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Dan Taylor #0.5
The Legacy Device
The British Army left Iraq in 2009 after a six-year campaign alongside coalition forces. What they left behind has remained a closely guarded secret - until now.
On his last tour of duty, Royal Engineer EOD operator Dan Taylor discovers a conspiracy that will have consequences reaching far beyond the country’s war-torn borders.
With no choice but to follow orders, Dan realises that the legacy he and his commanding officer leave behind will have an unimaginable impact on the future of Iraq, and that of the British secret service.
But first, he has to survive the mission.
On his last tour of duty, Royal Engineer EOD operator Dan Taylor discovers a conspiracy that will have consequences reaching far beyond the country’s war-torn borders.
With no choice but to follow orders, Dan realises that the legacy he and his commanding officer leave behind will have an unimaginable impact on the future of Iraq, and that of the British secret service.
But first, he has to survive the mission.
38 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 27, 2016
28 people are currently reading
141 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Amphlett
206 books668 followersBefore turning to writing, USA Today bestselling crime author Rachel Amphlett played guitar in bands, worked as a TV and film extra, dabbled in radio, and worked in publishing as an editorial assistant.
She now wields a pen instead of a plectrum and writes crime fiction with over 30 crime novels and short stories featuring spies, detectives, vigilantes, and assassins.
A keen traveller and accidental private investigator, Rachel has both Australian and British citizenship.
You can find out more about Rachel and her books at www.rachelamphlett.com.
Praise for Rachel Amphlett
“Fast paced with vivid characterisation and clever twists, [None the Wiser] is another winner” Adrian McKinty
“[None the Wiser] is a terrific start to a new series” Jo Spain, With Our Blessing and The Confession
“Quirky, creepy and twisted tales” James Oswald, Sunday Times bestselling author
“Thrilling start to a new series. Scared to Death is a stylish, smart and gripping crime thriller” Robert Bryndza
"Scared to Death… moves along at breakneck speed with twists and turns" Angela Marsons
She now wields a pen instead of a plectrum and writes crime fiction with over 30 crime novels and short stories featuring spies, detectives, vigilantes, and assassins.
A keen traveller and accidental private investigator, Rachel has both Australian and British citizenship.
You can find out more about Rachel and her books at www.rachelamphlett.com.
Praise for Rachel Amphlett
“Fast paced with vivid characterisation and clever twists, [None the Wiser] is another winner” Adrian McKinty
“[None the Wiser] is a terrific start to a new series” Jo Spain, With Our Blessing and The Confession
“Quirky, creepy and twisted tales” James Oswald, Sunday Times bestselling author
“Thrilling start to a new series. Scared to Death is a stylish, smart and gripping crime thriller” Robert Bryndza
"Scared to Death… moves along at breakneck speed with twists and turns" Angela Marsons
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 29, 2016
It was 2009 and Dan Taylor was in Iraq with his team on their final mission. The sudden shock of rifle fire had them diving for cover – Dan, along with Mitch Frazer and their captain, David Ludlow hadn’t been expecting any interference as their intel had informed them the area was safe. With the other half of their team back at the armoured vehicle, the three men were on their own.
The survival of the team was imperative – their window of opportunity to do what had to be done was small. Racing against the clock, Dan and Mitch followed the orders of their commanding officer – Dan was troubled but knew they had no choice. What would the effects of what was happening be to the future of the two countries – both Iraq and Britain, especially the Secret Service? But most of all, would they survive?
The Legacy Device is a Dan Taylor short story by Aussie author Rachel Amphlett; gripping, fast paced and full of action, it was a fast but satisfying read. I thoroughly enjoyed reading another snippet of Dan’s life and feeling the camaraderie between Dan and his team members; their mission and the fears they face on a daily basis. Highly recommended.
With thanks to the author for my copy to read and review.
The survival of the team was imperative – their window of opportunity to do what had to be done was small. Racing against the clock, Dan and Mitch followed the orders of their commanding officer – Dan was troubled but knew they had no choice. What would the effects of what was happening be to the future of the two countries – both Iraq and Britain, especially the Secret Service? But most of all, would they survive?
The Legacy Device is a Dan Taylor short story by Aussie author Rachel Amphlett; gripping, fast paced and full of action, it was a fast but satisfying read. I thoroughly enjoyed reading another snippet of Dan’s life and feeling the camaraderie between Dan and his team members; their mission and the fears they face on a daily basis. Highly recommended.
With thanks to the author for my copy to read and review.
March 1, 2016
The Legacy Device is a prequel to the first Dan Taylor novel, “White Gold”, and an introduction to the six man team Dan works with.
The story may be short but the suspense and adrenalin are there in full force.
The story may be short but the suspense and adrenalin are there in full force.
June 28, 2016
4.5★
Talk about a teaser! This is a quick, hair-raising introduction to the first book of Aussie author Rachel Amphlett's Dan Taylor series, White Gold. This is not Chick Lit—it’s War Lit (if there is such a category).
Iraq, 2009. Gunfire, choking dust, wind-whipped sand and a desperate attempt to get into a power facility to sabotage the computer systems before they themselves are blasted to smithereens (notice my use of medical terminology).
The team is pulling in the same direction for the “good guys”, but one member is disturbingly skilled at reconstructing IEDs they’ve deactivated and dismantled. These are the roadside bombs made out of who-knows-what that they are trying to locate and dispose of.
Good dialogue and action with nice tight writing, but still time for a bit of thoughtfulness.
“ ‘Hold your fire,’ said David, and he repeated the command through his comms mike.
Silence returned to the site, and Dan swallowed.
He could never get used to the quiet after a gunfight. Even the birds had disappeared, the blue sky above him empty, tainted by a pale hue from the dry heat that rose from the earth.”
Interestingly (for me), I read this almost immediately after reading and reviewing Beneath the Darkening Sky, Majok Tulba’s harrowing novel depicting how the South Sudanese Army (rebels) clear landmines – making little boys walk in front of them so that if anyone’s going to blow up, it won’t be a soldier. Nice, eh?
I prefer these guys, even if one of them does like rebuilding bombs, which actually proves useful when they get pinned down. Read it yourself!
Thanks to the author who is offering free “starter packs” on her website. http://www.rachelamphlett.com/ I bet the rest of her books are good, too.
Talk about a teaser! This is a quick, hair-raising introduction to the first book of Aussie author Rachel Amphlett's Dan Taylor series, White Gold. This is not Chick Lit—it’s War Lit (if there is such a category).
Iraq, 2009. Gunfire, choking dust, wind-whipped sand and a desperate attempt to get into a power facility to sabotage the computer systems before they themselves are blasted to smithereens (notice my use of medical terminology).
The team is pulling in the same direction for the “good guys”, but one member is disturbingly skilled at reconstructing IEDs they’ve deactivated and dismantled. These are the roadside bombs made out of who-knows-what that they are trying to locate and dispose of.
Good dialogue and action with nice tight writing, but still time for a bit of thoughtfulness.
“ ‘Hold your fire,’ said David, and he repeated the command through his comms mike.
Silence returned to the site, and Dan swallowed.
He could never get used to the quiet after a gunfight. Even the birds had disappeared, the blue sky above him empty, tainted by a pale hue from the dry heat that rose from the earth.”
Interestingly (for me), I read this almost immediately after reading and reviewing Beneath the Darkening Sky, Majok Tulba’s harrowing novel depicting how the South Sudanese Army (rebels) clear landmines – making little boys walk in front of them so that if anyone’s going to blow up, it won’t be a soldier. Nice, eh?
I prefer these guys, even if one of them does like rebuilding bombs, which actually proves useful when they get pinned down. Read it yourself!
Thanks to the author who is offering free “starter packs” on her website. http://www.rachelamphlett.com/ I bet the rest of her books are good, too.
March 14, 2016
The Legacy Device is a free download short story prequel to White Gold, the first book in the Dan Taylor series by British-born author, Rachel Amphlett. In his role as a Royal Engineer EOD operator, Dan Taylor is part of the six-man team that interrupts their withdrawal from their base in Iraq to enter a power facility. But their detour to perform one small task does not go quite to plan when the supposedly abandoned building turns out to harbour armed hostiles. Cut off from their armoured vehicle and three of the team, they still have a job to do, an important task their Captain is determined to carry out, if only they can survive the attack. This short but action-packed story introduces Dan and his team and leads straight into the first book of the series. Definitely a page-turner.
August 3, 2018
Good introduction into a small unit if British engineers ‘fighting to stay alive’ amid the chaos was the aftermath of invasion.
I like the simple Pen portraits of the main characters depicted and Dan the main protagonist is interesting although little is revealed.
I liked the engagements with enemy militants and the tactical superiority of the organised British troops.
A mission that carries risk but is wrapped up in secrecy you blur the reason for you being there at all.
It seems beyond the hearts and minds initiative, more needs to be done to win the war after withdrawal.
They men are a risk of dying for a strategic plan that is about getting one up on the Americans. Trying to gain influence and lucrative contracts to rebuild the country they were instrumental in destroying.
I like the sense of loyalty within the unit for H and the general mistrust shown to others.
A great introduction into this series; one to follow up on.
I like the simple Pen portraits of the main characters depicted and Dan the main protagonist is interesting although little is revealed.
I liked the engagements with enemy militants and the tactical superiority of the organised British troops.
A mission that carries risk but is wrapped up in secrecy you blur the reason for you being there at all.
It seems beyond the hearts and minds initiative, more needs to be done to win the war after withdrawal.
They men are a risk of dying for a strategic plan that is about getting one up on the Americans. Trying to gain influence and lucrative contracts to rebuild the country they were instrumental in destroying.
I like the sense of loyalty within the unit for H and the general mistrust shown to others.
A great introduction into this series; one to follow up on.
February 6, 2025
Short but impactful, The Legacy Device is a great introduction to Dan Taylor and the series of books in which he features. Well worth a read.
March 25, 2016
I have to say that I really, really like Aussie author Rachel Amphlett’s Dan Taylor series, so I am truly excited to see that she hasn’t given up on Dan by adding the short story, The Legacy Device, to the series. The Legacy Device is a prequel to the series with events occurring just prior to the beginning of the first book in the series, White Gold.
Dan Taylor was a budding geologist that left his graduate studies to join the British military in order to get out from under the competing shadow of his father, who is a highly respected geologist. Taylor is sent off to Iraq to fight in the war which is the setting for The Legacy Device. The British are about to leave Iraq and Taylor and his cohorts are taking care of last minute business before leaving Iraq which includes a secret operation.
Amphlett’s Dan Taylor series focuses on our insatiable consumption of energy, and the problems that could arise as oil reserves begin to deplete and as we switch over to alternative fuels. I believe that the events that occur in The Legacy Device seem to follow along that same theme and appears to be setting up the readers for when the next book of the series is to be released, so it is a bit of a teaser.
It is a very brief book and not a lot happens, but will be intriguing to those that have been following the series. Even though The Legacy Device is a prequel to the series, I don’t recommend for the newcomer to the series to start with it, as it is too brief to get any feel for what the series will be like. I recommend reading White Gold before reading The Legacy Device.
If you are interested in learning more about the Dan Taylor Series check it out on my blog A-Thrill-A-Week
Dan Taylor was a budding geologist that left his graduate studies to join the British military in order to get out from under the competing shadow of his father, who is a highly respected geologist. Taylor is sent off to Iraq to fight in the war which is the setting for The Legacy Device. The British are about to leave Iraq and Taylor and his cohorts are taking care of last minute business before leaving Iraq which includes a secret operation.
Amphlett’s Dan Taylor series focuses on our insatiable consumption of energy, and the problems that could arise as oil reserves begin to deplete and as we switch over to alternative fuels. I believe that the events that occur in The Legacy Device seem to follow along that same theme and appears to be setting up the readers for when the next book of the series is to be released, so it is a bit of a teaser.
It is a very brief book and not a lot happens, but will be intriguing to those that have been following the series. Even though The Legacy Device is a prequel to the series, I don’t recommend for the newcomer to the series to start with it, as it is too brief to get any feel for what the series will be like. I recommend reading White Gold before reading The Legacy Device.
If you are interested in learning more about the Dan Taylor Series check it out on my blog A-Thrill-A-Week
July 29, 2017
A short and sweet trip into the back story of Dan Taylor. A worthwhile addition to the series as it places Dan and other characters in the later books in context.
January 7, 2018
The Dan Taylor series is one of the best action thrillers I have ever read.
October 7, 2018
Rachel knows how to set an atmosphere. Loved paying Dan Taylor a visit.
April 16, 2024
prequel to a novel I read a while ago
March 1, 2017
I enjoyed the book yet felt it was slightly too short.
Definitely need to read the first full length book.
Definitely need to read the first full length book.
February 11, 2017
The Legacy Device. Rachel Amphlett
This is the prequel to the book White Gold. David, Mitch and Dan are still in the British military. There in Iraq. The British and America troops are starting to pull out. There on a mission given to there Captain, David by the secret service. It doesn't go as planned. Hostile forces engage them . They complete there mission and are quickly assigned a second one. All Hell is about to break loose. This is a short novella and a fast read. Enjoyed tremendously!
This is the prequel to the book White Gold. David, Mitch and Dan are still in the British military. There in Iraq. The British and America troops are starting to pull out. There on a mission given to there Captain, David by the secret service. It doesn't go as planned. Hostile forces engage them . They complete there mission and are quickly assigned a second one. All Hell is about to break loose. This is a short novella and a fast read. Enjoyed tremendously!
December 4, 2016
Set in Iraq in 2009 the story follows Dan Taylor and his unit through a mission. The problem is Captain Ludlow has some mission of his own - secret squirrel stuff - and he’s dragging some of them into it and reminding them they all signed the Secrets Act.
Conflict with other team members and some mystery of who is supplying drugs to some of the battalion.
***
This is more of an extract than a short story; it doesn’t really have an ending.
The details seem realistic. [but I know nothing about military specs etc]
3 stars
Conflict with other team members and some mystery of who is supplying drugs to some of the battalion.
***
This is more of an extract than a short story; it doesn’t really have an ending.
The details seem realistic. [but I know nothing about military specs etc]
3 stars
March 14, 2016
Interesting lead in to the Dan Taylor series ...
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews