Secrets

Stargate Atlantis #20

by Jo Graham, Melissa Scott

Old secrets, new truths…

It is the aftermath of battle. Scattered and struggling to regroup, Colonel Sheppard’s team face their darkest days yet in the war against the Wraith Queen, Death.

Continuing her perilous masquerade as Queen Steelflower, Teyla Emmagan’s friendship with Guide grows stronger.

With his help she must journey into the Wraith’s distant past to uncover the shocking truth about their origin – and the key to Queen Death’s defeat.

Meanwhile, Rodney McKay has a different battle to fight as he struggles to regain his humanity in the face of the atrocity the Wraith have committed against him.

With his life hanging in the balance, will Rodney be forced to do the unthinkable in order to survive…?

SECRETS

“IS COLONEL Sheppard with you?”

“No.” Sam wondered if she looked as perplexed as she sounded.

“He’s not back?”

“No.” Woolsey’s face was drawn. “We haven’t heard a word from any of the team. Nothing.” His voice sharpened. “I thought they were to return with you.”

Sam shook her head. “That was the original plan, but we had trouble getting in close enough to beam them out. I had a radio message from Sheppard that indicated they had been beamed aboard Todd’s hive ship. I thought they’d be back by now.”

“No,” Woolsey said. “We don’t know anything.”

Sam blew out a breath. If Todd were holding them prisoner they’d be getting demands any time now. But that was less likely, given that Teyla was still masquerading as his queen. “It’s possible that the hive ship also took some battle damage,” she said. “That may be more of a priority than getting to a gate and reporting in.”

A twitch of Woolsey’s eyebrows showed what he thought of Sheppard’s enthusiasm for immediately reaching a gate and reporting in. “Did they recover Dr. McKay?”

“I don’t know,” Sam said. “There was a lot of interference on the radio. Sheppard said they were aboard Todd’s ship, but I don’t know if they had McKay with them or not.” She shook her head. “If not, he’s dead. Queen Death’s hive ship exploded. There would have been no survivors…”

Genres: Science Fiction, Fiction, Fantasy, Ebooks, Science Fiction Fantasy, Speculative Fiction, Media Tie In

308 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this one a lot. It's better than the preceding books in the Legacy series. Here, we learn about the origins of the Wraith. An ancient doomsday device is discovered, along with an eerie old lab facility / prison. The Floating City of Atlantis finally gets a ZPM to power her shields and hyperdrive, etc. We see giant polar bears, tiny telepathic bioluminescent squids, and industrious cochlea.

The character development is solid. Ronan and Rodney must deal with personal stuff and shifting perspectives. Tension between Ronan and the Wraith, between Ronan and Rodney McKay, between Jennifer Keller and Rodney. We also meet Alabastar, and Darling. Plenty of great scenes with Todd / Guide the Wraith.

At the end, Rodney (Dr. McKay) pulls one of his usual stunts. The kind that can destroy nearly an entire solar system. Or worse. I'll read the next book to see how that plays out, and to finish off this series.

[John Keegan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The previous volume of the Stargate Atlantis: Legacy series, “The Furies”, felt a bit thin on action, even if the characterization work was as solid as it has ever been for the post-finale epic. As it turns out, there was a very good reason for that: it serves as a prelude to all of the tension and revelation in this novel.

Teyla’s turn as Steelflower is not just a way to explore the oft-mentioned Wraith elements of her DNA; it becomes the conduit for certain genetic memories that factor into some important discoveries. While it was made very clear in the series that the Wraith were the product of the Ancients’ experiments with cross-breeding humans with the iratus insects, the motivations behind the experiments were always left unclear. It was enough, in that context, to know that the Ancients had a bad habit of taking scientific inquiry and research a bit too far.

This novel ties a number of lingering questions and effectively ties them all together, detailing the origins of the Wraith, why it was done, and how it all went horribly wrong. It all makes a great deal of sense, and also points the way to a game-changing discovery that brings up a fitting moral quandary.

Meanwhile, there is a bit of a scramble to figure out how to restore Rodney, now that he has been rescued. The writers of the Legacy novels have been very good about foreshadowing just how difficult the process would be, and more importantly, how incomplete. They pull the trigger on just about every consequence they’ve ever hinted at, plus quite a few more. Characters make difficult decisions that, while entirely supported by who they are and the circumstances, will still no doubt drive many readers to rage.

It all culminates in a scenario designed to bring the Atlantis crew and their allies into one final confrontation with Queen Death’s legions. By the time that one gets to the end of the book, it feels exactly as it should: as if the past five novels have been leading to the impending “season finale”. It certainly promises to be a more fitting conclusion than the one we were prematurely given on-screen.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

THINGS FINALLY HAPPEN OMG. Wasn't terribly surprised to get confirmation that the Wraith were created by the Ancients, as I've never really seen the Ancients as good beings. They don't give a shit about humans, they see humans as lower than pets, just there to worship them and serve as guinea pigs. Hell, the Ori don't seem quite so bad now, do they?

Kind of bothered by Ronon's reaction to Rodney. Yes, I know, Ronon has a hatred for all things Wraith, but it's Rodney. Rodney has come back to himself and was keeping himself from feeding on Jennifer until Jennifer insisted. I don't think Ronon needs to hug him and be all best pals again, but his avoidance just rubbed me the wrong way.

LOVED Todd seeing Jack and Sam together and noting that Jack is Sam's Consort. He's always seemed confused that Carter had Sheppard without being her Consort, because that's not how the Wraith do things. It was just a cute little moment.

About died of the cute when Todd got to see Alabaster again. It's amazing how humanizing this series has been to the Wraith, giving us insight into their culture and their history. I don't feel 100% bad for them, but I'm feeling sympathy after what the Ancients did.

[Leilani · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fine example of what a tie-in novel should be. The authors expand on the characters we love from the show, even minor ones, and add a few new background characters who round the world out. Most importantly here, they have examined the origin of the Wraith and the morality of the way the Atlantis team interacts with them, and made the show's universe richer.

Plot lines are starting to get tied up, with the next book being the last in this post-show series. Rodney finally plays a larger part in the story (yay!), and we get to see the team back together, recovering from what they've been through and facing what comes next. Looking forward to what comes next! And hoping they fix that one development I didn't care for. :)

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Secrets we finally learn the full origin story of the Wraith, and the authors of this series have done a brilliant job with it. Teyla delves into the ancestral memories left to her by the Wraith queen she is descenced from and discovers a clue to something that might highly valuable in the battle against Queen Death. Rodney may have been rescued, but the recovery from his ordeal is hard and he may never quite return to the way he was. And a chance encounter on a planet Teyla's glimpses of memory lead the team to gives them a priceless bargaining chip with Guide that could ensure the cooperation of his fleet.

Marvellously well done and a joy to read - this sequel series is proving to be more awesome than one could possibly have hoped for.

[Eden Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Secrets more than the last installment, 'the Furies.' Secrets was a bit more true the spirit of the original television series with less of the author's personal political agenda slipped in throughout the pages. The origins of the Wraith were finally revealed--believable and creative, worth waiting for. Fans of the show SGA would probably approve.

[Lexi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Musím to najskôr trochu stráviť, celý čas to bolo úplne wow, len z konca mám trochu rozpačité pocity.

[Blanka · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know what else to say than that I love these characters so much. We finaly get closure on some things.
Only thing is that I really don't like Ronon much. I get his motivations but I am not as connected to him as to others.
Overall great book for anyone who loves Stargate.

[Ana Gutierrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many secrets uncovered! So many questions answered!

Great plot twists and back story teasers in this edition. There are so many great moment in this book that I cannot share because Spoilers! So you're just going to have to read and find out for you self.

[Uly Ramos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awsome

What I can avoid this trilogy that would say I. Previous it great book and love if I would recommend to every one who loved sci fy

[Beenee Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dang if this book didn’t leave me hungering for the next. Which is what I’m starting now!

[Per-Olof Öqvist · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a person that liked the spinoff TV serie Stargate Atlantis I really liked this book as the cresendo of the legend serie so far. I really enjoyed this book and thought it was really exciting.

[Myra Dutkiewicz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one

I've enjoyed this one more than the previous ones. I like the history explained. Things are coming to a head now.

[Patti Middleton · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is not my Atlantis characters

John and Teyla are NOT a couple…
Richard is not Dick
The characters are so far off it makes me cringe.

[Jenette · Rating 3 out of 5]

At first this book seemed a bit of a drag, I knew everyone was okay and in one piece and in no immediate danger. This makes for a very dull read when you're wading through half a dozen chapters, waiting for everyone to reunite so the reals story can start. Then it dragged on some more, bogging us down in political hoops and making no real progress as it disguised a lack of anything interesting in the human camp by throwing us some dream sequences about Wraith history which we already knew. Just like the other books in this series it picked up 3/4 of the way through and I read the last bit in one speedy swallow. Todd finding his daughter and grandson amused me, the weapon she came with? Not so much. I'm over weapons of mass destruction made by the ancients. I thought we were passed Rodney being a complete and utter fool. I'll read the last in this series, with hope that when they conclude things will be wrapped up nicely but with an open ending that allows me to imagine all of the new adventures that the teams and my favorite characters can go on. Although I really love having Laura Cadman back.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

The characters are spot on, as usual, and seeing behind the scenes into the Wraith has been fascinating. There was not a huge amount of action as all the pieces are aligning for the big finale. I am hoping that this book is the equivalent to the moment in an episode where it looks like they may not be able to survive but by the end they somehow do. Everyone is being pushed to their limits and Rodney's stuff has just been heartbreaking. There was a kind of bittersweet quality to the story and I am hoping that is not setting us up for the death of some of the characters. I know not everyone survives in Stargate, but I really hope it doesn't come to that. There are some intriguing possibilities that may or may not develop depending if I read the "hints" right. I am waiting both hopefully and nervously for the final book, but one way or another this series has been filling the SGA void in my life.

[Kirsten · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had much more in the way of character development than the previous ones, making it much more interesting to me. The way it spun the story of the origins of the Wraith was fascinating, and ties them together with humans in an interesting way.

That being said, the grammar in this book was atrocious, on par with a hastily-posted fan fiction story as opposed to an officially published work. I expect a typo or two in most books, but it was so poor here that it became distracting.

Also, the authors put far too much emphasis on new characters in whom I have no vested emotional interest, nor are they compelling enough for me to become interested in them. In a universe as character-rich as Stargate, there is no need to create new roles that extend beyond a background player.

[Graisi · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's great to finally find out how the wraith were made.

Making McKay backtrack on his progress as a likeable character by creepishly hitting on Carter again after Keller dumped him was disappointing. He really didn't evolve as a character. I heard the creators said they ended the relationship because they "don't do romance", which doesn't make sense since they started one between John and Teyla. More action and less soap opera stuff would be nice, so this book was good, but not as good as most of the others in this series.

The whole thing with Zelenka being the king of tupperware and mail order catalogues was cute and funny somehow.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rodney is rescued but is still part wraith. Teyla looks into her genetic past, and finds out information about the original wraith queen. This is a good read, all character based. Though read the other 4 books before this one for it to make sense. I think the Rodney and Jennifer story within this book was really well done. A good read.

[Ingrid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally we learn where the Wraith come from. That was probably the best part of this book. And then there is Rodney. Like he isn't socially inept enough now he has the stigma of being a Wraith. His transformation back to human was interesting. But the most interesting part is just how much Wraith is left? I can hardly wait to read the next installment. This one ended on a good cliff hanger!

[Pauline · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this installment, but I do find myself asking where's Ronan! This carried on the story of Queen Steelflower and Rodney being half wraith. There are flashbacks to the history of the wraith and it was good to meet some old friends again! I do just a few of the characters who seem to have been sidelined and it's a bit too much on Teyla and John.

[Foggygirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

the story delves even further into the Wraith origins and culture which made for a facinating read. It is really too bad that they weren't able to go deeper on the TV show it would have made for a kick ass storyline.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, a lot more going on in this one - finally getting to the really good stuff! Lots to think about, too. Good use of the characters, and wonderful to see Jack O'Neill, as well. Can't wait to start the next one!

[David Rosen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting continuation of Legacy series

Continuation of Legacy series. Good plot development of the history of the Wraith, as well as interesting interpersonal dynamics, particularly with McKay and Keller, Shepard, and even SG-1 characters like Carter.

[Andrew Price · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent installment of the series. Could not be read on its own, as it is is in the middle of the series. Much of the discretion is immature, but overall the story is fun to read. Enjoyable entertainment.

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

cleans up alot of loose ends it was a fast read

[Gene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good continuation of the SG:A story. Props to the writer for character development, and for great origin story of the Wraith.

[Erina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best one in the series so far. Some side Story lines tied up, new & unexpected developments, great character development.

[Daniel Gaul · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very thrilling read; I very much enjoyed learning about how the Wraith REALLY came to be and how it affects the story as it unfolds.

[Linda Kaban · Rating 5 out of 5]

The series is good and getting better!!

Second Time Read. I know I said I wasn't going to read all 8 in the series again; but I changed my mind. :)