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Umlac's Legacy
Jade inherits a billion alien monsters, and everybody wants a piece of her—some more literally than others.
When Lt. Jade Mahelona defeated the cyborg Umlac, she inherited his interstellar kingdom—and made herself a target. Her new subjects are two-ton blobs who know that if they hunt her down and kill her, they get to take her place. She takes refuge with the reclusive Elliquine who adopt her into their herd and use her as their liaison to other species.
But Earth faces invasion by Umlac's evil brothers, and Jade is thrust into the middle of an interstellar war to save it. Old alliances shatter and new ones are forged. Earth needs Jade, but she can't go back to Earth without abandoning the Elliquine and her blob-like subjects, both of whom are counting on her to help them.
Jade must learn to balance the absolute power in the kingdom of cyborgs with the compassion she inherited from her grandmother, while avoiding spies and assassins. She must sort out her loyalties, and trust in the loyalties of her new subjects—but with an intelligent blob, there's always more to it than meets the eye.
If you love fast-paced adventure on exotic worlds, interstellar political intrigue, and humans struggling with alien culture clash, you must read Umlac's Legacy.
When Lt. Jade Mahelona defeated the cyborg Umlac, she inherited his interstellar kingdom—and made herself a target. Her new subjects are two-ton blobs who know that if they hunt her down and kill her, they get to take her place. She takes refuge with the reclusive Elliquine who adopt her into their herd and use her as their liaison to other species.
But Earth faces invasion by Umlac's evil brothers, and Jade is thrust into the middle of an interstellar war to save it. Old alliances shatter and new ones are forged. Earth needs Jade, but she can't go back to Earth without abandoning the Elliquine and her blob-like subjects, both of whom are counting on her to help them.
Jade must learn to balance the absolute power in the kingdom of cyborgs with the compassion she inherited from her grandmother, while avoiding spies and assassins. She must sort out her loyalties, and trust in the loyalties of her new subjects—but with an intelligent blob, there's always more to it than meets the eye.
If you love fast-paced adventure on exotic worlds, interstellar political intrigue, and humans struggling with alien culture clash, you must read Umlac's Legacy.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2020
25 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
About the author
Jim Meeks-Johnson
9 books6 followersJim is best known for his ongoing Entangled Galaxy Series and imaginative short stories.
Jim's other published works of fiction include Thunderstone in the Six Worlds anthology (2016) and By the Numbers in the e-zine Aurorawolf.com (2015). Five of his short stories were awarded Honorable Mentions by the L Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future contest.
Jim became an avid science fiction reader at the age of ten when he discovered Robert Heinlein's Starship Troopers in the local Carnegie Library. He went on to get degrees in mathematics and psychology in order to help Hari Seldon invent Psychohistory. However, Seldon didn’t need Jim's help, so Jim took a job writing computer software for medical research in Indianapolis, where he lives with his wife and a variable number of foster kids.
Jim kept finding wayward science fiction story ideas hiding in science magazines, on the news, or just about anywhere in daily life. Someone needed to capture them, so in 2010 he started writing. Since then, he has participated in numerous writers' workshops, has been a slush pile reader for Flash Fiction Online, and is a futurist writer for SciFutures.
Jim's other published works of fiction include Thunderstone in the Six Worlds anthology (2016) and By the Numbers in the e-zine Aurorawolf.com (2015). Five of his short stories were awarded Honorable Mentions by the L Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future contest.
Jim became an avid science fiction reader at the age of ten when he discovered Robert Heinlein's Starship Troopers in the local Carnegie Library. He went on to get degrees in mathematics and psychology in order to help Hari Seldon invent Psychohistory. However, Seldon didn’t need Jim's help, so Jim took a job writing computer software for medical research in Indianapolis, where he lives with his wife and a variable number of foster kids.
Jim kept finding wayward science fiction story ideas hiding in science magazines, on the news, or just about anywhere in daily life. Someone needed to capture them, so in 2010 he started writing. Since then, he has participated in numerous writers' workshops, has been a slush pile reader for Flash Fiction Online, and is a futurist writer for SciFutures.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 13, 2020
The book is apparently the second in a series. It is a stand-alone book; it is not necessary to have read Book 1 and the book does have a firm ending. Yes, one can see there might be more scope, but it does end satisfactorily, and that is well done. This is space opera on the grandest of scales. There is a group of stars with civilisations called the Entanglement, with Earth off to the side as a sort of technologically backward rump, and there are various races on other star systems loosely called the Immortals. These are the bad guys. The story mainly follows Jade, who as a human has somehow qualified for serious technology. How presumably was in the first book. Being the second book does not make much difference as a long as you accept some givens, but the huge number of different races, etc., makes for slight difficulties in following what is going on, especially initially.
It is an action story, and largely in space. The world building, when you actually see a world, is quite descriptive. There are some good character aspects, especially between races, there is even character development amongst some of the aliens, so any given part is generally well-written. The negative is the vast range of species, planets, etc, and I found it a little difficult keeping track of everything. The strategy for the war is hard to follow, in part because it is not always clear why that specific objective is being chased and it is not always clear what has been achieved, although at other times it is. Overall, hugely ambitious, and because of the size and scope, I feel it had problems in places, but a good effort.
It is an action story, and largely in space. The world building, when you actually see a world, is quite descriptive. There are some good character aspects, especially between races, there is even character development amongst some of the aliens, so any given part is generally well-written. The negative is the vast range of species, planets, etc, and I found it a little difficult keeping track of everything. The strategy for the war is hard to follow, in part because it is not always clear why that specific objective is being chased and it is not always clear what has been achieved, although at other times it is. Overall, hugely ambitious, and because of the size and scope, I feel it had problems in places, but a good effort.
October 2, 2022
My review is based off the audio version. I highly recommend checking out this series in audio format if you haven't yet!
This one was absolutely great! I enjoyed it a lot more than I did the first book. Spies, betrayals and new friendships!
Umlac's Legacy is full of action that will have you at the edge of your seat one moment then letting out a sigh of relief the next. Ha, just to have you biting your nails wondering how the hell did that happen all over again!
Sadly there's another blasted Dasypod that I wanted to strangle. I thought Ironside was bad, but oh no, this one had to be worse and his name is Silver Streak. Just OMG! Stick him in a closet somewhere. Ok, well Jade did try to keep him out of her hair, but sadly that didn't work so well. He definitely caused her some problems and at the absolute worse moment too.
Seriously, something needs to be done about Jade and her sexual feelings for Kiolo. She gets so easily distracted either by him or his likeness and it throws her off her stride for a few. Put them in the first space closet or something and let them have at it for a few hours.
Once again one of my favorites and friend AC Oliver is the narrator and does one hell of a job! I found it amusing listening to the different variations of
Jade, Shoggart Slayer! Umlac's Rightful Heir,Submit to me or Die!
My guess is while Jade was trying to figure out what best to say when taking over a planet, AC Oliver was trying to figure out which voice best fits?
Hmm, in my opinion the one that's just below your creepy kick ass voice fits best for that phrase and not the breathy one, smiles.
Of course that could all change with the next book because Jade could decide to add more to her take over the world phrase. For example,
Jade, Shoggart Slayer! Umlac's Rightful Heir,Submit to me or Die 1,000 Bites!
Another thing that caught my attention this book was that one of the voices for Horgrams war people sounds sooooo familiar, rangerlike that it drives me crazy every time I hear it because I can't narrow down who it reminds me of, lol.
Anyways, looking forward to book 3 where there will be another annoying dasypod so I've been told. Where's my rope!
This one was absolutely great! I enjoyed it a lot more than I did the first book. Spies, betrayals and new friendships!
Umlac's Legacy is full of action that will have you at the edge of your seat one moment then letting out a sigh of relief the next. Ha, just to have you biting your nails wondering how the hell did that happen all over again!
Sadly there's another blasted Dasypod that I wanted to strangle. I thought Ironside was bad, but oh no, this one had to be worse and his name is Silver Streak. Just OMG! Stick him in a closet somewhere. Ok, well Jade did try to keep him out of her hair, but sadly that didn't work so well. He definitely caused her some problems and at the absolute worse moment too.
Seriously, something needs to be done about Jade and her sexual feelings for Kiolo. She gets so easily distracted either by him or his likeness and it throws her off her stride for a few. Put them in the first space closet or something and let them have at it for a few hours.
Once again one of my favorites and friend AC Oliver is the narrator and does one hell of a job! I found it amusing listening to the different variations of
Jade, Shoggart Slayer! Umlac's Rightful Heir,Submit to me or Die!
My guess is while Jade was trying to figure out what best to say when taking over a planet, AC Oliver was trying to figure out which voice best fits?
Hmm, in my opinion the one that's just below your creepy kick ass voice fits best for that phrase and not the breathy one, smiles.
Of course that could all change with the next book because Jade could decide to add more to her take over the world phrase. For example,
Jade, Shoggart Slayer! Umlac's Rightful Heir,Submit to me or Die 1,000 Bites!
Another thing that caught my attention this book was that one of the voices for Horgrams war people sounds sooooo familiar, rangerlike that it drives me crazy every time I hear it because I can't narrow down who it reminds me of, lol.
Anyways, looking forward to book 3 where there will be another annoying dasypod so I've been told. Where's my rope!
November 7, 2020
Buckle Up
Umlac's Legacy (Book Two) by Jim Meeks-Johnson is a fast-paced sequel to the previous novel of Enemy Immortal. Although being a sequel, it is a book that can be thoroughly enjoyed without having read the previous novel.
Jade is the defender of the earth but as is such the life for many heroes, there is always a new enemy to fight. The new enemy is none other than the teacher who instructed the enemy that she has just recently defeated.
The plot revolves around a Cyborg Kingdom which is on a collision course that is leading straight into the path of Umlac. The ultimate goal of the Cyborg Kingdom is to eradicate planet Earth. And so a new mission arises to save planet Earth and to do so she must contend against the brothers of Umlac along with the master teacher of her previous enemy.
The exciting pages of the novel are filled with Herculean battles, plenty of anticipation, and a variety of twists and turns that will leave the reader breathless.
Umlac's Legacy (Book Two) by Jim Meeks-Johnson is a fascinating read that is sure to immerse the reader into the creative story and fully engage their imagination. The author has a wonderful command of vocabulary and certainly utilizes his particular imagination to convey the story excitingly and wonderfully.
There is plenty of action and the narrative moves along quite nicely. The quality writing does not allow for the reader to be distracted and provides the promise of full entertainment and engagement.
Added to the mix is a significant cast of players within the book. This certainly adds to the plot and enjoyment of the sci-fi novel as they are unique and well-developed.
Umlac's Legacy (Book Two) by Jim Meeks-Johnson is a fast-paced sequel to the previous novel of Enemy Immortal. Although being a sequel, it is a book that can be thoroughly enjoyed without having read the previous novel.
Jade is the defender of the earth but as is such the life for many heroes, there is always a new enemy to fight. The new enemy is none other than the teacher who instructed the enemy that she has just recently defeated.
The plot revolves around a Cyborg Kingdom which is on a collision course that is leading straight into the path of Umlac. The ultimate goal of the Cyborg Kingdom is to eradicate planet Earth. And so a new mission arises to save planet Earth and to do so she must contend against the brothers of Umlac along with the master teacher of her previous enemy.
The exciting pages of the novel are filled with Herculean battles, plenty of anticipation, and a variety of twists and turns that will leave the reader breathless.
Umlac's Legacy (Book Two) by Jim Meeks-Johnson is a fascinating read that is sure to immerse the reader into the creative story and fully engage their imagination. The author has a wonderful command of vocabulary and certainly utilizes his particular imagination to convey the story excitingly and wonderfully.
There is plenty of action and the narrative moves along quite nicely. The quality writing does not allow for the reader to be distracted and provides the promise of full entertainment and engagement.
Added to the mix is a significant cast of players within the book. This certainly adds to the plot and enjoyment of the sci-fi novel as they are unique and well-developed.
May 16, 2021
Science Fiction Packed Action Read!
Set in a raging world of intergalactic space and entanglements, Jim Meeks Johnson's book Umlac's Legacy: Rogues and Misfit, gave me the chronicle of a journey of an earthling, Jade Mahelona who is now a new Commander in the Solar Defense Force after she defeated the once formidable Lord Umlac. The four hundred and forty-three paged book is the second installment of this author's ongoing series- Entangled Galaxy Series. This particular science fiction edition packed with actions, thrills, and suspense made me wonder how far I may be willing to go if the lives of people in my life are threatened. Although it is a seamless follow up of the previous story, Umlac's Legacy: Rogues and Misfit is cleverly crafted into five chapters with each chapter outlining connecting twists and turns, I didn’t find it so hard jumping right from the first chapter even though I had not read the previous story. I am not a lover of science fiction so before I gave it a shot I was wondering how I would be able to follow it through to the end, glad I did because right from the start couldn’t see how I was going to let go of it the seamless flow. It’s an eye-opener I must say.
Set in a raging world of intergalactic space and entanglements, Jim Meeks Johnson's book Umlac's Legacy: Rogues and Misfit, gave me the chronicle of a journey of an earthling, Jade Mahelona who is now a new Commander in the Solar Defense Force after she defeated the once formidable Lord Umlac. The four hundred and forty-three paged book is the second installment of this author's ongoing series- Entangled Galaxy Series. This particular science fiction edition packed with actions, thrills, and suspense made me wonder how far I may be willing to go if the lives of people in my life are threatened. Although it is a seamless follow up of the previous story, Umlac's Legacy: Rogues and Misfit is cleverly crafted into five chapters with each chapter outlining connecting twists and turns, I didn’t find it so hard jumping right from the first chapter even though I had not read the previous story. I am not a lover of science fiction so before I gave it a shot I was wondering how I would be able to follow it through to the end, glad I did because right from the start couldn’t see how I was going to let go of it the seamless flow. It’s an eye-opener I must say.
November 6, 2020
While this is clearly a Sci-fi novel, it incorporates the feel of a fantasy. I think the names of the species the author uses lends to this feeling. The interactions between the species reminded me of Orcs, dwarves, elves, and humans in fantasy books. Additionally, some of the technology comes across almost as magic. Finally, the titles are reminiscent of fantasy. (Lords and Masters.)
Having said all of that, it was an exciting and compelling tale. The story is a fast paced series of nail biting cliff hangers. Things will be looking good, then disaster.
This is the second book in a series. While it was readable as a stand alone, I did feel lost for the first couple of chapters. I didn’t pickup on other aspects that might have enhanced my enjoyment until very late in the book. For example, I didn’t realize that the Immortal space ships were literally made out of rock (stone, asteroid?)
I highly recommend this book, but suggest you read “Enemy Immortal” first. I think that will make the second book even better.
Having said all of that, it was an exciting and compelling tale. The story is a fast paced series of nail biting cliff hangers. Things will be looking good, then disaster.
This is the second book in a series. While it was readable as a stand alone, I did feel lost for the first couple of chapters. I didn’t pickup on other aspects that might have enhanced my enjoyment until very late in the book. For example, I didn’t realize that the Immortal space ships were literally made out of rock (stone, asteroid?)
I highly recommend this book, but suggest you read “Enemy Immortal” first. I think that will make the second book even better.
November 21, 2020
Author Jim Meeks-Johnson takes readers on a thrilling sci-fi adventure in his book Umlac’s Legacy: A Hard Science Fiction Space Opera. In it, readers will meet Lieutenant Jade Mahelona, a fighter who protected Earth from the menacing cyborg Umlac. However, this prize comes with some problems. Mahelona learns that two blobs are determined to kill her in order to become the heads of the former kingdom. In addition to this, Mahelona is expected to serve Umlac’s former leader. Because of this, she finds herself bombarded with information and new people to sort through. Mahelona must learn what and who to trust if she is to survive.
This book is a bit long (443 pages) but the time investment is certainly worth it thanks to Meeks-Johnson’s intriguing writing style and unique characters. Besides this to help readers better understand the relationship between characters and kingdom, a helpful guide is included at the beginning.
This book is a bit long (443 pages) but the time investment is certainly worth it thanks to Meeks-Johnson’s intriguing writing style and unique characters. Besides this to help readers better understand the relationship between characters and kingdom, a helpful guide is included at the beginning.
October 11, 2022
Received free audio copy from the narrator AC Oliver to review, this is an honest review. The masterfully, beautifully visualized series continues with this second book that once again reaches new heights as AC Oliver vocal performance gives life to the unique alien species home within the star systems of the Entanglement and the Immortal Ascendancy. Lt. Jade Mahelona defeated Umlac in one heck of an epic battle and in its wake she commands Umlac's vast kingdom of planets and species; all the whole trying to not to fall prey to individuals that would relish in murdering Jade and claim that power. That battle for political supremacy isn't the only struggle in the line: the fate of Earth has never been more precarious. Umlac's brothers are storming to devastate Earth, leaving Jade and the allies she can summon to race against the clock to to protect a planet that means so much to those that call it home. A great book that keeps you glued by the heightened battles and poignant web of alliances, further made complicated as secrets tumble forward that echo like a super nova. Whether read or listened to, Umlac's Legacy lives up to being the sequel to Enemy Immortal, highly recommended.
December 4, 2020
Our heroine defeated one bad guy, but there is always a bigger problem behind them.
This is book two of the series, but it works well as a standalone. All the essential bits are covered early on.
This is a space opera story. The story is well written and easy to read, with a big universe to explore. This future setting is well detailed and we get to explore a bit more this go around, which is always fun. The characters are well done and get some more detail in this second book. The story moved at a good pace and there was plenty of action to keep it moving. Overall, this one was very enjoyable and solid step up from the previous book. I definitely look forward to more from this author.
Highly recommended
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
This is book two of the series, but it works well as a standalone. All the essential bits are covered early on.
This is a space opera story. The story is well written and easy to read, with a big universe to explore. This future setting is well detailed and we get to explore a bit more this go around, which is always fun. The characters are well done and get some more detail in this second book. The story moved at a good pace and there was plenty of action to keep it moving. Overall, this one was very enjoyable and solid step up from the previous book. I definitely look forward to more from this author.
Highly recommended
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
November 3, 2020
Sci-fi adventure and sequel to Enemy Immortal
This is a good sci-fi adventure that picks up where the first story stopped. Although this one is a second book in a series, it is also a good stand alone story. Jade is the savior of the earth and must now contend with the old master of her recently defeated enemy. The cyborg kingdom is set to continue in the path of Umlac and eliminate Earth. Jade now finds herself in a new battle to save the planet and destroy the brothers of Umlac along with the former master. A fast paced story that traverses the galaxy through uncharted territory with epic battles and plenty of suspense and twists along the way. Check this one out folks. It’s a good one.
This is a good sci-fi adventure that picks up where the first story stopped. Although this one is a second book in a series, it is also a good stand alone story. Jade is the savior of the earth and must now contend with the old master of her recently defeated enemy. The cyborg kingdom is set to continue in the path of Umlac and eliminate Earth. Jade now finds herself in a new battle to save the planet and destroy the brothers of Umlac along with the former master. A fast paced story that traverses the galaxy through uncharted territory with epic battles and plenty of suspense and twists along the way. Check this one out folks. It’s a good one.
December 11, 2020
From a life-long science fiction reader who turned into an awarded writer, you can only expect this amazing hard science fiction novel! Author Jim Meeks-Johnson really surpassed my expectations with “Umlac's Legacy”. He called it “a space opera” and it is the second book of the Entangled Galaxy series.
On this fast-paced adventure, the character of Jade Mahelona really brings out her bravery and courage. The different features of her behavior were greatly developed. But it is not only about its entertaining characters, it also has an intricate plot in an astonishing imaginary world: alien civilizations, cyborgs, fights for interstellar kingdoms, and all about a space tale that left me on the edge of my seat with every turn of the page.
On this fast-paced adventure, the character of Jade Mahelona really brings out her bravery and courage. The different features of her behavior were greatly developed. But it is not only about its entertaining characters, it also has an intricate plot in an astonishing imaginary world: alien civilizations, cyborgs, fights for interstellar kingdoms, and all about a space tale that left me on the edge of my seat with every turn of the page.
December 6, 2022
HOLY CRAP! Jim Meeks-Johnson went OFF on this sequel. It starts where enemy immortal left off. Buckle up, because it is a fun ride right out the gate. The Immortals are not at all supportive of Jade and humans as a group. We find out the immense scale of the species and a lot more about their culture. Hoargrim takes an active role, and you will like him A LOT. If Dasypods had a neck you would want to ring SilverStreaks! He is soooooo annoying. You will fall in love with the rest of the characters tho, but be careful who you trust! Zephyr and Jade are a fantastic team in this roller coaster SCIFI epic! Also listened to the audiobook which is superb! Underrated to the Max...this should have 100s of 5 star reviews on audible.
December 13, 2020
At first the pace of this book was really slow so I did not know whether to give up reading it or not. But luckily I continued it and I really liked it. “Umlac's Legacy” is an action and really satisfying action story that kept me entertained for several days.
It is a middle length novel with an unusual but captivating plot with a new world that called my attention as soon as I started reading it. It has an easy writing style and the accurate descriptions made me imagine what happens in each scene.
To conclude, I am really happy that I gave this book a chance because it was a very entertaining read, and that is why I highly recommend it!
It is a middle length novel with an unusual but captivating plot with a new world that called my attention as soon as I started reading it. It has an easy writing style and the accurate descriptions made me imagine what happens in each scene.
To conclude, I am really happy that I gave this book a chance because it was a very entertaining read, and that is why I highly recommend it!
December 19, 2020
A thrilling sci-fi story that captured me.
When I began reading this book I was captured by its main character named Jade.
She is strong, a leader and although she has lived hard situations she still manages to go above and beyond and become the hero and save the earth.
I feel this book is well written and the author Jim Meeks-Johnson did an outstanding job at describing the scenarios and settings of the book. I liked the characters and the plot. This book is the second book of this series and although I have to read the first one, I very much enjoyed the second book.
I recommend this book to sci-fi lovers who I think will enjoy this read and all its twists and turns.
When I began reading this book I was captured by its main character named Jade.
She is strong, a leader and although she has lived hard situations she still manages to go above and beyond and become the hero and save the earth.
I feel this book is well written and the author Jim Meeks-Johnson did an outstanding job at describing the scenarios and settings of the book. I liked the characters and the plot. This book is the second book of this series and although I have to read the first one, I very much enjoyed the second book.
I recommend this book to sci-fi lovers who I think will enjoy this read and all its twists and turns.
April 3, 2021
Outstanding galactic tale
I started Reading wondering where the author was taking me. It soon became plain that his skill and imagery was way beyond anything I’ve encountered recently. Now that I have finished the second book I’m hoping there’s a third. A new superb and unique galaxy spanning series! Totally recommend.
I started Reading wondering where the author was taking me. It soon became plain that his skill and imagery was way beyond anything I’ve encountered recently. Now that I have finished the second book I’m hoping there’s a third. A new superb and unique galaxy spanning series! Totally recommend.
January 9, 2023
This book continues the adventure of Lt. Jade
Mahelona. When she kills Umlac she by right now has inherits everything of Umlac's. The problem with this is now she must contend with Umlac's brothers. There is plenty of action and fighting in this Story. Narrator does a Great job with the various characters voices and the entire storyline.
Mahelona. When she kills Umlac she by right now has inherits everything of Umlac's. The problem with this is now she must contend with Umlac's brothers. There is plenty of action and fighting in this Story. Narrator does a Great job with the various characters voices and the entire storyline.
December 11, 2020
Review/Umlacs Legacy
Good action/some overly technical discourse, but overall I enjoyed the series.....could envision more stories in this Entangled Universe. Good Job
Good action/some overly technical discourse, but overall I enjoyed the series.....could envision more stories in this Entangled Universe. Good Job
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews