I have been reading this Sci-Fi military series for a while and thought I should let you know about it. Now don’t get me wrong this is not Hemingway or Tolstoy, but the fact that I am up to Book 8 shows that it is not a bad read.
After his grandfather’s death, Van Tudor returns to his childhood home and inherits more than just the family farm.
Van Tudor
All crew pictures obtained from the Backyard Starship Wiki.
Van is met at the farm by the family attorney (but is she more?), and friend of “gramps”, Miryham Nunzio, who outlines his inheritance from the Grandfather that was such a part of his life growing up.
Miryham Nunzio
Van’s grandfather captivated him with incredible stories of spacemen, monsters, princesses, and galactic knights, creating vivid images of epic battles and ancient truths that suggested these tales might be more than mere fantasy, hinting at secrets waiting to be discovered.
Hidden within the old barn, Van’s legacy is waiting: a starship, later named Fafnir, not of this world.
The ship is controlled by an AI named Netty, who is more friend and confidant than digital controller.
Van starts his journey through the galaxy with his combat AI, an android shaped like a golden eagle named Perry, who is a fierce protector and wise companion. As they travel, Van realizes it is lively and dangerous, filled with vibrant civilizations, strange alien species, allies who offer help, and hidden threats. His skills are tested as he navigates tricky alliances and confronts foes. He soon discovers he is meant to become a Galactic “Peacemaker,” a respected agency known for maintaining peace and justice in the chaos of the cosmos, a role requiring bravery and strong moral values as he strives to uphold order in a changing universe.
Perry, the combat AI
The crew is an eclectic bunch whose characters are developed throughout the narrative.
Torina is a Human Female. She was initially a passenger for Van, headed home to Helso. Taking her there was his second job. She is a member of the family that owns Helso, which is rich in helium 3 deposits. She is strong, and a practitioner of the martial art of Innsu, as well as a very good shot with ships’ weapons
Icky
Female Wu’tzur (hairy ape like creature with four arms) and daughter of the engineer Urnak. Also an engineer, and brilliant. Comes aboard for the ride to Anvil Dark, the home of the Peacemakers, and along the way increases the efficiency of the Fafnir, leading to Van accepting her as the ships engineer. The only thing she enjoys more than tinkering with the ship is bashing people with her hammer making her a more than efficient combat team member. Just don’t order her to capture someone alive as it ain’t gunna happen!
Zenophir (Zeno)
Zeno is a P’nosk who resembles a walrus with bushy whiskers and bright red ears. Initially an informant for Van’s grandfather, Zeno, a skilled engineer and armorer, eventually becomes a trusted member of Fafnir’s crew, contributing valuable knowledge and expertise to their adventures.
Zeno is an old creature with wrinkled skin, pale whiskers, and a humped posture. She takes Obligation seriously because of its biochemical significance, and she has a preference for long, bristle-like textures and comfortable fat paddles.
The story line is a combination of short adventures and major quest that intertwine to keep the reader involved in the immediate action but wondering how this feeds into the greater storyline.
Written by bestselling Author J.N. Chaney and Terry Maggert I am enjoying the series very much.
The books can be found on Amazon and are free on Kindle Unlimited.