to have. So after searching a derelict that Helem Gauss had been using and finding just enough to outfit the Fafnir, they were recalled to Anvil Dark by Master Gerhardt.
The recall was to put Van on notice that he was going to have to testify at the trial of Helem Gauss in the near future. Van really wanted to see Gauss convicted and executed for his vast number of crimes which he personally directed. They should have enough proof to put him away for good. Except Gerhardt was going to tell Van Tudor that the way galaxy justice worked was just a bad as it worked on Earth. Those who had the money, had the means to almost get them out of any legal situations. Gauss and his legions of attorneys intended to delay, side-track and disrupt the legal process any way he could. Gerhardt firmly felt that there was a very strong possibility that Gauss would find most of the charges against him either dismissed or reduced. Gerhardt further believed that Gauss would either have to pay a large fine or be given a sentence that would be considered time served while currently incarcerated as his sentence and he would be set free very soon.
Of course Van Tudor couldn't believe this kind of stupidity would exist in this highly advanced galaxy. Yet, it did, and Gerhardt knew it also, so that's why he had a contingency plan. They knew where Gauss would flee once he was set free. The Guild was preparing a very special device, a small-area nuclear detonation (SAND) device which he wanted Van Tudor to deliver. Van was all for this and would be more than happy to end Helem Gauss. but he needed to do it in such away as to cause no collateral damage even with a nuclear bomb!
So, this book is about Peacemaker Van Tudor and his effort to eliminate one Helem Gauss permanently. Several things are going to impact this effort. For one, Gauss is very, very, very rich. Another is that he has been behind all these body snatching and computerization of individuals consciousness onto computer chips. Gauss plans to meet up with the doctor who does this branding of persons into computers which could led to a whole different Helem Gauss than who he is now. That must be stopped or they could lose track of Gauss permanently.
We also see the introduction of Netty-P. I'll let you read about that and they why. And this story doesn't necessarily end on an all positive note. We might just lose one of the Fafnir's crew members. Still, Van Tudor and his exploits are far from over. Book 12, "Song of Darkness" is available on Amazon and I'm adding it to my reading list.
December 16, 2022
Awesome sci fi adventure series
The books really need to be read in order to appreciate the character relationships. I've been reading Empire for five days, because I knew bad stuff was going to happen, and I didn't want to deal with the bad stuff. The Conoku kids and Funboy are consistent bright spots in this series. But Severed Ties and Empire are both very dark installments with less glimmers of hope than I'm used to. And book 12's title, Song of Darkness, doesn't sound uplifting. However, I love Van and his crew, so I'm looking forward to their next adventure.
The books really need to be read in order to appreciate the character relationships. I've been reading Empire for five days, because I knew bad stuff was going to happen, and I didn't want to deal with the bad stuff. The Conoku kids and Funboy are consistent bright spots in this series. But Severed Ties and Empire are both very dark installments with less glimmers of hope than I'm used to. And book 12's title, Song of Darkness, doesn't sound uplifting. However, I love Van and his crew, so I'm looking forward to their next adventure.
January 20, 2023
Good book. Most of the time with a series, it's the same plot line over and over again, but this book, and this series mixes it up a little bit. It gets kinda sad at the end, because the author does what he's been hinting at for a while. Overall it had a good flow, and story line that continued the rest of the series.
December 21, 2022
I'm on book 11, so I clearly don't think that these books are dreadful, but that said I wouldn't be reading them if they weren't included in Amazon Kindle Unlimited.
So, fairly basic sci fi procedural investigative. It's pretty easy to read, but I'm writing a review because bits of it are becoming more and more jarring.
Early on in the series, maybe book 2 or 3, the protagonist and crew figured out a way to track ships through "twists". They used it several times.
Then in book 4 they apparently forgot entirely about this, and started talking again about how they might achieve it, and in book 11 someone else has just come up with a solution (one that makes only a little sense).
At some point there was a thread of having the super materials guy make them special armour, they dedicated time/money to this, and it was subsequently never mentioned again. This armour (they only got 1 bit each) never achieved anything, was never mentioned and they never went back to get some more pieces made.
In this particular book there's apparently an entire ethical dilemma going on because they've created a body for an AI. Which is pretty weird, because since book 1 they've had a frickin' AI with a body, and another AI who's body is a spaceship. Put a copy of this spaceship AI in a mobile body and suddenly it has galaxy shaking implications, it makes no sense at all.
What else, well the entire crew often seem to get distracted by what can only be termed "side quests", they don't often have a strong rationale behind them, it's just a whim and off they go, chasing their tails or bonds or random bit of tech or info across half of known space.
Speaking of which, there's an area called "known space" and supposedly information outside it is very limited. Except it's not. Because there are entire companies who operate freight divisions specifically into or out of known space. And many many minor characters have reams of knowledge for the areas outside "known space".
I'm also confused by their concept of money, which I don't think really works on the scale they paint it, but it's probably best not to get into that.
And finally, they have a set of laws and an enforcement organisation which has jurisdiction only within known space.
There are corporate entities which exist outside, apparently very wealthy ones. Yet they somehow manage to "arrest" a super powerful CEO from outside their own jurisdiction and charge him.
All the guy had to do was stay away...
And whilst they ARE able to manage that, they AREN'T able to prosecute the many many corporate crimes they uncover.
The whole "legal" system seems to be a replica of the worst of the US, from a european point of view it doesn't really make a lot of sense. If you want a company to stop doing bad things IN your jurisdiction, you seize its assets and arrest and charge all those responsible for knowingly breaking the law, you don't have to kidnap/kill people or attack the parent company outside of your jurisdiction...
Anyway, it has a lot of holes, let's just summarise it with that, a lot of holes.
So, fairly basic sci fi procedural investigative. It's pretty easy to read, but I'm writing a review because bits of it are becoming more and more jarring.
Early on in the series, maybe book 2 or 3, the protagonist and crew figured out a way to track ships through "twists". They used it several times.
Then in book 4 they apparently forgot entirely about this, and started talking again about how they might achieve it, and in book 11 someone else has just come up with a solution (one that makes only a little sense).
At some point there was a thread of having the super materials guy make them special armour, they dedicated time/money to this, and it was subsequently never mentioned again. This armour (they only got 1 bit each) never achieved anything, was never mentioned and they never went back to get some more pieces made.
In this particular book there's apparently an entire ethical dilemma going on because they've created a body for an AI. Which is pretty weird, because since book 1 they've had a frickin' AI with a body, and another AI who's body is a spaceship. Put a copy of this spaceship AI in a mobile body and suddenly it has galaxy shaking implications, it makes no sense at all.
What else, well the entire crew often seem to get distracted by what can only be termed "side quests", they don't often have a strong rationale behind them, it's just a whim and off they go, chasing their tails or bonds or random bit of tech or info across half of known space.
Speaking of which, there's an area called "known space" and supposedly information outside it is very limited. Except it's not. Because there are entire companies who operate freight divisions specifically into or out of known space. And many many minor characters have reams of knowledge for the areas outside "known space".
I'm also confused by their concept of money, which I don't think really works on the scale they paint it, but it's probably best not to get into that.
And finally, they have a set of laws and an enforcement organisation which has jurisdiction only within known space.
There are corporate entities which exist outside, apparently very wealthy ones. Yet they somehow manage to "arrest" a super powerful CEO from outside their own jurisdiction and charge him.
All the guy had to do was stay away...
And whilst they ARE able to manage that, they AREN'T able to prosecute the many many corporate crimes they uncover.
The whole "legal" system seems to be a replica of the worst of the US, from a european point of view it doesn't really make a lot of sense. If you want a company to stop doing bad things IN your jurisdiction, you seize its assets and arrest and charge all those responsible for knowingly breaking the law, you don't have to kidnap/kill people or attack the parent company outside of your jurisdiction...
Anyway, it has a lot of holes, let's just summarise it with that, a lot of holes.
December 25, 2022
This is the 11th installment in the Backyard Starship series and, although there are starting to appear signs that the series should perhaps conclude or change the main story arc to something new and fresh, it is still a quite enjoyable read.
Van and his team of daredevils are what makes this installment worthwhile. Their bantering, antics and ass-kicking are really the things that carries this book for me.
The story is okay but it really feels like the author(s) are dragging it out now. I would much rather have had a new fresh story at this point instead of this nonsensical scam trial which had as much such legitimacy as, for example partisan commissions run by political asshats. Hint, that would be zero.
Still there’s plenty of action and, as I wrote, the book is carried by Van and his merry band of misfits.
There where a few points in the books that annoyed me and where just silly or unnecessary or both though.
This rubbish about “training” someone by exposing them to “motion-induced hysteria” was on the silly side of things. The unnecessary woke harping about burning hydrocarbons and the equally nonsensical, uneducated statements implying that things were glowing all over the place in Chernobyl was both silly and unnecessary. It is really annoying when such woke preaching just pops up for no good reason other than appease certain loudmouthed groups.
Anyway, an enjoyable installment as I wrote, but I hope the author either concludes the series or starts a new fresh story arc with the next installment.
Van and his team of daredevils are what makes this installment worthwhile. Their bantering, antics and ass-kicking are really the things that carries this book for me.
The story is okay but it really feels like the author(s) are dragging it out now. I would much rather have had a new fresh story at this point instead of this nonsensical scam trial which had as much such legitimacy as, for example partisan commissions run by political asshats. Hint, that would be zero.
Still there’s plenty of action and, as I wrote, the book is carried by Van and his merry band of misfits.
There where a few points in the books that annoyed me and where just silly or unnecessary or both though.
This rubbish about “training” someone by exposing them to “motion-induced hysteria” was on the silly side of things. The unnecessary woke harping about burning hydrocarbons and the equally nonsensical, uneducated statements implying that things were glowing all over the place in Chernobyl was both silly and unnecessary. It is really annoying when such woke preaching just pops up for no good reason other than appease certain loudmouthed groups.
Anyway, an enjoyable installment as I wrote, but I hope the author either concludes the series or starts a new fresh story arc with the next installment.
December 24, 2022
Enjoyable but starting to feel a bit static
I really enjoy this series as light reading but I kinda felt like this one was just phoned in. No new characters or new ideas just a remix of previous ones. I still enjoyed it but I felt even the author was getting a little bit bored with it and it showed. I still really like the characters and got at least one real laugh out of it but some of the jokes (such as ickys no pants and the constant references to earth culture) are really getting old. It's still good light entertainment but it needs some more depth, none of the secondary characters ever seem to grow or change very much. My favorite are the conoku, they do show hints of change and maturing but just tiny ones. Just to shake things up how about they show some agency and hijack the Iowa for some mission they think is important? Van trying to find them and get his battleship back before having to explain to anyone how he lost hundreds of conoku and a battleship would be really funny and open up lots of new story directions also...
I really enjoy this series as light reading but I kinda felt like this one was just phoned in. No new characters or new ideas just a remix of previous ones. I still enjoyed it but I felt even the author was getting a little bit bored with it and it showed. I still really like the characters and got at least one real laugh out of it but some of the jokes (such as ickys no pants and the constant references to earth culture) are really getting old. It's still good light entertainment but it needs some more depth, none of the secondary characters ever seem to grow or change very much. My favorite are the conoku, they do show hints of change and maturing but just tiny ones. Just to shake things up how about they show some agency and hijack the Iowa for some mission they think is important? Van trying to find them and get his battleship back before having to explain to anyone how he lost hundreds of conoku and a battleship would be really funny and open up lots of new story directions also...
December 20, 2022
The facade of Helem's trial leads to catastrophe
Now that Helem has been captured, he will be put on trial, but as usual money talks so everyone knows he will eventually be set free! Consequently there is a plan to take him out...
Things turn out to be more serious when it turns out he gas been infected with the perfect computer virus that will essentially eradicate technology across the universe if it can escape. Helem meanwhile is working with a known 'scientist' who is attempt to build a new body with stolen organic parts (stolen from other beings including their conscience). So now they do not know what he looks like....
Of course while Helem is incarcerated, various factions are trying to fill the void of his leadership and take over everything...
With high stakes, much adventure, hilarity, suspense, intrigue, love and loss ensures as Van and his crew attempt to stop Helem and his usurpers. Another enthralling saga in the Backyard Starship saga.
Now that Helem has been captured, he will be put on trial, but as usual money talks so everyone knows he will eventually be set free! Consequently there is a plan to take him out...
Things turn out to be more serious when it turns out he gas been infected with the perfect computer virus that will essentially eradicate technology across the universe if it can escape. Helem meanwhile is working with a known 'scientist' who is attempt to build a new body with stolen organic parts (stolen from other beings including their conscience). So now they do not know what he looks like....
Of course while Helem is incarcerated, various factions are trying to fill the void of his leadership and take over everything...
With high stakes, much adventure, hilarity, suspense, intrigue, love and loss ensures as Van and his crew attempt to stop Helem and his usurpers. Another enthralling saga in the Backyard Starship saga.
February 10, 2023
I don't know what happened but this didn't feel like the same series that I love. Book 10 was 4 stars for me, it pains me but this was, at most, 2 stars. Large parts of the storyline made no sense, the most obvious example being the Conoku kids - who were one of my favourite characters - restoring a roller coaster. Unfortunately there were other examples too.
For the first time there were editing errors as well, at some point a character even switched genders.
I hated when they killed Rollis in an earlier book but it worked to establish the risks involved in this line of work. However, repeating the exact same scenario - the self-sacrificing noble character making the ultimate sacrifice - with Zeno is lazy and the character deserved more (just like Rollis deserved more). It seems a pretty safe bet that in a future book Funboy will get the same treatment.
All in all, this book was just a big NO for me, and I'm pretty upset by that.
For the first time there were editing errors as well, at some point a character even switched genders.
I hated when they killed Rollis in an earlier book but it worked to establish the risks involved in this line of work. However, repeating the exact same scenario - the self-sacrificing noble character making the ultimate sacrifice - with Zeno is lazy and the character deserved more (just like Rollis deserved more). It seems a pretty safe bet that in a future book Funboy will get the same treatment.
All in all, this book was just a big NO for me, and I'm pretty upset by that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 17, 2023
Twists and Turns to shame a Six Flags Roller Coaster
There have been times in space opera series where it just got overwhelming with too much battle, too many players, and too much self-deprecation from the main character. But not with this one.
I started reading books in the backyard starship series DECADES ago, and look forward eagerly to the next installment. It's not often that an author draws tears from me, but Chaney and Maggert managed it. Plot and character development are superb, and it doesn't hurt that I'm old enough to have understood just about all of the sci-fi book and movie references. Hurry with the next series! GAUSS is still out there somewhere in a backup body!
There have been times in space opera series where it just got overwhelming with too much battle, too many players, and too much self-deprecation from the main character. But not with this one.
I started reading books in the backyard starship series DECADES ago, and look forward eagerly to the next installment. It's not often that an author draws tears from me, but Chaney and Maggert managed it. Plot and character development are superb, and it doesn't hurt that I'm old enough to have understood just about all of the sci-fi book and movie references. Hurry with the next series! GAUSS is still out there somewhere in a backup body!
August 17, 2025
I am amazed that these guys haven't run out of ideas yet. This novel launches the series into a new direction (near the end of the book).
I think saying any more will give too much away. I will say that teaming up with "the Body Thief" seemed a lot like teaming up with the devil who has professed to have reformed. It might be true but as they say, "He who sups with the devil should have a long spoon." (A quick search on the Internet suggests that this phrase in its many forms was first introduced by Geoffrey Chaucer in Squire’s Tale, 1390, but it appears in many places thereafter. I suspect it is a very old proverb.)
I will probably read this book again.
I think saying any more will give too much away. I will say that teaming up with "the Body Thief" seemed a lot like teaming up with the devil who has professed to have reformed. It might be true but as they say, "He who sups with the devil should have a long spoon." (A quick search on the Internet suggests that this phrase in its many forms was first introduced by Geoffrey Chaucer in Squire’s Tale, 1390, but it appears in many places thereafter. I suspect it is a very old proverb.)
I will probably read this book again.
December 20, 2022
Great story telling, good comic relief, but it champions summary executions
I enjoyed this series, and even appreciated the protagonist's struggles with taking the law into his own hands. I'm no purist who thinks every instance of police bending the law to get justice done is a bad thing. But in the polarized world we live in today where more and more people think violence outside the rule of law is a good thing when you have "right" on your side, this book's emphasis on summary justice nauseates me.
I enjoyed this series, and even appreciated the protagonist's struggles with taking the law into his own hands. I'm no purist who thinks every instance of police bending the law to get justice done is a bad thing. But in the polarized world we live in today where more and more people think violence outside the rule of law is a good thing when you have "right" on your side, this book's emphasis on summary justice nauseates me.
January 3, 2023
One of the finest books written
This book truly has it all. An epic plot to destroy the universe and a crew that can barely stand between the evil mastermind and the destruction of everything that we know. And there are plenty of humorous moments all throughout the book.
This book is a culmination of everything before it. And at last the plot that has been building for so long is revealed in a very satisfying way. I highly recommend this series to anyone that enjoys a humorous plot within a sci-fi universe.
This book truly has it all. An epic plot to destroy the universe and a crew that can barely stand between the evil mastermind and the destruction of everything that we know. And there are plenty of humorous moments all throughout the book.
This book is a culmination of everything before it. And at last the plot that has been building for so long is revealed in a very satisfying way. I highly recommend this series to anyone that enjoys a humorous plot within a sci-fi universe.
January 10, 2023
Crazy Rollercoaster
This was a really interesting book. It went all over the place, and really expanded the universe we have found ourselves in. At first in this series I was disappointed how nearly all events happened in a few locations, but thankfully this is growing with each passing book. I obviously will avoid any spoilers, but there is A LOT that happens here, both good and bad. A bit was predictable, but I'm not complaining. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!
This was a really interesting book. It went all over the place, and really expanded the universe we have found ourselves in. At first in this series I was disappointed how nearly all events happened in a few locations, but thankfully this is growing with each passing book. I obviously will avoid any spoilers, but there is A LOT that happens here, both good and bad. A bit was predictable, but I'm not complaining. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!
July 2, 2025
Empire Echoes throughout the Digital Universe, but with Hope
As the Tudor Team struggles to locate Gauss and the digitally destructive virus program that is designed to destroy all digital communication, computers, devices, and utilities directly while disrupting farming, manufacturing, construction, travel, and government indirectly. This is a fatal blow to every living creature. Only a limited amount of analog communication and devices remain unaffected as the virus add more worlds and digital devices to its destruction. Almost every system is corrupted or destroyed.
As the Tudor Team struggles to locate Gauss and the digitally destructive virus program that is designed to destroy all digital communication, computers, devices, and utilities directly while disrupting farming, manufacturing, construction, travel, and government indirectly. This is a fatal blow to every living creature. Only a limited amount of analog communication and devices remain unaffected as the virus add more worlds and digital devices to its destruction. Almost every system is corrupted or destroyed.
December 20, 2022
Author goes out of his way to make the point that the government's network is seriously air gapped that the bad guy has to physically connect to an internal terminal to infect a virus, but forgets that moments later when he claims the entire planet and the rest of space faring society is now moments from death from said virus.
No. The virus would have consumed the private, unconnected network and then gone dormant. Not destroy the rest of the universe.
No. The virus would have consumed the private, unconnected network and then gone dormant. Not destroy the rest of the universe.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2023
What a Ride
As always, our heros find themselves trying to save known space. Gauss (supervillain) is awaiting trial but no-one believes he will go to jail. What is left of his empire known as Benestar, is being caught for by all of the vultures. A desperate plan unfolds after Gauss’ trial. His plans to destroy anyone who tried to destroy him. Will Van sacrifice all to get revenge?
As always, our heros find themselves trying to save known space. Gauss (supervillain) is awaiting trial but no-one believes he will go to jail. What is left of his empire known as Benestar, is being caught for by all of the vultures. A desperate plan unfolds after Gauss’ trial. His plans to destroy anyone who tried to destroy him. Will Van sacrifice all to get revenge?
August 3, 2023
I love Van and his crew
Chaney and Matters have done it again. They are the Kay and Crosby of sci-fi story telling. Their writing has again taken the reader on a rollar coaster ride of emotions while providing a great sci-fi western combined with a run of law and order. The characters continue to become "beefier" and Richer in flavor and texture. Its a great read, and a fantastic replacement for the run TV culture during the writers and actors strike.
Chaney and Matters have done it again. They are the Kay and Crosby of sci-fi story telling. Their writing has again taken the reader on a rollar coaster ride of emotions while providing a great sci-fi western combined with a run of law and order. The characters continue to become "beefier" and Richer in flavor and texture. Its a great read, and a fantastic replacement for the run TV culture during the writers and actors strike.
September 26, 2023
Echoes of Empire provides a surprising ending that caught me off guard. This sci-fi adventure takes Van and his crew on an unexpected journey as they unintentionally topple an empire. With evolving tactics, mysterious allies, and a philosophical exploration of existence, the book concludes in a way that I didn't see coming. If you appreciate a story with an unforeseen ending, this one is worth checking out.
December 18, 2022
Great read....
I've enjoyed everyone of the backyard starship books. I really enjoyed the banter between the main characters. I like the story that's surrounds the main characters. I actually got emotional At the end of the book. It's never easy When a main character Is no longer gonna be part of the story
I've enjoyed everyone of the backyard starship books. I really enjoyed the banter between the main characters. I like the story that's surrounds the main characters. I actually got emotional At the end of the book. It's never easy When a main character Is no longer gonna be part of the story
December 27, 2022
The fight continues
If you have enjoyed this series as much as I you will continue to do so with this chapter in the fight for justice in the Cosmo. The antics of the crew add a unique and welcome diversion to the storyline (especially The Bird). Read on and can't wait for book 12!
If you have enjoyed this series as much as I you will continue to do so with this chapter in the fight for justice in the Cosmo. The antics of the crew add a unique and welcome diversion to the storyline (especially The Bird). Read on and can't wait for book 12!
January 26, 2023
A phenomenal read. Again
I can't write much about this book without including a spoiler. The crew continue to do what they do, with humour.
I had three chapters to go and needed to sleep but I could sense a monumental ending. The sleep had to wait. What a finish to this book.
Well done again Messrs Chaney and Maggert. Although I would have changed the ending......
I can't write much about this book without including a spoiler. The crew continue to do what they do, with humour.
I had three chapters to go and needed to sleep but I could sense a monumental ending. The sleep had to wait. What a finish to this book.
Well done again Messrs Chaney and Maggert. Although I would have changed the ending......
August 13, 2023
Backyard Starship book 11
Chaney and Maggert have become two of my favorite authors. I love their ability to develop characters you love or hate, no matter the species. Alien, human, or AI, all life is presented with a common theme. Compassion for others, resilience, persistence... Doesn't disappoint! Ready for more!
Chaney and Maggert have become two of my favorite authors. I love their ability to develop characters you love or hate, no matter the species. Alien, human, or AI, all life is presented with a common theme. Compassion for others, resilience, persistence... Doesn't disappoint! Ready for more!
September 10, 2023
Oh it just keeps getting better!
The saga of Peacemaker Van Tudor and his erstwhile crew including his fiancé Torina continues to evolve and expand. Each book takes you further into the intricacies of the characters created by Terry Maggert and J.N.Chaney.
You’re on the edge with each chapter having to force yourself not to jump ahead.
Now onto book 12!
The saga of Peacemaker Van Tudor and his erstwhile crew including his fiancé Torina continues to evolve and expand. Each book takes you further into the intricacies of the characters created by Terry Maggert and J.N.Chaney.
You’re on the edge with each chapter having to force yourself not to jump ahead.
Now onto book 12!
September 27, 2023
Well that was interesting
This is by far my favorite series in Chaney's collection. The story is fun, the characters are believable, and it is obvious the author(s) care enough to tell a compelling tale. Curious to see how this universe evolved following the conclusion of the book
This is by far my favorite series in Chaney's collection. The story is fun, the characters are believable, and it is obvious the author(s) care enough to tell a compelling tale. Curious to see how this universe evolved following the conclusion of the book
November 4, 2023
Charming, thrilling, sad, horrifying
I love the combination of thoughtful storytelling and interesting characters interacting and solving problems. It continues to bring surprises. Bringing the bad guys down doesn't mend or reverse the damage they have caused. A sad life lesson, indeed.
I love the combination of thoughtful storytelling and interesting characters interacting and solving problems. It continues to bring surprises. Bringing the bad guys down doesn't mend or reverse the damage they have caused. A sad life lesson, indeed.
December 10, 2023
Backyard Starship Book 11 Review
Chaney and Magnet have produced another amazing addition to their Backyard Starship series. Echoes of Empire was both a culmination of an ongoing storyline and setup for an intriguing new pathway for Van and his crew. Can't wait to experience their next adventure.
Chaney and Magnet have produced another amazing addition to their Backyard Starship series. Echoes of Empire was both a culmination of an ongoing storyline and setup for an intriguing new pathway for Van and his crew. Can't wait to experience their next adventure.
February 22, 2024
Intense
This installment felt like a longer read than previous ones, though word count is similar. Perhaps it was the combination of advanced tech, new tech, evolving concepts and final solution? Well written, and with some intense scenes, both emotionally and conflict wise, this book ends on a somber note, remembering the past and seeking a better future.
This installment felt like a longer read than previous ones, though word count is similar. Perhaps it was the combination of advanced tech, new tech, evolving concepts and final solution? Well written, and with some intense scenes, both emotionally and conflict wise, this book ends on a somber note, remembering the past and seeking a better future.
March 16, 2024
Another E ride
Wow! That was a rocking story full of good guys chasing bad guys and at least 1 team member sacrificing themselves for the greater good. But now the must stop the virus that threatens all the tech and n the known galaxy (except Earth and Chegith). Looking for volume 12 now.
Wow! That was a rocking story full of good guys chasing bad guys and at least 1 team member sacrificing themselves for the greater good. But now the must stop the virus that threatens all the tech and n the known galaxy (except Earth and Chegith). Looking for volume 12 now.
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