Hand of Fate

★ 9.00 / 2

For the first time ever, Van has to deliver the remains of fallen comrades. At the Starsmith, he’s presented with an opportunity to change the face of the war, even as Torina and Van begin planning for the ultimate shift in their galaxy:

Parenthood.

But first, the crew must prepare for an unexpected gift-- a new, unknown fleet of ships, uncrewed and hidden deep out in the black.

There’s just one problem. They have the ships, but they need pilots and a secret base to create their fleet. For that job, they’ll need an ally of unparalleled strength.

The Schegith Protectorate.

With friends, and a little time, Van and his AI friends create a plan so bold it will take them into the heart of Yotov’s web—and far from anyone who can help them. Earth hangs in the balance, and the fight for humanity’s future will take place among the stars.

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Updated 04/23/2025

Category: Science Fiction, Space Opera

Release date: May 26, 2024

J.N. Chaney

J.N. Chaney is a prolific author whose work has captivated fans of science fiction, particularly those who love fast-paced, high-stakes adventures set in expansive, meticulously crafted worlds. With a natural gift for blending military strategy, thrilling action, and complex characters, Chaney's writing transports readers to far-off galaxies where the stakes are high, and the lines between right and wrong are often blurred.

Born with a fascination for space, technology, and the future, J.N. Chaney's journey into storytelling was not a straight line but a culmination of years of personal exploration. Influenced by his love for epic tales of space battles, ancient civilizations, and heroes on the edge of survival, his debut series, Renegade Star, quickly garnered a dedicated following. Through each novel, he has built a universe where alliances shift, moral dilemmas abound, and survival is never guaranteed.

Backyard Starship

In a quiet corner of the universe, where most would never think to look, Van Tudor stumbles upon a discovery that will change everything. Beneath the familiar ground of his grandfather’s farm lies a hidden starship—an extraordinary vessel with a history as mysterious as the cosmos itself. As Van embarks on a journey across the stars, he quickly learns that the universe is far bigger, more dangerous, and infinitely more complex than he could have ever imagined.

Backyard Starship invites readers into a universe where human ingenuity meets the unknown. The series stands apart with its deeply personal storytelling, blending the heart of space exploration with the pulse of military sci-fi. What begins as a simple adventure into the stars evolves into a tale of growth, resilience, and the unbreakable bonds formed between humans, AIs, and the technology that changes their world.

From the start, this series offers more than just high-tech battles and alien encounters. It's about Van, a man who's been thrust into a vast galaxy of challenges and moral dilemmas, and Perry, his combat-ready AI companion who is as loyal as she is unpredictable. Together, they navigate a universe filled with ruthless enemies, questionable alliances, and the kind of mysteries that could shake the foundations of reality itself.

The beauty of Backyard Starship lies in its world-building—rich, detailed, and immersive. Each book unfolds new layers of the galaxy, introducing a diverse array of characters and environments that feel alive and complex. From the tense corridors of alien starships to the quiet moments in the cockpit of a forgotten spacecraft, every setting is meticulously crafted to pull readers deeper into its world.

It’s not just the action and adventure that make this series special—it’s the exploration of what it means to discover your purpose in a universe that is constantly shifting. As Van and Perry evolve, so too does their understanding of themselves and the universe they inhabit. The stakes grow with each chapter, and the tension between loyalty, ambition, and survival creates an emotional depth that will linger long after the final page is turned.

Whether you’re drawn to gripping space battles, emotional character arcs, or intricate plots that twist with each turn, Backyard Starship offers something for every science fiction fan. With each new installment, the series continues to expand, taking readers on a journey that challenges not only their sense of adventure but their understanding of what it means to explore the unknown.

Backyard Starship consists of twenty-seven books and series is set to expand with the upcoming release of two more books. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.

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