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Backyard Starship #4
Legacy of Stars
There are some things you simply can’t escape. For Van, it’s family.
Out among the stars, his cousin, Carter Yost, drags Van and his team into a criminal ring run by the High Doctor- a dangerous con artist with delusions of grandeur. Working from the abandoned world of Pathway, the High Doctor has created a cult, stealing a fortune from the fearful, sick, and scared.
If there’s one thing Van hates, it’s a bully, and the High Doctor has his full attention. But in order to crush the criminal cult, Van needs bigger, better armor—and that comes with a price.
The rarest metals cost money, and that means doing a few dirty jobs in order to pay for the tools of his trade. Van’s got the will. His team has the skill.
Now, he has to find a way. And the way will surely involve war.
Out among the stars, his cousin, Carter Yost, drags Van and his team into a criminal ring run by the High Doctor- a dangerous con artist with delusions of grandeur. Working from the abandoned world of Pathway, the High Doctor has created a cult, stealing a fortune from the fearful, sick, and scared.
If there’s one thing Van hates, it’s a bully, and the High Doctor has his full attention. But in order to crush the criminal cult, Van needs bigger, better armor—and that comes with a price.
The rarest metals cost money, and that means doing a few dirty jobs in order to pay for the tools of his trade. Van’s got the will. His team has the skill.
Now, he has to find a way. And the way will surely involve war.
452 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 16, 2022
1622 people are currently reading
707 people want to read
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J.N. Chaney
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
February 14, 2023
These are all pulpy, and continue to basically be Mass Effect fanfic, but they're enjoyable and this was one of the better of them. Don't be surprised if I make it through this pretty long series at a quick pace, at least until Nathan Lowell gets more books out.
June 17, 2022
One thing. you can certainly say about Peacemaker Van Tudor II is that he sticks to a case until it's solved, or so far, that is. He and his band of characters, including Torina, Perry (a AI bird), Icky (a huge gorilla-like alien girl) and Netty (his spaceship) and still pursuing an unknown band of very, very bad guys who are kidnapping people and installing their essence/intelligence/soul into computer chips. How they are doing this isn't really known, but it seems that the people that are treated this way find themselves locked into doing what their computer chip is programmed to do. They have no free will, but they make excellent Artificial Intelligence machines. Van Tudor has been finding these chips and turning them over to Steve at Anvil Dark (HQ for the Peacemakers) and he has been able to free these kidnapped minds and place them in re-grown bodies. Most are obviously very grateful for this including an entire species that was almost wiped out until Peacemaker Tudor got involved. Still, there are more of these chips around and Tudor intends to find out who's masterminding this horrible crime.
While the starship Fafnir (where did the author dig that name up?) has been very capable and still is, they just acquired a much larger starship called the Iowa. It had to be extensively overhauled and refurbished, but it would serve as a new base of operations for Van Tudor and his crew. Anvil Dark was getting a little to uncomfortable for Tudor due to all the changes taking place in the Peacemaker Guild. There were several Master positions open and lots of politicking going on to get those positions. One Master, Master Yotov, was subtly attempting to influence the filling of these Master vacancies with people she hand-picked. This would pretty much give her complete control of the Guild. That wasn't something unusual in that other Masters had joined together to influence past directions of the Guild, but Tudor and his mentor Lunzy suspected that Master Yotov was deeply involved in a lot of the criminal activity in the galaxy and specifically in this human kidnapping case. So, Van Tudor was following leads that kept him pretty much away from Anvil Dark since he didn't want any part of the politicks.
But he had to return this one time because someone, some how had kidnapped his Cousin, Carter Yost, and was demanding a ransom. As much as Van wanted to say, "So what!", he couldn't bring himself to do so because Yost was still another Peacemaker, some how. So off they went to find where Yost was being held and attempt to deliver said ransom. Only they walked into a trap. Everyone knew it was a trap, but they still walked or rather flew right into it. Fortunately, for everyone involved, the kidnappers weren't very smart. In fact they were down right stupid. So much so that it didn't take the crew of the Fafnir much effort to free Yost and arrest the kidnappers. It took them away from their current investigation.
Then, as if it was a surprise, not! They got another urgent mission for the Peacemaker Guild, one that couldn't be ignored. Someone had stolen a mothballed warship from the Seven Stars League. It was a heavy cruiser to be exact and while not fully armed, it was a very dangerous mission, but the pay-out for returning the ship intact to the Seven Stars League was four hundred thousand bonds. That would go a long way towards upgrading the Fafnir and repairs to the Iowa. So the Fafnir headed out to see if they could track down this potential big payday. Bad move!
This job went well until it didn't. While greatly out-gunned, it wasn't too bad until the Fafnir got hit square on the nose by one of the gigantic lasers. Everything turned white after that until Van Tudor recovered his senses. It seems that at the same time as the Fafnir got hit, one of her missiles also hit the cruiser and she was now dead in space. So with that mission successfully accomplished, it only took about half the bonds to repair the Fafnir! But, they could now go back on to their original investigation.
As they finally realized, they were going to have to travel to Rigel which was a long, long ways away. The Fafnir couldn't make that kind of trip because of the fuel requirements, but the Iowa could provided they could finish repairs on its engines. This is where they get into a big discussion about the time differences when traveling faster than light or making slip-stream trips. What might seem like only a few hours or days to the traveler could be months or years to those not with them. Tudor was now finding out that while he was galavanting around space, Earth was moving along at its normal pace even though he was moving faster a few times as he traveled. This trip to Rigel would cost him a few hours, but on Earth a least a year would have passed. Not sure why all this was brought up in the book, but it did seem to take up a lot of writing for something that was just going to happen. I never thought Van Tudor was going to stop being a Peacemaker just because he was missing a lot of time back on Earth.
Any way, the Iowa with the Fafnir stowed aboard made the trip there and back. Without a problem. They didn't find the osmium mines they hoped to find, but if they did find the source of this mineral, they could determine who was making the computer chip blanks used to house the human/alien intelligences they were kidnapping. Turns out, the whole trip was a waste and the osmium was being mined on Pluto. Their investigation is heating up and they need to get to the ring-leaders, but it's going to require something very strange. Van Tudor is going to have to ask Carter Yost for help! You got to read the rest of the story to find out why and what happens!
This story certainly doesn't end here. Book 5, "Blue Shift" is currently on Amazon and is the next book I'm reading. This is a very entertaining series.
While the starship Fafnir (where did the author dig that name up?) has been very capable and still is, they just acquired a much larger starship called the Iowa. It had to be extensively overhauled and refurbished, but it would serve as a new base of operations for Van Tudor and his crew. Anvil Dark was getting a little to uncomfortable for Tudor due to all the changes taking place in the Peacemaker Guild. There were several Master positions open and lots of politicking going on to get those positions. One Master, Master Yotov, was subtly attempting to influence the filling of these Master vacancies with people she hand-picked. This would pretty much give her complete control of the Guild. That wasn't something unusual in that other Masters had joined together to influence past directions of the Guild, but Tudor and his mentor Lunzy suspected that Master Yotov was deeply involved in a lot of the criminal activity in the galaxy and specifically in this human kidnapping case. So, Van Tudor was following leads that kept him pretty much away from Anvil Dark since he didn't want any part of the politicks.
But he had to return this one time because someone, some how had kidnapped his Cousin, Carter Yost, and was demanding a ransom. As much as Van wanted to say, "So what!", he couldn't bring himself to do so because Yost was still another Peacemaker, some how. So off they went to find where Yost was being held and attempt to deliver said ransom. Only they walked into a trap. Everyone knew it was a trap, but they still walked or rather flew right into it. Fortunately, for everyone involved, the kidnappers weren't very smart. In fact they were down right stupid. So much so that it didn't take the crew of the Fafnir much effort to free Yost and arrest the kidnappers. It took them away from their current investigation.
Then, as if it was a surprise, not! They got another urgent mission for the Peacemaker Guild, one that couldn't be ignored. Someone had stolen a mothballed warship from the Seven Stars League. It was a heavy cruiser to be exact and while not fully armed, it was a very dangerous mission, but the pay-out for returning the ship intact to the Seven Stars League was four hundred thousand bonds. That would go a long way towards upgrading the Fafnir and repairs to the Iowa. So the Fafnir headed out to see if they could track down this potential big payday. Bad move!
This job went well until it didn't. While greatly out-gunned, it wasn't too bad until the Fafnir got hit square on the nose by one of the gigantic lasers. Everything turned white after that until Van Tudor recovered his senses. It seems that at the same time as the Fafnir got hit, one of her missiles also hit the cruiser and she was now dead in space. So with that mission successfully accomplished, it only took about half the bonds to repair the Fafnir! But, they could now go back on to their original investigation.
As they finally realized, they were going to have to travel to Rigel which was a long, long ways away. The Fafnir couldn't make that kind of trip because of the fuel requirements, but the Iowa could provided they could finish repairs on its engines. This is where they get into a big discussion about the time differences when traveling faster than light or making slip-stream trips. What might seem like only a few hours or days to the traveler could be months or years to those not with them. Tudor was now finding out that while he was galavanting around space, Earth was moving along at its normal pace even though he was moving faster a few times as he traveled. This trip to Rigel would cost him a few hours, but on Earth a least a year would have passed. Not sure why all this was brought up in the book, but it did seem to take up a lot of writing for something that was just going to happen. I never thought Van Tudor was going to stop being a Peacemaker just because he was missing a lot of time back on Earth.
Any way, the Iowa with the Fafnir stowed aboard made the trip there and back. Without a problem. They didn't find the osmium mines they hoped to find, but if they did find the source of this mineral, they could determine who was making the computer chip blanks used to house the human/alien intelligences they were kidnapping. Turns out, the whole trip was a waste and the osmium was being mined on Pluto. Their investigation is heating up and they need to get to the ring-leaders, but it's going to require something very strange. Van Tudor is going to have to ask Carter Yost for help! You got to read the rest of the story to find out why and what happens!
This story certainly doesn't end here. Book 5, "Blue Shift" is currently on Amazon and is the next book I'm reading. This is a very entertaining series.
January 30, 2022
bloody brilliant!
Okay, I’ve read all four books in this series in a week, and considering my deadlines, this was a terrible mistake… BUT… I loved the series too much to stop! Seriously, brilliant fun!
Okay, I’ve read all four books in this series in a week, and considering my deadlines, this was a terrible mistake… BUT… I loved the series too much to stop! Seriously, brilliant fun!
August 17, 2022
LEGACY OF STARS is the fourth volume of the Backyard Starship series that I find to be an incredibly entertaining storyline about a ex-Army officer finding out his grandfather was an intergalactic peace officer as well as inheriting his starship. The stories are pretty much episodic, involving Van and his crew of Mystery Science Theater-esque AI (plus one ex-noblewoman) scouring the galaxy of brain scan slavery. Basically, humans getting murdered and their minds copied onto AI to serve various functions. This book focuses on Van dealing with a scam religion run by a Russianophile alien as well as dealing with his perpetually corrupt and annoying cousin, Carter. If you liked the previous books, you'll like this.
June 17, 2022
I love these books!
September 15, 2025
Yet another good book I find myself laughing out loud. It’s that good. The places where they go it’s well worth the read. 🤓
May 9, 2023
I love this series for the characters and witty, sharp dialogue. Each book gets somewhat repetitive with the plot, but I don't care. Love the characters. And Jeffrey Kafer on audio.
January 19, 2022
As good as it gets…
In the early 1960’s, I read my first science fiction story, I Robot, by Issac Asimov. The Backyard Starship series reminds me of Asimov’s books and how I bugged out librarian for the next book. Interesting, funny, snarky and dramatic at time, Legacy of Stars has all that and more. I am an avid fan, not just of this series but of Chaney and his writings. As a retired U.S. Navy Submariner, my only comment is that the U.S. does not have titanium hulled submarines, only the Russians did. For Van, I hope he gets to upgrade the hull or uses Iowa full time in his Peacekeeping search for justice. Counting the days until March 15th…
In the early 1960’s, I read my first science fiction story, I Robot, by Issac Asimov. The Backyard Starship series reminds me of Asimov’s books and how I bugged out librarian for the next book. Interesting, funny, snarky and dramatic at time, Legacy of Stars has all that and more. I am an avid fan, not just of this series but of Chaney and his writings. As a retired U.S. Navy Submariner, my only comment is that the U.S. does not have titanium hulled submarines, only the Russians did. For Van, I hope he gets to upgrade the hull or uses Iowa full time in his Peacekeeping search for justice. Counting the days until March 15th…
February 10, 2022
This is the fourth book I've read in this series. I like the story premise and will read the next in the series, but feel that this book dragged a bit as I found myself skipping over the endless banter and constant snarky comments of the main characters (including the AIs). Don't get me wrong I actually like the flippant / snarky sense of humor, I just thought that in this particular book it seemed over done and almost felt like filler. The book actually got more interesting towards the end as Van and friends finally find a lead that could advance the story of catching the bad guys. This interesting part of course leaves you hanging for the next book in the series. :-)
April 20, 2025
Deception abounds
Van, Torina and crew are determined to find the scum killing sentients for profit while cruelly turning them into free AI chips for them to exploit. But things are becoming increasingly dangerous as the corruption they have dug out so far is coming from senior levels of Peacemakers.
Adding to the fun are the multiple almost successful attempts to kill them as the criminals frustrate their efforts to find them.
Van, Torina and crew are determined to find the scum killing sentients for profit while cruelly turning them into free AI chips for them to exploit. But things are becoming increasingly dangerous as the corruption they have dug out so far is coming from senior levels of Peacemakers.
Adding to the fun are the multiple almost successful attempts to kill them as the criminals frustrate their efforts to find them.
July 24, 2022
2 stars. Now the story itself is great but there are too many problems to make it three or above.
First of all, Van has had two acolyte promotions, one where he claimed to be one of the fastest after his first week and then another one where he had the ceremony and claimed he was a initiate that whole time.
Small but annoying. Worse though is how they NEVER FOLLOW UP ON LEADS!
They keep claiming the trail is dead or they don't know what to do. In this book alone he has 3 leads he ignores. First, The Dregs he got told by that mercenary captain that a certain bar the one bad guy goes to every start of the month. Yet he NEVER follows up, the whole point of invading that mercenary base was to find that information never follows up.
Easy Bet? Or what ever, he goes and knows there is bad stuff going on there and sets it up to get a password, then leaves for a long time and...NEVER FOLLOWS UP.
The Venus probe and all that, never follows up.
The shadow agents on earth one in Vancouver and the alien signals coming from other places. Never follows it up...
A active mining operation. Never follows up.
Ark of Vengeance and other cults, never follows up.
Information from the French Slug? Never follows up.
More upgrades to his ship from the radiation people. Never follows up.
At the start a fueling cost about 4k bonds per twist. Later on it's starting to way more per twist it seems. Hell the progenitor stealth device only cost about 2 million and another million to install. And that was super rare. So a dragon upgrade can't be that expensive and he's making 200k bonds all the time. So by pure logic of how much things cost. He should have the money to upgrade to dragon many MANY times over.
Honestly this book has so many errors and faulty logic and left over plot threads that it's no wonder he can't figure his way out of a cardboard box. The universe is great, the criminals are great and the mystery. The main character and side personalities are great.
It's just keeping track of what is going on that the authors suck at and logic behind it , as well as following up on leads. It's like he can't remember what he did the other day so forgets about all the plans he'd made before and keeps thinking he knows nothing.
First of all, Van has had two acolyte promotions, one where he claimed to be one of the fastest after his first week and then another one where he had the ceremony and claimed he was a initiate that whole time.
Small but annoying. Worse though is how they NEVER FOLLOW UP ON LEADS!
They keep claiming the trail is dead or they don't know what to do. In this book alone he has 3 leads he ignores. First, The Dregs he got told by that mercenary captain that a certain bar the one bad guy goes to every start of the month. Yet he NEVER follows up, the whole point of invading that mercenary base was to find that information never follows up.
Easy Bet? Or what ever, he goes and knows there is bad stuff going on there and sets it up to get a password, then leaves for a long time and...NEVER FOLLOWS UP.
The Venus probe and all that, never follows up.
The shadow agents on earth one in Vancouver and the alien signals coming from other places. Never follows it up...
A active mining operation. Never follows up.
Ark of Vengeance and other cults, never follows up.
Information from the French Slug? Never follows up.
More upgrades to his ship from the radiation people. Never follows up.
At the start a fueling cost about 4k bonds per twist. Later on it's starting to way more per twist it seems. Hell the progenitor stealth device only cost about 2 million and another million to install. And that was super rare. So a dragon upgrade can't be that expensive and he's making 200k bonds all the time. So by pure logic of how much things cost. He should have the money to upgrade to dragon many MANY times over.
Honestly this book has so many errors and faulty logic and left over plot threads that it's no wonder he can't figure his way out of a cardboard box. The universe is great, the criminals are great and the mystery. The main character and side personalities are great.
It's just keeping track of what is going on that the authors suck at and logic behind it , as well as following up on leads. It's like he can't remember what he did the other day so forgets about all the plans he'd made before and keeps thinking he knows nothing.
Read
January 30, 2023Legacy of Stars was an amazing book in the Backyard Starship series. It was all about Van trying to find his place in the galaxy. In doing so, he realizes that space is a cruel place, but he continues on his policing journey. The book emphasizes the struggle of police in this era, and it shows that problems on Earth carry over to other planets.
In the story, the characters go on amazing adventures to try to put a stop to illegal trading, which is harmful to everyone. The book shows that determination and courage will help you conquer any obstacle. In the book, Van tries to put the memory chip trading to a halt for good. He ends up helping everyone in the end.
The book is also about corruption in space. In the book, the guild has many people turn to the other side. This happens for many reasons, but it adds depth to Van's adventure. He must choose which side he's on which makes the book interesting. He also learns that if you don't pay your dues terrible things will happen. This happens to many in the book and also shows how some of the problems in space are also problems on earth.
I also loved that Van had to make some tough decisions. He had to choose which side he was on, but also if he would help one person over another. Even though he wants to help both people, it would never be possible. He also has to make a difficult choice which affects his time in comparison to other people.
Finally, he also tries to investigate his Fathers' death. This splits him in many ways that he must navigate through. Whatever he does will be risky, but is the reward worth it? This was also one of the major challenges he had to decide.
I do wish that the story had added more depth to the characters. They do not grow as much as they did in previous books, even though a new member is added. I also wish the ending was more spectacular. In other books in the series, the ending is amazing. In this one, the ending was just a cliffhanger into the next book.
Overall, the book is a must-read if you enjoy the series. Even though it could be better, it was still very entertaining and a joy to read!
In the story, the characters go on amazing adventures to try to put a stop to illegal trading, which is harmful to everyone. The book shows that determination and courage will help you conquer any obstacle. In the book, Van tries to put the memory chip trading to a halt for good. He ends up helping everyone in the end.
The book is also about corruption in space. In the book, the guild has many people turn to the other side. This happens for many reasons, but it adds depth to Van's adventure. He must choose which side he's on which makes the book interesting. He also learns that if you don't pay your dues terrible things will happen. This happens to many in the book and also shows how some of the problems in space are also problems on earth.
I also loved that Van had to make some tough decisions. He had to choose which side he was on, but also if he would help one person over another. Even though he wants to help both people, it would never be possible. He also has to make a difficult choice which affects his time in comparison to other people.
Finally, he also tries to investigate his Fathers' death. This splits him in many ways that he must navigate through. Whatever he does will be risky, but is the reward worth it? This was also one of the major challenges he had to decide.
I do wish that the story had added more depth to the characters. They do not grow as much as they did in previous books, even though a new member is added. I also wish the ending was more spectacular. In other books in the series, the ending is amazing. In this one, the ending was just a cliffhanger into the next book.
Overall, the book is a must-read if you enjoy the series. Even though it could be better, it was still very entertaining and a joy to read!
February 17, 2024
I really enjoy the first 3 books, but this one just didn't hit the mark for me and I think it's because I know that book #19 released this week. I am all for going back to the universe/well of characters that do well and books that do well, but while reading this one I just felt that it wasn't moving the over arching plot along at anything more then a snails pace. I feel that this would be better if the original story/plot line was kept to 3 or 4 books and then start a new plot line with either the main character or whole new characters in the same universe with guest appearances by the original characters. I read a lot of the Drizzt Do'Urden books by R.A. Salvatore, and what I enjoy from those series is that Drizzt is the main character in a plot line that takes 3 books to tell, and then he moves onto another completely different plot line with new supporting characters but the main stays throughout. I'd be much more interested in continuing if this series was similar.
That said this book was fine, the humor in line with the previous books and some character development but with the main plot line only moving forward inches at at time it feels more filler then anything, and I am afraid that this one ends my interest in continuing the series. That said if you enjoy reading a series that sticks to what it knows and releases regularly then this is a good one for you.
That said this book was fine, the humor in line with the previous books and some character development but with the main plot line only moving forward inches at at time it feels more filler then anything, and I am afraid that this one ends my interest in continuing the series. That said if you enjoy reading a series that sticks to what it knows and releases regularly then this is a good one for you.
November 28, 2022
Another fun book
I am beginning to like this series and the grab bag of characters this universe has to offer. I also appreciate the change in trope, with the cases primarily revolving around identity theft (sentient being being chipped into AI chips). Its a plot twist I haven't seen used to this extent in a sci-fi series. Sure there's several story arcs that remind me of of a Black Mirror or Fringe episode, but for a book series, this is new for me.
Looking forward to the next book. Just hoping this identity chip story arc completes and a new one begins. Four books in and they barely have a section kf the puzzle teased out.
I am beginning to like this series and the grab bag of characters this universe has to offer. I also appreciate the change in trope, with the cases primarily revolving around identity theft (sentient being being chipped into AI chips). Its a plot twist I haven't seen used to this extent in a sci-fi series. Sure there's several story arcs that remind me of of a Black Mirror or Fringe episode, but for a book series, this is new for me.
Looking forward to the next book. Just hoping this identity chip story arc completes and a new one begins. Four books in and they barely have a section kf the puzzle teased out.
June 27, 2023
Even though it happened so many things, twists and turns I feel that nothing really changed, they go one foword and then two backwards. This book suffers from middle book syndrome. It didn’t help that I listed it as an audiobook, I didn’t like the voice! I just couldn’t concentrate on the audio and couldn’t visualise the action. In reality I rarely listen to books, I prefer to read them but I couldn’t find a copy so audio it was. Also what started as banter in this book is getting on my nerves, especially the cultural references there are so US based. I will decide on the next book if I want to continue.
February 16, 2022
Another great installment
I really enjoy this series. It's very different from other space operas, and you have to take a lot of leaps of faith/ imagination, but it's fun. For instance, no science is ever actually explained, it just WORKS. We want to "twist" people by teleporting them instantly? Go ahead. I also get bothered how everything seems to happen within a handful of systems. There are endless races out there all within hundreds of light years, much closer than any science would suggest. Oh well, just go with it!
I really enjoy this series. It's very different from other space operas, and you have to take a lot of leaps of faith/ imagination, but it's fun. For instance, no science is ever actually explained, it just WORKS. We want to "twist" people by teleporting them instantly? Go ahead. I also get bothered how everything seems to happen within a handful of systems. There are endless races out there all within hundreds of light years, much closer than any science would suggest. Oh well, just go with it!
June 3, 2022
Another captivating read - get involved
Why are mote people not reading these books - by the way, I have no idea how popular they are.
The sci-fi / fantasy elements really resonate with me, but by far the biggest reason I keep reading these is because of the characters and the humour.
Whether it's the smart talking AI or the subtle tension between Van and Torina, it is just compelling.
The fact that the authors are able to continue a story over so many books without boring me or repeating incidents is testament to their combined talents.
And now on to the next instalment.
Why are mote people not reading these books - by the way, I have no idea how popular they are.
The sci-fi / fantasy elements really resonate with me, but by far the biggest reason I keep reading these is because of the characters and the humour.
Whether it's the smart talking AI or the subtle tension between Van and Torina, it is just compelling.
The fact that the authors are able to continue a story over so many books without boring me or repeating incidents is testament to their combined talents.
And now on to the next instalment.
December 25, 2022
Spoilers
This was book four. And, like all the others so far, it was good fun to read.
But this time we got something extra, a few answers. All through the first few there have been gaps in the story. Not in the plot, but information Van needed to know and should have asked for. Details about his family.
We start to get them here and learn more about Mark Tudor and problems with the Peacekeepers.
There are all kinds of loose ends still, but they are coming together nicely. Looking forward to book five!
This was book four. And, like all the others so far, it was good fun to read.
But this time we got something extra, a few answers. All through the first few there have been gaps in the story. Not in the plot, but information Van needed to know and should have asked for. Details about his family.
We start to get them here and learn more about Mark Tudor and problems with the Peacekeepers.
There are all kinds of loose ends still, but they are coming together nicely. Looking forward to book five!
September 20, 2023
Legacy of Stars propels readers into an electrifying adventure where family ties meet unwavering justice in the cosmos. Van's cousin, Carter Yost, lures him and the team into a cosmic heist orchestrated by the cunning High Doctor, who exploits the vulnerable for riches from the eerie world of Pathway. As Van seeks justice and faces bullies, the price becomes clear: the need for better armor. To fund it, Van and his skilled crew take on gritty jobs, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown. Character depth and humor enrich the story, promising a cosmic journey packed with thrills for fans and newcomers alike.
June 23, 2025
Finally, all the hard work chasing leads begins to point to the real leaders of the crime networks
As new contacts and incidents begin to weave a pattern that covers many bits of information and begins to make connections between AI, high tech, and profitable criminal ventures through out the known galaxies, the partnered Peacemakers work together to gather the necessary information and opportunities to get cooperation and support for their next operation against the many evil groups.
As new contacts and incidents begin to weave a pattern that covers many bits of information and begins to make connections between AI, high tech, and profitable criminal ventures through out the known galaxies, the partnered Peacemakers work together to gather the necessary information and opportunities to get cooperation and support for their next operation against the many evil groups.
January 22, 2022
An excellent series
This is another fun book in the Backyard Starship series. I really recommend that you read the series from the beginning to truly appreciate it. Van Tudor is a true Peacemaker, trying to do the right thing. Unfortunately, not all Peacemakers are like him and he finds himself, and his crew in trouble because of a traitor in the ranks. As usual, Van works out what is going on despite the obstacles in his way.
This is another fun book in the Backyard Starship series. I really recommend that you read the series from the beginning to truly appreciate it. Van Tudor is a true Peacemaker, trying to do the right thing. Unfortunately, not all Peacemakers are like him and he finds himself, and his crew in trouble because of a traitor in the ranks. As usual, Van works out what is going on despite the obstacles in his way.
January 24, 2022
Another Great Series
Book 4 Legacy of Stars continues the saga of Van’s eclectic team as they unravel the mysteries of death and destruction brought on by a possible traitor located within the major law enforcement in the universe. I’ve already preordered Book 5 and look forward to its release in about 7 weeks. Start reading Book 1 and you will see why you will get caught in the storyline!
Book 4 Legacy of Stars continues the saga of Van’s eclectic team as they unravel the mysteries of death and destruction brought on by a possible traitor located within the major law enforcement in the universe. I’ve already preordered Book 5 and look forward to its release in about 7 weeks. Start reading Book 1 and you will see why you will get caught in the storyline!
February 13, 2022
The bird is the word!!
As in the previous books, Perry, the combat AI is my favorite followed by Icky. These two crew members seem to get the most things done; Van still comes in last. Maybe his cousin, Yost, has that honor. I like the way that all of these books are working on a common goal and with each book new characters are introduced that reappear as allies in future books. I especially liked the ending of this one. I am ready for more!
As in the previous books, Perry, the combat AI is my favorite followed by Icky. These two crew members seem to get the most things done; Van still comes in last. Maybe his cousin, Yost, has that honor. I like the way that all of these books are working on a common goal and with each book new characters are introduced that reappear as allies in future books. I especially liked the ending of this one. I am ready for more!
February 19, 2022
As the mystery unravels the assassination attempts increase!
Van is continuing to investigate the chipping of people. A crucial aspect of the design of the chip leads to a clue that leads them to Nigel (and closer to home). A discovery on Earth leads to more personal enlightenment. After one assassination attempt a traitor is eventually unmasked and the mysterious Cabal makes an appearance.
An entertaining tale with action, drama and intrigue.
Van is continuing to investigate the chipping of people. A crucial aspect of the design of the chip leads to a clue that leads them to Nigel (and closer to home). A discovery on Earth leads to more personal enlightenment. After one assassination attempt a traitor is eventually unmasked and the mysterious Cabal makes an appearance.
An entertaining tale with action, drama and intrigue.
March 8, 2022
It was a very good book overall. I did find that approximately 3/4 in it got a little slow. But I feel that the author needed to put in the information as it will probably be needed in the next couple books. I have enjoyed the humor and his dialect that keeps me guessing. There are times I need to look up that word that I haven’t heard before. This keeps it interesting And makes me want to keep reading his books. I would actually give this a 4.5 but not able to do that in the stars awesome job!
March 23, 2022
Most Enjoyable
This series is definitely getting its legs under itself. Reading these books makes me feel (heck, be certain) that their really are good people out their. So nice to step away from the trash on TV that portrays criminals as the good guys and perversion as the norm.
I hope that these books find there way into the hands of some teenagers and twenty somethings. I know the books I read at that age helped me strive to be better.
This series is definitely getting its legs under itself. Reading these books makes me feel (heck, be certain) that their really are good people out their. So nice to step away from the trash on TV that portrays criminals as the good guys and perversion as the norm.
I hope that these books find there way into the hands of some teenagers and twenty somethings. I know the books I read at that age helped me strive to be better.
June 6, 2022
Have really been enjoying this series.
The action is well paced without getting caught up in long space battles or heavy burdens of techno-jargon. The characters are interesting, well fleshed out, and respond consistently and reasonably. The humor is well done without being corny. All the books thus far have been fun fluff reading for a lazy Sunday afternoon, or casual evening. I look forward to reading book 5 soon.
The action is well paced without getting caught up in long space battles or heavy burdens of techno-jargon. The characters are interesting, well fleshed out, and respond consistently and reasonably. The humor is well done without being corny. All the books thus far have been fun fluff reading for a lazy Sunday afternoon, or casual evening. I look forward to reading book 5 soon.
August 18, 2023
a fun and engaging story
This is the 4th book in the series and it did not disappoint. The story is both mystery and lighthearted. As the protagonist learns all there is to know about being a peacemaker, he faces both ordinary and extraordinary obstacles in his path.
Well written and engaging, I recommend the book and series to those who like science fiction and crime mysteries.
This is the 4th book in the series and it did not disappoint. The story is both mystery and lighthearted. As the protagonist learns all there is to know about being a peacemaker, he faces both ordinary and extraordinary obstacles in his path.
Well written and engaging, I recommend the book and series to those who like science fiction and crime mysteries.
May 29, 2024
Great space opera!
I love the Backyard Starship series! The male protagonist, Van Tudor, is one of my favorite characters and his crew is just as interesting and entertaining as he is. Author J. N. Chaney has created a wonderful storyline set in space near and far (very, very far). There is tons of action and adventure and I highly recommend it.
There is a bit of cursing in this book but, I’m hoping it’s just a one-off rather than a trend.
Kindle Unlimited
I love the Backyard Starship series! The male protagonist, Van Tudor, is one of my favorite characters and his crew is just as interesting and entertaining as he is. Author J. N. Chaney has created a wonderful storyline set in space near and far (very, very far). There is tons of action and adventure and I highly recommend it.
There is a bit of cursing in this book but, I’m hoping it’s just a one-off rather than a trend.
Kindle Unlimited
August 19, 2024
The Saga Continues!
I wanted not to like this book but alas….. Much adoo about reading the next 19 books in the series!!! This one is fun as long as you keep your tongue in your cheek! Lots of adventures undertaken and plenty left in progress even with closure (which was really just a pause with an unwritten interlude in Iowa) - I like that….. Things get unpredictable but that is where the fun is - enjoy!
I wanted not to like this book but alas….. Much adoo about reading the next 19 books in the series!!! This one is fun as long as you keep your tongue in your cheek! Lots of adventures undertaken and plenty left in progress even with closure (which was really just a pause with an unwritten interlude in Iowa) - I like that….. Things get unpredictable but that is where the fun is - enjoy!
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