Legacy

Rating:
Summary: Trust me, it's worth it.
Review: Having read Crossfire, I was very eager to sink my teeth into the sequel. I've always been interested in the Adeptus Arbites and like how Matthew Farrer brings the reader into their world. In Legacy, we are introduced to the enigmatic figure of the Rogue Trader. In other novels, the rogue trader has been described as every from an unscrupulous privateer, to covert assets of the Inquisition. Farrer presents a historical figure empowered by Imperial Charter to expand the boundaries of the Imperium and who is often times gifted with the independence and unilateral ability to do whatever they want. This ability sets the stage for an engaging story, filled with characters that we grow to care for and develop an interest in until the very last page. Although the novel is part of the Shira Calpurnia series, her character is featured less in this story. The elements that drive the plot to its ultimate conclusion are what make the story so compelling. No need to worry, though, because Shira will play her part in this tale and for those of you who thought this book was too short; I share your opinion. I'll admit that the ending initially disappointed me, but after further reflection, I found that it was a much better way to end the story. Read it and make up your own mind ;)

For those of you who feel this book did not live up to the quality of it predecessor; we'll just have to respectfully disagree :) For those of you who are considering this book, I highly recommend it. If you have already read Crossfire, I believe you will enjoy this just as much!


Rating:
Summary: Not as good as the first, but good enough of a read.
Review: MAtthew Farrer's follow-up to his first Black Library novel (Crossfire) is titled Legacy and on its own the book is a good scifi novel, but it doesn't match or exceed its predecessor.

The main protagonist of the first novel, Shira Calpurnia or the Adeptus Arbites, is really a background character this time, even though the books is considered the second one in the Calpurnia series. What one gets instead are characters who should've remained secondary. In legacy, Shira has to preside over the passing over of an ancient rogue trader charter to an heir apparent. What begins from there on is a mish-mash of double-cross, political machinations between members of the Imperium's many department's, especially the Adeptus Arbites and the Adeptus Ministorum (the Ecclesiarchy).

There is less action in this book than in the first. More of Shira's personality is revealed and that of the Arbites' role in the Imperium. I just hope that Farrer has a better follow-up to continue Shira's saga.