Lineage (Baldwin's Legacy Book 5) Kindle Edition

Lineage is an interesting book in that for the first time in this series Thomas Baldwin is no longer the Captain on the bridge of a starship, but now an Admiral in an office, having taken a promotion to the rank at the end of book 4, and moving to Nolix. This was partly because he believed he could help the Concord better as an Admiral, but also because he wanted to make a change to his personal life, and wanted to pursue Aimie Gaad, and the only way to do this he thought was on Nolix – not flying around the galaxy.Unfortunately for Tom, he does not get his wish, as he is quickly tasked with going on a mission with Elder Fayle, to the homeworld of the Callalay, the planet Aruto.This is to try and help keep the Concord from falling apart, as within a very short period of time, there have been several attacks on Concord members by what appears to be Concord ships.With the removal of Baldwin as Captain, this has left an opening for the Captains position on the Constantine, and Treena Starling is promoted to the position. But things are not all smooth sailing for her. She is struggling with her own personal battles, having found out that she does not have to be trapped in her crippled body anymore, that in fact, she has been deliberately held back from treatment by R-Emergence, the company that built her android body. They have secretly prevented her from having treatment, so that she could be the test case for their android prototypes.However, Aimie Gaad, having met Treena Starling in the previous book, and now getting very close with Tom Baldwin, turns whistleblower in book #4, and not only tells the truth, but makes sure that Starling gets the help she needs, offering to treat her as well. This means that Starling will be slowly able to return to her own body over time.In this book we get to see the physical and mental battle as Starling pushes to reintegrate herself back into her real body, slowly taking it from the damaged form that could not move, barely move her eyes, let alone talk, to someone who can walk, talk and operate like a normal person. This is a really powerful, intense, at times brutally honest part of the story as we get to strip back the layers of Treena Starling and really delve into the inner depths of her Character.Hystad shows just how brilliant an Author he is, as he really makes us feel Starling’s pain, both physical and emotional.Her journey is a gritty, and determined path of courage, and it is at times inspiring, at others just hard work, but all of it is just amazing to read.As well as Starling, we also get to feel the angst of Baldwin, and his decision to become an Admiral, and whether he has done the right thing of not in making this move. Initially, he thinks this is the right thing, but it is not long, before the cracks begin to form, and his doubts follow as he realises what he has done. One of the really powerful parts of the story is when he says goodbye to his Grandfather’s A.I. Constantine.There are so many exceptional characters in this particular episode of the series, but one of the standouts has to be Ven Ittix, the Ugna caught in the middle so to speak, between the Concord, and his people. Now it seems there is another faction within the Ugna, one that no one was aware of, and has a vast amount of power.Ven’s character, and how he is developing, his reaction to the Ugna around him, Elder Fayle and Hanli, as well as those of his crew. His growing friendship with Brax Daak is really great, they are such different characters, and yet, through the ongoing trials, they have formed a strong bond, and this has allowed them to develop a remarkable friendship.Ven’s character is one of the most complex and in-depth in the series, and also one of the most pivotal alongside Baldwin himself.Between the characters of Baldwin, Starling and Ven Ittix, as well as all the others, Hystad really shows just how incredible he is at Character driven storytelling.This 5th Part in the series is really pulling together all the different parts of previous story-lines, setting up the story for the finale in book 6. 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.This is a brilliant penultimate book to what is going to be an outstanding finale in one of the best Sci-fi series I have read this decade – it is just stunning. If you only read one series this year – this has to be it!!

Baldwin is at his best. I wasn’t sure how him not being captain of the Constantine was going to work out but the story line delivered and it was great. There was humor and even a tiny bit of romance and it enriched this story for me. There is still a war and intrigue ahead but the Concord still survives. We will see if it continues and how Baldwin will manage in the coming times.

Mr. Hystad, I believe I've read most of not all of your novels. Obviously that means I like what you produce. Although I prefer sci-fi grounded in real science I can suspended disbelief for a good read. You weave nice plots, good characters, and decent dialogue. You do well enough that I pre-ordered this one instead of waiting for it to hit Kindle unlimited status. I feel like you phoned this one in. It took me all of 90 minutes to read and felt like the opening chapters of what seemed to be the beginning of a good read. If you want to write novellas then just shorten this by a few chapters and give it an ending that is not so cliched and over used by novice authors. 'I'm pregnant.' has to be the last line in some off the worst books if ever read. My favorite non SciFi writer is Stephen King and his writing is legendary, his endings not so much, but he never ended with that premise. Be different. Try something like this.Mary looked up at him and he could sense trepidation in her face."I need to tell you something," she said.He had an idea about what she wanted to tell him and his pulse quickened.Mary's cheeks puffed out with a heavy breath, and before she lost her nerve she quickly told him, "I have herpes!"

Keeps you reading, hard to put down. I've read so many of these, I thought I could predict what would happen next. Just as I was smugly getting ready to say "yup I knew it!", the whole storyline twisted. I was left delightfully smiling with a "what?" on my lips and, of course, I had to keep reading. I enjoyed this one and will move on to another story before the next book comes out. It's disappointing that I have to wait for the next book, I will though! 😊

This was a great book. I really enjoyed this book. It had all of the things I look for and books. Such as action, mystery, intrigue, hope, humor and of course a little love. Without these things life is just boring. I can't wait until the next book. Thank you

Book 5 continued the excitement of the Concord’s flagship, the Constantine. Her crew jumps to other ships, other races and planets, other battles, other set-ups and betrayals. Their loyalty, challenges, as well as creative solutions, are endless. Really enjoyed this whole series! Not gory or needlessly violent. Heroes who use their heads!

It's never simple for Tom, as he joined the Stu to travel to what was expected to be a simple visit. His old ship finds itself in a battle. Nathan, always keeps you thinking, and the surprising news at the end opens up a all new can of worms. Looking forward to reading more.

Lots of craziness going on --a trip to.earth, the start of a war, betrayals by the Ugna , New "warp" speed.engines. This book is full of action, twists and turns. Can't wait to see what happens next.

Can not wait to read the next book in the series. Really like the characters and excellent storyline which in combination make a great series