The Heritage Factor — C.J. Roscoe

The curious and riveting adventure continues! In this second book, Tekaijus sets out to save his close comrade, Azio, from the control of Ahvari. Tekaijus tails the Protégés and ultimately joins forces with a ship of Bounty Hunters looking to collect the price on their heads. Not everything is as it seems when the healer finds himself captured and detained along with two other reluctant prisoners. After escaping imprisonment from the Abba, a merchant ship owned by bandits, Tekaijus finds himself on a new adventure across the inhabited worlds with the bewildered Princess Esmeralda and the wanted fugitive Gideon. Together, the three must escape the clutches of not only the Protégés, but also the inmates on the Prison Planet Haz, and the Sermian Star Fleet. Things gets awry when the trio cross paths with Erika Parker, an alleged leader of the Terrorist Factions on Quoltar. With an unknown enemy around every corner to capture her, she professes her innocence and asks for their help in clearing her name. Before they can debate on whether or not to trust her, they find themselves submerged in the chaos of a terrorist attack; having to save as many endangered innocents as possible. Elsewhere, greater histories and hints to the future are unveiled as the immortal Sage Lejian has set out on his own journey to rekindle alliances with his fellow Ancients; ascended Columnians from the distant past who have secluded themselves from their people. Joining forces, they must prepare for the War of Creation that is to come. Making his alliances, Lejian must set forth to gain an audience with the mysterious Dr. Donavon Shaw, whose presence is as captivating as it is ominous. In doing so, the Sage must avoid the Phyquez; a Columnian-influenced secret society that is a potential threat to both him and Tekaijus. While self-proclaimed as peacekeepers and servants to the Armonian Father, their place is left questionable... even to the reluctant Saint Gabriel, who works for them. Throughout his conversation with the Phyquez and his mentors, it becomes clear that the Saint will have to decide between his instinct and ancient prophesy. Choosing his instinct will make him into an enemy of everything and everyone he had ever known, while choosing Ancient Prophecy could turn him against the one person who could bring him peace. This book further ventures through the Modern Worlds of the Ahlyan Star System. It delves more into the technological, socioeconomic, and historical relations that exist within Tenalpis, Sermia, and Quoltar. More importantly, it highlights the interactions and effects the worlds have on one another; both large and small. Roscoe continues to incorporate the messiness of human living into the lives and personas of his characters; erecting trials and internal conflicts that even the most practical of people experience and can understand. While some deep connections between characters are made obvious, others are extremely subtle. Much is left up to the reader to conclude before all is revealed in the next book. With the lines between enemy and ally constantly blurring, the adventure never stops in this ambitious sequel!