Customer Reviews

Fusion Fire (Firebird Trilogy)

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I must say I was very excited to read Fusion Fire after having read the 1988 version of Firebird. I was aware that Firebird was redone and that its sequals were writen to follow the new format aswell, but I was unprepared for the differences in the book. I had been warned that Tyres preaches, and that this book is better left to those who wish to read such, but as one who respects but does not choose to folow that doctrine, I found that at times I felt alienated or better yet, uncomfortable. Getting past that, the book is a good science fiction read that presents moral dilemas and philosophical problems that can, if you don't technically follow the christian doctrine, make one ponder human nature and cultural formation. The reason I say this book should be taken in parts is that the characters are placed in terrible emotional situations that either don't end till a disappointing few pages before the end, or do end only to begin another, even worse dilema, ten pages away.

I read the orignal Firebird, a nice space opera-ish romantic tale with detailed and fulfilling characters and a well constituted plot. I read the "new" version, and while I didn't like it as much as the original, I found enough of the familiar elements that endeared me to the original book to be reasonably satisfied. This sequel tho - wow. Its a different story with different motivations behind it. I kept looking at the cover to make sure I was reading the right book. All of a sudden the continuity that had made the original so wonderful had been ripped apart by a series of improbable plot twists and characters that acted, well, out of character. Read the original. Read the new one if you are looking for psedo christian literature, but the new one, whew.... don't recommend it.

UPDATE: I finally found the original Firebird at the used book store a couple months ago -- wow. Every bit as good as I remembered. This is one that's worth hunting down. Just make sure it's the "normal" sized paper back you're picking up, not the slightly larger, although thinner, "updated" version!

Rejected by her home world of Netaia, Lady Firebird now lives in the Federacy, with pair bond (husband), Master Sentinel Brennan Caldwell. Back on Netaia, her sister Princess Phoena, plots Firebird's murder and the restoration of Netaian aristocratic rule. Seeking to exploit the current tense situation are the Shuhr, enemies of the Caldwell family and their faith.

All three books in this series have been criticized for their Christian content because the first book was originally written as a secular novel. I find it hard to understand why someone would criticize Kathy Tyers for writing about her faith. Christian art, in all forms, is meant to either to glorify God or present ideas about the faith. In all three books of this series, this is done rather subtly. You could remove every mention of faith and religion and the story would still work.

Firebird, Fusion Fire and the third in the trilogy, Crown of Fire are not hard science fiction. These are stories of war, romance and yes, faith in a science fiction setting. The spiritual elements are merely a plus for believers. I recommend Fusion Fire.

Kyle Pratt

Firebird, Brennen, et al, are like old friends and I always enjoy spending time with them. Thyrica, Hesed House and Three Zed are so wonderfully rendered they seem like real places. I'd love to visit the first two! The action scenes - especially the air/space battles are loads of fun, and I also enjoyed the spiritual developments that have emerged in this version. The prophecies for Brennen's family add a lot to the story's tension and depth, and Firebird's ongoing attempts to find answers to the question of why God allows evil were thought provoking without being preachy. I recommend this book and its predecessor Firebird, as some of the best Christian fiction I have read. I can't wait for the next one.

Typically I find sequels not nearly as good as the original, however, that assumption proved to be false in this case. This sequel to Firebird was well-written, exciting and moving. The characters are life-life and the story is sound. I recommend it highly!

Kathy Tyers is a terrific storyteller, and Fusion Fire is a gripping story. She's created two powerful characters, put 'em in excruciating danger, and let the story rip. This is a book that will appeal to both men and women. When I bought this book, my wife (who NEVER reads sci-fi) immediately hijacked it and wouldn't let me have it back till she finished. Fortunately, I didn't have to wait long.

I'm really looking forward to reading this third book in the Firebird trilogy. The other 2 books were well written and a good read.

I loved reading Fusion Fire. I'm giving this book five stars, because from the moment I started reading it, I was kept on the edge of my seat. New York Times bestselling author Kathy Tyers (Star Wars: The Truce at Bakura) has written another masterpiece. I was spellbound by Firebird's adventures and I want to read another sequel.

Fusion Fire is an excellent novel in a relatively new genre: Christian science fiction. Actually, Kathy Tyers has written a book that is excellent science fiction written within a Judeo-Christian, messianic worldview. From the very first page, you are gripped by the exciting events that effect the lives of Firebird and Brennen Caldwell, the main characters of the book. There were times when I finished a particularly exciting section and felt breathless as if I had been holding my breath for a long time! Fusion Fire is a wonderful sequel to Firebird. I highly recommend this book to all lovers of science fiction and to Christians who are willing to check out this new genre of Christian fiction. You won't be disappointed.

Firebird and Fusion Fire are very well-written. They appealed deeply to me as a woman, and that's something you don't often get in sci-fi. It was fast-paced, exotic, and chilling. Written with a strong evangelistic sense, but not in a preachy manner, it is entertaining, but thought-provoking as well. I highly recommend it.