Legacy

The Biodome Chronicles #1

by Jesikah Sundin

She is locked inside an experimental world.
He has never met the girl who haunts his dreams.
A chilling secret forever binds their lives together.

Willow Oak Watson has never met a stranger. Never known the open wide sky. Never seen modern technology.

The experimental world she was born into is built on rules and traditions. Edicts no one has dared challenge—until her father’s shocking death places an invisible crown of power on her brother’s head. A coveted legacy that may be the very reason her father now lies dead.

Unsure of who they can trust, her brother risks their family’s banishment in a hunt for answers. A bold decision that leads them to a hidden communications room and to Fillion Nichols, a young man with a chilling link to her family. A stranger Willow feels a bond with the moment they meet. A connection that has haunted his dreams for years.

Everything about Fillion bends her reality and screams danger. He is the complete opposite of all that she has ever known and from a world she fears. Yet he is the only one who can decode the many cryptic secrets destroying her home.

A necessity if her family is to survive.

Worlds collide in an unforgettable quest for truth, unfolding a story rich in mystery, betrayal, and love.

A salivating blend of MEDIEVAL meets THE NEAR FUTURE in this gritty young adult eco-dystopian tale, brimming with psychological thrills, strong nature and found family themes, and an angsty, enemies to lovers slow burn fated romance that forever alters the reality of two worlds.

Are you ready to discover what is real?

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Science Fiction, Solarpunk, Dystopia, Romance, Fiction

ebook

First published January 19, 2014

About the author

JESIKAH SUNDIN is a multi-award winning Fae Romantasy, Dystopian Punk Lit, and Historical Fantasy writer, a mom of three nerdlets, a faeriecore and elfpunk geek, tree hugger, nature photographer, and a helpless romantic who married her insta-love high school sweetheart. In addition to her family, she shares her home in Seattle, Washington with a rambunctious husky-chi and a collection of Doc Martens boots. She is addicted to coffee, GIFs, memes, potatoes, cheese, kilts, mossy forests, eyeliner on men, and artsy indie alt rock.


AUTHOR NAMES:

Jesikah Sundin: fae fantasy romance, dystopian

J. Sundin: reverse harem fantasy romance

Jae Dawson: contemporary new adult romance

Reviews

[Anzû · Rating 5 out of 5]

Legacy is one of the best books I’ve read in a while. I mean it. Initially I just got it because I thought the cover looks really cool. I have a thing for emo/goth boys, and having read, and loved, Kelly Creagh’s Nevermore, I was longing for a dark and tortured hero falling for a pure and sweet girl kind of story. Judge me all you want. Lucky for me, Legacy ended up being waaay more than that.

First of all, it’s not a romance novel. Yes, a romance element is present. Yes, it has love (or lust? something along those lines) at first sight (kind of) and a love triangle. Gasp! However, the main focus is on the character development and world building. The book is full of chunky paragraphs full of descriptions. It focuses on more than one character, so a lot of time is spent on following them and observing their interactions with the world. The book is full of tech, LARP and gaming references, so if you’re into that sort of thing you’ll have a pretty good time going into details. If you’re not, you’ll probably end up getting bored waiting for the hot romance stuff to happen.

But oh, when it does happen you’ll be happy. Trust me.

*coughcough*

I guess that’s the best way of summing it up. Legacy is not your typical Young Adult Romance novel trying to pretend it’s something more than that. Legacy IS something more than that. It’s a unique story, a unique world full of interesting characters and intrigue. I’ve never read something like this, so I’m pretty hyped about it.

Lucky for me, I managed to bribe the wonderful Jesikah Sundin with my desperate fangirl tears in order to allow me to read the ARC for the sequel, Elements. Totally worth it.

SPOILER: the series keeps on getting better and better.

[Jess · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 20 percent. Slow plot, over the top writing and annoying teen characters.

I just could not connect with the story in any meaningful way - it started off on a wrong note with the funeral of the MC's father and yeah, I totally love reading about grief and funeral rites. The writing was very.. special. I guess the author tried to emphasize the contrast between the two worlds by using two different styles of writing but I just found it annoying and it slowed down my reading considerably. In fact, I even considered dropping this until I reached the first change in setting, where things seemed to pick up a bit. On an intellectual level, I get why the author chose to write the Leaf and Willow - sorry, Oaklee - chapters the way she did but it was such a slog.

Leaf is super dull yet also carries ~the weight of the wooooooooorld~ on his shoulders and Oaklee suffers from terminal IT'S NOT FAIR-itis. Yeah, exactly the stuff I want to read about.. I mean, I understand being absolutely devastated after the death of a parent, I truly do, but Oaklee's stroppiness and neglect of her younger sister's needs in this situation did not make her very likeable.



The Fillion chapters were also very blah, the Japan-anime-tech-whatever-punk scene felt inauthentic and non-ironically calling somebody a bishounen in conversation? LOL, no. The whole club scene was ridiculous.

I did not outright hate this like other DNF books that truly enraged me but it was not for me and the writing and the characters just did not work for me at all. It's not me, it's you.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am blown away not only by Jesikah's beautifully poetic and effective writing style, but also by her amazing ability to draw you in and make you fall in love with characters as they grow and journey through the plot.

It is filled with nobility and mystery and honor in the story that leave you longing for more, as well as an intimate, emotional, and genuine relationship with each and every character, independent to each individual character, which is crucial for readers wishing for a deeper connection than just superficial reading.

The world that Jesikah Sundin has created is a world of medieval tradition with a modern dystopian feel, two separate communities distinctly different from each other yet she molds them together perfectly. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it! I couldn't put it down nor did I want it to end! Bravo to Jesikah Sundin!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Legacy is lyrically written and poetically descriptive. The quotes and side notes that precluded the chapters are thought provoking and add depth to the book, don't skip over them! It is a social experiment that is wrapped in a beautiful story with characters that are both flawed and endearing. I don't want to scare off the younger reader, but I feel strongly that this book would be perfect as required reading in the school system. It opens the door to discussions on the cultural ramifications of technological advancement. I'm looking forward to the continuation of their story and the ensuing revolution.

[L · Rating 5 out of 5]

This dazzling debut is simply sensational and utterly breathtaking!

Highly original and exquisitely multi-layered are just two elements of this scintillating story that makes it stand out from anything else I have read of YA/ Fantasy genre. I was literally blown-away by the breathtaking scope of the extraordinary world building; its epic vastness and rich detail & background info. The Biodome Chronicles is a remarkable, creative imaginative masterwork containing such inspired ideas and singularity, as to raise the bar high for Science Fiction and fantasy literature. Elaborate experimentation combined with new theories and out-of-this-world realities merge together to form the backbone of an impressive sci-fi fest!

Book 1: follows Leaf and his sister Willow on their journey of self-discovery and the search for freedom in a constricted existence. Their tale is about pushing the boundaries of expectations and limitations, while also exploring human nature and the desire for independent will.

They dwell within an experimental Biodome – a sustainable community cut-off from the outside world.

Youth culture and high technology collide within a majestic backdrop of the Middle Ages in this story of betrayal, mystery and love.

Incredibly powerful, provocative prose cannot help but touch you inwardly as Leaf & Willow’s hardships and struggles highlight the inhumane acts of ‘The Code’. At times the shocking events that unfolded and unravelled the dark truth, I found really affecting and also reminiscent of ”The Hunger Games” in this way. I am really excited about this *new* series and I cannot wait for book 2 to be released! LEGACY exceeded and surpassed all expectations by how different it is and by the author’s vast imaginative vision…that’s entirely believable and convincing. Character-driven and wonderfully detailed, the sublime narrative is not only gripping but the fluidity of prose is beautiful.

Highly recommended to a wide-readership who enjoy fresh sci-fi/ fantasy and enchanting young adult romance.

5 STARS!!!

* I would like to thank Jesikah Sundin for sending me a physical copy of her remarkable debut novel LEGACY: Book1 of the Biodome Chronicles, to read & review *



…How can you not love that gorgeous cover?!

[Jessica Jett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was given to me in ebook format free of charge by the author in exchange for an honest review, and may contain spoilers.

This book starts off a bit slowly, but begins to pick up nicely a few pages in.

We begin in the town of New Eden Township, where young nobleman Leaf, is preparing his father's body for the funeral pyre. Leaf's father dies unexpectedly, but before he does he imparts a family secret to Leaf. As the oldest son, Leaf cleans and clothes his father in his favorite garments. Inside a pocket, he finds a card with an image of a snuffed out candle. Leaf is perplexed, he has no idea what it means or is for.

The author, Jesikah Sundin, has a very special way with words. She infuses advanced vocabulary and writes such vivid descriptions, that I found myself mesmerized by not just by the epic storytelling but the prose. From the first page the reader is engulfed by Leaf's grief and self-doubt of how he is going to go on as the head of household in his house. I felt what he felt, and it was a bit overwhelming but understandable.

I loved the use of the elements in the book. I've always found myself drawn to fantasy books when authors implement the elements of Earth, Air, Fire and Water into their works.

This world is much different than the world we live in, which is understandable due to it taking place a good 40 years into the future.
There was no detail left unexplained, the world building was exquisite.

I honestly can't wait until the sequel is released, it is going on my never ending to-read list :) also, THAT COVER. It is just beautiful and I am going to have to buy a paperback to add to my collection because it is so gorgeous! The little details that go along with the book are amazing!

I recommend this for anyone interested in well written young adult, sci-fi, fantasy fiction.

Happy reading!

***read it again: STILL LOVE IT.***

[Leylan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me begin by saying that I love the cover! It is such a nice contrast to most covers out in the market right now and so full of little details.

I was given this book as a gift by the author for an honest review. I was not disappointed.

Just like the cover, the contrast between the two worlds the author has created are filled with such intensity and emotion. Leaf and Willow are siblings living in a "mock" reality for future life in Mars. However, there is more to meet the eye. A whole new way of living has been created with rules to follow and adhere within this community. On the flip side you have Fillion, a member of the "real" world so full of technology and lack of emotional/physical connection between people. (As a side note I do feel we are leading to future just like Fillion's with our dependence on technology)The author does a great job incorporating the futuristic technology in a believable sense. Keeping with the atmosphere of each world, she presents the "real" world with a detached and crude way of communication between people. Unlike the "mock" world in which the romance languages are used and people are treated with respect and honorary titles.

Overall, I found this book to be really informative. I did not know a thing about LARPing before I began reading this book. I find the phrases used in french and japanese to really catch my attention. I find the plot line to be a reprieve from other types of novels with the same basic idea. The preface of every chapter gives a bit of the puzzle in regards to how the "project" came about and its purpose. We are also given the rules of the inhabitants at the end of the book. I honestly cannot wait for the continuation of this story.

I highly recommend Legacy. I am still having an internal battle as to whether I want to cheer for Fillion or for Coal and am left yearning for more as more questions arise from the overall rules of the game.

[rowanthorn ✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review! This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

3.5/5 STARS

This book has one of the most unique plots I've ever read: medieval biodomes and LARP-turned-reality, experiments gone wrong, and a new age of technology. It takes so many "what ifs" and turns them into this deeply layered plot that blends the medieval age with the hyper-modern. I really liked the world building, especially regarding the New Eden Township (the biodome!). It was so interesting to read the sections about the characters medieval-style lives within this controlled dome, as well as seeing how their realities shift throughout the book.

This book was well written and descriptive; my only critique of the writing was that sometimes the word choices were overly elaborate. There were a few times that the phrasing was needlessly convoluted, verging from lush and detailed to confusing. This occasionally made it difficult for me to understand what was going on/which characters knew what, especially since the plot was so complex and there are so many secrets/mysteries occurring. While I liked all the main characters, I didn't find myself truly connecting with them--but that might change as the series goes on!! The fact that I was confused a lot and didn't fully connect with the characters is the main reason I docked stars--but other than that the plot is very intriguing!

If you like dystopian/sci-fi/technology--or if you're interested in gaming and/or LARP!--I'd definitely recommend this book to you!

[J. Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the idea of dressing up and pretending to live the middle ages? Hate you can only do it for the weekend? If so, this book will enchant you!

The story opens in New Eden Township with a death. Leaf Watson must perform final rites for his father’s body and deal with the aftermath. Unfortunately, this coincides closely with the ending of the New Eden project - an experiment that placed people inside a biodome in the roles of medieval actors.

An idyllic paradise, New Eden Township is not truly what it seems. And with the ending of the project, Leaf, his sister Willow and all the young people who grew up inside the dome must come to terms with an outside world full of technologies they can’t comprehend.

Mysteries abound and soon questions arise about their society and truths they were taught.

Overall, it’s a well written book blending the ultra-modern with the medieval. The characters are interesting and well rounded. The writing is easy to follow even as the author weaves together the strands of her mystery. Best of all, she manages to convey a real sense of bewilderment and confusion as Leaf and Willow come to terms with the end of New Eden.

[Orchestta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book for free in exchange for a 100% honest review.

When I finished this book, I was already hands open waiting for the second one. Legacy poses vocabulary, presence, and a strong linger in the memory.

This a lyrically sounding, poetically narrative and ornamental descriptive book, with a detailed and exquisite believable well-built world.

And while I love the use of a complex vocabulary, this may be a bit heavy for some people who are more fond of lighthearted narrative and simple read.
But don't get me wrong, the excellence of the writing make it a quick read, nonetheless.
I just advice taking your time with it, so you can move through it smoothly without having to stop every few paragraph and read it all over again.

Legacy initiate in an extraordinarily outstanding world, in which we follow Leaf and Willow, his sister, who leave their past lives, starting a moving search for the truth, a quest for self-discovery and personal freedom.

"...In his last moments, Leaf father bequeaths a secret, a family secret, placing an invisible crown of power on his son's head... And with a mystery card he falls, and is slowly engulfed in a deep pool of self-doubt, grief and sorrow..."

The book narrate its story starting with Leaf's point of view, which later change to Willow's and then to Fillion's, my personal favourite. Each one is written in such a clearly, vivid way that is really easy to connect with the characters and understand them, their relationships, conflicts and the way their societies collide.

Like the most distant sides of the same spectrum, two societies exist. A fantasy dream-like medieval style community, shielded inside a Biodome, with a brand new way of existence led by a sense of community and liberty. And, the "real" world, the highly technological outside, full of emptiness, and a lack of emotion and connections between its people.

Neither is a wonderful fantasy, neither a horrid dystopia, both are a style in their own. And when two worlds collide how will the fairer of the two make out?

Legacy is not a rushed story, is not full of endless action, and an important number of questions were unanswered. But it is covered by the intriguing plot and a great concept.

So, all in all, I strongly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys a well written and intelligent fiction, to young adult sci-fi and fantasy lovers, and anyone who wants a rush of fresh air.

“Secrets upon secrets were weaving into a strange and mysterious fabric that would ultimately clothe his future.”

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I Received a free e-copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review, this his in no way affected my opinion of this book*

This book was very enjoyable, I feel lists would be a nice way to make my point.

What I liked:
1. The details are revealed in a way that the story can be detail-rich but not overwhelming. I believe It takes talent to do this.

2. The vocabulary is high level. I love that this book it targeted to young adults and the author has faith in young adult comprehension. I feel like my vocabulary improved by just reading this book.

3. The inserts between chapters are often very creative and insightful. They gave the story more depth and made the already fantastic world building all the more real

4. The world and culture is amazing and so well thought out.

5. The emotional reaction of Leaf and Willow to the loss of their father is so genuine. I have personally been in Willow's position (teen daughter with adult brother when father dies) and her reaction reminded me of mine so much that I had to stop reading often to just soak in how well this is done. Leaf's reaction is also very similar to my brother's in the way that he become a protective father figure to his younger sister. This is probably my favorite part of how the book is written.


What didn't work well:

1. The ending seemed abrupt, but this abrupt ending make perfect sense if there is to be a sequel.



I would recommend this book to almost anyone interested in the genre.

[Aviva · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received this book for free in exchange for a 100% honest review*

This book starts out extremely strong.leaf and Willows father dies unexpectedly, and with his dying breath he bequeathes a family secret.

This book was well written, with vocabulary and a use of words that caused me to have to repeatedly crack open a dictionary. While Jesikah Sundin has almost beautifully incorporated an advanced vocabulary, at times it is a bit overwhelming.

The cover is breathtaking, and I noticed as soon as I read the synopsis that willow and Fillion would have some sort of connection,(Friendship, or partnership). Now that I have finished the book I know where that connection has lead them to. Classic Good girl meets bad,(or in this case 'punk') guy

The plot of this book was very intriguing, and I am extremely happy I read this novel. The book carries out this plot of truth, mystery, betrayal, and love at a fast, (but still easy to follow), pace.

I think the extras in my copy make this book very unique. Sundin includes a book playlist, discussion questions, and author notes. I enjoyed reading them just as much as the book itself.

I think science fiction and YA readers alike will enjoy this book. I would,(and will) recommend this book to friends.

I will be patiently waiting for the second book in The Biodome Chronicles.

[Candi Sary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jesikah Sundin has created an imaginative, fascinating world in her novel Legacy. A medieval culture living in a biodome set in a futuristic era—it’s a fabulous idea and Sundin brings it to life brilliantly. The characters are wonderfully drawn. Leaf and Willow live simple, peaceful lives in a biodome with their sustainable community until their father’s death inspires contact with the outside world. That’s the world Fillion lives in. It’s the 2050s and Fillion is a punk hacker—a rebel in his cold, technology driven world. He doesn’t seem to have a soft side until he meets Willow. Of course the good girl/bad boy attraction is enticing, but it also has some depth as their histories unfold and their two very different worlds are brought together.

Every time I picked up the book, I felt like I was there with the characters, and when I wasn’t reading, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. Legacy really is that gripping! I was impressed with Sundin’s details and the originality of her story. Deception, betrayal, mystery, love, the loss of innocence—this novel has it all. I am looking forward to reading book two!

[Selah Tay-Song · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jesikah Sundin is pioneering a whole new genre: near-future medieval fantasy with a cyberpunk twist. Sundin realizes a rich and dreamy medieval world within a biosphere, sharply contrasted with a gritty cyber underground without. Her characters have depth and charisma, and I was rooting for them to succeed the whole way. Not only was the world-building detailed and believable, but Sundin also makes some interesting commentary/ predictions about where the current state of affairs will take American culture in the next fifty-odd years, something that a lot of near-future writing attempts to do but does not always succeed at. Sundin’s portrayal of the evolution of technology and society are neither far-fetched nor boringly familiar, but just right. My only complaint is that now I have to wait for book two!

[Artis Fricbergs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Legacy is a character driven visual feast. Jesikah's detailed writing style emulates descriptive ornamental idioms befitting medieval nobility and the days of King Arthur, juxtaposed with cyberpunk, "Blade Runneresque", dystopian and science fiction themes. The brave blend of these motifs had the potential of having an oil and water clunkiness to them, but Jesikah pulled it off brilliantly. Legacy becomes an intense examination of relationships, family, love, loss, conflict, and futuristic societal culture. I was completely immersed and convinced of the rich visual world and the characters living and breathing before me. Well done, what a debut.

[Jodi Woody · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given a copy of Legacy by the author, through Story Cartel, in exchange for an honest review. This was a great fantasy. I am very sad that I have to now wait for the other books to be written! This story sucks you in right away. Two worlds, one future America, the other a mediaeval bio dome, where the second generation occupants have never witnessed modern technology. The main characters are well rounded, the sarcastic cyperpunk, the old school big brother and his sister that live in the bio dome, and several secondary characters that come into play. There is mystery, romance, quite a bit of humor. I loved it! Mild swearing, no sexual content. Good for ages 14 and up.

[DianeG · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. I read this book a while ago when I first bought it for my 13 year old goddaughter. She loves to read and is very into the Renaissance and all things medieval. I knew it was a young adult novel and wanted to read it and make sure it was appropriate for her age. It was. I found it to be unique in the mixture of high technology of the future and the chivalry of medieval times. Willow, Leaf and Fillion are worlds apart in knowledge, temperament and life's lessons, yet the three are set on paths that intertwine and pull apart the world as they know it. My goddaughter loved it and I've since bought the sequel for both her and I to read.

[Mike Hartner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book opens with the scene of a father's death. And since mine passed in the spring, it was a brutal scene to get through. That said, this is a sic-fi book for the ages, and it is a book that any LARPer should enjoy.
Leaf and Willow are two individuals that you will become emotionally attached to.. as is is Fillion. And Willow's growth during this book makes you cheer for her.

I highly recommend this book. And look forward to Book Two.

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved, loved, loved this book! I will admit, I was initially drawn to it due to its cover. It is a very eye-catching cover, but I fell in love with the story and characters as well. I look forward to the next book in the series, Elements, which I will probably start next. Though it has a bit of a slow start, I definitely rate this book a solid 4.75. Would I recommend it? Probably not, that way I can keep it all to myself! I look forward to reading more books by this author in the future.

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I completely love this book , Its well written too ..... I can't wait till the second book to come out

[Chay · Rating 5 out of 5]

The feelings inside me are very hard to describe.The book was just awesome, fantastic, STUPENDOUS. I loved it. Let me describe this book in pieces because if not i will be saying it in one word. The plot sounded really good and the rating is pretty high so, i thought i might try it out. I wasn't enthusiastic with Fillion at first(The boy on the cover) let's just put that straight so, when i received the cover i thought it was really pretty but, the boy was... scary? I mean when you look closely you can see piercings in his mouth and his clothes just drove me away. I will be honest i was a bit grossed out.. i don't know how to explain it better but, Willow was pretty in the cover regardless.

Leaf's poin of view in the first chapter was a bit confusing at first since we had to learn a new way of life and Willow's point of view was in the middle. I think i started understanding and enjoying the book from Fillion's point of view it was hilarious, funny, and i just found myself admiring him more and more despite his looks. He was just amazing and from there i started enjoying ALL THEIR POINTS OF VIEWS especially Willow's I found myself connecting with her in a way i didn't imagine. She was fun, loving, and i ENJOYED the moment she slapped Coal in the face i just had to re-read that part like fifty times! I didn't know she had it in her. Seriously Hurricane Willow coming this way.


I loved it. It was such an adventurous ride that was blow minding and just no words. Though i am looking forward to see Fillion and Willow together in the next book and how everything will unravel especially the mysterious things happening.
Okay i must say the love that Leaf and Willow had made me feel exactly like Willow which was pretty strange but, i loved it all the more. The characters were all amazing and well developed they didn't feel fake or out of place.
Here are some pictures of the characters, you can also see them in Jesikah Sundin's website, check it out it's really cool. ;)

Fillion may look a bit overly done there but, when you get to know him you'll think VERY differently.

Hurricane Willow is definitely something you want to watch out. ;)

I may have not connected with Leaf as much but, he was still pretty important.
As much as i would love to go on and on of how much i want NEED the NEXT book i need to recommend this one. So yes i RECOMMEND Legacy and you definitely need to read this. Jesikah you did a really good job it was an unbelievable ride but, in a good way. I need the second one i really want to know what happens.

Thank you so much Jesikah Sundin! ;)

[Mati · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the Making Connections group and the author, in exchange for an honest review. Thanks for the chance to read it!

In a book market somewhat saturated with Dystopian books and futuristic time-frames, it is rare to find a world so well thought out and planned as the one in Legacy. Everything from technology to social trends mingles in this novel in a remarkably believable setting. Detailed almost to a fault, the world Jesikah Sundin created comes to life in a way many books fail to achieve, and I am excited to see where future installments take this series.

To be truthful, I usually shy away from books that carry pop-culture references in them. They usually feel cheesy and out of place, and often don't read in a believable manner. Yet this story used them in a clever way, so the novel really felt like it could be a future glimpse at our world. The anime culture mingled with futuristic technology, and the green movement all felt believable. And what can I say, I'm a Browncoat. There are things a few things that won me over in the book that those in that fandom might recognize.

I've actually visited Biodome 2 several years ago, which brought the story even more to life for me. I could definitely imagine such a project gaining ground and growing to the level it did in this book. The descriptions matched some of the things I experienced there, and I am always excited to see a book that can come to life in that way. The random quotes at the end of each chapter confused me a bit at first, but with time, I found those to be fun snippets that sort of bridged the gap between our time, and that where the story takes place.

The characters felt thought out, although I will admit I had trouble understanding Willow. Her temper and irritations swing in an almost bi-polar manner, and I am surprised the other characters tolerated it so much. Leaf always seems to let her get away with her brash and insulting actions, and while I understand part of that may be because of the death of her father, I was really waiting for someone to set her straight.

I was a little disappointed the book was so long, but we really didn't get very far in a story sense. A lot of time was devoted to the emotions and thoughts of the characters, but there were times the action lacked a bit. There wasn't much rush in this story. I kept turning pages to find out more, but some of the mystery elements remained fuzzy, and I really wished I had gotten more of a story. There was plenty of world, characters were fleshed out, everything was here but a sense of movement. I debated between 4 and five stars for awhile, but eventually that was the point that tilted things for me. I think the next book could do a lot better because it only has to build on the foundation laid here, but this one was just a bit too slow for it to really be a WOW book for me.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is like a Scifi, Fantasy, Dystopian, with Hints of a fairy tale. The author says its Eco-Dystopian Faerie Tale. Its an amazing mash up whatever you call it! There's 3 POVs which I absolutely loved. Its incredible the amount of research Jesikah had to do for this story. 🤯 There is a ton of world building which I found interesting but some may find it a bit slow at times. But she's just really setting up two intricate worlds for the rest of series. 😁 There's some great extras in the back of the book! Translations for phrases and an awesome glossary.
This story is SO funny!
I loved Fillion right off the bat. I have a soft spot for his type 😏
Lots of mystery! What's going on? Who can be trusted? Why is this happening? What's real? 🧐
Leaf refers to his sister as "Hurricane Willow" at times. I get this way when I'm tired and hungry. 😂
Willow/Oaklee is a feisty little thing Lol
It's fun to see how the New Eden citizens react to technology.
And I really love the brother and sister dynamics! (Having an older brother myself ) 💙
Overall great read. Definitely recommend it if the above sounds like your style!
.
The narrator did a great job. This was my first audiobook by him. I was really impressed when he spoke a few phases in French and Japanese! He differentiates each character well. He reads at a slower pace for me so I upped the speed a bit. But don't let that deter you from the sample! He's fantastic.
.
👉🏼 Some Quotes
"How can you sleep at night using a word like 'trash'?" he threw out. "It's like a four-letter word to you hippies. "
.
"I'm losing my mind," he muttered in the elevator while waiting for the door to open. "And now I'm talking to myself out loud like a homeless person."
.
Oaklee focused on the heady and intoxicating scent of citrus to ease her escalating emotions. She would not crash. She would not be destroyed. She would grab at anything during this fall and save herself from hitting bottom. Experience had taught her that the floor was merciless, and an unnecessary event. And she was sure she would not survive another crash.
.
"Please don't ever forget me, Willow," he whispered. "I will never forget you. I hope one day that you'll become fond of trash."

[Ariana Parrish · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would like to start off by saying why do I have to wait for the next book!!!!!???? I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The mystery throughout it is great but the psychological turmoil that is shown within society as a whole and within two different families is very interesting. I also like that the focus isn't a love story. Don't get me wrong I do enjoy love stories but I love that this book is so much more than that and that Jesikah shows us that. Also I think my favorite things, that was put into the book, were the quotes at the end of each chapter. I love how they embody the past, present and future and yet are very much intertwined with the concept of the biodome and with the characters themselves. I still cannot decide who my favorite character is. I have a love for Fillion and a love for Leaf but they are for very different reasons. I will say though that I enjoy Willow and am curious to see what her wild spirit brings in the next book. I love the book and cannot wait to continue the series. I still have so many questions.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall, really interesting story concept. The characters were consistent and the world was really interesting. I loved how the biodome was created with so much technology while keeping basically all tech out of the lives of those in the dome.

Fillion is a heavy smoker, which threw me off a little. (There are multiple paragraphs in a row describing lighting up to taking the first drag after work and how good it feels, etc) But as a dystopian, it's part of the story, the world, and the pressures he's under.

For me, there was more description than I needed, but many readers are going to find that it gives them a vivid picture in their mind.

Oaklee and Leaf's generation is fully-immersed generation and the level of medieval non-tech exposure was interesting. The strict adherence to the gender roles fit the medieval life, but, without spoilers, I was surprised with how medieval they stayed. But we have such strong characters living in the dome that I'm really fascinated where their journey will go!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Teresa Kander · Rating 5 out of 5]

**I received a copy of this book from Story Cartel in return for an honest review.**

The book started out a little slow, and I didn't think I was going to enjoy it. Fortunately, I couldn't have been more wrong. Leaf and Willow keep talking about "the secret" their father shared with them just before he died, but it takes quite a while before the reader is let in on that secret. Once that happens, things from the beginning of the book make more sense.

The book is very well written, even as it goes back and forth between the Medieval speech of the New Eden group and the technologically heavy speech of those on the outside.

The characters are well defined, and their relationships are complicated at times, yet realistic always.

The plot is intriguing, and I will be anxiously awaiting the next installment.

[Joannah Miley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never read a book like Legacy before, and that is a shame!

The book blew me away with the two completely different worlds contained within it. The residents of New Eden Township live in a self-contained biodome without modern technology but with a rich sense of interdependence and community. The characters outside the biodome live in a society suffering from too much technology and too little moral restraint. Both worlds are richly imagined, the characters are well developed, Ms. Sundin’s descriptions are wonderful, and her writing borders on the poetic.

My only complaint is that I will have to wait for book two to see what happens next!

[Katie Kent · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so very much. It has all the elements that (I think) make the best kind of story - adventure, family/friendships, history, sci-fi, spirituality, and romance. The scenery is described beautifully and the story is clever and engaging. I fell in love with the characters and I think you will too. I can't wait for my son to read it so we can have a discussion about it!

[Natille · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

I really loved this book. I won a copy of the second book on Goodreads and of course I just had to read the first book before I could submerge myself into second one. I'm glad I did. It really is worth the read and is hilarious with the various personalities from the different characters. I already have my favorites and I'm excited to start the next book!

[Tara Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Writing: 4.5
Story: 5
Character Development: 4.5
Cover: 5
Editing: 4.5

This book is a rare gem. You know, the kind you pick up from an unknown author and are very pleasantly surprised. The concept is so unique and refreshing, the writing is clean and easy to follow, and the character development is strong. I met Jesikah at a book signing at Barnes & Noble, and she is a pleasure