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Baldwin's Legacy #1-6
Baldwin's Legacy Boxed Set: Books 1-6
A brand-new collection featuring all 6 Baldwin’s Legacy novels. Over 1800 pages of space battles, starship exploration, betrayals, and redemption. Get your copy today!
Thomas Baldwin has been appointed captain of the state-of-the-art flagship Constantine , named after his heroic grandfather. The Statu war was won, and the Concord has enjoyed fifty years of relative peace.
When Baldwin’s first mission turns deadly, he fears the worst. The Statu have returned.
Included
Confrontation (Baldwin’s Legacy Book One)
Unification (Baldwin’s Legacy Book Two)
Culmination (Baldwin’s Legacy Book Three)
Hierarchy (Baldwin’s Legacy Book Four)
Lineage (Baldwin’s Legacy Book Five)
Legacy (Baldwin’s Legacy Book Six)
Join the Concord today! Until we meet in the Vastness...
Thomas Baldwin has been appointed captain of the state-of-the-art flagship Constantine , named after his heroic grandfather. The Statu war was won, and the Concord has enjoyed fifty years of relative peace.
When Baldwin’s first mission turns deadly, he fears the worst. The Statu have returned.
Included
Confrontation (Baldwin’s Legacy Book One)
Unification (Baldwin’s Legacy Book Two)
Culmination (Baldwin’s Legacy Book Three)
Hierarchy (Baldwin’s Legacy Book Four)
Lineage (Baldwin’s Legacy Book Five)
Legacy (Baldwin’s Legacy Book Six)
Join the Concord today! Until we meet in the Vastness...
- GenresScience FictionAudiobook
1 pages, Audio CD
Published July 20, 2021
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89 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
June 26, 2024
I’ll cut to the chase. This is an outline for a much grander story, with tighter plotting and a strong editor to get a handle on the numerous narrative crutches that Nathan Hystad leans heavily on. For instance, there are numerous times the characters, upon meeting for the first time, will think “oh hey, I think I’m going to like this person” based on five minutes of interaction. Not a problem on its own. Yet when every main character outside of the bad guys does it, it highlights how shallow all the relationships are. The dynamics remain stuck in Gene Roddenberry mode. These characters will get along damnit. As a result there are no memorable pairings. Another crutch is that nearly everyone is either hyper competent, special, notable, or all three. Which is fine if you leverage that to force characters to make interesting choices and generate genuine conflict. Overall this was a passable listen as I drove to work and played on my switch. But, this ironically could have been a stronger work if each individual book had been expanded into longer arcs.
September 14, 2021
Following is a shortened version of my individual reviews from each of the Baldwin Legacy Series, collected for this Series, see the individual books for the full reviews.
This series is outstanding, and I continue to listen to it whenever I want a good Sci-Fi series to listen to. Hystad’s work is just brilliant, and once you start, you won’t be able to put it down. Enjoy!!
Confrontation #1 - This is an Epic Space Opera that captures all the best things we know and love from all the different versions of Star Trek, and more recently The Orville, and just about every one of our favourite written ‘Starship Adventure’ Series’ . There is a brand-new Starship, named after a famous Admiral (The Constantine), with a rising star for a Captain, who just happens to be the Grandson of the Admiral the ship was named for. The Constantine is part of a United Group of Planets and Systems throughout the Galaxy, brought together by the “Founders”, to create “The Concord”, to protect those within its borders, establish trade that is mutually beneficial, all the usual stuff.
Thomas Baldwin, or Tom, is the Captain, a man from a distinguished lineage, but with a troubled past, having lost both his parents at a young age, and been raised by the aforementioned Grandfather, the great Constantine Baldwin.
Baldwin has a very eclectic, but extraordinarily remarkable crew. There are the Tekol twins, brother and sister Reeve and Brax Daak, Reeve the highly intelligent engineer, and Brax the intense and elite security officer. Ven, is a rare type of the Zilphi species called Ugna, you can read why! The Dr is a Kwant, and is, again, fascinating – you’ll find out why.
One of the other characters is the A.I., normally not a full capture of the personality of the former person, but just their tactical and strategic mind to help the Senior Crew – each ship is fitted with the ship’s namesake as a holographic A.I. In this case, it is Baldwin’s Grandfather, Constantine, one of the Concords greatest Captains.
Treena Starlings is one perhaps one of the most fascinating characters in the book, having had a very horrific past, and this has left her with a very troubled future. Hystad has written a deeply emotional and powerful character that is truly fascinating, and you can’t help but be drawn to. His portrayal of the emotional and psychological damage, as well as the physical damage to Starling is masterful, and he conveys so much brutal honesty as he tells her story.
It is not just the characters that are masterful though, as Hystad has also done an extraordinary job with the world-building, unfolding his universe so that we get to learn about it, its races, cultures, the Concord, and some incredible technology. This is one series that leaves you wanting more.
Unification #2 - Unification picks up not long the events of book 1 in the series, and sees the once united and powerful Coalition in disarray, with the Statu having returned, and Council members having been implicated in all sorts of serious accusations including hiding how the Statu managed to move around so easily in the previous war, and that they used those that they captured as mindless ‘Soldier Drones’ in their own armies in the war, somehow taking control of their prisoners minds, putting them in Statu Uniforms, and then dropping them back on the battlefield as brainwashed Soldiers, allowing them to use them as cannon fodder against opponents and never risk their own forces.
Baldwin and his crew are still recovering from their harrowing experiences including the loss of some crew, and the revelation of Treena Starling being an Android.
At the start of Unification, Baldwin has been called to answer for his actions, whilst Starling is back trapped in her own body in her room. Tarlen has joined the crew as a trainee (his Sister is in Medical with the Dr), and Reeve and Brax try to work out what they should be doing to support their Captain.
We quickly learn that the Concord is in trouble, that the Zilph’i are threatening to pull out of the Concord due to recent events, and, as founding members, their leaving will cause multiple others to leave, not to mention that their members make up a large amount of key positions in the Concord. This includes the elusive Ugna, the Psionics that are capable of so many incredible things (not to mention they have their own fleet).
Instability has already seen several planets pulling out of the Concord, and Baldwin and his crew have been tasked with going to Zilph’i to convince them to stay, at any cost, as the Concord cannot afford to lose the Zilph’i, as one of the founding members leaving the Concord would shatter faith in the Concord and tear it apart, right at a time when it is needed most with the apparent resurgence of the Statu.
This is a very interesting book, somewhat different to the first, as although it is another Star Trek, Orville type ‘Episode’, in this particular book, the focus on the characters is a lot different. Treena Starling is restricted to the shell of her former broken body, her android body having been destroyed in Book 1, and a replacement being a slow consideration for the Concord. As such, she is battling with not just her own self-worth, but her position in the crew, and her worth to the ship.
Reeve and Brax make for a fascinating pair, the twins not only understanding each other, but also having an intense determination towards the success of the Constantine and her mission, as well as supporting the Captain.
Baldwin continues to grow and we find out more about this extraordinary character in this book.
One of the other really fascinating characters is the Ugna, Ven. We get to learn a huge amount about the Ugna and their culture in this book, a lot more than you think you will. (No Spoilers). It makes for a really interesting read.
As the book barrels forward at an intense pace, and you realise that there is a lot more going on than originally assumed, especially when ‘the Assembly’ become involved (again, no spoilers), the book turns into a full-on thriller, mystery, and is totally action-packed.
Culmination #3 – In this the 3rd part of the series, we have become accustomed the characters, especially that of the main character Thomas Baldwin. Baldwin and the crew of the Constantine have created an impressive legacy in a short time. However, at the start of this book, they are still coming to terms with both the loss of so many, and the thought of so many being traitors. On top of this, is the miraculous survival of Ven, returned from the dead due to his Ugna abilities. The events of Unification have not only left the crew shattered, but also looking for answers.
As this is happening, news of a completed wormhole generator comes through on Greblok, allowing them to get to the Statu.
No one knows what they are going to meet on the other side, as it has been sometime, and the Statu can be dangerous enemies.
Treena Starling has a new body again in this book, making her more mobile again, but it is fascinating how she is a lot more cautious in this book with her new body, whilst she realises that she is still in a robot body, and therefore can’t die as such, she has a new lease on life, and does not want to be trapped in her broken shell, especially for months on end, waiting for a replacement, and she is terrified that one day they might say no, and not give her one. (Although you get the impression Reeve would just make her one then!)
All of the crew are a little more cautious in this book. Brax, having been so badly injured in Unification is a bit more wary of things in this book, but as always, is ready to leap into things – however, it is Reeve who is telling him to be more careful as she is worried about him.
And it is not just the physical aspects either, but the psychological aspect of things as well. The command crew are all hit hard by the betrayal of Zare, feeling an array of emotional responses to her deceptions, and that none of them saw it coming, especially Brax.
This is a wonderful story, full of mystery, political intrigue, dangerous enemies, different twists and turns, fascinating technology, and amazing starships, with exceptional Characters, some that are new, some Legends, that have been captured as A.I.’s to allow for access to their strategy and tactics (and maybe more!), it is a book full of extraordinary people and places, and once you start, you won’t be able to put it down.
Hierarchy #4 – Hierarchy is a fascinating 4th book in the Baldwin Legacy Series which sees the crew of the Constantine once again at the forefront of the political shaping of the Concord. They have been tasked with taking a small delegation of the Ugna to their new homeworld, Druin F49, a newly terraformed world that the Concord have put aside for the Ugna as a new planet for them to settle and become a separate member of the Concord from their sister species, the Zilph’i.
Elder Fayle is leading her people to this new homeworld, and is being particularly domineering of the Constantine crew, when an emergency is detected amongst both the Seeli and Minon people.
The Seeli and Minon are slowly dying, both of their different species, with a very similar genetic heritage due to how they came to be (I’ll let you read that, and not spoil it). They are no longer able create offspring, and their races are slowly dying off as a result. On top of this, the Minon have been attacked by an unknown race, a station destroyed and a potential cure lost.
Tom Baldwin is faced with the difficult decision of continuing with his mission for the Ugna, or helping these people, Concord Members, so ones he is bound by Concord charter to help, that are desperate for help.
This is a really engaging story of political intrigue, as we see chess pieces being moved around the board in a variety of different ways each trying to gain power and prestige for not just themselves, but their organisation.
The only ones not taking advantage of this, seem to be those aboard the Constantine, who have the opportunity, and have earned it through their recent actions. Tom Baldwin has been offered the role of Admiral (Given there are now so few of them), and as a result of this, Starling has been offered the role of Captain. But does either one want it?
Tom would lose his access to his Grandfathers A.I., Treena is terrified of what it could mean with having to interact with the crew.
But Tom is also looking at a future that his Grandfather never did, connections he has always wanted, such as with the beguiling Aimie Gaad.
Overall, Hierarchy really steps the story up a notch, gone are the, young, junior, level crew, thrust into situations and trying to cope, now there are these experienced officers, pondering their futures in the Concord as well as facing some incredible situations. This is the series to read (or listen to), as it is just Extraordinary, and Hierarchy is the best in the series by far.
Lineage #5 – This is a really interesting book in the series, as for the first time, Thomas Baldwin is not a Captain at the helm of a starship, but an Admiral at Nolix. He quickly learns though, that the life of an Admiral is not behind a desk like he thought, as he has to go with Elder Fayle to Callalay to try and prevent the Concord from dissolving due to a spate of recent attacks.
With Baldwin gone, Starling takes the Captains role, however, she finds herself struggling quickly, when she learns that she has been the target of a medical trial, and she never had to stay in the android body, and there is hope for her crippled body yet.
Hystad takes us on a powerful and gritty journey in this book, through the emotional, psychological and physical battles that Starling has to fight as she takes her broken and damaged body, one that she was told would never do anything again, and with the help of Aimie Gaad, who has turned whistleblower, slowly reverses the damage done in the explosion that killed her old crew. We get to see this powerful and intense struggle, that is incredibly realistic and brutality honest, as Hystad strips back the layers of Treena Starlings soul and delves into the inner depths of her character. Starlings character is the definition of courage in this book, and Hystad’s character work is just masterful.
Lineage is such an apt title, as so many of the Characters are not only looking into their own histories, and this is done beautifully with some epic world building by Hystad again, capturing not only the storylines of the characters in the previous books, but also building on them as we move into the final parts of this epic series.
The world building overall is just outstanding in Lineage, with so many aspects of the book, from the opening chapter on Mars, to the descriptions of Treena Starlings rehabilitation, to the various aspects of the Ugna culture, the way they live, their ships, and of course their abilities.
This is an epic game of chess as we see all the pieces of the puzzle being moved around the board by the various players, leaders of the Ugna mainly, with a few from the Concord, either unwitting allies, or working with the Ugna, as well as some old enemies. The fascinating thing in this series is the constant thorn that is Baldwin, even when everyone is so confident in all their plans, and has everything meticulously planned and judged, Baldwin somehow changes things in his favour.
Legacy #6 - 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.
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.
This series is outstanding, and I continue to listen to it whenever I want a good Sci-Fi series to listen to. Hystad’s work is just brilliant, and once you start, you won’t be able to put it down. Enjoy!!
Confrontation #1 - This is an Epic Space Opera that captures all the best things we know and love from all the different versions of Star Trek, and more recently The Orville, and just about every one of our favourite written ‘Starship Adventure’ Series’ . There is a brand-new Starship, named after a famous Admiral (The Constantine), with a rising star for a Captain, who just happens to be the Grandson of the Admiral the ship was named for. The Constantine is part of a United Group of Planets and Systems throughout the Galaxy, brought together by the “Founders”, to create “The Concord”, to protect those within its borders, establish trade that is mutually beneficial, all the usual stuff.
Thomas Baldwin, or Tom, is the Captain, a man from a distinguished lineage, but with a troubled past, having lost both his parents at a young age, and been raised by the aforementioned Grandfather, the great Constantine Baldwin.
Baldwin has a very eclectic, but extraordinarily remarkable crew. There are the Tekol twins, brother and sister Reeve and Brax Daak, Reeve the highly intelligent engineer, and Brax the intense and elite security officer. Ven, is a rare type of the Zilphi species called Ugna, you can read why! The Dr is a Kwant, and is, again, fascinating – you’ll find out why.
One of the other characters is the A.I., normally not a full capture of the personality of the former person, but just their tactical and strategic mind to help the Senior Crew – each ship is fitted with the ship’s namesake as a holographic A.I. In this case, it is Baldwin’s Grandfather, Constantine, one of the Concords greatest Captains.
Treena Starlings is one perhaps one of the most fascinating characters in the book, having had a very horrific past, and this has left her with a very troubled future. Hystad has written a deeply emotional and powerful character that is truly fascinating, and you can’t help but be drawn to. His portrayal of the emotional and psychological damage, as well as the physical damage to Starling is masterful, and he conveys so much brutal honesty as he tells her story.
It is not just the characters that are masterful though, as Hystad has also done an extraordinary job with the world-building, unfolding his universe so that we get to learn about it, its races, cultures, the Concord, and some incredible technology. This is one series that leaves you wanting more.
Unification #2 - Unification picks up not long the events of book 1 in the series, and sees the once united and powerful Coalition in disarray, with the Statu having returned, and Council members having been implicated in all sorts of serious accusations including hiding how the Statu managed to move around so easily in the previous war, and that they used those that they captured as mindless ‘Soldier Drones’ in their own armies in the war, somehow taking control of their prisoners minds, putting them in Statu Uniforms, and then dropping them back on the battlefield as brainwashed Soldiers, allowing them to use them as cannon fodder against opponents and never risk their own forces.
Baldwin and his crew are still recovering from their harrowing experiences including the loss of some crew, and the revelation of Treena Starling being an Android.
At the start of Unification, Baldwin has been called to answer for his actions, whilst Starling is back trapped in her own body in her room. Tarlen has joined the crew as a trainee (his Sister is in Medical with the Dr), and Reeve and Brax try to work out what they should be doing to support their Captain.
We quickly learn that the Concord is in trouble, that the Zilph’i are threatening to pull out of the Concord due to recent events, and, as founding members, their leaving will cause multiple others to leave, not to mention that their members make up a large amount of key positions in the Concord. This includes the elusive Ugna, the Psionics that are capable of so many incredible things (not to mention they have their own fleet).
Instability has already seen several planets pulling out of the Concord, and Baldwin and his crew have been tasked with going to Zilph’i to convince them to stay, at any cost, as the Concord cannot afford to lose the Zilph’i, as one of the founding members leaving the Concord would shatter faith in the Concord and tear it apart, right at a time when it is needed most with the apparent resurgence of the Statu.
This is a very interesting book, somewhat different to the first, as although it is another Star Trek, Orville type ‘Episode’, in this particular book, the focus on the characters is a lot different. Treena Starling is restricted to the shell of her former broken body, her android body having been destroyed in Book 1, and a replacement being a slow consideration for the Concord. As such, she is battling with not just her own self-worth, but her position in the crew, and her worth to the ship.
Reeve and Brax make for a fascinating pair, the twins not only understanding each other, but also having an intense determination towards the success of the Constantine and her mission, as well as supporting the Captain.
Baldwin continues to grow and we find out more about this extraordinary character in this book.
One of the other really fascinating characters is the Ugna, Ven. We get to learn a huge amount about the Ugna and their culture in this book, a lot more than you think you will. (No Spoilers). It makes for a really interesting read.
As the book barrels forward at an intense pace, and you realise that there is a lot more going on than originally assumed, especially when ‘the Assembly’ become involved (again, no spoilers), the book turns into a full-on thriller, mystery, and is totally action-packed.
Culmination #3 – In this the 3rd part of the series, we have become accustomed the characters, especially that of the main character Thomas Baldwin. Baldwin and the crew of the Constantine have created an impressive legacy in a short time. However, at the start of this book, they are still coming to terms with both the loss of so many, and the thought of so many being traitors. On top of this, is the miraculous survival of Ven, returned from the dead due to his Ugna abilities. The events of Unification have not only left the crew shattered, but also looking for answers.
As this is happening, news of a completed wormhole generator comes through on Greblok, allowing them to get to the Statu.
No one knows what they are going to meet on the other side, as it has been sometime, and the Statu can be dangerous enemies.
Treena Starling has a new body again in this book, making her more mobile again, but it is fascinating how she is a lot more cautious in this book with her new body, whilst she realises that she is still in a robot body, and therefore can’t die as such, she has a new lease on life, and does not want to be trapped in her broken shell, especially for months on end, waiting for a replacement, and she is terrified that one day they might say no, and not give her one. (Although you get the impression Reeve would just make her one then!)
All of the crew are a little more cautious in this book. Brax, having been so badly injured in Unification is a bit more wary of things in this book, but as always, is ready to leap into things – however, it is Reeve who is telling him to be more careful as she is worried about him.
And it is not just the physical aspects either, but the psychological aspect of things as well. The command crew are all hit hard by the betrayal of Zare, feeling an array of emotional responses to her deceptions, and that none of them saw it coming, especially Brax.
This is a wonderful story, full of mystery, political intrigue, dangerous enemies, different twists and turns, fascinating technology, and amazing starships, with exceptional Characters, some that are new, some Legends, that have been captured as A.I.’s to allow for access to their strategy and tactics (and maybe more!), it is a book full of extraordinary people and places, and once you start, you won’t be able to put it down.
Hierarchy #4 – Hierarchy is a fascinating 4th book in the Baldwin Legacy Series which sees the crew of the Constantine once again at the forefront of the political shaping of the Concord. They have been tasked with taking a small delegation of the Ugna to their new homeworld, Druin F49, a newly terraformed world that the Concord have put aside for the Ugna as a new planet for them to settle and become a separate member of the Concord from their sister species, the Zilph’i.
Elder Fayle is leading her people to this new homeworld, and is being particularly domineering of the Constantine crew, when an emergency is detected amongst both the Seeli and Minon people.
The Seeli and Minon are slowly dying, both of their different species, with a very similar genetic heritage due to how they came to be (I’ll let you read that, and not spoil it). They are no longer able create offspring, and their races are slowly dying off as a result. On top of this, the Minon have been attacked by an unknown race, a station destroyed and a potential cure lost.
Tom Baldwin is faced with the difficult decision of continuing with his mission for the Ugna, or helping these people, Concord Members, so ones he is bound by Concord charter to help, that are desperate for help.
This is a really engaging story of political intrigue, as we see chess pieces being moved around the board in a variety of different ways each trying to gain power and prestige for not just themselves, but their organisation.
The only ones not taking advantage of this, seem to be those aboard the Constantine, who have the opportunity, and have earned it through their recent actions. Tom Baldwin has been offered the role of Admiral (Given there are now so few of them), and as a result of this, Starling has been offered the role of Captain. But does either one want it?
Tom would lose his access to his Grandfathers A.I., Treena is terrified of what it could mean with having to interact with the crew.
But Tom is also looking at a future that his Grandfather never did, connections he has always wanted, such as with the beguiling Aimie Gaad.
Overall, Hierarchy really steps the story up a notch, gone are the, young, junior, level crew, thrust into situations and trying to cope, now there are these experienced officers, pondering their futures in the Concord as well as facing some incredible situations. This is the series to read (or listen to), as it is just Extraordinary, and Hierarchy is the best in the series by far.
Lineage #5 – This is a really interesting book in the series, as for the first time, Thomas Baldwin is not a Captain at the helm of a starship, but an Admiral at Nolix. He quickly learns though, that the life of an Admiral is not behind a desk like he thought, as he has to go with Elder Fayle to Callalay to try and prevent the Concord from dissolving due to a spate of recent attacks.
With Baldwin gone, Starling takes the Captains role, however, she finds herself struggling quickly, when she learns that she has been the target of a medical trial, and she never had to stay in the android body, and there is hope for her crippled body yet.
Hystad takes us on a powerful and gritty journey in this book, through the emotional, psychological and physical battles that Starling has to fight as she takes her broken and damaged body, one that she was told would never do anything again, and with the help of Aimie Gaad, who has turned whistleblower, slowly reverses the damage done in the explosion that killed her old crew. We get to see this powerful and intense struggle, that is incredibly realistic and brutality honest, as Hystad strips back the layers of Treena Starlings soul and delves into the inner depths of her character. Starlings character is the definition of courage in this book, and Hystad’s character work is just masterful.
Lineage is such an apt title, as so many of the Characters are not only looking into their own histories, and this is done beautifully with some epic world building by Hystad again, capturing not only the storylines of the characters in the previous books, but also building on them as we move into the final parts of this epic series.
The world building overall is just outstanding in Lineage, with so many aspects of the book, from the opening chapter on Mars, to the descriptions of Treena Starlings rehabilitation, to the various aspects of the Ugna culture, the way they live, their ships, and of course their abilities.
This is an epic game of chess as we see all the pieces of the puzzle being moved around the board by the various players, leaders of the Ugna mainly, with a few from the Concord, either unwitting allies, or working with the Ugna, as well as some old enemies. The fascinating thing in this series is the constant thorn that is Baldwin, even when everyone is so confident in all their plans, and has everything meticulously planned and judged, Baldwin somehow changes things in his favour.
Legacy #6 - 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.
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.
July 20, 2021
A real joy to read a complete series in a row rather than waiting for each instalment.
This was a great overall story while each individual book was very unique and fresh in itself.
There were storylines that ran the entire series combined with many subplots along the way that results in a constant page turner.
I really enjoyed it.
The characters where fully realized and new ones were added in each story.
Lots of action, and cultures are explored with interesting and different aliens along the way.
Highly recommended.
This was a great overall story while each individual book was very unique and fresh in itself.
There were storylines that ran the entire series combined with many subplots along the way that results in a constant page turner.
I really enjoyed it.
The characters where fully realized and new ones were added in each story.
Lots of action, and cultures are explored with interesting and different aliens along the way.
Highly recommended.
September 20, 2021
Sad
This series started out with crisp writing, and I had high Hope's. However, the lead story quickly deteriorated into something that was too outrageous to continue. The difference between the opening chapters and the next 10-15 makes me wonder if a completely different author had started the series before handing it off.
I can't recommend this series for any serious reader of science fiction over the age of ten.
This series started out with crisp writing, and I had high Hope's. However, the lead story quickly deteriorated into something that was too outrageous to continue. The difference between the opening chapters and the next 10-15 makes me wonder if a completely different author had started the series before handing it off.
I can't recommend this series for any serious reader of science fiction over the age of ten.
November 2, 2024
This book needs an editor. There are incorrect usages of words -- "ignored assistance" instead of "declined assistance" -- and wrong usages of colloquialisms and metaphors. Mistakes aren't here and there. They're everywhere. The story is fine. It's a Star Trek approximate universe, complete with a full set of humanoid species, some with ridges on their faces, most capable of cross breeding. It's enjoyable enough, but relies heavily on exposition. A lot of time is spent on various characters' thoughts about what's going to happen, followed by dialog among those same characters about the same topic, followed by planning travel to other characters, then travel, then more thinking, then meetings with those characters planning for the next event. When anything actually happens, it's over before it begins and is pretty unsatisfying. Star Trek is fun because it's hopeful and solving problems relies on experimentation, learning from failure, diplomacy, and science. These stories seem to try to follow that pattern, but antagonists are always real, always people, and always evil and the solutions are murder, usually with guns. If there's a secret plan, the secret is usually to have better engines, armor, and guns and to sneak over to the villains' base and push the button to turn their weapons off. Any adversity feels forced and is overcome easily. While the book was enjoyable enough for me to finish, these stories could have been more entertaining if there were less planning, more doing, and better editing.
October 9, 2021
Too many MacGuffins!
All science fiction relies on a “MacGuffin” as a required background to the plot. Often it is some form of faster than light travel, whether it be warp drives or worm holes, or aliens with special mental powers, and then of course, the god-like being ruling the cosmos. Hystad comes up with a new one out of the blue anytime the plot line seems to falter. In the six books of the Legacy based in the Concord, a union of several alien civilizations, he comes up with two different super dooper faster than the normal faster than light drive. To allow one of his MacGuffins to work he must rely only on short range battles which would be very surprising to Honoruniverse fans. Still, I did make t through all six adventures, not a classic, certainly but worth reading.
All science fiction relies on a “MacGuffin” as a required background to the plot. Often it is some form of faster than light travel, whether it be warp drives or worm holes, or aliens with special mental powers, and then of course, the god-like being ruling the cosmos. Hystad comes up with a new one out of the blue anytime the plot line seems to falter. In the six books of the Legacy based in the Concord, a union of several alien civilizations, he comes up with two different super dooper faster than the normal faster than light drive. To allow one of his MacGuffins to work he must rely only on short range battles which would be very surprising to Honoruniverse fans. Still, I did make t through all six adventures, not a classic, certainly but worth reading.
May 29, 2024
First 4 books(5 stars) were fantastic then it went downhill fast. Now we hear there is a new faction we never heard of before threatening peace.
There's a point I feel, enough is enough.
I won't continue with this author.
There's a point I feel, enough is enough.
I won't continue with this author.
May 2, 2025
This was a fun listen. It's pretty much an unabashed tribute to Star Trek, but in a great way. I found the characters intriguing and I did care about what happened to them. The evolution of the storyline from book to book felt very natural and had some clever story arcs worked in. Did the captain and other main characters do some things that seemed like it was a bit of a stretch for their positions? Yeh, but it worked, so I ignored it, lol.
There did seem to be some "blindspots" when it came to technological innovation, such as the existence of AI/replicant ship computers who used holograph projection to be anywhere in a ship, alongside a completely immobile character who clearly connected to and controlled a synthetic robot version of her body. But when that robot is destroyed, the character is stuck, by herself, in her bed, with no connection to any sort of internet/interface that would allow her to interact with others. Hystad had clear limitations to the technology which provided great points of improvement or improvisation for characters to overcome, but I did not understand why that particular character had to undergo loneliness and isolation when there clearly existed technology that could have be utilized to enhance her quality of life.
Sorry...that was a soapbox for me....but, anyways. Once I just accepted some of those tech developments "blindspots", the story was enjoyable and I found myself quite intrigued by what would come next for the characters. Quite a fun story!
There did seem to be some "blindspots" when it came to technological innovation, such as the existence of AI/replicant ship computers who used holograph projection to be anywhere in a ship, alongside a completely immobile character who clearly connected to and controlled a synthetic robot version of her body. But when that robot is destroyed, the character is stuck, by herself, in her bed, with no connection to any sort of internet/interface that would allow her to interact with others. Hystad had clear limitations to the technology which provided great points of improvement or improvisation for characters to overcome, but I did not understand why that particular character had to undergo loneliness and isolation when there clearly existed technology that could have be utilized to enhance her quality of life.
Sorry...that was a soapbox for me....but, anyways. Once I just accepted some of those tech developments "blindspots", the story was enjoyable and I found myself quite intrigued by what would come next for the characters. Quite a fun story!
July 27, 2025
This series is a coming of age story from officer to admiral.
Thomas Baldwin is newly promoted to the rank of captain, his assigned ship is named after his late grandfather Constantine. The AI of the ship has his grandfather’s visage and memories. This is more of an ordeal than a welcome blessing.
Thomas was raised by his grandfather Admiral Constantine Baldwin, after the early deaths of his parents. The admiral was regarded as a war hero but to young Thomas, he was often grumpy and demanding. Thomas has to meld a new crew into a fighting force and somehow accept the AI as an advisor, at the same time. The years pass, battles, betrayal and deception have turned the young captain into an admiral as well. He is not his grandfather, he has more compassion and empathy but he is smart and determined. What will his legacy be? A ship named after himself? An AI with his memories in control or something else entirely?
Thomas Baldwin is newly promoted to the rank of captain, his assigned ship is named after his late grandfather Constantine. The AI of the ship has his grandfather’s visage and memories. This is more of an ordeal than a welcome blessing.
Thomas was raised by his grandfather Admiral Constantine Baldwin, after the early deaths of his parents. The admiral was regarded as a war hero but to young Thomas, he was often grumpy and demanding. Thomas has to meld a new crew into a fighting force and somehow accept the AI as an advisor, at the same time. The years pass, battles, betrayal and deception have turned the young captain into an admiral as well. He is not his grandfather, he has more compassion and empathy but he is smart and determined. What will his legacy be? A ship named after himself? An AI with his memories in control or something else entirely?
December 5, 2021
What Star Wars should have been.
Y’know the Star Wars saga? For all its success, it’s something of a disaster, rife with plot holes and choices made by committee with the goal of maximizing revenue. Hystad has penned a work with obvious parallels to SW (the “Vastness” sounds a lot like the Force, and the “Uga” are reminiscent of the Jedi). But it’s not just a retelling of that saga. Hystad assembles recognizable sci-fi tropes in an interesting way while still paying homage to Lucas’ epic and other predecessor works.
There are points where the plot advances too quickly, . The pacing is uneven, and that detracts from the work. I think that Hystad saw an opportunity in 2020 and wrote this series quickly, hoping to boost book sales with new content during the pandemic.
That said, it’s an enjoyable read, especially for sci-fi fans. David’s recommendation: 8/10.
Y’know the Star Wars saga? For all its success, it’s something of a disaster, rife with plot holes and choices made by committee with the goal of maximizing revenue. Hystad has penned a work with obvious parallels to SW (the “Vastness” sounds a lot like the Force, and the “Uga” are reminiscent of the Jedi). But it’s not just a retelling of that saga. Hystad assembles recognizable sci-fi tropes in an interesting way while still paying homage to Lucas’ epic and other predecessor works.
There are points where the plot advances too quickly, . The pacing is uneven, and that detracts from the work. I think that Hystad saw an opportunity in 2020 and wrote this series quickly, hoping to boost book sales with new content during the pandemic.
That said, it’s an enjoyable read, especially for sci-fi fans. David’s recommendation: 8/10.
October 9, 2021
Nathan Hystad has created an amazing story in this incredible series!
From page one we see a young captain thrust into an impossible mission. What was supposed to be a simple diplomatic easing of tensions, has turned into a full fledged war!! Nathan's skills are incredible, keeping the story moving with characters who grow and develop constantly in to stronger more capable crew mates and friends.
This novel is one of the greats way pass a good read, a series that will be remembered in your mind with a 😃..
From page one we see a young captain thrust into an impossible mission. What was supposed to be a simple diplomatic easing of tensions, has turned into a full fledged war!! Nathan's skills are incredible, keeping the story moving with characters who grow and develop constantly in to stronger more capable crew mates and friends.
This novel is one of the greats way pass a good read, a series that will be remembered in your mind with a 😃..
January 3, 2023
Rock Solid SciFi
Lots of twists and turns in this original plot. I really enjoyed the characters, and appreciated the fact that none of them were impossibly perfect. I did think that the timeframe involved in the history of some of the races present seemed a bit outlandish, but that is really my only criticism of the story. I read the books back to back to back, and they flow together as one big volume.i recommend them to anyone who likes a good space opera, or just an easy to digest story.
Lots of twists and turns in this original plot. I really enjoyed the characters, and appreciated the fact that none of them were impossibly perfect. I did think that the timeframe involved in the history of some of the races present seemed a bit outlandish, but that is really my only criticism of the story. I read the books back to back to back, and they flow together as one big volume.i recommend them to anyone who likes a good space opera, or just an easy to digest story.
August 8, 2021
What a read, first class entertainment
I bought the entire six book series (Baldwin's Legacy) book one was slow starting out but was giving the reader a short foundation on which to start growing the meat of the series. And grow the story he did, twists and turns back tracks with a different happening.. And a lot of different happening happened the story line was outstanding throughout the series (10 stars)
I bought the entire six book series (Baldwin's Legacy) book one was slow starting out but was giving the reader a short foundation on which to start growing the meat of the series. And grow the story he did, twists and turns back tracks with a different happening.. And a lot of different happening happened the story line was outstanding throughout the series (10 stars)
November 25, 2021
I still want a jet pack.
So I have read other books by Mr. Hystad all of them good or okay. I read this 6 book series in less then a week, I couldn’t put the damn thing down!! I’d wake up in the morning, grab coffee and book and go outside to relax. What now? As you can guess this series is outstanding from every angle, everything fit, all the senses were inflamed and I hope there is more to come in this series. Thank you Nathan.
So I have read other books by Mr. Hystad all of them good or okay. I read this 6 book series in less then a week, I couldn’t put the damn thing down!! I’d wake up in the morning, grab coffee and book and go outside to relax. What now? As you can guess this series is outstanding from every angle, everything fit, all the senses were inflamed and I hope there is more to come in this series. Thank you Nathan.
January 5, 2022
Completely absorbing! Very satisfying!
I know I'm enjoying a series when it was
Fills my dreams! Just as has always had the knack for revealing g characters, duff client to make the reader feel he knows them well, but never lose the story threads. Even when tangling them up! Even when passing on important lessons about leaders with agendas. If you can use the kind of read that will immerse you in a different place, give Hystad a try!
I know I'm enjoying a series when it was
Fills my dreams! Just as has always had the knack for revealing g characters, duff client to make the reader feel he knows them well, but never lose the story threads. Even when tangling them up! Even when passing on important lessons about leaders with agendas. If you can use the kind of read that will immerse you in a different place, give Hystad a try!
March 4, 2025
Superb space opera
A superb space opera. An epic stretching across all six books leading to a dramatic conclusion. Captain Tom Baldwin battles enemies both alien and internal and uncovers a millennium spanning conspiracy. Great characters, involving and action packed stories that twist and turn so you are never sure who is on which side, a little romance and lots of drama. Stunning. Narration is excellent bringing an extra depth to the stories. Highly recommended
A superb space opera. An epic stretching across all six books leading to a dramatic conclusion. Captain Tom Baldwin battles enemies both alien and internal and uncovers a millennium spanning conspiracy. Great characters, involving and action packed stories that twist and turn so you are never sure who is on which side, a little romance and lots of drama. Stunning. Narration is excellent bringing an extra depth to the stories. Highly recommended
July 17, 2025
The dialogue reads like it’s straight out of a teen drama novel - simple, unimaginative, and repetitive. "You're so great." "No, you're so great." "Can you be any better?" The characters are so one-dimensional that I couldn’t connect with a single one of them. Half the book is just empty praise for Tom, who contributes virtually nothing of value. It honestly felt like the author was working through some personal issues on the page. Overall, it reads like a hi-lo book with the sci-fi overtones.
July 21, 2021
Thomas Baldwin starts the series as the new captain of the Constantine and expects a simple reign as captain. Instead he gets adventure, danger, twists, and a journey that was entertaining and fun to read. Enjoyed the story and the characters. Fun to see what Baldwin must face and what he must overcome.
August 26, 2021
A wonderful Space Opera full of excitement and interesting characters
I chose the five star rating because it was such a enthralling story from start to end from book 1 to book 6 that I could hardly put get down. The characters were well round out and even though there were interesting aliens they all seemed to be characters that were real.
I chose the five star rating because it was such a enthralling story from start to end from book 1 to book 6 that I could hardly put get down. The characters were well round out and even though there were interesting aliens they all seemed to be characters that were real.
September 13, 2021
Great story
These books are so well written, the thought processes are astounding. The full bodied story taking all aspects of a person's life into affect is awesome. You can get so wrapped up in this sort of story you cannot stop reading, and yet by the end it feels fully completed. I look forward to more of this authors work.
These books are so well written, the thought processes are astounding. The full bodied story taking all aspects of a person's life into affect is awesome. You can get so wrapped up in this sort of story you cannot stop reading, and yet by the end it feels fully completed. I look forward to more of this authors work.
November 11, 2021
Absolutely loved it!!! It's so well written! The characters are perfectly drawn and the interactions are really very heartfelt. Took me a few months to finish all the books but I still remember Ethan's encounters from the very first page! Posed a few existential questions and I have to agree more often than not with the author. Coinkidink? Don't think so. Great minds think alike!
December 15, 2021
👍GREAT ENTERTAINMENT!!!
This series of interrelated stories has such a great deal of entertainment value that it was very hard to put down from day to day until I finished. Multiple characters were sometimes a little hard to keep track of, however. I am going to read more by this author as he spins a 👍 story with very believable characters!
This series of interrelated stories has such a great deal of entertainment value that it was very hard to put down from day to day until I finished. Multiple characters were sometimes a little hard to keep track of, however. I am going to read more by this author as he spins a 👍 story with very believable characters!
April 25, 2022
An adventure of time and space.
I liked the development of the characters. Their strengths and weaknesses. The whole series headed towards a tumultuous conclusion. A conclusion where the character in the beginning grew to a hero and a leader. But, not who you would expect. Enjoy the adventures.
I liked the development of the characters. Their strengths and weaknesses. The whole series headed towards a tumultuous conclusion. A conclusion where the character in the beginning grew to a hero and a leader. But, not who you would expect. Enjoy the adventures.
June 10, 2023
I really enjoyed the series and I liked how every book was bringing us closer to the Showdown between Thomas Baldwin (and friends) with High Elder Wylen. There is a lot of twists and turns along the way and a few loose ends were never fully explained (or I just missed them). I would recommend this book to anyone who likes science fiction.
July 4, 2025
Good story but too much…
This story was written well enough and the narrator did a good job. My only issue was - It was like every other people in the story was plotting some kind of conspiracy. Each book had its group of people that was trying to take over everything. It got a bit annoying near the end. Overall, I would still recommend the series.
This story was written well enough and the narrator did a good job. My only issue was - It was like every other people in the story was plotting some kind of conspiracy. Each book had its group of people that was trying to take over everything. It got a bit annoying near the end. Overall, I would still recommend the series.
August 18, 2021
Ohhh. Long read but…
You can really enjoy a space opera that way. No waiting for the next installment. There s a lot going on here and the universe is interesting. Politics, space battles, religious fanaticism, you name it. Quite the ride.
You can really enjoy a space opera that way. No waiting for the next installment. There s a lot going on here and the universe is interesting. Politics, space battles, religious fanaticism, you name it. Quite the ride.
November 22, 2021
What an Adventure!
This collection of Books was the best Adventure I've had in ages! Nathan Hystad excelled in his portrayal of the Concord and the many challenges that Captain Baldwin and his crew faced. I really felt as if I was there too! Thoroughly enjoyable!!!!!
This collection of Books was the best Adventure I've had in ages! Nathan Hystad excelled in his portrayal of the Concord and the many challenges that Captain Baldwin and his crew faced. I really felt as if I was there too! Thoroughly enjoyable!!!!!
November 30, 2021
Epic 6 book adventure
Really surprised how well the characters developed and enriched the story line. Appreciated that time was given to all of the cornerstone plots that included more than just Thomas Baldwin. Excellent pacing for never got tired
Really surprised how well the characters developed and enriched the story line. Appreciated that time was given to all of the cornerstone plots that included more than just Thomas Baldwin. Excellent pacing for never got tired
December 10, 2021
A Beautifully written and paced series . not taken
Not so taken up to much with personalities, and good overcoming evil is,always a good selling
Point. Quite drawn out but we'll worth reading for fans of this genre.
Not so taken up to much with personalities, and good overcoming evil is,always a good selling
Point. Quite drawn out but we'll worth reading for fans of this genre.
January 19, 2022
An outstanding read
This was an excellent storyline, and it read so well. Loved the characters, and the voice of each one. The battles were good, and well paced. I really appreciate the storyline, and would look forward to hearing more about this universe..
This was an excellent storyline, and it read so well. Loved the characters, and the voice of each one. The battles were good, and well paced. I really appreciate the storyline, and would look forward to hearing more about this universe..
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