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A shattered Concord. A united crew. A critical mission.

The Concord is in shambles after the return of the Statu, but under the guidance of the Zilph’i, trust is slowly being rebuilt.

Thomas Baldwin remains confident in his team, the secrets of his ship and the Concord no longer a dire threat.

While the Founders continue to appease the Concord members, the Border Wars are picking up steam, and Constantine is sent to the far reaches of space to the Zilph’i homeworld to request the Ugna’s aid.

Baldwin and his crew are tested beyond their wildest dreams, but if anyone’s up to the task, it’s the Concord’s brightest stars.

Unification is the second book in the epic Baldwin’s Legacy Series. Continue the adventure today.

1 pages, Audio CD

First published January 15, 2020

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Nathan Hystad

126 books440 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for Jas.
1,023 reviews
November 20, 2020
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. We have young Tarlen, having lost nearly everything, and feeling displaced not just from his house, but his planet, and the only thing that makes sense to him right now, is a starship full of aliens that saved him, especially a Captain that he has a bad case of Hero Worship for. But through young Tarlen’s eyes we get to see a different side of things, and his character is not only very complex, but very gritty, realistic and at times, emotionally powerful.
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.
Captain Thomas Baldwin is an extraordinary character, able to see things other don’t, and often he is overlooked or seen as not been up to the challenge because he is younger, however, he was raised by the great ‘Constantine Baldwin’ himself, and has been training to be a Captain his whole life. Although he had a complex relationship with his Grandfather, he made him into one of the finest Captains the Concord has ever seen, and with the crew, each some of the best in their fields, he excels.
The other really fascinating character in this book is Ven, the Ugna aboard the ship. 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.
If you loved the first book, if you are a fan of Trek, the Orville, or if you just like a good Space Opera, good Sci-Fi, then you have to read this series, and definitely this book. If this is the quality of what is to come in this series, this will easily become one of the best series for the start of this decade, Hystad is just Brilliant.
Profile Image for Jim.
1,218 reviews51 followers
February 13, 2020
Well, Captain Thomas Baldwin made it back to the Concord capital, Nolix, with his ship the Constantine and its crew. Only now he faces a Board of Inquiry for his recent actions against the Statu. He had gone against his orders given by Admiral Hudson who has also been killed or taken by the Statu during the fighting. That fact that Admiral Hudson and the, now former Prime Pha’n were found to have lied to the Concord Council about a number of things did less the charges against him. Also, it was in his favor that he had successfully rescued his crew members and the numerous Bacal civilians taken captive by the Statu. Based on those action, the Board dismissed all charges and reinstated him to command for the Constantine.

There was one other thing in Captain Baldwin’s favor and that was the shortage of combat capable ships now serving the Concord. So the new Admiral in charge, Admiral Jalin Benitor had a new mission for the Captain and his ship. The Concord agreement was about to be shattered with the Zilph’l, a Founder civilization was seriously considering leaving the Concord. If they did that, then the whole alliance was going to splinter. There were too many outside enemies to let that happen. Those enemies would begin striking back at the separate now defunct Concord civilizations leading to constant war. So, Captain Baldwin and the Constantine were going to Leria to sit down and try to convince the Zilph’l not to leave the Concord. Admiral Benitor and Prime-in-Waiting Harris, a human, were to accompany him.

Admiral Benitor had also given Captain Baldwin a side mission, but one that almost had to be successfully accomplished and that was to convince the Ugna to join the Concord. The Ugna were a super secretive race similar to the Zilph’l, but they were even more against outside contact with other races. They also had developed extensive mind control methods which made them unique throughout space. While not advertised, the Ugna had also secretly build a substantial space Navy and Tom Baldwin had to secure its services or the Concord would very soon be destroyed.

Then, while at a Leria, word of an attack against a Concord mining station was announced. The Constantine was directed to go find out who had done the attack and stop it immediately. So, now it starts. How can one ship stand against pirate fleets or even other unknown fleets that will begin attacking the Concord members? Captain Baldwin will find out and it might just mean the death of one of his valued crew member!
1,173 reviews15 followers
January 23, 2020
Incompetent captain incompetent security chief.

This book irks me somewhat. I enjoy some of the characters like the second in command the doctor the chief engineer but the captain and security chief not so much. As a captain and the head of security how do you not know what’s going on on your ship. How do you not know that a murder has occurred, well the prisoner is walking around with a suicide pill. These people have been in space over 3000 years but it seems like the technology is somewhat dated. How do you let Aliens and parasites on your ship without scanning them for bio or chemical toxins, or Life forms. And I disagree with the author, everything that happens on The ship is the captain’s fault. He’s told in the book that it’s not his fault that things happen but yes it is. Since the book is called Baldwin’s legacy I hope the captain improves as the series progresses. I hope he becomes smarter and quicker on the uptake, I also hope he gains a better command of what’s going on on his ship. I will read the next book for one more shot at it.
363 reviews8 followers
January 17, 2021
I continue to be impressed with Mr. Hystad’s deep character development and vivid accounts that pull the reader in and make him/her feel involved in the story. Captain Thomas Baldwin, grandson of a legendary Admiral, who was mostly raised by his grandfather to be honest and hard-working, is very human and feeling quite inadequate in some of the tight spots he encounters. The story has several sub-plots, with political and multi-cultural difficulties, as well as enemies who want to annihilate them. Who is being honest and what information is really true? How are the Captain and crew going to get through the continuing dilemmas? There is plenty of action to keep the reader engrossed and turning pages. The stage is set for the next book, which I am eager to read. I received an advance copy of the book, but I thoroughly enjoyed it and bought a copy to support this worthy author. Do yourself a favor – start reading this series from the beginning, to get full enjoyment.
Profile Image for Rhane.
501 reviews3 followers
April 5, 2020
Everything but the kitchen sink!

This is the third book in a series about Captain Thomas Baldwin. It stands on its own as an exciting space adventure. The Concord, having recently survived an attempted invasion, is under attack from within. Captain Baldwin and his crew are right in the thick of it. Old friends and enemies, new allies, new understandings all contribute to the action. People rise to the challenges and become heroes.

Will the Concord survive as a coalition? Will the Assembly be triumphant? What might the future be with the deluded Lark Keen in charge. Throw in a survivor of a long dead parasite species trying to stay alive, and now you have a compelling read! You will want the whole series as the writing is right and tight.
Profile Image for Lori Peterson.
1,174 reviews36 followers
January 14, 2020
Received as an ARC, this is an honest review. With the powerful and deadly Statu back, the Concord faces so many challenges as this incredible series moves forward. With some founding worlds already leaving and others voicing to do the same; Tom and his crew will again use the Constantine and diplomacy to prevent the Concord's collapse. War has come to the borders regions that force the crew nto places they've never been before. Trust inthe Concord is fragile but Tom cannot give in and allow darkness to consume it regardless of the secrets yet to be exposed. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Susan Cook.
352 reviews
October 26, 2024
The Adventure Continues

Captain Thomas Baldwin, his state of the art starship ‘Constantine’ and crew, face treachery from within and without as they try to hold the disintegrating Concord together. They seem to take one step forward and two backward, as they gain a new ally and expose the traitor aboard the ship. They have never been so tested.
The stories are full of action, intrigue and wonderful characters. Humour is sprinkled throughout and the world building is excellent. I look forward to reading the next instalment.
Profile Image for Kavita Favelle.
263 reviews1 follower
January 14, 2020
This is a really great sequel, even more gripping than the first. It offers the same stellar combination of strong and interesting characters, an interesting universe, and a fast-paced exciting plot. And once again, it works well as a standalone story, I don't find myself feeling cheated at the end like I do with many trilogies, which are really just one story divided into three. Can't wait to read the last installment!
Profile Image for Wendy Radcliffe.
10 reviews
March 2, 2023
Hystad has done it again

I do not general take the time to do these reviews, but what Nathan Hystad has accomplished with Baldwin's Legacy is just the epitome of what a great, rip-roaring space opera should be. This has been a fun, fast-paced and gripping adventure through the first two books and I am excited to start on number 3. It has been a long time since a story of this type has had me up until the wee hours, unable to put it down. Great job Mr. Hystad.
Profile Image for Mick Bird.
812 reviews11 followers
July 14, 2020
The adventures continue

Book two continues where book one ended. Captain Baldwin, and his crew have more than a few problems to deal with this time. But we can be sure that they will once again work together to win in the end. I have totally enjoyed reading both books, and look forward to reading the next book.
Profile Image for Logan Horsford.
566 reviews21 followers
July 15, 2020
Seemed more scattered to me than book 1.

Around 70% through, the main villain gets introduced.

"Let us completely talk through our history and explain it fully the way nobody does." They say and do so in more detail than I cared about. It felt shoehorned in like introducing the person who committed the crime in a cozy near the end. Meh.

DNF.
Profile Image for Rosemary Hughes.
4,192 reviews22 followers
October 9, 2024
I have submitted this review after listening to the audiobook of this title within the series set box. (Audible Membership)

A mysterious body jumper, a maniacal pirate, intent on taking over the Concord by his Alliance factor.
How this unwinds is both intriguing and dramatic. The crew of the Constantine show their tenacity and resilience.
Profile Image for jo firstofhername.
353 reviews
June 28, 2025
The story was again very exciting. The questions that arose in the first story were answered and there were again a lot of very appropriate situations, but here they were more clearly woven into the story :) Now I really want to keep listening because it's getting more and more complex. And phu thank god Ven is doing well!
301 reviews2 followers
February 7, 2020
Great book

This is a excellent novel in this series. Brought to us by the imagination of one of my favorite authors. If you love space adventures with excellent characters you will love this series.
Profile Image for Warren W..
Author 5 books1 follower
March 27, 2021
Good, clean, and exciting adventure!

Great series! The characters are personable, and the action constant. Wonderful story, and the new characters introduced really enhance the story.

Well worth the time.
95 reviews1 follower
March 8, 2023
This is a required reading assignment!

I'm Hooked! Captain Baldwin and crew are out there protecting The Concord even from The Concord! Present , future and even the past! See how they do it!
Profile Image for Bryn.
8 reviews
April 18, 2025
Bring is not a synonym of take.

These books are entertaining, but read like an imaginative 14 year old got hold of a thesaurus. Really basic errors in grammar and seemingly no understanding of how adults operate. Only continuing because they were free and I like some of the characters.
Profile Image for Carmel McKenzie.
532 reviews4 followers
January 16, 2020
Good read

Another good series is unfolding. The whole story had me captivated. Will tarlen find any of his missing family members alive. Will they finally stop the statu
8 reviews
February 23, 2020
Should be an Amazon Mov Seris

On of the best Sci-fi series I have read. This series should be looked at by Amazon Studios for TV.
51 reviews1 follower
May 25, 2020
Great second book

Great attention to detail. Nice way to bring the players together.I enjoyed this as well as the first in the series.
876 reviews4 followers
January 10, 2021
A good read

As good as the first one. The same ship, the same crew, new adventures facing new and unexpected challenges and enemies
68 reviews
January 12, 2021
Great read

Nathan Hystad knows how to write syfi. I found this book hard to put down. The story moves at a good pace with good characters that keep getting better.
157 reviews1 follower
April 12, 2021
Great read!

Lots of action, plot twists, creative characters and troubles. Great problem solving. I enjoyed book 2 even more than book 1.
Profile Image for Heather Samsa.
230 reviews1 follower
October 9, 2023
This is quite engaging and I am happy to continue with this series!
Profile Image for Jon Silvester.
298 reviews
March 8, 2024
Great book loved the story and the book narration can’t wait to listen to the next one it’s a great book series I highly recommend it 👍😀📖⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️😀👍
435 reviews1 follower
September 21, 2024
4.4 stars. This is like good Trek but with worse names and less swashbuckling and the captain is not getting down with interspecies aliens.
Profile Image for Arthur Stubblefield.
4 reviews
October 12, 2025
It was fun and suspenseful at times. Characters well developed in the second book. Had a better feel for the direction it is going and more action to boot! the third seems to have more action and space battles on the horizon!
Profile Image for fred jones.
1,754 reviews11 followers
February 26, 2025
Entertaining sci-fi series

Tom Baldwin Captain of the Constantine has just beaten back an invasion and uncovered corruption and conspiracy. Now he is taking the new Prime in waiting to the Zilph'i homeworld. A strong story that gives all the main characters characters plenty to do. Well written and fast paced. I really liked this one. I am really enjoying this series. Now for book 3. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews

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