Legacy: Emergence

Legacy #1

by Bradley Elliott

Lieutenant William Jackson isn't like any other officer in the GCH. He lives a guarded life, unable to share the truth about who he really is, where he comes from, and what he can do.

Ripped from Earth in the year 2023, he arrives in the distant future lost and alone. Soon he discovers the reason for his abduction - he possesses an incredibly rare genetic gift allowing him to activate advanced ancient alien technology. Technology so advanced it has the potential to alter the balance of power in the galaxy if it falls into the wrong hands.

Aided by his trusty AI, Bits, he's forced to adapt to his new life as he's conscripted into military service and struggles to survive in a galaxy teeming with danger and enemies intent on the downfall of humanity.

Genres: Science Fiction

426 pages, Paperback

Published October 1, 2024

About the author

Bradley Elliott is a Canadian writer of science fiction.

When not writing, he enjoys the great outdoors in the summer, along with skiing, snowmobiling and playing hockey in the winter. An avid board game fan, he's always up for a game of cards, a round of Catan, or something a little more complex if the time permits.

As a reader, he enjoys a variety of genres including sci fi, fantasy, a good thriller or mystery from time to time, and occasionally non-fiction, especially true-life adventure tales.

You can find him online at:
www.bradleyelliott.ca
bradleyelliottca.bsky.social

Reviews

[jillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved: The writing style, the concept, the setting, the concept, the cover, the title of the book itself. The author is a tech nerd and has clearly put some heart into this work.

Did not love: The book was heavily focused on the military academy and the protagonist's recovery from his accident. However, I think this is necessary to set the scene for the rest of the series.

Overall, I think this is a great book for most sci-fi fans!! I'll keep an eye out for the next book because I really enjoyed the writing style.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Meenaz Lodhi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED Legacy-Emergence #1! 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“To die with honor in defense of those who cannot defend themselves is the ultimate act of bravery and sacrifice.”

I came across it one day, read the blurb, and immediately downloaded it through KU, even though I already had 19. lol. And so glad I did. It left me so excited, with a high adrenaline rush after finishing reading it, I only wish Awakening #2 would release sooner than winter 2025…sigh..

[Lori Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received as a review copy from Booksirens, this is an honest review. Legacy: Emergence is an amazing space opera debut book by author Bradley Elliott; and right from the first page this author knows how to captures readers attention with a very desperate mission by pilot Kieran Kasper, his partner Evan Turner and the crew aboard a small ship with so much to lose and gain if their dumbass gamble pays off. It provides a unique way introduce the character of William Jackson... this is this story of how harrowing circumstances brings William into an fish out of water existence that forces the man having to accept a future he never wanted and a fight to hold onto his own humanity as the galactic confederation in charge of his fate wants William to be their key to winning against their enemies.

An immersive and poignant way to launch a fiery new series.

Highly recommended.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I received an advance copy of Legacy: Emergence from Booksirens and couldn't put it down. I'm not normally the type of reader who finishes a book in a week, but I found myself staying up reading every night to see what was coming next, such a cool story! Right from the Prologue where the protagonist, William Jackson enters the drama that's unfolding I loved his comedic, failing forward personality. The writing style was immersive and well paced. I love the interesting adaptations on different tech throughout the book, it's obvious there was a lot of thought put in to making cool ideas come to life in this book's universe.

I would highly recommend this book, it's a fun and entertaining read! I will definitely be getting the second book as soon as it's available.

[Celestial · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this story! I just recently started expanding from my favorite genre, fantasy, to Sci-Fi, and this book is exactly why I plan to stay on this path. So much adventure, so much action. Not only did I love the detail of all of the assignments, it always feels great rooting for the "underdog" just to see them grow, and overcome all of the naysayers. I just adored the main character, and ended up really liking many other of the characters as well. The world setting was awesome, as well as the enemies and everyone else potentially living out there in the universe.

I'm excited and looking forward to reading the next book and plunging into the many adventures of Jackson.

[Sean Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book sets the scene for what feels like a great series. I don't typically read science fiction, so this was a change of pace, but it didn't disappoint (however i'm not sure why, considering i've watched every episode of every Star Trek series created).

The book spends a considerable amount of time introducing the environment, technology and state of the Universe... so i'm looking forward to book 2 and see how the story progresses and the main character develops. On a side notes, it was great to see so many new ideas and original technologies introduced.

I don't want to spoil any of the story line, but worth checking this out.

[Janine Rutledge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was one of my first science fiction, space opera reads and I loved it. The writing was clear, the action was intense. The story line was interesting. It held my attention. I was/am hungry for more. I love main character and the many unanswered questions left in this story. It’s an intriguing read I highly recommend.

[Tania McKibbon Devitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book! I’m not usually a huge science fiction reader but the writer and the main character suck you in from the start. Loved the detailed descriptions of the different words and creatures. You can clearly imagine the book as a movie while you are reading it. Hopefully the next book will have some more in depth personal relationships. Looking forward to when it comes out.

[David · Rating 2 out of 5]

A love letter to communism

It tries to come off as a combination of time travel plus Star Trek universe.
But the author conveys a military that’s not realistic , a society that could not function, and calmly hand waves away human greed, arrogance, and stupidity as something that can just be “grown out of”.

The storytelling itself is pretty good , the editing in terms of word, choice grammar layout is all solid.

The overall believability is just impossible .

The main characters just kind of… There. He’s not special. He’s not outstanding. He’s not especially charismatic. He’s just a dude, who won’t give up. That trait of not giving up is the single most important trait in success, so I’m not knocking it. The character just doesn’t grow as a person, sure he gets new skills, but they’re almost Random.

The world itself gets one and a half stars , the storytelling gets three stars, the character himself 2.5 stars.

I would try other things this author has written, but I probably won’t continue this series.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read and can absolutely see this turning into a trilogy…fingers crossed.

[Michael Coulson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very entertaining read - can not wait to see what happens next!

[Kevin Chambers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Legacy: Emergence by Bradley Elliott is an engaging start to the Legacy series, introducing readers to William Jackson—a man abducted from Earth in 2023 and thrust 900 years into the future. In this distant era, humanity is no longer bound to Earth but is deeply entrenched in an interstellar civilization rife with political intrigue, warfare, and advanced alien technology. Jackson’s sudden displacement is no accident—his rare genetic ability allows him to activate ancient alien technology, making him a crucial figure in an ongoing galactic struggle. With warring factions vying for control, Jackson is forced into military service under the Global Coalition of Humanity (GCH), where survival depends on his ability to adapt.

Despite having no known military or athletic background from his previous life, Jackson’s transformation into a special forces soldier is a compelling arc. His journey through basic and elite combat training feels immersive, and the addition of his AI companion, Bits, adds depth to his development. While Jackson’s immediate acceptance of military protocol felt somewhat abrupt, his perseverance and intelligence make his progression believable. The training sequences are detailed and engaging, striking a balance between character-building and action, ensuring the story maintains a steady pace without dragging.

Overall, Legacy: Emergence delivers a solid mix of military sci-fi, covert operations, and high-stakes adventure, making for an entertaining read. Watching Jackson evolve from an ordinary man into a capable warrior was rewarding, and the book successfully held my attention through its immersive world-building and compelling conflicts. While the protagonist’s rapid integration into military life might require some suspension of disbelief, the rich setting and action-packed narrative make it well worth the journey.

[Eddie S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the captivating epilogue, I was instantly hooked. I couldn’t resist the urge to keep reading, and before I knew it, I had already made significant progress, having read half the book on the very first day.

The story is exceptional, the writing is impeccable, and the characters are well-developed and relatable.

A human named William Jackson was abducted from Earth and transported to the future, where he discovered he possesses the ability to wield an ancient technology that holds the potential for both immense benevolence and catastrophic destruction.

We follow Will’s journey through his rigorous military basic training. After completing basic training, he embarks on a specialized training program, essentially a black ops program, but for space.

The author’s writing style is captivating, drawing me into the narrative and making me feel as though I were present. I devoured this book in just two days, and I can’t wait to start the second installment.

The majority of the book focuses on William Jackson’s military training. The epilogue at the end provides a glimpse into William’s future. However, I wish the author had included a chapter or two dedicated to ancient technology and its current state.

If you’re a fan of military science fiction, space opera, and action-packed fantasy, this book is definitely for you!

[Emz · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book started with a thrilling premise, a glorious mish-mash of sci-fi genres that felt like a love letter to everything from the grand space opera of Star Wars to the gritty, claustrophobic horror of Alien. The initial chapters were a whirlwind of new ideas and compelling characters, with powered armor reminiscent of Iron Man and a sense of galactic exploration that brought to mind the best of Star Trek.

However, the narrative lost its way in the middle. The author's fascination with 'technically advanced weapons and nanotech' became a tedious information dump, with endless discussions that pulled me out of the story and brought the pacing to a grinding halt. The characters and the plot felt sidelined by pages of dry, technical exposition, and I found myself on the brink of boredom.

Thankfully, the book redeemed itself somewhat in the final act. The return to the high-stakes action and the compelling characters from the beginning salvaged the experience, even if the memory of the sluggish middle lingers. While the ending was strong, it couldn't fully erase the feeling that the book had lost its focus. It's a novel for readers who love a diverse mix of sci-fi genres and have the patience to power through a few technical snags to get to a satisfying conclusion.

[Marti Ward · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good world building but huge frequent infodumps

Think Buck Rogers… Jackson is pulled 925 years into the future for mysterious reasons by an alien raise, and drafted in to the GCH military where he undertakes basic training and covert ops training.

So this is the traditional initial training volume of a space opera series. The first half is 90% info dumps as we learn about the humanoid and non-humanoid races around the galaxy, and their technologies and history. The second half is only about 80% info dump as we move into simulated missions and real tests for Jackson and his fellow trainees.

I found myself skimming large parts of the info dump, and found those fleeting impressions were all I need to know of the fleet and the galaxy.

you have been warned…

I’ve already started on the next volume, which is somewhat more action, as Jackson takes some time off in a 6-month ops posting.

[Nancy Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I liked: Decent writing, good story, and while it's clear the story continues, there are no cliffhangers. (I hate cliffhangers, and will abandon an otherwise good series if the author uses them.)

What I disliked: I nearly didn't read past the prologue, which was filled with characters I didn't like in a stressful, dangerous situation that could have been avoided by being just a little bit less stupid. This ended up being a set-up to introduce us to the main character (at the very end of the unnecessarily long prologue). But once I read past the prologue (it was an entire week later - I had intended to return the book to Amazon--thanks kindleunlimited!--but then decided to read the first chapter), it was good enough to finish the book.

[Keith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting, but Violent

The description and preview brought me into the story and showed its potential. I was intrigued. Then the training started and the story became more graphic, the conflicts intensified and the narrative a continuous struggle to survive training. The book ends with a dramatic clash against superior force, the loss of half the team and the unresolved survival of the rest. There is a soft lead into the next installment, but I think I’m done. There is more conflict and collateral loss than I find entertaining.

[James Grimm · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a very good book. I thought it started out kind of slow, with more of the MC's day-to-day interactions, but the detail Bradley put into the universe was enough to keep me intrigued. The build-up to the action was also enjoyable.

I think Bradley did a great job putting the story together, and I look forward to reading the next installment of this series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[William Newbury · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting idea, lots of descriptions

I thought the concept was good but there was too much talking and training without much happening. You finally get a fight scene but not really a fight when the commandos face an omega predator unprepared. Intriguing but not super interesting. Had to force myself to finish but next book might be better. The idea of an empire for every species is interesting too

[Ian · Rating 5 out of 5]

A decent start to the series

A fun read with some good ideas on tech and aliens, it's a little formulaic and leans towards the militaristic side of things but it's early days so who knows where the story arc will end up. I'll happily read the second installment when it is published.

[Denzil Ernstzen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great new book to get into.

I really enjoyed this book and it’s development of the character. Really exciting about fighting war in space the training that they have to go through the mental things and everything that is required to become a fighter in space really enjoyable read looking forward to starting the next book in the series.

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

An ambitious debut novel from Bradley Elliott. It's action-packed, entertaining, and very hard to put down. I'd recommend it to any sci-fi fan.

Looking forward to the rest of the series - don't keep us waiting too long for #2!

[John Huzinec · Rating 5 out of 5]

engaging first book

I really enjoyed book one and am getting ready to start book 2. The main character is interesting and the premise of him getting pulled into the future is an interesting twist as normally time travel stories are about going back in time.

[Vervloed.Wagenaar · Rating 4 out of 5]

The future is near

Realistic description of the future. A positive creation, contrary to the many horor stories and predictions of a downfall of humanity.

[Sandra L. Sorensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bits Buddy

Good story, but maybe don’t use the phrase “Thanks Buddy” so much. Drove me crazy. Jackson is the most polite covert ops agent ever!

[Joel Parke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing and surprising!!!!

It got better the further I read, I will be reading everything I find that Bradley has written. You won't be disappointed...

[Jason Hamm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good idea

Another story of bpot camp, good fight at the end. Continueing story. I wanted more.. in time maybe?two more words

[ReinoudD · Rating 4 out of 5]

easy read. nice zero to hero

If you Njoy sci-fi and a zero to hero story without having it going over the top, this is an easy and fun read.

[Gregg West · Rating 5 out of 5]

very interesting

A fun intriguing story. Well written and very engaging.
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[Missi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good one, sometimes lengthy. Good world building and main character, could have learnt more about other characters, though.