What would you sacrifice to save your family and your home world?
Lady Firebird Caldwell returns to the world of her birth, Netaia, intending to introduce her young sons to the noble Electors while her husband, Brennen, conducts a military inspection. When mysterious ships in distress suddenly approach the planet, the Electorate sends her to initiate first contact. Forced to work alongside a vengeful childhood enemy, Firebird uses everything within her power—even her passion for music—to negotiate, only to discover their alien technology threatens all the worlds she holds dear.
Facing ruthless betrayal, Firebird undertakes a deadly journey to salvage the mission. Brennen must make daring use of his telepathic powers to save human life in the galactic Whorl, including that of their young sons. But saving the worlds might force Brennen to give the order that would mean Firebird's death. In a galaxy poised on the edge of ruin, survival may demand the ultimate sacrifice—from them both.
She is the first child of Dr. H.C. Moore, an accomplished dentist and jazz musician who had served during WWII as a test pilot, and Barbara Putnam Moore, flutist with several California orchestras.
Kathy attended Montana State University in Bozeman, where she received a degree in microbiology, married, performed widely on her flute, and then became certified as a K-12 classroom teacher. After teaching primary grades for three years, she retired to start a family. Her only son took long naps and enjoyed playing alone, so in 1983 she set her electric typewriter on her kitchen table and started writing a book. Shortly after finishing the first draft, she joined a writers group, where she learned to critique and self-edit. First novel FIREBIRD was published by Bantam Spectra books in 1987, followed by FUSION FIRE, CRYSTAL WITNESS, and SHIVERING WORLD.
After one more novel for Bantam Spectra (ONE MIND’S EYE), Kathy took a sabbatical to deal with family issues. Targeting the Christian Booksellers Association market, she attended several writers conferences before concluding that no CBA publisher was interested in science fiction. She made three attempts to write a contemporary women’s novel, then turned back to her secret passion, which was to revive the unfinished FIREBIRD series. A year later, she connected with Steve Laube of Bethany House Publishers. Laube, a science fiction fan, was willing to take a risk on the project. Rewritten to enhance their underlying spiritual themes, FIREBIRD and FUSION FIRE reappeared in 1999 and 2000, followed in 2000 by a third Firebird novel, CROWN OF FIRE. Meanwhile, the call to write Star Wars came again, this time from Del Rey Books. NEW JEDI ORDER: BALANCE POINT was also a 2000 release.
In 2001, Kathy received the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference’s Pacesetter award for her efforts in the growing Christian science fiction genre. However, during the years that followed, worsening family troubles forced another sabbatical. Another SF novel was started but shelved. Bethany House asked for a new edition of SHIVERING WORLD, which Kathy completed while working at a retail greenhouse.
Kathy was widowed in 2004 and returned to school in 2006. Also in 2006, she completed working with classical guitarist Christopher Parkening on his autobiography, GRACE LIKE A RIVER. She has received a Diploma of Christian Studies from Regent College in Vancouver, BC, and she is working on toward a Master’s degree, mentoring several apprentice writers through the Christian Writers Guild, and drafting a new science fiction novel. Her Canadian experience includes worshipping at a marvelous Anglican church with stained-glass windows, kneeling rails, and challenging Scriptural preaching.
In October 2014 Kathy married William Thomas Gillin.
I like science fiction and this series is entertaining. There is the mysterious and well shielded being advancing. Is it friend or foe? Does one approach to have communication or protect one's self from attack? The approaching being seems more advanced than Lady Firebird and her team. Firebird may be in a hopeless situation when she is all that stands between the advancing being and the survival of her people. And the love of her life is not with her for support.
This book has all the great aspects of science fiction I like. There is much advanced technology and many necessary daring actions. There is a relentless heroine in Lady Firebird. There are some who oppose her work, even as she attempts to make first contact. Back on her planet evil beings have again appeared so there is even more danger her people must face.
This novel is part of an extensive series and I did not feel it read entirely well on its own. The characters involved have much history found in previous books. Nonetheless, it is an exciting and adventure filled novel I enjoyed. There are allusions to spirituality and the opportunity for characters to turn from evil. Definitely an entertaining read.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.
Full disclosure: I received an ARC copy of this book from the publisher. No review was required. The following review is my honest opinion.
In 2024, I read all the way through the original Firebird Saga, and I really, really, really loved it. (My full reviews, complete with content advisories are all here on Goodreads, if anyone wants to read them.) Imagine my delight when I got a chance to get an ARC copy of the first book in the new interlude trilogy!
For those who don’t know, the original Saga was made up of five books. The first three books were the original trilogy, and those three stories happen back-to-back. Then there is a 20-year gap before the beginning of the fourth book. This new trilogy tells us what Firebird and Brennan were doing during that 20-year gap of time.
I fully enjoyed Firebreak. It was good to revisit Firebird and Brenan in their younger years. I didn’t realize how much I already missed them until I started reading and felt like I was visiting old friends. I was also nice that I wasn’t able to guess what might happen in this story, despite having read the entire original series. I knew certain characters would survive, but Tyers still managed to make me wonder exactly how they were going to survive what was happening. XD It got intense for a minute there!
I’ll try not to spoil the plot any more than the synopsis does, but I really liked the things that were being investigated in this book. The truth behind the mysterious ships approaching Netaia kept me surprised and engaged as I wondered how things would work out and if Firebird was right about the strangers. Like I said, I was genuinely unsure how Firebird and Brenan would survive at various points. I loved how things worked out, though, and the truths that got revealed.
I highly recommend this book to all scifi lovers! I don’t know where books two and three will go given that this one wrapped up pretty nicely, but I’m looking forward to finding out!
Content Advisory:
This is adult scifi. From a content perspective, it’s safe for teens as well, (The entire Firebird series is safe.) so long as the teens in question can deal with some moderate violence and the science talk.
Language:
Nothing but the occasional made up exclamations.
Violence/Scariness:
I’m going to dance around spoilers as much as I can here…
There are references to some violent incidents from the original trilogy. Most of these are not described in detail again, but they acknowledge the fact that Firebird and Brenan were both forced to kill at times in defense of themselves and others. Mention of bloody clothes when Firebird remembers a past assassination attempt against her.
One of the antagonists of this story is aggressive, power hungry, and slowly becomes more insane as the story goes on. A few scenes from his perspective reveal that he longs to hurt people, and likes the sight of blood. He plans to slit someone’s throat, but is thwarted and only cuts their upper arm. There are descriptions of the bloody mess this causes, and some descriptions of pain, but the person survives. There are continued descriptions of pain and sometimes small amounts of blood as the person still has to function in a tough situation with this wound.
Firebird remembers this antagonist assaulting her friend with a knife when they were young. (Barely described, brief mentions of blood.)
Someone gets killed by accident when a kind of technology malfunctions. Barely described. Mention of a barely-described wound on his scalp when his compatriots retrieve the body. Later, the entity controlling the technology intentionally kills someone else. This is not described, but other people hear screams from another room.
There are several characters who must grapple with, and come to terms with, possibly dying in order to protect others. There are also implied deaths, such as when someone sees the bodies of her guards laying on the floor (barely described) or when an entire space ship is destroyed in an explosion. (Description of the explosion, but not the deaths of the people on board.)
Two evil people use kinetic powers to mentally and physically control one person (making her feel emotions that aren’t hers and making her walk around with them) and to torment another (throwing the person around a room without touching him.) Some pain is described in the latter instance as the person gets bruised up. There are some described fight scenes as the intended victims of these people fight back. Nothing bloody happens. One assassin gets knocked unconscious, and the other is strangled to death. (Breifly described, but not graphic.)
Sexual/Romance:
Firebird and Brennan are a married couple and are, naturally, affectionate with each other. Their physical affection is never described to any extreme, though. The occasional kiss is only a little described, and it’s very vaguely implied that they spent special alone time together before Firebird has to go on a trip that will separate them for a while.
Tel is attracted to a woman (he thinks of her beauty, and later, risks his life for her) and kisses her hand once.
Spiritual:
This book is by a Christian author and publisher and there are Christian spiritual references throughout.
Like in the original Firebird series, the race of “Sentinels” basically have Jedi-like kinetic powers, except that theirs are caused by genetic alterations in their people’s past, not “the Force.” There is no “Force” in this book universe. The Sentinel code dictates that they only use their mental powers in service of others, and we do read of them being used in this book. There are also references to, and appearances by members of the “Shur,” which are the opposites of the Sentinels in that they too have these genetically altered mental powers, but they, as a people group, have no rules or limitations around the use of them, so they use them to attack and control others. We read of this happening as well.
God (who the Sentinel’s worship) is referenced many times and prayed to. Two people decide to follow the Sentinel’s God instead of the false gods they were following before. There are references to the Messianic prophecy.
The planet where Firebird grew up is called Netaia, and there are references to that planet’s belief in false gods called “The Powers.” Firebird, upon meeting her future husband in the original book trilogy, learned that the Powers don’t exist and came to believe in the One True God, but we encounter some Netaian characters in this book who still believe in the Powers.
Due to some futuristic technology that allowed a certain individual to Firebird begins to question if this individual is still a living being, or even still has a soul. It is concluded in the end that, despite this person giving up her humanity so long ago, she does still have a soul and must, therefore, be offered mercy, whether she choses to take it or not.
Firebreak, by Kathy Tyers, was an excellent read. Kathy Tyers is known for writing Star Wars books and the five book Firebird series which goes along with the series. On the timeline of the original series this book and the next two take place right after the third book. This series lets the reader see what happened in the years between those books. It is nice that there is enough of a gap that three books can be written to have a new series, yet not new. This book has a lot of reference to God, but calls Him something different, but if you are Christian, you will be able to pick up on it. There is also mention of other religions in contrast to the One true God as we would expect. This book is classified as a space opera, but in my opinion, it really just seems more like regular science fiction, but not as heavy on science as many traditional science fiction books can be. I think the author combined the right amount of science and regular fiction to suit this series. As with the Firebird series Brennan and Fire bird (Lady Firebird) are the main characters. In this first book they have moved to another planet and have been meaning to take a trip back to Firebird’s home planet but have been putting it off for some time. They decide that it is time to take that trip. The days they spend traveling to Firebird’s home planet are relatively quiet, but the way the author writes that time is not boring or seems to drag out. It seems to be the right amount of buildup and not a lot of fluff just to fill up pages. Upon entering the airspace of Firebird’s home planet, they notice there is a mysterious ship. They are briefed about it and then proceed to dock on the home planet. They must decide what to do with the ship because up to this point there is not much known about it, except that it has sent out a call for help and then no other communication, even when being hailed. This is where the fun really begins for Brennan and Firebird, but of course not really, things take a twist and it is not what is expected. Brennan and Firebird along with supporting cast must navigate through this unexpected situation and hope to come out without tragic consequences. I recommend this book and I am excited to read the rest of the trilogy. In truth I have seen the original series, but I have not yet had the opportunity to read those books. I think I will have to make them more of a priority before the second book comes out for this trilogy. If you are a science fiction fan, you will probably absolutely love this book. If you have read the original series, I am sure you will love this book. If you are not a fan of traditional science fiction, I think you will find this book very enjoyable. If you have not already guessed I think everyone can enjoy this book. Go and grab a copy as soon as it is released, you will be glad you did. I received a complimentary copy from the author through Celebrate Lit, for my honest opinion.
"Courage didn't mean there was no fear. Often, it meant acting in spite of fear."
I am embarrassed to admit that this is my first Kathy Tyers book. I should have read her original Firebird series a long time ago. Even without having read them, it was easy to become absorbed into the world of Netaia since the author interspersed synopsis of the important events from books 1-3 throughout this book. I loved Netaia with its cool technology, desire to reverse injustice, and willingness to work with former enemies for the greater good, though the world did have its share of evil and greed. I really enjoyed getting to know Firebird and Brennen. Their deep connection and love for each other formed a solid foundation for their missions. There were a lot of third person narrators carrying the story. It took me a little while to separate out the voices and learn each one by name. This book had two subplots - one with Brennen on the ground defending Netaia against a known foe and preparing for offensive attack against an unknown and one with Firebird in space dealing with an unknown entity. These two subplots necessitated the many voices to tie in the story well. Shel and Uri were impressive Sentinels and Esme and Prince Tel were worthy secondary characters. Brennen's mother Dara and former queen Carradee both exuded maternal love, warmth, and protection. The second half of the story moved quickly with lots of action and plot twists. The unshakable faith of the Sentinels and Firebird was inspiring.
I can't wait for the next book to see what intergalactic threat Brennen and Firebird will neutralize. As a side note, this trilogy comes between books 3 and 4 of the original series (for those who have not read them yet). I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Enclave Publishing via Celebrate Lit Tours. I was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinion are my own.
This book was SO good!! It was wonderful to have another Firebird adventure. It felt just like, and maybe even better than, the original trilogy. I highly recommend this and I think someone who’s never read Firebird before might be able to pick this up and understand what is going on. Will definitely have this as a reread in the future. I loved that the whole cast came back and the character growth shown.