Birds of Prey

Backyard Starship, Book 30

By: J.N. Chaney, Terry Maggert

Narrated by: Jeffrey Kafer

High in Earth's orbit, the Fist of Orion has been busy.

With new Shrike attack craft, Van decides it's time to go on the offensive. Despite bringing peace to many of the stars, the war has turned—and come home, bringing with it a new kind fight that Van knows all to well.

Politics.

With that brawl comes money, and with money, the fight gets serious. Retta's network reveals a threat rising in Europe, as various nations struggle to break free of Earth, make bonds among the stars, and find new and exciting ways to turn the planet into something to be packaged and sold.

For a profit, of course.

Earth isn't the only world in danger, and a mystery in deepest space brings a strange connection to Perry's past—one that will unlock a second front on Van's war, all while opening the crew up to danger rooted in the halls of Anvil Dark.

Anvil Dark, and the GKU aren't allies, not really, and Van is faced with old enemies and new recruits in a dirty fight for control of something that should belong to everyone—the law. Using technocrats, criminals, and opportunists, Van's enemies have bought their way into an alliance that will push the Fafnir and her crew into a battle for the ultimate control of earth's future.

And the defense of earth will be waged as Van keeps one eye on deepest space, where an ancient enemy has awakened, eager for vengeance. Eager for the end of all life.

And eager to end the Tudor line, once and for all.

©2025 by Variant Publications (P)2026 Podium Audio

Unrealistic, even for sci-fi

Van is dumb. Just sits there and take fire. And so many situations he should just be dead because he’s so dumb. Over realistic opinion of himself. Enjoy the books, but it seems like they’re trying to torture the readers and listeners.

great work

this series and the spinoffs are all worth the time and investment. hoghly recommended. first peacemakers.

Superlative Entertainment!

The authors, Messrs. Maggert and Chaney, continue the BYSS epic with another enormously creative and entertaining volume! The plot is astonishingly fresh, which is remarkable at the 30th installment, a milestone few authors achieve. The characters continue to evolve in credible ways while both remaining consistent with their histories and staying engaging. The narration by Jeffrey Kafer (a member of SAG/AFTRA) is as entertaining as ever and a perfect complement to the author’s craftsmanship.

Birds of Prey

Great story line. I’ve read all 30 Books. Hope they will continue to write more.

Great series

I ❤️ love the series

i hate this review thing you have to make up stupid shit till it let's you submit.