Heritage

I found this book in a used section at a local bookseller. I remembered the series from TV and thought what the hay. As a semi-regular fan of the series later years, this book filled in lots of details I had forgotten about, or didn't know. Auger is better than usual, Liam shows up alot. Unlike most franchise novels this is more than just one episode put into book form.

This is a good example of science ficture literature. Part of the series that was spawned by the popular TV program, this latest title follows protagonist Liam Kincaid as he once again battles the Taelons as they are planning to release a retrovirus on the unsuspecting people of Earth. If they survive, they will develop the Shaqurava that, until now, only the Taelons possess. The ending is somewhat predictable, but fun to read anyway. Check out Augur's computer variation of Lili. She's a hoot!

The book resolved quite a few open issues with regard to the origins of the Taelons and their connection to the Jaridians and the Kimera. The series was not very good at this. As a matter of fact, the series created a more questions in its fifth season that it neglected to answer. I enjoyed the book and hope to read more by this author and others writing about this sci-fi series.

Heritage is the 5th EFC book, and almost certainly the best. While "Arrival", "The First Protector" and "Requiem for Boone" focus on event before the show, and "Augur's Teacher" focuses on an original chracter, "Heritage" is purely about Liam. The basis is that Zo'or's latest project is to give humanity shaquarava through a virus, shortly after the season two episode "Second Chances". (Shaquarava are the glowing things on Liam's hands, for those unfamiliar with the series) Not knowing that Liam is one-third Kimera, and has shaquarava of his own, Zo'or orders that Liam is administered the virus. The virus gives Liam access to some of his genetic memories, including the knowledge that it was the shaquarva that turned the Atavus into Taelons, and started them on that nasty treacherous path of theirs. Hayley Simmons (from episodes "Second Chances", "Thicker Than Blood" and "Take No Prisoners") is a major player, and there are bits of Liam/Hayley romance. While it is questionable that Zo'or would attempt to give humans shaquarva (which could allow humanity to join the Commonality), this is a minor flaw. The plot is mainly plausible, executed with a minimum of techno-babble, and makes sense in context with the rest of the series. There are excellent explanations for the Taelons' hatred of the Kimera and how the Taelons and Jaridians differ. All characters are very, umm... in character.Anywho. It's a great book.

Many E:FC fans dislike Liam Kincade for various reasons. This book gives alot more insight into the character of Liam then was ever given in S2. The author seems to want to make Season 2 make more sence then it did on TV and does a very good job. I enjoyed the Conversation with Ha'gel and the Flashbacks of Ha'gels memories of the Atavus! The book goes into alot of detail of how the Jaridians and Taelons were split apart and how the Kimera were involved. In Season 1 and 2 We are often given sketchy, cryptic details by Da'an and Zo'or about the Atavus and the Kimera and how the Taelons were created. The author takes those and binds them all together so they make sence. Very well done and compelling reading. I couldnt put it down. The writers on the TV show should take lessons from this author. Who knows, maybe she can make Season 5 make some sence.