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Backyard Starship #12
Song of Darkness
Helem Gauss is gone, but his legacy lives on.
Calamity, the digital plague, is spreading, and where it strikes is both ruthless and random. Fearful of the Earth being ravaged, Van and the crew go on high alert to keep his homeworld free of galactic influence.
But that vision is shattered when Tony Burgess captures an alien ship. . . in Wisconsin. And the ship isn’t just a stray workboat. It’s the opening ploy of a group who sees humanity as a business opportunity too big to pass up.
Advancing in rank, Van is faced torn between two duties—to his crew, and to his home. Since he isn’t willing to give up the safety of either, he’ll have to find a third way. Unfortunately for the forces against him, that path will include violence.
Calamity, the digital plague, is spreading, and where it strikes is both ruthless and random. Fearful of the Earth being ravaged, Van and the crew go on high alert to keep his homeworld free of galactic influence.
But that vision is shattered when Tony Burgess captures an alien ship. . . in Wisconsin. And the ship isn’t just a stray workboat. It’s the opening ploy of a group who sees humanity as a business opportunity too big to pass up.
Advancing in rank, Van is faced torn between two duties—to his crew, and to his home. Since he isn’t willing to give up the safety of either, he’ll have to find a third way. Unfortunately for the forces against him, that path will include violence.
448 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 19, 2023
1143 people are currently reading
257 people want to read
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J.N. Chaney
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
September 25, 2023
Another great installment
The Backyard Spaceship series is a great continuing series that is full of likable characters and fun twists. If you've read this far its still enjoyable.
The Backyard Spaceship series is a great continuing series that is full of likable characters and fun twists. If you've read this far its still enjoyable.
November 10, 2023
I love this cast of characters. While this isn't the best space-ensemble-cast series I've read, it's up near the top. It's clever, funny, interesting, engaging. In this particular installment Van keeps getting promoted and the twist at the end makes things even more intriguing. There's a battle scene but those are incidental - this series is far more about the cast. The action is a side note.
It's a lot of fun, pretty light fare. And Jeffrey Kafer is excellent on audio.
It's a lot of fun, pretty light fare. And Jeffrey Kafer is excellent on audio.
February 1, 2025
great story. Worth 4.5 stars
The mix of tears of laughter and gripping the sides of my tablet made the story worth it. I would compare it to some of RAH earlier stories. A definite convoluted plot that weaves its way to a beautiful WEB, uh story.
The mix of tears of laughter and gripping the sides of my tablet made the story worth it. I would compare it to some of RAH earlier stories. A definite convoluted plot that weaves its way to a beautiful WEB, uh story.
May 18, 2023
Even though our story with Peacekeeper Van Tudor and his crew aboard the Fafnir could have been over in the last book, the job never goes away. There's always bad guys to find, arrest and bring to justice which is what Peacemaker Tudor does exceedingly well. He's not been a Peacemaker with the Guild for that long, but he has made a name for himself. Yeah, his reputation is kind of derived from his Grandfather, who was a Peacemaker himself, for a very long time. It just seemed that his Grandfather got burned out with the whole thing and just didn't want to do it any more. Oh, he was good at it, no doubt, and that's why he got his Grandson Van involved when the time was right.
Now Peacemaker Van Tudor is making a name for himself. He and his crew broke the BeneStar Corporation which was spreading vile evil throughout known and even unknown space. Helem Gauss was the master mind whom they captured and brought to justice only to see that justice crater under it's own stupid mechanisms. Helem Gauss was very, very, very rich so he had an entire army of lawyers who managed to work their way through the legal system and got their client out on probation and with a very small fine. Yet, Van Tudor wasn't about to let the little weasel get away with all the harm he had done.
Unfortunately, it cost him one of his dearest crew members, Zenophir, when she sacrificed her life to kill the scumbag Gauss. It wasn't the way Van wanted things to go, but we don't always get our way. Everyone of his crew were like family and Zeno was like a mother to the young Wu'tzur, Icky. But Icky was growing up and had to face this kind of challenges just like the rest of the crew. They still had missions to complete and even now a new threat was present in the universe.
It's name was Calamity! Some how Helem Gauss had released some kind of computer virus or something upon the universe and it was totally destroying every kind of computer in use. Once "infected" the system or systems became totally useless and no one, not even the smartest AI's could yet figure out how to stop it or even prevent it from infecting other systems. The only way to guard against getting the Calamity aboard your vessel was to do everything via analog methods. No more digital data sending or certainly receiving and even comms were badly effected. Van had rigged up a crude laptop computer that came from Earth to act as a gateway for comms to his ship. It worked because the Earth laptop was just too dumb to be effected by Calamity. Again, an indicator how far behind Earth was technologically compared to the rest of the universe. But, like I said, his system worked so he had a way to communicate back to Anvil Dark and the rest of the Peacemaker Guild.
Calamity wasn't the only thing going on that disturbed Van Tudor greatly. He was getting more and more concerned about someone or something controlling everyone's actions in the background. He was going to find out who that was. Even his boss, Master Gerhardt, was showing signs of not making the right decisions. Like letting Helem Gauss go even when they new he had the Calamity virus and was ready to release it. But, Van was also getting known by others and he was brought in for another promotion. And that lead to his getting introduced to the Group of 32 who had a long, long history controlling what was going on in the universe. Only Van realized that this organization was totally unorganized to the extent no one knew what anyone was really doing. He needed to get this fixed.
His first attempt was to go after the Seven Stars League or at least a rouge faction. They were associated with Helem Gauss and his boss, Dohlennz. He was another criminal that needed to be brought to justice. Could Van Tudor gather enough firepower to go against this growing Seven Stars League rogue faction? They were gearing up to attack somebody and Van swore to stop them in their tracks.
Great story and it's not over yet. Book 13, "Path of Tyrants" is available on Amazon. I've already added it to my reading list.
Now Peacemaker Van Tudor is making a name for himself. He and his crew broke the BeneStar Corporation which was spreading vile evil throughout known and even unknown space. Helem Gauss was the master mind whom they captured and brought to justice only to see that justice crater under it's own stupid mechanisms. Helem Gauss was very, very, very rich so he had an entire army of lawyers who managed to work their way through the legal system and got their client out on probation and with a very small fine. Yet, Van Tudor wasn't about to let the little weasel get away with all the harm he had done.
Unfortunately, it cost him one of his dearest crew members, Zenophir, when she sacrificed her life to kill the scumbag Gauss. It wasn't the way Van wanted things to go, but we don't always get our way. Everyone of his crew were like family and Zeno was like a mother to the young Wu'tzur, Icky. But Icky was growing up and had to face this kind of challenges just like the rest of the crew. They still had missions to complete and even now a new threat was present in the universe.
It's name was Calamity! Some how Helem Gauss had released some kind of computer virus or something upon the universe and it was totally destroying every kind of computer in use. Once "infected" the system or systems became totally useless and no one, not even the smartest AI's could yet figure out how to stop it or even prevent it from infecting other systems. The only way to guard against getting the Calamity aboard your vessel was to do everything via analog methods. No more digital data sending or certainly receiving and even comms were badly effected. Van had rigged up a crude laptop computer that came from Earth to act as a gateway for comms to his ship. It worked because the Earth laptop was just too dumb to be effected by Calamity. Again, an indicator how far behind Earth was technologically compared to the rest of the universe. But, like I said, his system worked so he had a way to communicate back to Anvil Dark and the rest of the Peacemaker Guild.
Calamity wasn't the only thing going on that disturbed Van Tudor greatly. He was getting more and more concerned about someone or something controlling everyone's actions in the background. He was going to find out who that was. Even his boss, Master Gerhardt, was showing signs of not making the right decisions. Like letting Helem Gauss go even when they new he had the Calamity virus and was ready to release it. But, Van was also getting known by others and he was brought in for another promotion. And that lead to his getting introduced to the Group of 32 who had a long, long history controlling what was going on in the universe. Only Van realized that this organization was totally unorganized to the extent no one knew what anyone was really doing. He needed to get this fixed.
His first attempt was to go after the Seven Stars League or at least a rouge faction. They were associated with Helem Gauss and his boss, Dohlennz. He was another criminal that needed to be brought to justice. Could Van Tudor gather enough firepower to go against this growing Seven Stars League rogue faction? They were gearing up to attack somebody and Van swore to stop them in their tracks.
Great story and it's not over yet. Book 13, "Path of Tyrants" is available on Amazon. I've already added it to my reading list.
February 22, 2023
Calamity is spreading and worlds are falling!
The Calamity virus is spreading throughout the universe, making communications primarily analogue and everything unplugged to prevent infection. However, Van hears from Matter forge that this virus may not be what they think it is....
Van starts to suspect that the Guild and the Knights are not the ones pulling the strings and more details are uncovered about the current threat as they try and track down Gauss' friend Dohlenz and capture Karsweill the renegade master....
The novel makes a number of twists and turns as more is revealed. Suspense, mystery, an obnoxious hairdresser and his assistant (who actually does the hair), an unexpected romance, new crew members, further revelations about the inner workings, space battles, subterfuge, family and friends all go in the blender in this tale, leaving one eager to read the next one....
The Calamity virus is spreading throughout the universe, making communications primarily analogue and everything unplugged to prevent infection. However, Van hears from Matter forge that this virus may not be what they think it is....
Van starts to suspect that the Guild and the Knights are not the ones pulling the strings and more details are uncovered about the current threat as they try and track down Gauss' friend Dohlenz and capture Karsweill the renegade master....
The novel makes a number of twists and turns as more is revealed. Suspense, mystery, an obnoxious hairdresser and his assistant (who actually does the hair), an unexpected romance, new crew members, further revelations about the inner workings, space battles, subterfuge, family and friends all go in the blender in this tale, leaving one eager to read the next one....
March 1, 2023
Series is peaking over last two books
Less aimless thrashing and wheel spinning action merely to introduce background elements. More plot reveals and more meaningful action.
Pretty tight computer security elements...except not realizing that all digital signals are just protocols riding on analog signals. Basically any time digital computing listens/analyzes analog signals like sound or radio -- it's now analog to digital converted. So any computer which interacts with the outside world can be hacked even if each connection is one way data flow - some inward sensor data and some outward control/display.
So the speed and time to deliver a malware package over low bandwidth input (sensor) channel is the better protection argument. Except first delivering tiny bootstrap packages with the sole purpose to enable faster downloads are basic malware and bootup strategy today. Plus video and ship battlescanners would by definition be higher bandwidth.
Less aimless thrashing and wheel spinning action merely to introduce background elements. More plot reveals and more meaningful action.
Pretty tight computer security elements...except not realizing that all digital signals are just protocols riding on analog signals. Basically any time digital computing listens/analyzes analog signals like sound or radio -- it's now analog to digital converted. So any computer which interacts with the outside world can be hacked even if each connection is one way data flow - some inward sensor data and some outward control/display.
So the speed and time to deliver a malware package over low bandwidth input (sensor) channel is the better protection argument. Except first delivering tiny bootstrap packages with the sole purpose to enable faster downloads are basic malware and bootup strategy today. Plus video and ship battlescanners would by definition be higher bandwidth.
February 12, 2023
Starting to drag out
First off, these are still good reads, the characters are excellent, the author is not afraid to write off some as the story progresses and the narrative keeps you engaged
The issue I have now, as we finish book 12, is that we just end up with another major bad guy, this to be now the 3rd or 4th so far in the series and it just smacks of the authors getting to the end of the usefulness of the current one and having to think/come up with someone/thing new
The characters are good enough to justify one set of bad guys being dealt with and completely separate set of bad guys having to be dealt with
First off, these are still good reads, the characters are excellent, the author is not afraid to write off some as the story progresses and the narrative keeps you engaged
The issue I have now, as we finish book 12, is that we just end up with another major bad guy, this to be now the 3rd or 4th so far in the series and it just smacks of the authors getting to the end of the usefulness of the current one and having to think/come up with someone/thing new
The characters are good enough to justify one set of bad guys being dealt with and completely separate set of bad guys having to be dealt with
February 6, 2023
Van and company do it again
Another great story line. The core characters have become family. The introduction of two new characters will move the series along. Once again you can read this story without reading the rest of the series. I don't recommend that as you will miss so much. Thank you J.N. Chaney and Terry Matters for another great story. I can't wait for the next installment.
Another great story line. The core characters have become family. The introduction of two new characters will move the series along. Once again you can read this story without reading the rest of the series. I don't recommend that as you will miss so much. Thank you J.N. Chaney and Terry Matters for another great story. I can't wait for the next installment.
February 14, 2023
great story
Well written and a solid addition to the series. I will say that the proof reader used should return some of their pay as they really dropped the ball halfway through. Van and part of the crew are now on Object 6 and Netty tells him a message is coming in from Gerhardt? He then looks at Torino?? Bad form and very sloppy!! Do better! Other than that stumble though I really enjoyed the book! 4 stars for the faux paid.
Well written and a solid addition to the series. I will say that the proof reader used should return some of their pay as they really dropped the ball halfway through. Van and part of the crew are now on Object 6 and Netty tells him a message is coming in from Gerhardt? He then looks at Torino?? Bad form and very sloppy!! Do better! Other than that stumble though I really enjoyed the book! 4 stars for the faux paid.
June 16, 2023
Love it
Such a great book in this awesome series. I'm really enjoying everything about this series and love getting the next iteration. I won't get into hard book details, but Van is up against the ropes as usual and I love watching him with work through it. Terry has such a great ability to write witty dialogue between the team, they really feel like a family on the ship.
Keep it going!
Such a great book in this awesome series. I'm really enjoying everything about this series and love getting the next iteration. I won't get into hard book details, but Van is up against the ropes as usual and I love watching him with work through it. Terry has such a great ability to write witty dialogue between the team, they really feel like a family on the ship.
Keep it going!
May 2, 2024
The Exception To The Rule
Normally, when multi volumes series stretch out, they often become cookie cutter assemblages.
This isn’t happening here. Yes, foregone conclusions are easy. Hey you can’t kill off the core characters-at least not yet.
New members of the crew, add new dimensions to the interplay. Characters morph in depth, and that includes the villains. In short, worth the ride!
Normally, when multi volumes series stretch out, they often become cookie cutter assemblages.
This isn’t happening here. Yes, foregone conclusions are easy. Hey you can’t kill off the core characters-at least not yet.
New members of the crew, add new dimensions to the interplay. Characters morph in depth, and that includes the villains. In short, worth the ride!
July 27, 2024
Series is getting convoluted
Another installment to the Peace Maker series and another layer or three added to the already messing dish that is this series. We have bag guys who aren't bad guys, overloads that are subservient to others, and AI virus running a muck. It is becoming difficult to remember who is who, what they have done and where they are in this ever expanding storyline.
I'm still a fan of the series, but not sure how the authors are going to wrap
this all up.
Another installment to the Peace Maker series and another layer or three added to the already messing dish that is this series. We have bag guys who aren't bad guys, overloads that are subservient to others, and AI virus running a muck. It is becoming difficult to remember who is who, what they have done and where they are in this ever expanding storyline.
I'm still a fan of the series, but not sure how the authors are going to wrap
this all up.
February 6, 2023
Tried to read this book after the hilariously badly written ending of the previous book, but my suspension of disbelief has been broken so bad I can't take anything seriously anymore. Only made it 2% before giving up. It's a shame, since I've read everything in this series until now. I'll definitely miss it.
February 7, 2023
Song of Darkness Book 12
The Backyard Ship series. is one of my favorite franchises. If you are looking for a good read this series touches all the bases adventure characters you come to care about and an interesting story line which will keep you waiting for the next installment
The Backyard Ship series. is one of my favorite franchises. If you are looking for a good read this series touches all the bases adventure characters you come to care about and an interesting story line which will keep you waiting for the next installment
February 7, 2023
I have enjoyed the series and was waiting with bated breath for this one to come out. UNFORTUNATELY it is only available on Amazon and they have the latest and greatest DRM on it.
I will not update my Kindle so J.N. Chaney is now off my reading list.
I haven't heard from Terry Maggert, yet. But, I suspect his works are now under the new restrictions.
I will not update my Kindle so J.N. Chaney is now off my reading list.
I haven't heard from Terry Maggert, yet. But, I suspect his works are now under the new restrictions.
February 8, 2023
Backyard starship continues to capture the imagination with each book
I strongly recommend the backyard starship series!With each chapter you find yourself being drawn further into this world/galaxy/timeline. The plot the characters Which makeup this series grow on you like a comfortable sweater. The way the crew interacts is flawless and entertaining
I strongly recommend the backyard starship series!With each chapter you find yourself being drawn further into this world/galaxy/timeline. The plot the characters Which makeup this series grow on you like a comfortable sweater. The way the crew interacts is flawless and entertaining
February 10, 2023
Despite the sadness of lost comrades...
the books in this series never fail to bring a smile to my face to the point that the question 'what are you smiling about?' is almost always asked in the household when I'm reading an episode of Backyard Starship.
Crews that become family chuck insults around like confetti at a wedding.
the books in this series never fail to bring a smile to my face to the point that the question 'what are you smiling about?' is almost always asked in the household when I'm reading an episode of Backyard Starship.
Crews that become family chuck insults around like confetti at a wedding.
February 14, 2023
The perfect addition to a great tail.
Maggart and Chaney work their magic once again. A perfect addition to this great tail. Van and our hero’s finally get to the bottom of who is behind everything that is going on. Masters that were corrupt and gone rouge, the Seven Star Leagues, they will all have to answer for their crimes, but not before they are take down.
Maggart and Chaney work their magic once again. A perfect addition to this great tail. Van and our hero’s finally get to the bottom of who is behind everything that is going on. Masters that were corrupt and gone rouge, the Seven Star Leagues, they will all have to answer for their crimes, but not before they are take down.
February 17, 2023
Sometimes it's as if wars go on and on...
So to with the ear being fought by Van. Can he be instrumental in gathering the forces necessary to eliminated the forces threatening the universe as well as his daily life. This storyline makes huge leaps in that direction but time will tell. For now, we'll be waiting for the next installment!
So to with the ear being fought by Van. Can he be instrumental in gathering the forces necessary to eliminated the forces threatening the universe as well as his daily life. This storyline makes huge leaps in that direction but time will tell. For now, we'll be waiting for the next installment!
March 2, 2023
Yet another great read
Van's and his crews adventures continue, but as it seems that they make two steps forward, it's one step back. The virus is out there causing damage, but there is other forces as well, Can is called to join another secret group, but it comes with it's own issues. Fully recommend this series of books.
Van's and his crews adventures continue, but as it seems that they make two steps forward, it's one step back. The virus is out there causing damage, but there is other forces as well, Can is called to join another secret group, but it comes with it's own issues. Fully recommend this series of books.
March 7, 2023
Another superb instalment
It is difficult to find new words for a positive review for two authors that continuously produce work that never has me thinking "oh, this rehashed storyline, again."
How they manage to keep doing this so we'll explains why they are authors and I am not.
Keep up the good work.
It is difficult to find new words for a positive review for two authors that continuously produce work that never has me thinking "oh, this rehashed storyline, again."
How they manage to keep doing this so we'll explains why they are authors and I am not.
Keep up the good work.
March 11, 2023
Possibly the best book of the series
Truly enjoyed this book. The writing seemed a little bit higher quality which was most likely more of sign that this chapter in the story was better laid out and richer in context.
Look forward to the next book. It’s nice to have a series that doesn’t seem like it’s tailing off.
Truly enjoyed this book. The writing seemed a little bit higher quality which was most likely more of sign that this chapter in the story was better laid out and richer in context.
Look forward to the next book. It’s nice to have a series that doesn’t seem like it’s tailing off.
May 17, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Another fantastic entry to the series. This has been one of my favorite series’s to have found, the cast of characters, the story, world building, and action. It all flows seamlessly and coalesces into an amazing world. I love the books and can’t wait for the rest of the story.
Another fantastic entry to the series. This has been one of my favorite series’s to have found, the cast of characters, the story, world building, and action. It all flows seamlessly and coalesces into an amazing world. I love the books and can’t wait for the rest of the story.
August 27, 2023
Closer to the Truth
Van and his crew continue against their unknown quarry. Every link of the chain they snip brings them closer! But to what? Or who? A galaxy wide plan, tieing up numerous groups, planets, and species to do what? Van’s mother is on death’s door, he’s no closer to the top, and still needs answers!
Van and his crew continue against their unknown quarry. Every link of the chain they snip brings them closer! But to what? Or who? A galaxy wide plan, tieing up numerous groups, planets, and species to do what? Van’s mother is on death’s door, he’s no closer to the top, and still needs answers!
March 15, 2024
Gains and Losses
This installment starts like the previous episodes and then slowly intensifies with character loss, new introductions and some significant conflicts. The book slows a bit in places, then speeds up towards the end leaving the reader nearly exhausted by the end, with a soft lead into the next installment.
This installment starts like the previous episodes and then slowly intensifies with character loss, new introductions and some significant conflicts. The book slows a bit in places, then speeds up towards the end leaving the reader nearly exhausted by the end, with a soft lead into the next installment.
July 15, 2024
Another new member of the crew, and at this point, I'm tempted to see if anyone has done any sketches of the crew based on their descriptions, because this is becoming the very definition of a motley crew. And now we have a digital pandemic on the loose, but at least the authorities are working to contain it (what a shocking turn of events).
September 30, 2024
Van working as a Peacemaker in his 7th/8th year after his grandfather's passing while attempting to live up to his grandfather's legacy experiencing friendships with space slugs, aliens of various types, all while managing the crew of the Fafnir that he's made into a family. J.N. Chaney can only create such a vivid and life like universe of Van Tudor III
March 30, 2025
This is a very entertaining series of books with humor, action, adventure and romance.
The characters and story are unforgettable and out of this world. The writers always manage to create new scenarios and situations which need the immediate attention of the crew of the barnyard starship and their affiliates to save gallaxies if not the universe.
The characters and story are unforgettable and out of this world. The writers always manage to create new scenarios and situations which need the immediate attention of the crew of the barnyard starship and their affiliates to save gallaxies if not the universe.
July 3, 2025
Sing the Song of Darkness and the Future Light of Daybreak
Tudor and his growing team of friends and family try to overcome the Rogue forces and prevent the expected destruction as Calamity programming and corrupt leadership make any attempt at government a failure as the known Universe struggles with infighting and power plays.
Tudor and his growing team of friends and family try to overcome the Rogue forces and prevent the expected destruction as Calamity programming and corrupt leadership make any attempt at government a failure as the known Universe struggles with infighting and power plays.
February 7, 2023
Great sci fi adventure
Really bad stuff happens at the end, but the crew's adventures with cheese on Earth and Gabby are awesome, lighthearted moments. Funboy has unexpected depths. Van makes a momentous decision. And did I mention the really bad stuff at the end?
Really bad stuff happens at the end, but the crew's adventures with cheese on Earth and Gabby are awesome, lighthearted moments. Funboy has unexpected depths. Van makes a momentous decision. And did I mention the really bad stuff at the end?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews