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Baldwin's Legacy #1
Confrontation
A new flagship. An unfamiliar crew. An old nemesis. Thomas Baldwin has been appointed captain of the state-of-the-art cruise ship Constantine , named after his heroic grandfather. When their first diplomatic mission turns deadly, all signs point to the return of a former adversary, one the Concord claims to have defeated five decades earlier.No one has seen Baldwin’s commander, Treena Starling, since her previous ship was destroyed in a gruesome battle, leaving her the sole survivor. Can her secret help them rescue one of their crew members from captivity at the enemy’s hands?When the Concord advises Baldwin to walk away from a fight, he must rely on his new crew, including the AI based on his younger grandfather, Constantine, to make the right decisions. One wrong step, and Captain Baldwin could be throwing the entire Concord into another intergalactic war...and this time they might not be so lucky. Confrontation is the first book in the epic new Baldwin’s Legacy series, written by the best-selling author of the Survivors series.
1 pages, Audio CD
Published March 1, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
November 21, 2024
Cool concept
This was boring, and I never connected to any of the characters. There are really interesting things, but I pretty much skimmed the last half. I couldn't get into it.
This was boring, and I never connected to any of the characters. There are really interesting things, but I pretty much skimmed the last half. I couldn't get into it.
January 11, 2020
I’ve read a number of books by Nathan Hystad and he’s a proven good writer. So I’m looking forward to this series and think it will be pretty good. But, there are a few things I desperately need for him to change.
The story is about the exploits of a brand new starship named the “Constantine” commanded by Captain Thomas Baldwin. He’s a new Captain with this ship being his first command. The Concord Hight Command had some how reasoned that he was ready for his first command and gave him this brand new, super advanced ship. He didn’t question the decision by his higher HQ, but he was curious why they had also chose most of the crew, something not ordinarily done. And, he figured that the Concord, the governmental body for some forty-three planetary systems, was playing the PR game to some extent since the Constantine was named after his famous grandfather Admiral Constantine Baldwin!
Every Concord ship had an AI and the Constantine was no different. Yet, when the AI appeared for the first time, it was a shock to most of the crew. This AI was a representation of a very young Constantine Baldwin, Captain Thomas Baldwin’s grandfather. The AI was loaded with all the memories of Admiral Baldwin who was a war hero against the Statu some sixty years ago. The Concord fleet had destroyed the Statu, yet those battle memories in the AI could be of help to Captain Thomas Baldwin should he encounter new enemies.
So, the crew was gathering for several weeks of team building and just getting the feel of their new ship. it was an interesting crew to say he least. One of the more interesting crew members is Commander Treena Starling. She is not what she appears to be and it takes awhile for some of the crew to find out just what she really is. This is an interesting part of the book, but I’m not so sure it would work all that well.
Of course their little team building period isn’t going to happen. Someone has attacked a planet called Greblok. This planet had just been accepted into the Concord and the Constantine was supposed to be on a diplomatic mission welcoming the new system into the Concord. That trip was weeks away until news of the attack was heard and then the Constantine was ordered to depart immediately. They did so and on the way came across a seemingly derelict starship of unknown origin. The crew found the ship to be empty except for the hundreds of cryo-pods holding aliens, again of unknown origin. So, the Captain towed the unknown starship with him to Greblok.
The Constantine eventually figures out who attack Greblok and while ordered to return to the Concord capital, Captain Baldwin decided he couldn’t just let this attack happen so he decided to disobey orders and go after this new enemy. Now things really start getting interesting. You’ll read just how well his new crew functions when under mounting pressure.
As I said before, I like this story, but the author keeps calling the Constantine a “cruise ship”. It isn’t a cruise ship which brings to mind things like the “Love Boat” TV show (yes, I’m an old codger!) or one of the various cruise liners tourist always vacation on. It’s a warship and should be called that. Secondly, some of his officers are called Executive Lieutenants which is a term I’ve never heard of. They and the Executive Officer, Commander Treena Starling, are his senior staff and that’s how they should be addressed. Third, this Captain leaves his ship way to often. He seems to think he has to be on the away team every time it goes any where and that’s just dumb. He even has his own star-fighter which he actually does fly into on of the battles; again a very dumb move by what’s supposed to be a Starship Captain!
Other than the above, I’ll probably look for and read the next book in this series because it does sound interesting, but I just can’t imagine what the next book will be about since this one seemed to solve the current problem quite well.
The story is about the exploits of a brand new starship named the “Constantine” commanded by Captain Thomas Baldwin. He’s a new Captain with this ship being his first command. The Concord Hight Command had some how reasoned that he was ready for his first command and gave him this brand new, super advanced ship. He didn’t question the decision by his higher HQ, but he was curious why they had also chose most of the crew, something not ordinarily done. And, he figured that the Concord, the governmental body for some forty-three planetary systems, was playing the PR game to some extent since the Constantine was named after his famous grandfather Admiral Constantine Baldwin!
Every Concord ship had an AI and the Constantine was no different. Yet, when the AI appeared for the first time, it was a shock to most of the crew. This AI was a representation of a very young Constantine Baldwin, Captain Thomas Baldwin’s grandfather. The AI was loaded with all the memories of Admiral Baldwin who was a war hero against the Statu some sixty years ago. The Concord fleet had destroyed the Statu, yet those battle memories in the AI could be of help to Captain Thomas Baldwin should he encounter new enemies.
So, the crew was gathering for several weeks of team building and just getting the feel of their new ship. it was an interesting crew to say he least. One of the more interesting crew members is Commander Treena Starling. She is not what she appears to be and it takes awhile for some of the crew to find out just what she really is. This is an interesting part of the book, but I’m not so sure it would work all that well.
Of course their little team building period isn’t going to happen. Someone has attacked a planet called Greblok. This planet had just been accepted into the Concord and the Constantine was supposed to be on a diplomatic mission welcoming the new system into the Concord. That trip was weeks away until news of the attack was heard and then the Constantine was ordered to depart immediately. They did so and on the way came across a seemingly derelict starship of unknown origin. The crew found the ship to be empty except for the hundreds of cryo-pods holding aliens, again of unknown origin. So, the Captain towed the unknown starship with him to Greblok.
The Constantine eventually figures out who attack Greblok and while ordered to return to the Concord capital, Captain Baldwin decided he couldn’t just let this attack happen so he decided to disobey orders and go after this new enemy. Now things really start getting interesting. You’ll read just how well his new crew functions when under mounting pressure.
As I said before, I like this story, but the author keeps calling the Constantine a “cruise ship”. It isn’t a cruise ship which brings to mind things like the “Love Boat” TV show (yes, I’m an old codger!) or one of the various cruise liners tourist always vacation on. It’s a warship and should be called that. Secondly, some of his officers are called Executive Lieutenants which is a term I’ve never heard of. They and the Executive Officer, Commander Treena Starling, are his senior staff and that’s how they should be addressed. Third, this Captain leaves his ship way to often. He seems to think he has to be on the away team every time it goes any where and that’s just dumb. He even has his own star-fighter which he actually does fly into on of the battles; again a very dumb move by what’s supposed to be a Starship Captain!
Other than the above, I’ll probably look for and read the next book in this series because it does sound interesting, but I just can’t imagine what the next book will be about since this one seemed to solve the current problem quite well.
February 9, 2021
Military sci-fi at its best
A new Capt with a new ship. when an old enemy arrives the mettle of ship, crew, and Capt are tested to the limit.
A new Capt with a new ship. when an old enemy arrives the mettle of ship, crew, and Capt are tested to the limit.
July 21, 2023
Absolutely no research on military life
I really hate it when non-military authors write about military life. They rarely research the topic and get a ridiculous amount of things wrong. A few examples from the first few chapters: the Sullivan Law keeps siblings from serving on the same warship. An android would normally not be an issue but keeping a body alive (like in the movie surrogates) would definitely not be allowed by any navy. The cost and effort alone would be prohibitive. The chief engineer hugged the XO in front of the crew during mission briefing. That’s a violation of regulations and just plain stupid. The doctor was asked to be a combatant on an away mission. Medical personnel are not required to be combatants unless circumstances and their own personal beliefs allow for it. I like there to be both science and realism in my military sci-fi and this author provides neither.
I really hate it when non-military authors write about military life. They rarely research the topic and get a ridiculous amount of things wrong. A few examples from the first few chapters: the Sullivan Law keeps siblings from serving on the same warship. An android would normally not be an issue but keeping a body alive (like in the movie surrogates) would definitely not be allowed by any navy. The cost and effort alone would be prohibitive. The chief engineer hugged the XO in front of the crew during mission briefing. That’s a violation of regulations and just plain stupid. The doctor was asked to be a combatant on an away mission. Medical personnel are not required to be combatants unless circumstances and their own personal beliefs allow for it. I like there to be both science and realism in my military sci-fi and this author provides neither.
January 28, 2021
A bunch of good-willed idiots endlessly talking among themselves, and sometimes fighting other bunches of evil idiots using vaguely described ships and weapons. Idiocracy in a mil sci-fi setting. Not funny.
September 1, 2024
Canadian author Nathan Hystad seems to have published three or more books yearly for at least five years. He runs a small press—a tool he makes available to other indie authors. Confrontation is the first book of a six-book series published from 2019-2021. It scratches the itch for straightforward military sci-fi with a few new twists. It begins, like James S. A. Corey’s The Mercy of the Gods, with an overwhelming planetary invasion in which many are killed and some are enslaved and brainwashed. Tom Baldwin, the newly minted captain of the Concorde’s latest warship, is dispatched to meet the threat. His crew includes a paralyzed woman who operates an android body and an AI that is based on an upload of his dead grandfather.
Is Confrontation as good a book as The Mercy of the Gods? Well, no. But it is entertaining enough.
3.5
Is Confrontation as good a book as The Mercy of the Gods? Well, no. But it is entertaining enough.
3.5
December 13, 2019
Received as an ARC, this is an honest review. Joining the galactic empire called the Concord was suppose to be a great deal for the people of Greblok; instead everything is plunged into hell when an unknown alien force decimates their world while kidnapping its citizens for their agenda. The Constantine is mighty flagship of the Concord whose welcoming mission to Greblok becomes a race to save those enslaved by their enemy they thought had vanished. What the crew discovers are deadly secrets that will change how the agenda of the Concord forever. Raw and gripping from the first page to the last one; highly recommended.
February 2, 2025
A great Sci-fi adventure. I felt like I was reading a Star Trek book. Each character was interesting and unique. I loved how things were uncovered and what the universe held.
I look forward to reading the other books. This was a joy to read.
I look forward to reading the other books. This was a joy to read.
September 8, 2024
Confrontation is a good, quick read with all the standard characteristics of the sci-fi space opera genre. The characters are enjoyable, and there’s a bit of mystery woven in to set up the rest of the series. Nothing out of the ordinary, but that’s not always a bad thing. All in all, it’s a solid and entertaining book for fans of space opera.
December 31, 2019
I've read most (maybe all) of Nahan Hystads books and look forward to every new release. To me, the most amazing thing about his books is how quickly subsequent books are released. You might think this would degrade the quality of his books but that never happens. In a review of the 11th book in his Survivors Series, I commented upon how fresh that book still felt. The fast pace of his releases helps an old(er) guy like me not get lost by long waits between the last and next book.
Here's a suggestion to readers about to start this book. As soon as you buy the book, go immediately to the end where the author offers a free copy of the novella prequel to this book. It's not vital to understanding this book but, it will increase your enjoyment when you learn what happened fifty years before.
Review by THE HOLEY ONE
Here's a suggestion to readers about to start this book. As soon as you buy the book, go immediately to the end where the author offers a free copy of the novella prequel to this book. It's not vital to understanding this book but, it will increase your enjoyment when you learn what happened fifty years before.
Review by THE HOLEY ONE
January 7, 2020
Rather simple
Science fiction is not simple, or should I say good science fiction is not simple. For some hard sci-fi is the only way, the physics need to work, the characters are complex, the altered reality believable. For some fantasy sci-fi is the way, physics is Made to suit the storyline, characters are fantastically lucky and everyone lives to see the happily ever after. Honestly I enjoy both, yet I need simple facts to be set in stone. That is why confrontation is only 3 stars. The author refers to a border millions of light years long, that is simply not possible. Crews are not thrown together in a week and left loose to potential save the day. Children are not allowed to wander around warships , but since the author refers to them as cruise ships I guess it’s ok. I’m glad this was kindle unlimited or I’d be mad for wasting my money.
Science fiction is not simple, or should I say good science fiction is not simple. For some hard sci-fi is the only way, the physics need to work, the characters are complex, the altered reality believable. For some fantasy sci-fi is the way, physics is Made to suit the storyline, characters are fantastically lucky and everyone lives to see the happily ever after. Honestly I enjoy both, yet I need simple facts to be set in stone. That is why confrontation is only 3 stars. The author refers to a border millions of light years long, that is simply not possible. Crews are not thrown together in a week and left loose to potential save the day. Children are not allowed to wander around warships , but since the author refers to them as cruise ships I guess it’s ok. I’m glad this was kindle unlimited or I’d be mad for wasting my money.
August 8, 2020
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.
Whilst he was a master tactician and strategist, and brilliant Captain, and an even more incredible Admiral, you get the impression that he left something to be desired in the child rearing department.
OF course, this could have had something to do with the fact, that at the time, he was at war with a brutal enemy, the Statu, and, this left the Concord shattered at the time, never having encountered such a fierce and hostile species.
That was around half a century ago, and the events now, are centred on the new Captain Baldwin, and his incredible new state-of-the-art Starship, the Constantine.
Along with this, he also has a very eclectic, but extraordinarily remarkable crew, each member picked for being the absolute elite in their field. There are Reeve and Brax Drak – Sister and Brother, of the Tekol, twins which is a rarity in their species, but it is even rarer that Reeve is one of the most intelligent people in the Concord. Her Brother Brax, is one of the most elite in Security, with superior strength and speed. Their Doctor is an oddity, a Kwant, (I won’t spoil the fun here, you can read this bit), then there is Executive Lieutenant Ven, a Zilphi, but he is a very special Zilphi called an Ugna (again, you can read and find out why – I don’t want to spoil the fun!!).
Normally a Concord Captain would have a choice in their crew, helping to pick them, however, Tom Baldwin was just ‘Given’ his Executive crew by the Admiralty, which is unheard of, so his exec team is very eclectic, and rather odd.
All Concord ships come with a holographic program, a quasi AI program to assist the crew with information, think of it like a combination of Siri and Google, but a Googleplex smarter. The AI is made up to represent the person that the class of ship is named after, so in this case, it is a holographic representation of Constantine himself. Each of the Starships of this class will have a Constantine AI to help the crew. It is a way of honouring the hero that the ship is named after.
Obviously in this instance, it raises some interesting storylines, and not all is as it seems with Constantine – making for some really fun reading.
Perhaps the most interesting, and certainly the best written character in the entire story, is Commander Treena Starling.
Starling has a very horrific past, and this has left her with a very troubled future, and one in which she is definitely not all that she appears to be. Hystad has written such written a deeply emotional, and powerful character that you can’t help but connect with, she is utterly fascinating. He has been able to really portray the emotional and psychological damage that her injuries and her past have done to her, the deep seated PTSD, and convey this to the reader with so much brutal honesty that you really feel her pain. It is exceptionally good writing.
The Character writing, whilst extraordinary, is not the only standout though in this series. The Author has also put a lot of thought and effort into the world-building for his series, so that as the series unfolds, each chapter, further evolves this amazing universe, filled with all sorts of amazing aliens, unusual and creative planets, that left me, as a long time Sci-fi reader pondering things afterwards, and even more impressive, was his tech. Hystad put a lot of creative energy and thought into the Technology he was going to use for this series, and it just adds a whole new additional layer to both the world building, and the characters, making this book just so much fun to read.
If you have ever liked anything even closely related to that ‘Captain’ on a starship, supported by some form of ‘United set of Planets’, then you will love this series, whether you love Trek, Orville, or one of a thousand series like Infinity’s End, you will love this series, can’t wait to read part 2!!
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.
Whilst he was a master tactician and strategist, and brilliant Captain, and an even more incredible Admiral, you get the impression that he left something to be desired in the child rearing department.
OF course, this could have had something to do with the fact, that at the time, he was at war with a brutal enemy, the Statu, and, this left the Concord shattered at the time, never having encountered such a fierce and hostile species.
That was around half a century ago, and the events now, are centred on the new Captain Baldwin, and his incredible new state-of-the-art Starship, the Constantine.
Along with this, he also has a very eclectic, but extraordinarily remarkable crew, each member picked for being the absolute elite in their field. There are Reeve and Brax Drak – Sister and Brother, of the Tekol, twins which is a rarity in their species, but it is even rarer that Reeve is one of the most intelligent people in the Concord. Her Brother Brax, is one of the most elite in Security, with superior strength and speed. Their Doctor is an oddity, a Kwant, (I won’t spoil the fun here, you can read this bit), then there is Executive Lieutenant Ven, a Zilphi, but he is a very special Zilphi called an Ugna (again, you can read and find out why – I don’t want to spoil the fun!!).
Normally a Concord Captain would have a choice in their crew, helping to pick them, however, Tom Baldwin was just ‘Given’ his Executive crew by the Admiralty, which is unheard of, so his exec team is very eclectic, and rather odd.
All Concord ships come with a holographic program, a quasi AI program to assist the crew with information, think of it like a combination of Siri and Google, but a Googleplex smarter. The AI is made up to represent the person that the class of ship is named after, so in this case, it is a holographic representation of Constantine himself. Each of the Starships of this class will have a Constantine AI to help the crew. It is a way of honouring the hero that the ship is named after.
Obviously in this instance, it raises some interesting storylines, and not all is as it seems with Constantine – making for some really fun reading.
Perhaps the most interesting, and certainly the best written character in the entire story, is Commander Treena Starling.
Starling has a very horrific past, and this has left her with a very troubled future, and one in which she is definitely not all that she appears to be. Hystad has written such written a deeply emotional, and powerful character that you can’t help but connect with, she is utterly fascinating. He has been able to really portray the emotional and psychological damage that her injuries and her past have done to her, the deep seated PTSD, and convey this to the reader with so much brutal honesty that you really feel her pain. It is exceptionally good writing.
The Character writing, whilst extraordinary, is not the only standout though in this series. The Author has also put a lot of thought and effort into the world-building for his series, so that as the series unfolds, each chapter, further evolves this amazing universe, filled with all sorts of amazing aliens, unusual and creative planets, that left me, as a long time Sci-fi reader pondering things afterwards, and even more impressive, was his tech. Hystad put a lot of creative energy and thought into the Technology he was going to use for this series, and it just adds a whole new additional layer to both the world building, and the characters, making this book just so much fun to read.
If you have ever liked anything even closely related to that ‘Captain’ on a starship, supported by some form of ‘United set of Planets’, then you will love this series, whether you love Trek, Orville, or one of a thousand series like Infinity’s End, you will love this series, can’t wait to read part 2!!
June 21, 2025
An old code saying „the Universe isn’t always black and white, sometimes it is red“
Let's just say it's a pretty straightforward sci-fi book because the details are a bit fuzzy, but if you just like the vibe then it's good. It's also pretty obvious that it's written by a man and it's also pretty predictable, but because of the tension build-up and the entertainment, it's kind of great.
We have a new spaceship with a young Captain Tom Baldwin who has a legacy to uphold and even meets it again on the ship in the form of the ship's AI: Grandpa Konstantin the war Hero. We also have many different alien forms, an alliance, a government that is corrupt and causing problems. Wormholes and villains and a lot of heroic characters who want to help the little people.
The tension is built up and maintained well and there is enough going on to make you want to stay tuned. In the end, there were many personal sacrifices and ideal circumstances, which in turn led to a quick happy ending (the rather happy for now). However, there is also a good cliffhanger and the characters are likeable, but I haven't grown too fond of them yet. I'm hoping that will change as the series progresses, but let's see if there's enough tension to want to keep listening.
It's pretty wild that the POV keeps jumping, but it gives us so much insight into the story and it adds a lot of tension because we know the bad guys are always present, but we don't know who it is. And I want to know :)
Let's just say it's a pretty straightforward sci-fi book because the details are a bit fuzzy, but if you just like the vibe then it's good. It's also pretty obvious that it's written by a man and it's also pretty predictable, but because of the tension build-up and the entertainment, it's kind of great.
We have a new spaceship with a young Captain Tom Baldwin who has a legacy to uphold and even meets it again on the ship in the form of the ship's AI: Grandpa Konstantin the war Hero. We also have many different alien forms, an alliance, a government that is corrupt and causing problems. Wormholes and villains and a lot of heroic characters who want to help the little people.
The tension is built up and maintained well and there is enough going on to make you want to stay tuned. In the end, there were many personal sacrifices and ideal circumstances, which in turn led to a quick happy ending (the rather happy for now). However, there is also a good cliffhanger and the characters are likeable, but I haven't grown too fond of them yet. I'm hoping that will change as the series progresses, but let's see if there's enough tension to want to keep listening.
It's pretty wild that the POV keeps jumping, but it gives us so much insight into the story and it adds a lot of tension because we know the bad guys are always present, but we don't know who it is. And I want to know :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2019
Usually first books in a series are slow to get started, this one is not.
I really enjoyed this book. Usually I do not like first books in a series because of all the world building the authors have to undertake in developing the world the characters exist in. This book was pretty fast-paced. I gave it only four stars because of some issues that took me out of the story. I personally do not like kids in science fiction books. The second issue is the security on the ship must be very abysmal as well as inconsistent. You catch a saboteur who is about to blow up the ship but you do not catch someone who is murdered a guard and killed an admiral. The security chief should be fired second example how could you not know that cameras are not working ships usually have security stations and if cameras go out there’s always some sort of investigation. Those are the only two things I did not like in the story. The characters are developing nicely you get to learn about their concerns and the inner demons. All in all a good book.
I really enjoyed this book. Usually I do not like first books in a series because of all the world building the authors have to undertake in developing the world the characters exist in. This book was pretty fast-paced. I gave it only four stars because of some issues that took me out of the story. I personally do not like kids in science fiction books. The second issue is the security on the ship must be very abysmal as well as inconsistent. You catch a saboteur who is about to blow up the ship but you do not catch someone who is murdered a guard and killed an admiral. The security chief should be fired second example how could you not know that cameras are not working ships usually have security stations and if cameras go out there’s always some sort of investigation. Those are the only two things I did not like in the story. The characters are developing nicely you get to learn about their concerns and the inner demons. All in all a good book.
December 26, 2019
Mr Hystad confronts us with a thrilling new story
Wow! Nathan Hystad does not disappoint. Once again he presents us with a group of unlikely people thrown together in a political hand off. Instead it turns out to be dangerous, politically corrupt and more revealing as the story unfolds.
Not completely are we enlightened, as is Nathan's way, there are secrets to be unravelled!
The characters grow and before you know it you are hoping they survive and gripping the edge of your seat in some of the situations.
An excellent start to what will no doubt be another thrilling series from Nathan Hystad.
If you haven't read it yet, check out his most excellent Survivors series, you will not be disappointed!
Wow! Nathan Hystad does not disappoint. Once again he presents us with a group of unlikely people thrown together in a political hand off. Instead it turns out to be dangerous, politically corrupt and more revealing as the story unfolds.
Not completely are we enlightened, as is Nathan's way, there are secrets to be unravelled!
The characters grow and before you know it you are hoping they survive and gripping the edge of your seat in some of the situations.
An excellent start to what will no doubt be another thrilling series from Nathan Hystad.
If you haven't read it yet, check out his most excellent Survivors series, you will not be disappointed!
January 15, 2021
I tried. I really did...
The reviews were great and the cover art appealing, so I grabbed this book plus the next in the series as a freebie on Amazon. Sadly, I just couldn't make it through. It was.... familiar? It really seemed like a struggling Star Trek TNG clone, with a politically correct multiracial crew, design ideas cribbed directly from the Enterprise and shiny, happy people in a shiny happy world. About a quarter of the way through I gave up on the YA-fiction-like writing and interactions. The "transporter" beam is called a "mover" and the captain is young, dashing and unsure of himself (Picture young Kirk in the latest movies) but the enemies were uninspiring and the writing left me simply unable to get into the storyline.
The reviews were great and the cover art appealing, so I grabbed this book plus the next in the series as a freebie on Amazon. Sadly, I just couldn't make it through. It was.... familiar? It really seemed like a struggling Star Trek TNG clone, with a politically correct multiracial crew, design ideas cribbed directly from the Enterprise and shiny, happy people in a shiny happy world. About a quarter of the way through I gave up on the YA-fiction-like writing and interactions. The "transporter" beam is called a "mover" and the captain is young, dashing and unsure of himself (Picture young Kirk in the latest movies) but the enemies were uninspiring and the writing left me simply unable to get into the storyline.
April 20, 2020
So, I have read plenty of Mr Hystad's work and have enjoyed pretty much all of them. When I started this book, I have to admit I didn't think I'd take to it, especially after the first 10%. Felt a bit too much like Star Trek and the Federation (not to say that's bad, I am a Trekkie after all) - it's not easy to build a universe without some similarities I suppose.
Once it gets going it gets good. The story takes off quickly after that. There's plenty of drama, action, various species which gets your imagination going and there's mystery aplenty.
Stick through it and this book gets much better, I completed book two in a day.
Once it gets going it gets good. The story takes off quickly after that. There's plenty of drama, action, various species which gets your imagination going and there's mystery aplenty.
Stick through it and this book gets much better, I completed book two in a day.
January 29, 2020
Nathan Hystad once again in top form. This second book in the Baldwin's Legacy series builds in the first one. There is lots of political intrigue in this Concord that had grown fat and lazy and too used to peace time. I love the different races and cultures. I love that all the creatures are imperfect and have issues and problems to solve. The action never lets up and really builds throughout the book and just grabs you and won't lay go so you are looking for more reading time. I can't wait for book 3 and to find out what happens to everyone next!
January 17, 2021
This is my first exposure to Mr. Hystad’s work – I am quite impressed by his deep character development and vivid accounts that pull the reader in and make him/her feel involved in the story. This book is a page-turner - there is a lot of action, with several sub-plots that make you question who is being honest and what information is really true. This is a great start to what is hopefully a long series. I received an advance copy of the book, but I really liked it and bought a copy to support this worthy author – I think I’ve found another favorite!!
August 26, 2024
It just doesn’t make any sense that the ship has such a complicated AI system that can literally re-write its own code but can’t do anything helpful. Actually, the lack of general surveillance on such a “hi-tech” space ship boggles the mind.
The AI actually doesn’t do anything but spook people and tell tales of the past. I don’t get what the point of it is
Anyways, the writing is good and the skeleton of the book is good, but at 50% through book 2 imma have to call it quits. It relies on obtuseness too heavily.
The AI actually doesn’t do anything but spook people and tell tales of the past. I don’t get what the point of it is
Anyways, the writing is good and the skeleton of the book is good, but at 50% through book 2 imma have to call it quits. It relies on obtuseness too heavily.
April 19, 2022
Fun sci-fi novel.
Initial novel in the series and it seems as if all is not as seems in the Concord.
Guess what....there are signs of corruption at the top (surely not) and a once defeated enemy re-emerges.
I would not say the that the story breaks new grounds in the Sci-Fi genre but, if you have read or watched your fair share it does give you a sort of warm hug as you settle down to read it.
Worth giving it a go!
Initial novel in the series and it seems as if all is not as seems in the Concord.
Guess what....there are signs of corruption at the top (surely not) and a once defeated enemy re-emerges.
I would not say the that the story breaks new grounds in the Sci-Fi genre but, if you have read or watched your fair share it does give you a sort of warm hug as you settle down to read it.
Worth giving it a go!
October 8, 2024
I have submitted this review after listening to the audiobook of this title within the series set box. (Audible Membership)
What should have been a week of celebration and the inaugural flight for the new ship ends up with a rescue mission on two different planets, with a worm hole crossing being completed, the first known for a member of the Concorde forces.
It's a new crew, in a new ship, there still working out the kinks, but they have shown that they have each other's backs.
What should have been a week of celebration and the inaugural flight for the new ship ends up with a rescue mission on two different planets, with a worm hole crossing being completed, the first known for a member of the Concorde forces.
It's a new crew, in a new ship, there still working out the kinks, but they have shown that they have each other's backs.
May 29, 2025
Wonderful and is some aspects really original. I read a lot of military sci-fi and there's a sameness to most (which I enjoy) but most of the ships have mostly human crews. Not this one. So many races!!!
I was afraid that he's use some race with special powers to get himself out of a story dilemma, but he didn't. Just a really good shoot-em-up with really interesting characters. There are lots more books in this series. I'm anticipating them eagerly.
I was afraid that he's use some race with special powers to get himself out of a story dilemma, but he didn't. Just a really good shoot-em-up with really interesting characters. There are lots more books in this series. I'm anticipating them eagerly.
January 9, 2020
A 5star book except ......
I just don't give 5stars for anything! This is a book in the best traditions of Star Trek, Star Wars, etc. It grabbed me right from the first pages and kept building. Sure there were parts that could have been written better - I feel that way about every book. But Mr. Hystad has done a great job of starting a series and I look forward to next one.
I just don't give 5stars for anything! This is a book in the best traditions of Star Trek, Star Wars, etc. It grabbed me right from the first pages and kept building. Sure there were parts that could have been written better - I feel that way about every book. But Mr. Hystad has done a great job of starting a series and I look forward to next one.
March 4, 2020
New Space Opera
It was a little slow at the start and I wasn't sure I would finish it but it kind of grew on me. Then I started to get involved in the characters and the story. After that it just flowed and I finished it in a couple of days. I'm looking forward to getting the next book in the series.
It was a little slow at the start and I wasn't sure I would finish it but it kind of grew on me. Then I started to get involved in the characters and the story. After that it just flowed and I finished it in a couple of days. I'm looking forward to getting the next book in the series.
March 21, 2021
Great adventure- exciting, clean, and a wonderful read!
This book was exciting from beginning to end! The,characters are well developed and personable. The adventure starts at the beginning. There were bad aliens and good ones. A thrilling rescue and plenty of intrigue for the next book.
This book was exciting from beginning to end! The,characters are well developed and personable. The adventure starts at the beginning. There were bad aliens and good ones. A thrilling rescue and plenty of intrigue for the next book.
September 16, 2021
I'm disappointed. I'm not sure this could be more of a Star Trek repeat. Many of the characters were the same, even the kid at the end becoming somewhat of a Wesley. I usually like Nathan Hystad, but this let me down. The narration by James Patrick Cronin (isn't this Joe Arden?) was good - not great, but not bad either.
September 20, 2021
A Great Saga
I read The free book “Constantine” first before this one and recommend doing that. It gives background I think is important. This adventure had me from the beginning to the end and couldn’t put it down. Excellent writing and story. I’ll be starting the next book in series.
I read The free book “Constantine” first before this one and recommend doing that. It gives background I think is important. This adventure had me from the beginning to the end and couldn’t put it down. Excellent writing and story. I’ll be starting the next book in series.
February 1, 2024
A lazy writer’s Star Trek. Enjoyable if one reads very fast and does not think about plot holes, silly oversights, stitched together tropes and an absence of military insight. Unfortunately I bought the audible version and had ample time to think while listening. That said, the actual word smithing was good.
March 1, 2025
Interesting but not as good as the First Life series. The aliens seem pretty diverse in culture and appearance, though I always question how they all seem to breathe mostly the same atmosphere. One thing I liked about Becca Chamber's The Wayfarers series is how some aliens have to live in special suits outside their own ship since they can't breathe oxygen.
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