Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #854918 in Books
• Published on: 2004-08-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Mass Market Paperback
• 256 pages

Review
'Great characters, truck loads of intrigue and an amazing sense of pace.'

Customer Reviews

Trust me, it's worth it.
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!

Not as good as the first, but good enough of a read.
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.

Book 2
The Legendary Rogue Trader Hoyyon Phrax is dead. His line holds an ancient and sacred charter and is now due to be bequeathed to his rightful heir. Shira Calpurnia bears the office and the duties of arbitor senioris in the service of the "Lex Imperia". Her duty and orders, given to her in the name of the law by the Emperor-chosen superiors, are to preside and judge on the inheritance of the Imperial Charter.

The known heir is Varro Phrax, trader-in-waiting. His flotilla is en route to Hydraphur to accept his inheritance and receive the charter. There are others who want to get their hands on the sacred charter. An order of warriors called the Fraternal Order of the Aquila want the relic to be handed over to them instead...and so does another religious order. Arbitor Calpurnia would be able to deal with these easily; however, a counter-claim is filed. It is said that Hoyyon has another son, a half-brother to Varro named Petronas Phrax. The ceremony will change into a hearing with Shira as judge.

Shira must now deal with treachery and mutiny by the heirs. Someone will do anything to claim the prize no matter what the law states. Death comes.

*** The major flaw in this story, in my opinion, is that Shira and her Arbites are not the main characters. They take a back seat in this story, except for the very beginning and the very end. Most of the novel is dealing with the heirs and those trying to manipulate the heirs. I was not too impressed with it all. The deception was not well organized and too sloppy. I found it hard to believe that these "intelligent" people would even try something that could do nothing but fail against the tests by the revered engines of the Genetor cult (the ark of the Helispex). The ending of the story is not what I would have hoped for either. Worth your time to read, but nothing fantastic. ***

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.