The Legacy of Heorot

by Larry Niven
The Legacy of Heorot cover
Good Books rating 2.8
Science Fiction (Sci-Fi)
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  • ID: 9739
  • Added: 2026-01-02
  • Updated: 2026-01-02
  • ISBN: 9781625797551
  • Publisher: Baen Books
  • Published: 2020-02-04
  • Reviews: 3

The Legacy of Heorot follows the journey of two hundred colonists who have traveled lightyears from Earth to establish a permanent colony on the verdant planet Avalon. Upon arrival, they begin planting and building, hoping to create a new life. However, their presence disrupts the delicate ecology of Avalon, awakening an implacable predator that begins to hunt them down one by one. /n/n As the colonists struggle to survive, they realize that their understanding of Avalon is incomplete. They must delve into the planet's dark secrets and reevaluate everything they thought they knew to defeat this alien enemy. The novel is the first in the classic Heorot series, written by genre legends Larry Niven, Jerry Pournelle, and Steven Barnes, and has been praised for its page-turning action, suspense, and convincing setting.

Reviews
Goodreads · 2023-01-01
good 3.90

The story is praised for its well-crafted plot, fast pace, and excellent character development. The setting is described as fascinating and engaging.

This novel stands out for its tight plot and quick pacing, which keeps readers hooked from start to finish. The characters are well-developed, making them relatable and compelling. The setting is a major highlight, offering a rich and immersive world that enhances the overall reading experience. The blend of science fiction and survival elements makes it a unique and captivating read.

Quick quotes

    It's a well-plotted and fast-paced story with excellent characterization and a fascinating setting.

The StoryGraph · 2023-01-01
middling 2.50

The novel is seen as a middling survival story with an interesting creature as the main antagonist. The reviewer notes it's not particularly memorable.

This review positions the novel as a typical survival story, with a creature serving as the primary antagonist. While the creature is intriguing, the overall story is seen as average and not particularly memorable. The reviewer acknowledges that it has its moments but doesn't stand out in the genre. It's a decent read but doesn't leave a lasting impression.

Quick quotes

    The first time I read this, years ago, I thought it was a middling colonist-survival novel with a fairly interesting beastie tearing them up.

Marzaat · 2017-09-12
disappointing 2.00

The novel is criticized for feeling rushed and poorly plotted, with the writing attributed to Barnes. The overall experience is described as disappointing.

This review highlights the novel's rushed feel, suggesting it was plotted by all three authors but primarily written by Barnes. The plot is considered weak, and the overall reading experience is described as disappointing. The reviewer feels that the novel falls short of its potential, with a lack of depth and coherence in the storytelling.

Quick quotes

    A disappointing novel that reads like a rush job plotted by all three and mainly written by Barnes.

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