The battle lines are drawn. Queen Death is mustering her fleet. But who will stand against her?
As conflicts and betrayal threaten to shatter Atlantis’s fragile alliances with Guide’s Wraith and the Genii, humanity’s only hope of survival rests on the fate of an Ancient device — a weapon too terrible to use but too powerful to cast aside. A weapon capable of exterminating every Wraith in the galaxy, and with them every human carrying Wraith DNA…
With Queen Death’s fleet fast approaching, Colonel Sheppard and his team must make their final choice. In the sixth and concluding installment of the STARGATE ATLANTIS Legacy series, the future of Atlantis will be decided — and more than one of her crew will be called upon to sacrifice everything in the fight for her survival…
It’s shocking how this mini-series of novels has existed (and been released) under the radar. Enough fans were dissatisfied with the series finale, and the subsequent cancellation of plans for direct-to-DVD titles, for me to think that they would be clamoring for an in-depth, highly consistent “Season 6” in book form. After all, how often do fans say that if a show is canceled, the writers should finish out the storylines in novels?
And in this case, anyone who hasn’t checked out the Stargate Atlantis: Legacy series should be kicking themselves, because this is easily one of the best examples of how this can be done “right”. Just about every lingering plot thread from Stargate Atlantis is covered and explored to a natural conclusion, and the scope of the mini-series allows the authors to delve into character far more than the series’ writers ever did.
On the television series, the Wraith were never given much of a culture. They were defined by their actions; little time was spent delving into the reasons for their creation or what it actually means for humans and Wraith to be inter-related. There was Todd/Guide, but even his character wasn’t given much in the way of depth, beyond his willingness to act outside of the norm now and then.
By far, that has been the benefit of the novels. The Wraith have an actual culture, one that explains their actions throughout Stargate Atlantis, and it is remarkably cool. In particular, this is explored through Teyla and her “Gift”, and everything that happened in the earlier novels culminates in moments that fully affirm her command. Teyla’s strength as a character was never really in doubt, but in this novel, it’s very clear that she is one of the best written female characters in the Stargate universe. Even Sam Carter, for all her backbone, doesn’t come close.
One very nice touch is how the tensions with erstwhile allies, such as Guide and the Genii, play out in conjunction with the decisions of the IOA and Stargate Command personnel on Earth. Bringing in characters from Stargate SG-1 makes perfect sense, and they never upstage the Atlantis personnel; more often than not, they support Atlantis in such a way that their own stories intersect into the larger context of Stargate as a whole.
The authors (who have been sharing the writing duties throughout the mini-series) also provide a fitting resolution to the overall Stargate Atlantis saga without closing all the doors and wrapping everything with a shiny bow. There is plenty of room for future books to continue the story forward as the new state of play in the Pegasus Galaxy unfolds. I have no idea if the sales of these books would justify it, but considering that the Stargate SG-1 novels continue to this day, there’s at least a fair shot.
If there is one caveat to my pleasure with how this book ended the overall story, it’s how the first half of the book handles the prelude to the climactic battle. Much of it is dedicated to delicate negotiations between all the different players, and one major sticking point is the doomsday weapon discovered in the previous volume. One character chooses to hide the weapon, a choice that makes sense for the character under the circumstances. But as the weapon’s destruction is the price for one ally’s entry into the final confrontation, it leads to a ridiculous number of scenes where the Atlantis crew tries to wiggle out the commitment, and the party in question repeats practically the same line of dialogue while standing absolutely firm.
Not only does the repetition get irritating, since the story feels like it can’t move forward until the issue is resolved, but it seems designed to force a few plot threads in the direction the authors desired. It’s right on the edge of making characters so stubborn as to defy belief. It takes a little bit of the shine off of what is otherwise a solid conclusion to a great mini-series.
I stopped writing individual reviews on these books because 1) they got better and I wanted to read not write reviews and 2) the flaws were the same. It does have too much padding.
However, I finished the last of the series on a down note. The last two books really were page turners. I loved how the action was starting to really heat up. The fluff started to fall by the wayside. Plot threads started to pull together. The writing even got a little more crisp.
And then I got to this book.
The writing is tight. The conflict is exciting.
And I still can't like it.
The team did things that showed that they fundamentally distrusted each other. And other than a quick conversation, there was no resolution to that. Instead, the author did a quick handwave, and suddenly errors that cost pilots their lives, errors that resulted in death, didn't matter because they were team. But they weren't. The team was so fractured, but I couldn't see them pulling together. This was a strong storyline, but the dismount... it just missed.
People died.
And there was no emotional resolution to make up for the fact that the characters I loved acted in a way that was callous and quite frankly unforgivable. I would have kicked one team member off the city for acting like that much of an ass, and considering that teammates damn near died, I'm surprised John didn't. Yeah. I'm not thrilled.
This is the satisfying conclusion to this Legacy series, which is an offshoot of the television series, Stargate Atlantis. I liked this one. Many ongoing plot threads were finally woven through, if not tied off, leaving the potential for some sequels, building further on the Wraith retrovirus, Sateda, etc.
I have some quibbles, but they are fairly minor: a few plot contrivances (Teyla would have been too wise to tell Ronan about the device), and the epic celestial battle between Queen Death's hive ships and the Allied space ships went on too long.
Queen Death's fleet is headed for Atlantis, and without their allies, they won't stand a chance. But the Genii aren't about to offer up their precious Ancient warship without worthwhile concessions and, even more importantly, Guide has made his price for allowing his fleet to join the battle very clear: Hyperion's weapon must be destroyed, or Guide's alliance will stand by and do nothing as Atlantis is annihilated by Queen Death's forces. There's just one little problem with that: The weapon has gone missing and Atlantis is out of time as Queen Death's ships drop out of hyperspace right on Atlantis's doorstep. Let the battle begin.
And what a battle it was! Can I just say super awesomely epic space battle? Oh boy. The authors neatly tie up their various storythreads, finishing the Queen Death arc in an extremely satisfying manner while leaving open some tantalising possibilities for the next books. I did admittedly want to strangle Ronon there for most of the first half of the book, but that stunt he pulled is in keeping with his character (just the... less likable side of it), so I can live with that. Looking forward to seeing what more the authors have in store!
As far as series enders go, this one was quite enjoyable. It wrapped things up nicely while still leaving the appropriate taste of hope in my mouth. The space battle did get a little tedious and lengthy but it didn't take away from the plot. I did quite like the ending, a new beginning where Wraith and humans are working together, I adored Guide/Todd right to the end. I look forward to reading any books that crop up in the future.
Almost gave it 5 stars! Quite a conclusion to the series; lots to think about. Good use of the characters, with some other familiar faces happily in the mix. I really wish the TV series hadn't been cancelled.
Beware of the potential spoilers... It pains me to say this, but the main plot of the book is founded on a completely illogical premise. Everything caused by the Hyperion's weapon was quite non-sensical since the whole idea was that Wraith weren't able to destroy it. And yet the only thing needed was to throw it into the Sun and the whole thing was alright... Let's presume that Wraith didn't have the ability to do this before they decided to hide it... well... There is one obivous solution that destroys everything... The vortex of the opening Stargate! The whole book I just felt like screaming "THE GATE JESUS CHRIST" everythime someone mentioned how difficult it is to destroy something... The concept of undestructible things in this universe that are not the size of a ship and bigger is just very pointless... BUT ... Despite of this flaw, I still really really liked the book! The battle was awesome (though I admit actually seeing it would be much better experience), quite the page-turner... the pacing was alright, though a little slow at places as usual. I wasn't really excited about Ronon's character arc, mainly of its resolution... but well... fair enough... I loved the crossover with SG-1, O'Neill's comments and the final fishing scene... All-in-all it is a great book, but it definitely has its flaws that I just cannot ignore...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Inheritors does what great tie-in fiction does best: expands the depth of the existing story without trampling it. Our heroes have gathered for a final showdown with Queen Death. Gathering allies, but unable to get Todd/Guide's faction to engage until they destroy a terrible weapon that they've misplaced.
I liked the threads of showing the Wraith, humans, and other species all as "Inheritors" of the Ancients. The fact that children can squabble and the idea that they should not be held for the sins of their parents. Also well shown was Ronon's struggle, the idea that someone can suffer so much that genocide can seem reasonable but that a person can still make a choice at that precipice.
Unfortunatley, like others in this series, the technology is just a little off. In the name of the story ships that can travel faster than light, evolve manuevering problems that mean they can't avoid a single derelict in a pitched battle. Being what seems like was then thought to be an end, everything is wrapped in a neat little bow with only a single, small thread for the future.
Wow! Just wow! That was a phenomenal emotional rollercoaster ride. I know I keep saying that but it's true for every single one of these books and THAT is what I love about them. I love that the writing is so true to the SGA characters that I can get even more invested in their fictional lives.
Rodney does a lot of growing in this series; they all do in their own special ways. I think Teyla settles into herself - is more confident and accepting of her genetic inheritance and what she want out of life. I think Ronon and Jennifer have the hardest growth out of all of them, being confronted with personal flaws that they have to learn to live with. Although I think Ronon still has a way to go, or maybe he's gone as far as he can - I've got two books left in this series so I'm hopeful. John's probably got the happiest ending of all of them! I like the fumbling and genuine path his story has taken.
And the Wraith! I positively adore the cultural nuances being set up in this series. The Wraith are more fleshed out, more real and less like a nightmare boogeyman.
I am conflicted on this series overall. This book is better plotted than most of the ones preceding it, it has a better defined structure and narrative, at least in the back end of it. But still, the only one that gotten me through it is Rodney. I profusely didn't care about any of the random OCs, or a mcguffin of the day, or the problem of our own making, or the wraith lineage, or the random standing around and talking. Rodney, though, there were genuine emotions behind his arc. Which was also, over the course of _six_ books (which is just an excessive number for the plot involved, they could have easily cut it down to four, or even three if they trimmed the unnecessary stuff), was a bit too drawn out, spread a bit too thin, and yet somehow dragged on too much to the point where my suspension of disbelief started to slip. Still, though. Rodney's great in here.
The epic story gets better and better. Addis SG1 to the mix was genius and so happy to see them again. The plot though moved much faster this time with quite a few surprises.
I did not, once again appreciate the lack of division when there was a scene change. It creates a serious discontinuity in the moments it happens. I also absolutely HATED what happens to Jennifer! It was against the character completely. There were several times I wanted to toss the book out the window I was so upset. I’m hoping the authors do better with the other characters.
Ronon's actions in the first half of the novel were incredibly annoying and unbelievable to read through. He literally sat in his room isolated to ponder his own actions because he was a plot device. The second half of the novel with the space battle and the Wraith development was good though.
A solid finish to the war with Queen Death! A fascinating story with many twists and turns; never a dull moment, as it should be in the Stargate universe!!
Don't start reading this book if you have to be somewhere in the next 12 hours. I couldn't put it down. Three words: Big, honkin' space battle. Okay, that's four words. Atlantis, the Wraith (allies and enemies), the Genii, the George Hammond (starship), and SG-1 shows up, too! It's great. I am really enjoying this Legacy series and have been blowing through each book at a rate of one every two days. Although book 6 seemed like it wrapped things up nicely. I have no idea what they'll do in books 7 & 8. But, I'm about to find out right now.
As an end to the 6 book Legacy series this was great. Wrapped up loads of story lines in an appropriate way, as in not always completely obviously happily and perfectly which to be honest is a good thing.
I definitely felt a few characters were a bit underwritten, always stopping short of really getting to a place I could get a complete grasp of and believe. Ronan and Keller being two of these characters. Keller seemed to find some determination and concept of her place in the Pegasus galaxy in the last few chapters of this book. However we are given so little insight into her thoughts and feelings in the earlier legacy book series (and in the TV series) beyond the odd reference to her being an awkward misfit, that she was quite a poorly rounded, vague, often cold character, her relationship with Mckay never written to be particularly substantial. This was a shame as it there were so many ways it could have been made more real whilst subtle and giving us readers more of a punch in the gut when things don't work out, maybe I'm a glutton for punishment but it didn't feel like they lost much. This may just have been the result of so many plot lines and relationships going on but it rather undermined what could have been quite tender sentiments of her departure in the final chapter. There were also so many odd little bits of plot thrown in here and there that didn't seem relevant overall and were a little confusing with the fast pace in general. Things like the crew member trying to undermine Sheppard's reputation. I like that the ending keeps it open for continuation and I would happily read more books set after the legacy series as there are definitely unfinished plot lines. As others have said it was definitely too Teyla-centric and as a result repetitive as Teyla really doesn't tend to bring anything new other than her role as female muscle and wraith connection which has been exploited over and over again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Story is good this far. Only thing are the proof reading errors are a bit annoying. No one is perfect I guess. There was one particular sentence I could guess what was being said because percentage was meant to be advantage. Made it sound like autocorrect was being used and the book was being typed up on an ipad or something. Also made it sound like the person who wrote the sentence was some foreigner with an unclear grasp of the English language and "accidentally" use the wrong word when he meant to use a different one. I do that often when I am forced to use my limited Spanish.
In this series Rodney refers to Ronon as Chewbaca. It's hilarious actually but I can't recall an episode where he does this on the show. As funny as the reference is, Ronon is way cuter than Chewbaca. Jason is even hotter in his role on Game of Thrones, but I'm the first two seasons they make him sound like a Neanderthal or ogre. Hopefully he's more articulate in the third season.
Second review: Really enjoying this second read of the book series that takes place after the show, after I've re-watched all 5 seasons.
First review: It was nice to see Zelenka being such a hero. My only real complaint about the show is that we never saw enough of him. He deserved at least one episode centred around him. As much as I also love McKay, they should have split screen time more equally between the two of them. David Nykl is an underrated actor.
Carters Star Trek joke after what Zelenka said was funny. Same with what Dr. Parrish and McKay said about Tesla and Edison.
But the real star of the book is badass Teyla. This was a satisfying conclusion to the Death story arc.
It is a good series overall, but there wasn't enough Rodney McKay to make me happy. While I like Teyla, there was too much focus on her and other non-canon characters. I did enjoy seeing Carter and Jack, but the other SG1 characters were pretty useless. This series certainly brings a close to the series for most of the characters.
Just finished this, loved reading it but a few minor niggles! Best of the series so far. It's obvious the writer like certain characters from the series, would have liked more Rodney, Ronan was sidelined, the writer couldn't wait to bring back Elizabeth Weir, her dislike for Woolsey is obvious. Nice to see lip service paid to SG1 but they didn't play a big role in this, clearly didn't like Vala, her lines were laughable! I was enthralled though by the pace of the book and even the long battle scenes kept me engaged.
A great finale to the Legacy series - everything has built up to this, and it was well worth it. The big battle scene took almost half the book, but it was well done, and well paced. My only comment would be that there was not nearly enough Ronan Dex in this book. But just about everyone else shows up for the party.
And as a whole, the entire Legacy series was well done. I really hope the publisher is allowed to continue the stories of the SG characters.
Big battle was good but not enough on its own to be worth a separate book. I know publishers are out to make money but this 6-book series could have easily been a streamlined into just a trilogy -- and been a substantial, exciting one at that. For this book alone I'd give 2 stars but 3-3.5 stars for entire series. Overall I enjoyed it and was perfect "fix" for missing Stargate. Turn this into a movie please!
Overall I really enjoyed this series arc. This last book nicely wrapped up the storylines. While not everything worked out perfectly that fits with the Stargate Universe. I did find Keller's ending to feel a little off, but not horribly, and some of the battles took up too much of the book. Mostly I am just happy that I have some sort of conclusion to the cliffhanger that the cancellation left.
The final part of the Legacy saga, make sure you read the others first. Queen Death is going to attack Atlantis and they need all the help they can get. This includes Todd and the Genii. This is a real page turner, and it is not predictable at all. It gives the series a sense of closure, and has lots of cameos that will please even the most die hard fans. I particularly liked the growth of Teyla and the understanding of the Wraith culture. A really, really good read.
I thought this was the final book in the series but there is at least one more. This book finally brought the conflict with the Wraith to an end. Characters are left in such a way that their future is well plotted out hence my belief that this was the end. But a surprise character appearance means one last story to tell before we leave the Pegasus Galaxy!
They didn't put asterisks around things said mind to mind. Up to know they have. I don't know if it's just the ebook or the hard copy too but it's a shame because sometimes it is hard to tell if something was said aloud or to only one person's mind. But that's my only complaint. I love each book so far.