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Stargate Atlantis #18
Allegiance
Enemies and friends
Reeling from the shocking discovery of Rodney McKay’s fate, Colonel Sheppard and his team retreat to Atlantis to regroup. With Rodney not only in the hands of the Wraith, but apparently working for them, Atlantis faces a new danger — their own man, turned against them.
While Zelenka and Colonel Carter work frantically to crack the security protocols McKay embedded in Atlantis’s computer system, Ronan revisits his past and finds much is changing on Sateda. Meanwhile, Queen Death prepares to make use of her most valuable prisoner; with Rodney still unaware of his true identity, the fate of Atlantis hangs in the balance…
Set after the TV series’ exciting finale, STARGATE ATLANTIS: Allegiance is book three of the gripping new Legacy series.
Reeling from the shocking discovery of Rodney McKay’s fate, Colonel Sheppard and his team retreat to Atlantis to regroup. With Rodney not only in the hands of the Wraith, but apparently working for them, Atlantis faces a new danger — their own man, turned against them.
While Zelenka and Colonel Carter work frantically to crack the security protocols McKay embedded in Atlantis’s computer system, Ronan revisits his past and finds much is changing on Sateda. Meanwhile, Queen Death prepares to make use of her most valuable prisoner; with Rodney still unaware of his true identity, the fate of Atlantis hangs in the balance…
Set after the TV series’ exciting finale, STARGATE ATLANTIS: Allegiance is book three of the gripping new Legacy series.
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2011
80 people are currently reading
418 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Scott
100 books447 followersScott studied history at Harvard College and Brandeis University, and earned her PhD. in comparative history. She published her first novel in 1984, and has since written some two dozen science fiction and fantasy works, including three co-authored with her partner, Lisa A. Barnett.
Scott's work is known for the elaborate and well-constructed settings. While many of her protagonists are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered, this is perfectly integrated into the rest of the story and is rarely a major focus of the story. Shadow Man, alone among Scott's works, focuses explicitly on issues of sexuality and gender.
She won the John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer in Science Fiction in 1986, and has won several Lambda Literary Awards.
In addition to writing, Scott also teaches writing, offering classes via her website and publishing a writing guide.
Scott lived with her partner, author Lisa A. Barnett, in Portsmouth, New Hampshire for 27 years, until the latter's death of breast cancer on May 2, 2006.
Scott's work is known for the elaborate and well-constructed settings. While many of her protagonists are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered, this is perfectly integrated into the rest of the story and is rarely a major focus of the story. Shadow Man, alone among Scott's works, focuses explicitly on issues of sexuality and gender.
She won the John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer in Science Fiction in 1986, and has won several Lambda Literary Awards.
In addition to writing, Scott also teaches writing, offering classes via her website and publishing a writing guide.
Scott lived with her partner, author Lisa A. Barnett, in Portsmouth, New Hampshire for 27 years, until the latter's death of breast cancer on May 2, 2006.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
December 1, 2011
The Stargate Atlantis Legacy series seems to be following the same trend as the recent Star Wars multi-author, multi-book series; by that I mean there is perhaps enough main story for about three books and the rest is padded with filler material and similar situations that repeat themselves time and again through the books without any real resolution. Which is a sad situation because the best scenes in ALLEGIENCE were those that moved the plot on to the next book; unfortunately, those scenes were few and interspersed with much padding (mainly scenes in which two or more characters gathered and talked about other characters).
My main complaints about the series (the out-of-left-field Wraith names/culture that doesn't mesh with the Atlantis of the TV show, random original characters, etc.) are the same from my reviews of the first two books of the series and I won't rehash them again here. Speaking of the original characters, though, I wouldn't characterize them as Mary Sue's; however, the fact that more than one has the Ancient gene (whether natural or from the gene therapy) and/or has some previous background with a member of Atlantis, I feel the authors are walking a mighty thin line in that respect.
The Ancient artifact museum wasn't a bad idea but I wouldn't have had it located on the homeworld of an Atlantis team member. I feel it would have felt less contrived if it had been stumbled upon on a random world. In all the seasons of Atlantis and all the problems that happened along the way, you'd think said team member would say "Hey, there's this whole museum of Ancient artifacts here."
The biggest balldrop in my opinion was the underuse of Jeanne Miller. Why bring her all the way to Atlantis and then use her in only three scenes? I'd like to see Teyla in more than a negotiator/woman-between-worlds role as well. I miss the kick-butt Teyla of old. Yes, she's a mother now but she can still throw down with the best of 'em. There was also a short mention of Amelia Banks talking to Ronon that if you squinted just right and stood on your head could be taken as a reference to their canon relationship (a lack of which was a complaint of mine of the first two books). Perhaps something more overt will show in Book 5 or 6.
But what I really hope for in both Books 5 and 6 is less padding and more forward plot movement/resolution.
My main complaints about the series (the out-of-left-field Wraith names/culture that doesn't mesh with the Atlantis of the TV show, random original characters, etc.) are the same from my reviews of the first two books of the series and I won't rehash them again here. Speaking of the original characters, though, I wouldn't characterize them as Mary Sue's; however, the fact that more than one has the Ancient gene (whether natural or from the gene therapy) and/or has some previous background with a member of Atlantis, I feel the authors are walking a mighty thin line in that respect.
The Ancient artifact museum wasn't a bad idea but I wouldn't have had it located on the homeworld of an Atlantis team member. I feel it would have felt less contrived if it had been stumbled upon on a random world. In all the seasons of Atlantis and all the problems that happened along the way, you'd think said team member would say "Hey, there's this whole museum of Ancient artifacts here."
The biggest balldrop in my opinion was the underuse of Jeanne Miller. Why bring her all the way to Atlantis and then use her in only three scenes? I'd like to see Teyla in more than a negotiator/woman-between-worlds role as well. I miss the kick-butt Teyla of old. Yes, she's a mother now but she can still throw down with the best of 'em. There was also a short mention of Amelia Banks talking to Ronon that if you squinted just right and stood on your head could be taken as a reference to their canon relationship (a lack of which was a complaint of mine of the first two books). Perhaps something more overt will show in Book 5 or 6.
But what I really hope for in both Books 5 and 6 is less padding and more forward plot movement/resolution.
May 20, 2021
After their failed attempt to rescue Rodney from the Wraith, the team is back in Atlantis dealing with the fallout from their discovery about what has happened to him and what to do about the fact that with their Chief Scientist working for the enemy, the city and everyone in it is at risk. In addition, Ronon finds out that some of his people have returned to Sateda, trying to rebuild what they can - and that the Genii are once again causing trouble.
The different storylines flow together well as ever in this third part of the Legacy series, and this was another great read. The great plot twists just keep on coming - straight on to the next!
The different storylines flow together well as ever in this third part of the Legacy series, and this was another great read. The great plot twists just keep on coming - straight on to the next!
December 3, 2011
I enjoyed seeing all my favorite characters again, and they were well-drawn, but they needed more to do. This book felt like mostly build-up to the next book, with lots of waiting. The one, surprisingly large development that did happen was remarkably subtle, and I thought, "Wait, was that ..." and a few chapters later it was quietly mentioned again. Interesting, and I can't wait to read more. A little more pizzazz and less pensiveness would be nice though.
May 12, 2020
Not bad
I have enjoyed returning to my friends from Atlantis, it has been far too long. Characters are comfortable, familiar. It's nice. Pacing is a bit slow at times, but maybe that's my "want to see what happens next" attitude! Oh well! Decent read.
I have enjoyed returning to my friends from Atlantis, it has been far too long. Characters are comfortable, familiar. It's nice. Pacing is a bit slow at times, but maybe that's my "want to see what happens next" attitude! Oh well! Decent read.
November 28, 2020
Book Three
It's okay. I really do wish they would edit this and insert an empty line between scene changes to make for easier reading.
It's okay. I really do wish they would edit this and insert an empty line between scene changes to make for easier reading.
December 4, 2023
The highlight was all the Wraith stuff. I absolutely loved each moment from either Quicksilver or Guide's POV. I desperately want to like Ember, but I don't know how well I can trust him. Tbh, all the Wraith stuff is the only reason I'm considering continuing the series. But if I do, I think I might skim just to finish up that storyline. I would love to read an abridged version of these books that only focuses on the plot-relevant stuff.
The Satedan and Genii subplot was boring and exhaustive. I'm sorry, but I honestly don't care about either. The Genii have been wedged into some kind of ultra, heavy-handed misogynistic society in these books, and the Satedans only seem to exist to be on the opposite end of the spectrum as far as social positions. And, honestly, even in the tv show, I never cared much for episodes focused on either group.
The grammar/sentence structure issues that were present in the first book but not in the second have returned (if not as bad). But, thankfully, the formatting issues regarding POV and scene shifts are gone once more.
*Content guide below*
Sexual Content: An umarried man and woman are implied to have slept together on multiple occasions. A group of men is heavily implied to be homosexuals. Porn is mentioned.
Language: Still not as bad as the first book, if I recall correctly. Maybe a little more than in the tv show, though.
Violence: About the same as the tv show.
Drugs and alcohol: about the same as the tv show and the previous two books. Some people at a gathering drink heavy alcohol an it seems to affect their better judgment.
The Satedan and Genii subplot was boring and exhaustive. I'm sorry, but I honestly don't care about either. The Genii have been wedged into some kind of ultra, heavy-handed misogynistic society in these books, and the Satedans only seem to exist to be on the opposite end of the spectrum as far as social positions. And, honestly, even in the tv show, I never cared much for episodes focused on either group.
The grammar/sentence structure issues that were present in the first book but not in the second have returned (if not as bad). But, thankfully, the formatting issues regarding POV and scene shifts are gone once more.
*Content guide below*
Sexual Content: An umarried man and woman are implied to have slept together on multiple occasions. A group of men is heavily implied to be homosexuals. Porn is mentioned.
Language: Still not as bad as the first book, if I recall correctly. Maybe a little more than in the tv show, though.
Violence: About the same as the tv show.
Drugs and alcohol: about the same as the tv show and the previous two books. Some people at a gathering drink heavy alcohol an it seems to affect their better judgment.
August 7, 2025
Seems to forget tech innovation from.the asguard
During the space battles, they keep referring to the rail guns. They, however, keep not mentioning the energy weapons that the asguard developed. It is in the show that the battle cruisers have the weapons, but they don't include it here. I keep wondering how much they bothered to track the actual show when writing.
The only good thing here is the story continuation.
During the space battles, they keep referring to the rail guns. They, however, keep not mentioning the energy weapons that the asguard developed. It is in the show that the battle cruisers have the weapons, but they don't include it here. I keep wondering how much they bothered to track the actual show when writing.
The only good thing here is the story continuation.
January 21, 2021
Excellent Story
The story continues as the search for McKay intensifies. The Genii are as rotten as ever, and Sora begins to wonder what side she should be on. All amazingly woven bits of story that continue to keep me up reading far into the night. I’d write more, but I can’t wait to read the next book. Sorry!
The story continues as the search for McKay intensifies. The Genii are as rotten as ever, and Sora begins to wonder what side she should be on. All amazingly woven bits of story that continue to keep me up reading far into the night. I’d write more, but I can’t wait to read the next book. Sorry!
December 26, 2017
It wad great
That’s more that I reading this series books realize this stargate Altantis stand up for it self and have action and live as stargate series of books I would recommend to anyone who loved stargate or not
That’s more that I reading this series books realize this stargate Altantis stand up for it self and have action and live as stargate series of books I would recommend to anyone who loved stargate or not
July 6, 2018
The story moves slower than I would like but that's probably the only bad thing about it.
July 10, 2018
A lifesaver, as these books continue where the series left off.
September 25, 2018
Epic space battles, harrowing attacks on the city and personal challenges galore! This was a very suspenseful edition and I can't wait to see what happens next. XD
May 9, 2019
The best one so far in the series. This one read like watching the second part of an epic 3 part episode of Atlantis. Definitely a fun adventure and very authentic.
March 22, 2020
YAS!!!! It’s a good thing I didn’t know these existed when the show ended or I would have been in agony waiting for the next one to release. These are so good!!
June 29, 2021
No…just no!
August 6, 2021
Book 3 Allegiance
Plot and story line excellent and in character of the series. Well done I am enjoying this series very much
Plot and story line excellent and in character of the series. Well done I am enjoying this series very much
July 15, 2024
A good read
Excellent follow up to the second book now looking forward to book 4 see what happens to Rodney and co
Excellent follow up to the second book now looking forward to book 4 see what happens to Rodney and co
January 13, 2012
This is the third in a series and it’s necessary to have read the others before reading this one. That being said, the action picks up right where we left off in book two. I won’t go into plot at all, but one of the great things about this series is it’s written by people who know the series. I have read all the tie-ins for this show and out of all of the books these characterizations are some of the best. It really feels like an episode of the show.
As much as my inner fan is thrilled to have solid books continuing the series, I did have a few problems with this book. The authors have mentioned that each middle book in the series will focus on one of the team, and this is Ronon’s book. I could have done with more Ronan, because I never would have guessed it was his book if I hadn't read it in the author's blog. The plot thickens and things are beginning to look really desperate, but there was not a lot of actual movement in this story. It felt a lot like set-up for the next books. That being said, I still can’t wait to see what happens next.
As much as my inner fan is thrilled to have solid books continuing the series, I did have a few problems with this book. The authors have mentioned that each middle book in the series will focus on one of the team, and this is Ronon’s book. I could have done with more Ronan, because I never would have guessed it was his book if I hadn't read it in the author's blog. The plot thickens and things are beginning to look really desperate, but there was not a lot of actual movement in this story. It felt a lot like set-up for the next books. That being said, I still can’t wait to see what happens next.
February 8, 2018
I enjoyed this third outing in the Legacy series of Stargate Atlantis novels. It wasn't quite as good as the first two, maybe because the main author, Jo Graham, didn't write this one, but she co-authored the first two.
It's hard to review a book mid-series and avoid spoilers. Super hard! The plot centers around the search for Dr. McKay, the defense of Atlantis against the Wraith queen Death, and the continued drama of the IOA trying to interfere in the affairs of Atlantis. I felt like this book was more plot-heavy than the first two. Not that it's a bad thing, but I missed the character development of the first two.
I do think this book really captured McKay/Quicksilver, though. For him to be so Wraithy, yet so much still himself . . . it really shone through in this particular narrative. All three of the authors in this series have a good grasp of these well-established and well-loved characters, which is not an easy thing to find in TV/movie-based novels.
It's hard to review a book mid-series and avoid spoilers. Super hard! The plot centers around the search for Dr. McKay, the defense of Atlantis against the Wraith queen Death, and the continued drama of the IOA trying to interfere in the affairs of Atlantis. I felt like this book was more plot-heavy than the first two. Not that it's a bad thing, but I missed the character development of the first two.
I do think this book really captured McKay/Quicksilver, though. For him to be so Wraithy, yet so much still himself . . . it really shone through in this particular narrative. All three of the authors in this series have a good grasp of these well-established and well-loved characters, which is not an easy thing to find in TV/movie-based novels.
March 2, 2013
I really like this series. I enjoyed most of this book. It did slow down a bit in the middle, for me. Then it picked up again. I love how the authors are bringing back in the old background characters and showing what happened to them. I'd always wondered what happened to Sora.
The expansion of the Wraith culture is really good. I like it. And it does seem very logical since they had to have a very detailed culture that the show never went into.
The hints of Romance? Well, I don't mind. They did know each other and work very closely for six years. If the show hadn't "killed off" Weir it could have been her. Also, I keep wondering isn't RepWeir floating in space? She could still come back in this Kitchen Sink series, couldn't she?
I'm parceling the books out to myself slowly, alternating them with other books so I can stretch the series out longer.
Well done!
The expansion of the Wraith culture is really good. I like it. And it does seem very logical since they had to have a very detailed culture that the show never went into.
The hints of Romance? Well, I don't mind. They did know each other and work very closely for six years. If the show hadn't "killed off" Weir it could have been her. Also, I keep wondering isn't RepWeir floating in space? She could still come back in this Kitchen Sink series, couldn't she?
I'm parceling the books out to myself slowly, alternating them with other books so I can stretch the series out longer.
Well done!
August 8, 2014
The Legacy saga continues. This time they go to Ronan's homeworld and get involved with the Genii. The homeworld was interesting but I wonder why Ronan has never mentioned an Ancients Museum before, you would have thought it could have come in useful before now. McKay is still a wrath, and his descriptions of Atlantis are quite fun. A good read.
March 21, 2015
I enjoyed this book but find it difficult to review now, only because having read the legacy series I can't remember where one finishes and the next one began. I am not generally a sci-fi reader but because I know these characters it is easier for me to read. I do feel like it's just building up to the next one and I am looking forward to reading it!
December 26, 2011
Great book, and riveting story. My only frustration is that they leave the story unfinished - AGAIN! I can understand this in a series, but this has been going on now for three books. Finish it already! Plus there is no date for next one...
December 23, 2012
Some really good spots, but a lot of OC set-up and throwing everything including the kitchen sink at Atlantis to set up the cliffhanger for the rest of the series of books. I hope the rest of the Legacy series lives up to the build-up. I liked Coming Home and The Lost enough to keep reading.
March 12, 2013
Some great parts, some boring parts. I gave 4 stars to the first two books and this one was just as good in many ways. However the cliffhanger ending reminds me how I dislike long series. Prefer a single good novel or trilogy at most. No reason this story line couldn't have been wrapped up.
October 28, 2016
Great Read!!
Loved it. With these novels ending in cliffhangers, true fans that really miss the Stargate Universe have no choice but to purchase the next book in the series, which is not a complaint! Great Job
Loved it. With these novels ending in cliffhangers, true fans that really miss the Stargate Universe have no choice but to purchase the next book in the series, which is not a complaint! Great Job
February 2, 2022
Great. It's obviously a middle book. Nothing resolved but clues as to what's coming next. Can't wait!!
Second Time Read: Don't know if I'll read all 8 in the series. But still fairly enjoyable seeing as I already know what's going to happen.
Second Time Read: Don't know if I'll read all 8 in the series. But still fairly enjoyable seeing as I already know what's going to happen.
October 8, 2014
An excellent third installment and I can't wait for the fourth, hopefully the wait won't be as long.
I just finished reading this book for the second time and it was still a great read.
I just finished reading this book for the second time and it was still a great read.
May 16, 2013
I just have to say one thing - where are the Asgaard beam weapons? This novel takes place after the final season ended yet it almost seems like an episode from season 2 - doesn't make sense.
August 18, 2014
Pretty slow.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews