Customer Reviews

Firebird

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I picked up a copy of the origional 1988 version when it first came out, before it became a "Christian" book. (I don't think it was origionally intended as "Christian" Sci-Fi, but was re-edited to become one after the "conversion" of the author)

This book (first edition) really caught my attention, besides being good sci-fi, it is well written and has excellent characterization. It also includes telepathy and a wonderful romance. The villains, however, are rather two dimensional and stereotypically overly sensual, self-important and greedy.

While in many ways is is rather typical of the Sci-Fi Romance genre, it is one of the better examples. I don't think I'd recommend it to anyone who prefers "hard" sci-fi.

If you are looking for "Christian" fiction, buy a second edition copy of this book, but if you just want good sci-fi romance, look for a first edition copy.

I love this book!When I read it for the first time I couldn't put it down until I had finished it. All three of the Firebird Trilogy books were really great although the first one has been my favorite.

I have never read a better book in my life! From the first page to the ending paragraph,I was totaly thrilled. The action starts building right from the begining, and DOESN'T STOP untill Firebird and Brennon's final fight for freedom. And the whole time everthing seemed bielevible.After I finished reading it the first time I felt like I had just completed their mission with them.I like it because (1)It's loaded with action,(2)It is realistic and (3)Gives a great exsample of a young woman in search of God. I totaly recommend this to anyone who is looking for a great science fiction.

The original Firebird was a good plot and interesting characters somewhat marred by a beginners writing style. The rewrite comes back and cleans up a lot of those faults. Unfortunately it adds several new ones, leaving us with a book essentially about the same quality as the old one.

Ms. Tyers gives us more depth on Netaian culture and religion, which was welcome. She cleans up Phoena's character a bit, which is the original wavered between spoiled brat and true evil plotter. She moves the start of the romance between Firebird and Brennan closer to the end of the book, which is more feasible. She removes several improbably trusting moments from the book - I mean really, the Federates allowing the slaughter of most of their negotiating team? All of these are good things.

On the down side, without the attraction to Brennan so visible, Firebird becomes rather insipid in the middle section of the book, the religious questing might have taken the place of the romance in providing drive, but somehow doesn't. Instead she's barely gotten started questioning when she has a huge epiphanal moment, and now she believes, even if she doesn't quite know what. Ummm - if God had given me a great epiphanal moment right at the start, I wouldn't have had any problem believing either. Things are usually more subtle than that. The Ehretan religion is a bit of a problem too. For a pre-Messianic religion they seem to know an awful lot about what this Messiah is going to be like, and it bears a suspicious resemblance to our Christ. After all, Jesus wasn't at all what the Jews of the day had in mind.

There are some other minor quibbles. Ellet Kinsman is more ethical in her behavior in this version, but somehow less likeable. The old Ellet would do the virtually unforgiveable, but she was doing it out of great emotions and desires which we understood, and could understand even if we disagreed. The new Ellet does less horrible things, but we're given less reason for why she does them, so she seems very dry and remote.

All in all, I call it a wash, it was a pretty good book before, it's a pretty good book now, just different in emphasis.

I was blown away by Firebird!! It is absolutely the perfect blend of science-fiction, soul-searching, mystery and romance. I was swept into the story of Firebird and Brennen Caldwell from the very first. I highly recommend this book, and its sequels - Fusion Fire and Crown of Fire - to anyone!!

I think the intellectual premises for this novel are fascinating. The civilizations evident in this book are well thought out and engaging, as are the characters and plotline.

Kathy has our attention. My family (wife, sons [ages 12, 14, 30], daughter-in-law and I are waiting for more. Move over Asimov, Clarke, Perettie, Ringermanson and the man from Narnia, Kathy is here. Keep them coming, Kathy, we need this kind of great stuff for ourselves as well as our children. I've been a sci-fi buff ever since, in the first grade [1952] I read "Mrs. Piggly Wiggly goes to Mars". I've read them all. Let us know when you are coming out with more about Ellen and Netria. God bless you.

I have to say that Firebird by Kathy Tyers is the best book that I have read in a long time! I am science fiction fan, but also a Christian, and there just doesn't seem to be many sci-fi books that embrace the Christian perspective. This is one! I could not put this book down! The adventure kept me on the edge of my seat, the love story moved me, and the love of God that shines through this book humbled me! I am now currently in the middle of Fusion Fire, and like its prequel, I can not put it down!

This book was one of the BEST I have read in a long time. It takes a fantasy sci-fi book to a new level. It was supenseful, intriguing, and a renewal of faith. A great way to say "what if God had made a place other than Earth..." Overall: This deserves six stars.

Firebird is a wonderfully unique science fiction novel in a new genre: Christian science fiction. Firebird is such excellent science fiction, it can be enjoyed even by those who are not religious, however. Firebird draws us into the lives and trials of Firebird and Brennen Caldwell, the main characters in Kathy Tyers' fictitious universe. Built around a wonderful "what if," the conclusion leaves you anxiously wanting to read the next volume in the series. You are in luck -- Firebird's sequel, Fusion Fire, was recently published! I highly recommend both books to those who love good science fiction and to Christians who would like to read excellent books in this new genre. Enjoy!