What do you think?
Rate this book
Baldwin's Legacy #6
Legacy
New allies. New enemies. New life.
Admiral Thomas Baldwin has more to live for after the recent news. All eyes are on him as the biggest war in Concord Space history begins in earnest.
Captain Treena Starling is sent to Earth to stop the Invaders from coming to High Elder Wylen’s aide.
Ven Ittix is torn between his people and the Concord, and is offered something he could never have imagined.
Lark Keen makes a decision that will affect the outcome of the Concord forever.
Legacy is the end of an era. But to many, it’s just the beginning…
Admiral Thomas Baldwin has more to live for after the recent news. All eyes are on him as the biggest war in Concord Space history begins in earnest.
Captain Treena Starling is sent to Earth to stop the Invaders from coming to High Elder Wylen’s aide.
Ven Ittix is torn between his people and the Concord, and is offered something he could never have imagined.
Lark Keen makes a decision that will affect the outcome of the Concord forever.
Legacy is the end of an era. But to many, it’s just the beginning…
- GenresScience Fiction
296 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 29, 2020
114 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 13, 2021
Legacy is the final book in the series, and sees the end game of High Elder Wylen’s plans, bringing together decades of careful planning to bring down the Concord, and place himself and the Ugna as the leaders of the 40+ worlds of the Concord and its people. This is a book that is not only brings together all the storylines we have been reading in the other books, but it also delves into what it really means to have a name, to be part of a ‘Family Legacy’, such as the Baldwin Legend, and what that entails. But it is not just Baldwin that is part of this tales Legacy, there are several other characters that are a part of the focus for the ‘Legacy’ that this book is named for. I am not going to give away spoilers and list them, you will have to read the book and find out who the others are. Some are very obvious, some not so much, and makes for an intriguing ending to this tale.
This final chapter in the series is one of intrigue and mystery as you watch all the different pieces start to both unravel and come together, and it is fascinating watch the final chess pieces of High Elder Wylen’s plan, one he has been cultivating for decades (much like a dedicated Sith Lord), to bring about the downfall of the Concord.
There are some interesting links in this story to the Star Wars Saga, the Ugna and their psionic abilities being similar in nature to force users, only drawing on the ‘Vastness’ instead of the ‘Force’, and Wylen has a lot in common with Palpatine. Ven however, is a lot different to Luke, in that although he was kept away from Wylen, like Luke from Palpatine, he was trained from an early age, and given the knowledge he needed to defeat the High Elder.
There is another link in this story to the saga, but I really don’t want to give away spoilers, for those that know the Star Wars Saga, especially the latest trilogy, you might see it in the later stages of the book.
Overall though, Hystad has done a far better job of creating his story than the Star Wars series, there are not as many plot holes, and the flow of the story is just so much better, his heroes, Baldwin, Ven, Rene, the Daak Twins, Starling etc are all so much more believable and likeable. Even the enemies, Wylen, Lark (especially Lark, who is just such an exceptional character, willing to do anything not just for him, but for his family. He is so true to himself and his beliefs, all the way through the series, he is just brilliant), and various others, such as elements of those from Earth, and Wylen’s Ugna, are just brilliant. Wylen is so sinister, so evil, and yet, so cunning, so manipulative, so clever, he is stunning as the evil High Elder no one sees coming, until it is far too late. He has every aspect of things planned out, and this is done with such perfection, given his intelligence, and the years of planning, and it makes for a gripping story with a lot of twists and intrigue that leaves you utterly enthralled.
As with the other books, Baldwin’s brilliance is in his ability to cause chaos, through his capacity to bring out the best in those around him, and turn situations that should be utter defeats, into glorious victories that no one could imagine possible – he is the true wild card in any battle. Supported by some of the best people in the Concord, not only on his own ship, Baldwin again at the helm of the aptly named ‘Legacy’, but with the crews of the ‘Constantine’ and the ‘Shu’ to support him. The other extraordinary character, (and surprise), is Constantine, Tom’s Grandfather, who is actually dead, but his memories, and to some extent, his essence, has been captured in a computer and reproduced as a ‘holographic’ representation of him. Whilst the character is meant to be a dumbed down version, it isn’t, actually being more like the real person, and thus the interactions between him, and his Grandson, as well as the crew, are both fascinating, and enthralling. Constantine is easily one of my favourites, and his story is just riveting.
One of the things I have really loved in this book, and this series has been Hystad’s use of imagery and symbolism to bring his story alive. No matter where his characters are standing, there is always this breathtaking and stunning image painted for us, so that we are transported to the location that the characters are in, so that you are really immersed in the story. Hystad’s world building has reached whole new levels with things like ‘The Code’, the guiding principles of the Concord, in which Hystad has gone and written dozens of very powerful and meaningful symbolic ideological values that were originally created by the four founding members of the Concord. It is this depth of world-building that really elevates this story so far above the standard space opera, and lets you really engage with the story, to a degree that this could easily be compared to the Star Trek Universe, and hold its own.
Legacy is such a fitting name for this book, as I previously stated, it is perfect for the Baldwin story, as well as other characters (Such as the inspired story of Treena Starling!), but it is also about the Legacy of the Concord, the Ugna, and this series. Legacy is such a fitting name, as this series is going to be a Legacy of Hystad’s work as it is just such a masterful piece of Mil Sci-Fi/Space Opera. From the moment you start reading or listening, Hystad takes hold of you, and doesn’t let go.
If you love a good character driven story, Sci-Fi, Star Trek, or ‘The Orville’, then you have to read (or listen), to this series, as it is one of the best Mil Sci-Fi I have read, I just wish that there were more books!
This final chapter in the series is one of intrigue and mystery as you watch all the different pieces start to both unravel and come together, and it is fascinating watch the final chess pieces of High Elder Wylen’s plan, one he has been cultivating for decades (much like a dedicated Sith Lord), to bring about the downfall of the Concord.
There are some interesting links in this story to the Star Wars Saga, the Ugna and their psionic abilities being similar in nature to force users, only drawing on the ‘Vastness’ instead of the ‘Force’, and Wylen has a lot in common with Palpatine. Ven however, is a lot different to Luke, in that although he was kept away from Wylen, like Luke from Palpatine, he was trained from an early age, and given the knowledge he needed to defeat the High Elder.
There is another link in this story to the saga, but I really don’t want to give away spoilers, for those that know the Star Wars Saga, especially the latest trilogy, you might see it in the later stages of the book.
Overall though, Hystad has done a far better job of creating his story than the Star Wars series, there are not as many plot holes, and the flow of the story is just so much better, his heroes, Baldwin, Ven, Rene, the Daak Twins, Starling etc are all so much more believable and likeable. Even the enemies, Wylen, Lark (especially Lark, who is just such an exceptional character, willing to do anything not just for him, but for his family. He is so true to himself and his beliefs, all the way through the series, he is just brilliant), and various others, such as elements of those from Earth, and Wylen’s Ugna, are just brilliant. Wylen is so sinister, so evil, and yet, so cunning, so manipulative, so clever, he is stunning as the evil High Elder no one sees coming, until it is far too late. He has every aspect of things planned out, and this is done with such perfection, given his intelligence, and the years of planning, and it makes for a gripping story with a lot of twists and intrigue that leaves you utterly enthralled.
As with the other books, Baldwin’s brilliance is in his ability to cause chaos, through his capacity to bring out the best in those around him, and turn situations that should be utter defeats, into glorious victories that no one could imagine possible – he is the true wild card in any battle. Supported by some of the best people in the Concord, not only on his own ship, Baldwin again at the helm of the aptly named ‘Legacy’, but with the crews of the ‘Constantine’ and the ‘Shu’ to support him. The other extraordinary character, (and surprise), is Constantine, Tom’s Grandfather, who is actually dead, but his memories, and to some extent, his essence, has been captured in a computer and reproduced as a ‘holographic’ representation of him. Whilst the character is meant to be a dumbed down version, it isn’t, actually being more like the real person, and thus the interactions between him, and his Grandson, as well as the crew, are both fascinating, and enthralling. Constantine is easily one of my favourites, and his story is just riveting.
One of the things I have really loved in this book, and this series has been Hystad’s use of imagery and symbolism to bring his story alive. No matter where his characters are standing, there is always this breathtaking and stunning image painted for us, so that we are transported to the location that the characters are in, so that you are really immersed in the story. Hystad’s world building has reached whole new levels with things like ‘The Code’, the guiding principles of the Concord, in which Hystad has gone and written dozens of very powerful and meaningful symbolic ideological values that were originally created by the four founding members of the Concord. It is this depth of world-building that really elevates this story so far above the standard space opera, and lets you really engage with the story, to a degree that this could easily be compared to the Star Trek Universe, and hold its own.
Legacy is such a fitting name for this book, as I previously stated, it is perfect for the Baldwin story, as well as other characters (Such as the inspired story of Treena Starling!), but it is also about the Legacy of the Concord, the Ugna, and this series. Legacy is such a fitting name, as this series is going to be a Legacy of Hystad’s work as it is just such a masterful piece of Mil Sci-Fi/Space Opera. From the moment you start reading or listening, Hystad takes hold of you, and doesn’t let go.
If you love a good character driven story, Sci-Fi, Star Trek, or ‘The Orville’, then you have to read (or listen), to this series, as it is one of the best Mil Sci-Fi I have read, I just wish that there were more books!
June 15, 2021
A good ending
One adventure is at a end, but a new one is about to begin. Tom Baldwin has lead the Concord to victory, but now he has more than his hands full leading forward to a new future.
One adventure is at a end, but a new one is about to begin. Tom Baldwin has lead the Concord to victory, but now he has more than his hands full leading forward to a new future.
November 2, 2020
There's a war coming and the Concord Alliance might not win. They appear to be fighting themselves, so is this a civil war or are they really being attacked by outsiders? Well, the Ugna are now members of the Concord as of the previous book. How they got their membership is somewhat questionable, but it's done and now they seem to be a problem. High Elder Wylen has kept in the shadows for most of the Ugna's rise as a new nation. Yet, he's been driving the Ugna towards this moment for a long, long time. He laid his plans when he was very young and has grown in power over time. While Elder Fayle has been the face of the Ugna for quite some time, Wylen has been pulling the strings. Now it appears that Elder Fayle realizes her mistake in trusting High Elder Wylen. He doesn't just want the Ugna to be Concord members, but he wants the Ugna to rule the Concord! And he will enforce his will by force if necessary.
In the last book, it was found that Earth has been invaded by "Invaders" who are actually Ugna, but not trained in the ways of the Ugna. They have telekinetic powers, but they are untrained it how to really use it, but it still gives them a advantage over normal humans. That has how the Ugna of Earth have come to power. They and the rest of the "Invaders" as these Ugna are called, Have managed to even turn some normal Earth humans into Ugna, but still totally untrained in the telekinetic power. High Elder Wylen has sent his emissary, "The Prophet" with Lark Keen to rally the Earth Ugna to support the take over and conquest of the Concord. He promised Keen a powerful position within his Concord empire. Keen believes this is his best course of action since Wylen's people busted him out of prison. Now he's working to turn the Earth "Invaders" to the Ugna cause. Still he's not an Ugna and has none of their powers so is he really going to trust these people, especially High Elder Wylen to act as promised. He needs to do some deep, deep thinking.
Still, the Prophet has convinced the Earth Ugna to put together a fleet of sixteen large ships and head to the Concord capital. Meanwhile, Admiral Thomas Baldwin is attempting to build up a defensive force around Nolix, the Concord Alliance capital. He knows he's going to be short-handed, they haven't really done any massive ship building in quite some time and the Constantine was the first new ship of the modern era. As you know, it is now commanded by Captain Treena Starling, a very unique individual. She and her ship are heading out to help those alliance members that are coming under attack by other members who have come under the influence of High Elder Wylen. She and her ship easily defeat all these minor threats, but it does take her away from the force build-up at the capital. She needs to get this fighting on the borders under control and head back home. Admiral Baldwin needs her and her ship badly!
In the last book, we read where Captain Starling and the Constantine did go to Earth. With the help of some human rebels, they managed to slip some errors into the navigation coding of the "Protectorate" vessels. When the human Ugna activated their Nek drives (the plans were given to them by Wylen), they arrived in the middle of know where and had to figure out what went wrong. It will take some time, but they should be able to solve the problem and get back on track to Nolix. They really need to be there when High Elder Wylen arrives with his fleet. It's unknown whether High Elder Wylen can defeat the defenders at Nolix with just his fleet, but his command ship is a humongous colony ship packed with Ugna. These Ugna will be high on En'or which is the drug that enhances their powers. They can destroy a mind from a great distance away, just by going into a trance and projecting their abilities to the target human or humans.
So, there's a major battle coming up and it's anyone's guess as to who will win. Admiral Thomas Baldwin will be defending his beloved Concord Alliance with the knowledge that he might be saving it for his future child or children. Only time will tell. A very good and interesting story. It seems to have run its course in this book so I don't believe there will be any more books in the Baldwin Legacy series.
In the last book, it was found that Earth has been invaded by "Invaders" who are actually Ugna, but not trained in the ways of the Ugna. They have telekinetic powers, but they are untrained it how to really use it, but it still gives them a advantage over normal humans. That has how the Ugna of Earth have come to power. They and the rest of the "Invaders" as these Ugna are called, Have managed to even turn some normal Earth humans into Ugna, but still totally untrained in the telekinetic power. High Elder Wylen has sent his emissary, "The Prophet" with Lark Keen to rally the Earth Ugna to support the take over and conquest of the Concord. He promised Keen a powerful position within his Concord empire. Keen believes this is his best course of action since Wylen's people busted him out of prison. Now he's working to turn the Earth "Invaders" to the Ugna cause. Still he's not an Ugna and has none of their powers so is he really going to trust these people, especially High Elder Wylen to act as promised. He needs to do some deep, deep thinking.
Still, the Prophet has convinced the Earth Ugna to put together a fleet of sixteen large ships and head to the Concord capital. Meanwhile, Admiral Thomas Baldwin is attempting to build up a defensive force around Nolix, the Concord Alliance capital. He knows he's going to be short-handed, they haven't really done any massive ship building in quite some time and the Constantine was the first new ship of the modern era. As you know, it is now commanded by Captain Treena Starling, a very unique individual. She and her ship are heading out to help those alliance members that are coming under attack by other members who have come under the influence of High Elder Wylen. She and her ship easily defeat all these minor threats, but it does take her away from the force build-up at the capital. She needs to get this fighting on the borders under control and head back home. Admiral Baldwin needs her and her ship badly!
In the last book, we read where Captain Starling and the Constantine did go to Earth. With the help of some human rebels, they managed to slip some errors into the navigation coding of the "Protectorate" vessels. When the human Ugna activated their Nek drives (the plans were given to them by Wylen), they arrived in the middle of know where and had to figure out what went wrong. It will take some time, but they should be able to solve the problem and get back on track to Nolix. They really need to be there when High Elder Wylen arrives with his fleet. It's unknown whether High Elder Wylen can defeat the defenders at Nolix with just his fleet, but his command ship is a humongous colony ship packed with Ugna. These Ugna will be high on En'or which is the drug that enhances their powers. They can destroy a mind from a great distance away, just by going into a trance and projecting their abilities to the target human or humans.
So, there's a major battle coming up and it's anyone's guess as to who will win. Admiral Thomas Baldwin will be defending his beloved Concord Alliance with the knowledge that he might be saving it for his future child or children. Only time will tell. A very good and interesting story. It seems to have run its course in this book so I don't believe there will be any more books in the Baldwin Legacy series.
September 14, 2024
There is promise in the overarching story. The plot twists, although spaced out over way to many pages aren't all that bad. The language isn't exactly worthy of a nobel price, but isn't all that bad either. But there are to many lost opportunities and to much lazy story development and way to much lazy language use to give this series more than two stars.
Hystad is a lazy writer. He'll pump out words, but he does not put much effort into checking if the words he use are the right ones. I almost puked the 700th time he referred to a specific class of space ship as a "flagship" just because it was big and impressive. A flagship in normal peoples vocabulary is the ship that carries the flag of the commanding admiral. This is incredibly jarring and made me want to burn the books. Hystad refuses to research or invent proper terminology. He refuses to create a believeable scientific system or even passable techno-babble. He is lazy and just keeps hammering out the same conversation over and over again. It is not terribly badly written, but could have been done oh so much better. I believe he can do it, but he doesn't bother, and that annoys me.
This series is presenting itself and is written as if it was a military/naval drama in space. But when the author refuses to make the slightest effort make things sound and feel military, naval, or even space-ish.... then it just ends up being a YA novel with the teen angst removed. Dull.
The audobooks I had for the last 4 books were wonderful for putting me to sleep though.
Hystad is a lazy writer. He'll pump out words, but he does not put much effort into checking if the words he use are the right ones. I almost puked the 700th time he referred to a specific class of space ship as a "flagship" just because it was big and impressive. A flagship in normal peoples vocabulary is the ship that carries the flag of the commanding admiral. This is incredibly jarring and made me want to burn the books. Hystad refuses to research or invent proper terminology. He refuses to create a believeable scientific system or even passable techno-babble. He is lazy and just keeps hammering out the same conversation over and over again. It is not terribly badly written, but could have been done oh so much better. I believe he can do it, but he doesn't bother, and that annoys me.
This series is presenting itself and is written as if it was a military/naval drama in space. But when the author refuses to make the slightest effort make things sound and feel military, naval, or even space-ish.... then it just ends up being a YA novel with the teen angst removed. Dull.
The audobooks I had for the last 4 books were wonderful for putting me to sleep though.
October 12, 2024
I have submitted this review after listening to the audio book of this title from within the series set box. (Audible Membership)
They knew they were up against a formidable enemy, who could kill with their minds. Yet they refused to give up.
They pursued different tools and tactics to defeat their enemy, but most of all, they stood strong together.
Yes, it was their final battle against formidable odds, but they refused to give up.
They knew they were up against a formidable enemy, who could kill with their minds. Yet they refused to give up.
They pursued different tools and tactics to defeat their enemy, but most of all, they stood strong together.
Yes, it was their final battle against formidable odds, but they refused to give up.
March 4, 2025
Great ending to a superb series
This is it, a great ending to a superb space opera. The conspiracy comes to a head with the Concorde tearing apart under the Ugna invasion. Captains Baldwin and Starling battle both external in internal enemies in a epic finale. Great story, great characters, great writing. Highly recommended.
This is it, a great ending to a superb space opera. The conspiracy comes to a head with the Concorde tearing apart under the Ugna invasion. Captains Baldwin and Starling battle both external in internal enemies in a epic finale. Great story, great characters, great writing. Highly recommended.
October 2, 2020
A great ending to a great story
The book had a good storyline and a happy ending. for the most part characters that were introduced through the 6 book series developed nicely and had happy endings. I enjoyed the series.
The book had a good storyline and a happy ending. for the most part characters that were introduced through the 6 book series developed nicely and had happy endings. I enjoyed the series.
December 25, 2020
A satisfying ending
I initially had my doubts with this series as it felt like a re-skinned Star Trek. However, I was pleasantly surprised. Pretty much all of the loose ends were tied up here, new beginning all around and the overriding !message of peace over violence.
I initially had my doubts with this series as it felt like a re-skinned Star Trek. However, I was pleasantly surprised. Pretty much all of the loose ends were tied up here, new beginning all around and the overriding !message of peace over violence.
February 3, 2021
An excellent story.
This was my 1st set of books from Nathan Hystad, but I guarantee it won't be my last set. He is a great writer and his stories are all well written & keeps you interested from start to the very end. I truly enjoyed each & every page.
This was my 1st set of books from Nathan Hystad, but I guarantee it won't be my last set. He is a great writer and his stories are all well written & keeps you interested from start to the very end. I truly enjoyed each & every page.
July 15, 2021
The Ugna are finally defeated
After thousands of years the Ugna are defeated with the help of Ven. With the discovery of a way to remove their drug from their systems they are somewhat reduced in power.
After thousands of years the Ugna are defeated with the help of Ven. With the discovery of a way to remove their drug from their systems they are somewhat reduced in power.
November 28, 2023
This series has a good story but neither the story nor the characters are well developed. As I got deeper into the series I kept wanting more. Overall, I give the series a two. There are better stories out there.
March 5, 2025
A good end to the series, although it's rather cruel to write about Elder Wylen musing how he'd need a new vessel soon and how he'd lived for a long time, in many bodies without mentioning the topic again or how he achieved that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2020
Absolutely awesome
Loved the book. I highly highly recommend that everyone read the entire series. I love all the books and series by this author.
Loved the book. I highly highly recommend that everyone read the entire series. I love all the books and series by this author.
October 20, 2020
Never got boring.
Very good series. Kept me trying to figure out what was happening next. Will continue reading his books. Have already his Watcher series.
Very good series. Kept me trying to figure out what was happening next. Will continue reading his books. Have already his Watcher series.
November 9, 2020
Great Series
Thank you for the great series.
A journey that has kept my busy mind focused and enjoying of this tale.
Can’t wait for the next adventure.
Thank you for the great series.
A journey that has kept my busy mind focused and enjoying of this tale.
Can’t wait for the next adventure.
April 7, 2024
Great book loved the story and the book narration it’s a great book series I highly recommend it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️👍😀
September 24, 2024
Good ending of this series. It has some issues but still has a lot of plot and action and a few interesting ideas.
November 1, 2024
Legacy delivers a really satisfying ending to the series, with a fun and engaging story. I’d say the series as a whole is stronger than the sum of its parts. One thing I didn’t like, though, is that in hindsight, it makes an entire subplot from book two feel unnecessary. It seemed like it was supposed to circle back—there was even a hint in book five—but it feels like the author changed direction, leaving that thread unresolved. Still, an enjoyable conclusion to the series overall.
January 29, 2025
Really 3.5 stars
This was a great wrap up to the series. It does set up characters for spin offs. It was a predictable end but I still like seeing how everything played out.
This was a great wrap up to the series. It does set up characters for spin offs. It was a predictable end but I still like seeing how everything played out.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews