Backyard Starship, Book 1: Destiny Is Calling

By Terry Maggert and J.N. Chaney

What would you do if you inherited a starship? Embark on the adventure of a lifetime in this best-selling and fast-paced science fiction thrill ride, BACKYARD STARSHIP, Book 1.

Van Tudor spent his childhood on his grandfather's farm, listening to fantastic stories of spaceships and monsters, princesses and galactic knights, and empires. He thought they were all made up, only meant to entertain...until the day he inherited the family farm and discovered the real truth: that the old man really was a legendary starship pilot and every adventure really did happen.

Now, hidden beneath the old barn, Van's legacy awaits, as he discovers his true inheritance: a starship not of this world. With the help of an android bird named Perry, who doubles a combat AI, Van takes his first steps into the wider galaxy and sets out for the stars in search of answers. He soon finds that space is far busier and more dangerous than he could have ever imagined.

Destiny is calling. His grandfather's legacy awaits.

If you're a fan of found spaceships and galactic quests for glory, this Dragon Award Nominated novel from USA Today Bestselling Author J.N. Chaney and Terry Maggert might just be the story you've been waiting for.

For Fans of: The Expanse, The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet, The Murderbot Diaries (Martha Wells), Firefly, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Old Man's War (John Scalzi), Expeditionary Force (Craig Alanson), and Guardians of the Galaxy.

PRAISE FOR BACKYARD STARSHIP

"A throwback to classic adventure stories from the heyday of science fiction. You'll never want to leave."-- Nicholas Sansbury Smith, New York Times Bestselling author of Hell Divers

"A rollicking tale of action, galactic intrigue, and unrelenting, unadulterated fun."-- Jonathan P. Brazee, Nebula Award Nominated author of Federation Marine

"The kind of fun, adventurous, wildly entertaining romp you love to read again and again."-- Jeffery H. Haskell, author of Against all Odds

"From a quiet Iowa farm to the wild frontiers of the galaxy, Backyard Starship is packed with memorable characters, laugh-out-loud moments, and thrilling action."-- Rick Partlow, author of the Drop Trooper Series

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1638493863
• ISBN13: 9781638493860
• Release Date: September 2026
• Publisher: Aethon: Vault
• Length: 606 Pages
• Weight: 1.81 lbs.
• Grade Range: Grade 12 and higher