Of Fire and Night

The Saga of Seven Suns #5

by Kevin J. Anderson

The Barnes & Noble Review
Kevin J. Anderson's super-sized space opera, the Saga of Seven Suns, continues in Of Fire and Night, the fifth installment of the shelf-bending science fiction series that has been compared to Frank Herbert's Dune chronicles and Isaac Asimov's Foundation trilogy.



Of Fire and Night begins with the all-out extermination of humankind looming. The Terran Hanseatic League's war with the hydrogues (aliens that live at the core of gas-giant planets) is going badly -- and, with a tyrannical leader like Basil Wenceslas, the situation is only getting worse, especially after he alienates all of the powerful aliens who might have helped the League. As these once-reliable allies secretly plot humankind's eradication with the hydrogues, entire factions of humanity are making plans for individual survival. At the same time, Soldier compies (competent computerized companions) have rebelled and taken most of Earth's military. With Armageddon imminent, does humankind have any chance of survival?



When Anderson's Saga of Seven Suns (Scattered Suns, Horizon Storms, et al.) is eventually concluded -- a projected seven-volume story arc, according to the author's web site -- it will be remembered as one of the most ambitious science fiction narratives ever undertaken. Featuring numerous sentient alien races, complex political machinations, mind-blowing technological advances, and literally hundreds of integral characters, this apocalyptic series can be described properly in only word -- epic! (A word of advice to Seven Suns neophytes: This is definitely not a series where readers can just pick up any volume and dive in. Beginning with Book One, Hidden Empire, is highly recommended.) Paul Goat Allen

Genres: Science Fiction, Fiction, Space Opera, Fantasy, Audiobook, Space, Science Fiction Fantasy

526 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Yes, I have a lot of books, and if this is your first visit to my amazon author page, it can be a little overwhelming. If you are new to my work, let me recommend a few titles as good places to start. I love my Dan Shamble, Zombie P.I. series, humorous horror/mysteries, which begin with DEATH WARMED OVER. My steampunk fantasy adventures, CLOCKWORK ANGELS and CLOCKWORK LIVES, written with Neil Peart, legendary drummer from Rush, are two of my very favorite novels ever. And my magnum opus, the science fiction epic The Saga of Seven Suns, begins with HIDDEN EMPIRE. After you've tried those, I hope you'll check out some of my other series.

I have written spin-off novels for Star Wars, StarCraft, Titan A.E., and The X-Files, and I'm the co-author of the Dune prequels. My original works include the Saga of Seven Suns series and the Nebula Award-nominated Assemblers of Infinity. I have also written several comic books including the Dark Horse Star Wars collection Tales of the Jedi written in collaboration with Tom Veitch, Predator titles (also for Dark Horse), and X-Files titles for Topps.

I serve as a judge in the Writers of the Future contest.

My wife is author Rebecca Moesta. We currently reside near Monument, Colorado.

Reviews

[Aqiul · Rating 4 out of 5]

After being bummed by book 3 and 4 which were very slow, book 5 is surprisingly good! Shorter than the earlier book and paced much faster, the action has finally unfolded across the spiral arm. A great showdown between all the races is in the works and humanity is clinging on just barely! All the major races have their forces pitted for a fierce battle. I love the Wentals, they are extremely powerful yet really dumb at the same time.

I wish some of the battle scenes had been explained in more detail. One of the key things missing in this series has been detailed space battles. A major battle is usually resolved in a few pages where it could have been explained in detail and had a more profound effect on the reader. Previously annoying characters have become even more oblivious and annoying and some lesser explored characters have shown great promise. They might finally become interesting in the remaining two books.

At the end of book 4 I had decided that if book 5 was going to be slow as well, I'd give up on the series. Now though I feel I can definitely read this series to its conclusion!

[Rachel (TheShadesofOrange) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars
These are not the strongest books in terms of characters or prose. Yet I keep reading because they are so easy to binge.

[Jonathan Koan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took five books, but Kevin J. Andrson's Science-Fiction "Epic" has finally lived up to the name. This is by far the best book in the series, and has made the series quite enjoyable for me.

What really works for this book is that several plotlines are cut down to the bare minimum, leaving much more time for the important ones. Characters like Tasia Tamblyn, Rlinda Kett, Orli Covitz, DD, and other plotlines are dramatically reduced. These had interesting points in previous books, but they were never the most interesting.

Instead, King Peter, Queen Estarra, and their plotline really shine in this book. I believe that they might have more pagetime here than in all the other books combined. It was really fun to read. I was on the edg of my seat to find out what would happen to them. Oddly, because of this, Chairman Winceslas doesn't have a viewpoint chapter for the first half of the book, but comes roaring back in the second half. I'm telling you, that is and has always been my favorite plotline in this series.

I also was really pleased with the Nira/Osirah/Jorah stuff that happened in the Ildiran empire! All of them were interesting and well written. There were major developments in the character development and plotlines for all of them that I really liked.

But the real deal of this book is the climax. We finally get the epic Hydrogue conflict that we've been waiting on for five books. Kevin J. Anderson finally makes good on his promises and the action is incredible. I really was hooked to find out who would win, and the developments in the story kept getting better and better. Truly "Avengers: Endgame" like in quality of epic climaxes. In fact, I will say that this was a lot like a climax of a Brandon Sanderson epic book! Really well done.

Possibly the biggest surprise of this book was the character of Patrick Fitzpatrick. I thought that he had the most distinct voice and had an amazing amount of character growth in this book. He annoyed the heck out of me in the last few books, but he was fantastic here!

Anderson does an excellent job of balancing serious topics, as well as telling funny, humorous ones. This book really has it all.

My only knock on this book is dialogue. Anderson's characters can seem all cookie cutter and 1 dimensional. I think he does a better job with character voice in his book series "Wake of the Dragon", but it is still something he needs to work on to become a top tier author.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I am so glad that it finally started paying off plotlines and promises from Book 1. I actually wrote Season 1 initially, because this series feels like an epic drama series ala Game of Thrones. It would be a massive pain to produce, but it would be entertaining. Maybe animated? Anyway, I give this book a 9.0 out of 10! Well done Anderson.

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is great science fiction - excellent character development, complex story arcs and just pure excitement to read. I'm glad I got into the Saga of Seven Suns series after 5 of them had been published as it would have killed me to have to wait long periods in between publishing each book.

[Arnis · Rating 3 out of 5]

https://poseidons99.wordpress.com/202...

[Vicky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Coming into a series near the end is never a good thing, but it does give one a unique perspective. When I first starting reading this book, I was completely confused. Even the author’s “The Story So Far” prologue did not help.

But my initial confusion soon gave way to enlightenment. Anderson’s character development and world creation are so good that you lose yourself in the story without really knowing – or even really caring – what has happened so far.

With each chapter devoted to a different set of characters – and there are a lot of them – you would think you’d forget what was going on by the time you cycle back around, but within a sentence or two, you know exactly where you are and what is going on.

If I were to map out the plot and subplots with colored pens, there would be a myriad of colors all intertwining. To give specific character information in this review would be too involved for this short space. Essentially, the story is about many worlds and as many sentient beings uniting to fight a common enemy – the hydrogues. But within the alliances lie deceit and betrayal as different factions attempt to further their own interests. Case in point, you have the Ildirans, led by Jora’h, supposedly aligning with the hydrogues. Jora’h must agree to help destroy humans or risk being destroyed. He has nothing against humans, but the ultimatum has been issued. But then there are the Theroc’s with their world trees, the water entity wentals, the Roamers, and several other factions who are aligning against the hydrogues. They don’t necessarily like the humans, but we’re better than the hydrogues. Oh, and don’t forget the rampaging compies – computerized robot armies in revolt. There is a lot going on in this book.

If you enjoy lengthy space sagas, this would be a good book to pick up, but I strongly urge you to read the previous four first. It’s not absolutely necessary, but would probably be helpful.

[Clay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is where the stuff hits the fans right from the get-go. The Klikiss robot's plot to sabotage and convert the Soldier Compys of the Earth Defense Force has been triggered and the first half of the book follows those battle fronts. At the same time, the Mage-Imperator has made contact with the Hydrogues who give him an impossible choice. The King and Hansa Chairman reach a critical point in their relationship as the Roamers start trade relations with abandoned Hansa colony planets. Plus, the Roamers, wentals and worldforest are all trying to pull together a definitive attack plan.

While one major plotline of the series seems to come to a close, another obvious one is introduced that will redefine the shape of the political map within the Spiral Arm. However, that's not enough to fill out the remaining two books in the series. The seed for a new enemy to the galaxy's inhabitants was planted in the previous volume by Anderson. Though I had some suspicion that this force might become a problem, the instigator of the coming conflict was not anyone I expected. And, just to make things interesting, Anderson also springs a completely different threat that will want to reclaim what has been lost.

I found this book to be a real-page turner as the battles with the turned Soldier Compys on several different fronts unfolded. The other major and minor plot threads and characters that are featured held my interest through to the end. One event that I had been hoping to see happen, since the first volume, comes so close to being carried out and then is frustratingly foiled. However, the aftermath of that promises to set up a more interesting and satisfying confrontation.

[Chris Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

I already knew Kevin had a hand in creating the Star Wars Killik's, so their similarities to the Klikiss is understandable, but I had to check to see if Kevin Anderson had a hand in writing Mass Effect 3 after this (he didn't).


Sooo, didn't expect the primary plot to come to a conclusion this soon, especially knowing there are more books. While the climax was satisfying, the war it's self came across a little anti-climactic. It felt like they'd just finished setting up the conflicts in the last book and this book they not only start fighting back, but win immediately. :/ I had been expecting an actual war, not just one climactic fight. oh well.


Over all a solid story. Kevin Anderson is a good writer, and can do some great things with the worlds he's given, but his own world building skills aren't that good. He's exactly the kind of author you'd want to work on a pre-existing property like Star Wars, but also why he struggles on his own original IP. This is exactly the opposite problem Anne McCaffrey had. Wish authors like this could team up. A Kevin Anderson Pern book would be awesome.

[Dave Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was one of the best books in this series. i thought the plot twists and new characters and threads were very entertaining. i think that you need to read KJA's books with the intention of being entertained and not necessarily impressed with his writing (although i think he's a very good writer). i thought the ending was fantastic. HUGE cliffhanger. it really made me long for the next book.

[Chris Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the greatest sci-fi novels I have ever read. I would recommend to anyone, let alone readers of science fiction novels.

The conclusion is possible the greatest sci-fi "war sequence" I have ever read, bringing together every single plot thread of the book.

[Gene Parish · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently listened to Of Fire and Night written by Kevin J. Anderson and narrated by David Colacci.

Before I begin this review I need to mention that this book is part of the Saga of Seven Suns series. As it's almost impossible to review a book in a series without a few spoilers as to what came before. This is the obligatory warning. If you are averse to any spoilers, stop reading.

Earth stands at the brink in this latest book. Due to a lack of manpower earth has now staffed its fleet heavily with soldier compies. Unbeknownst to the humans, the Klikiss robots have long since subverted their programming and they wait only on a signal to rise up against the Hansa. Only King Peter has warned of this disaster, but still none listen.

The Ildirans have, thanks to their breeding program, renewed talks with the deadly Hydrogues. If the talks should fail all Ildirans may perish.

Forgotten by most, a new alliance builds on Theron betwixt the world forest, the roamers, and the Wentils, beings of elemental water. They are planning to wipe out the Hydrogues before the gaseous species can strike again.

David Colacci is faced with the task of narrating a huge cast amid a wide variety of galaxy shaping events. He generally pulls this off, despite the complexity of the task. While dry in certain parts, he generally captures the emotions of the tale.

Conclusion: This is the fifth book in the Seven Suns Saga. The previous two books were a bit slow and plodding, however, this one really takes off. If you can make it this far in the Saga, I think you will find this book satisfying.

[Bill · Rating 2 out of 5]

(2.5 Stars)

The climax of the 7 book series occurs here, in book 5.

I can see a possibility for an epic come-together moment, with [SPOILERS FOLLOW, using the wrong names for things because I really don't like the author's names for them] the water people attacking at home while the gas people's fleet is at Earth, Earth's military and the Ildirans fighting a losing last stand (maybe winning against the robots until the gas people show up), then the Roamers and tree people coming in to save the day. And all this happens while telepathy-girl prevents the gas people from killing the Ildiran hostages.

But that's only kind of what we got, and lacked a lot. For starters, there were essentially no stories of heroism in the big battle - the general just yells to shoot at stuff, the Ildiran general does his thing and then just watches, the water people don't have individuals, and the tree people came and smooshed stuff. There were no daring escapes, moments of sacrifice, hope in the face of disaster, etc. Things just happened without emotional impact. I guess that criticism extends beyond this single battle.

Anyway, this book was tolerable, but not great.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mixed feelings about this book.

I really like how individual each of the empires / factions are, as are the titans. I think it's probably quite unrealistic for a tree ship to be able to flex its branches and 'pop' spaceships by bear-hugging them, but it's a pretty cool image. And it really focuses on what the Verdani are, rather than just competing with who has the best laser beam.

Saying that, the whole Karla arc annoyed me. It just seemed a very strange priority for someone with virtually unlimited power in the middle of a war, to take the time to try to bury his mother who'd been dead for twenty years. Perhaps it was intended to explain why Jess couldn't simply wental-ify all the Roamers, but zombie-Karla just didn't seem to serve much of a purpose.

Definitely interested to see how the return of the Kliss affects things, that was something I didn't see happening

[Linda (The Arizona Bookstagrammer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Across multiple light years and empires, humans and several other species negotiate, argue, and fight to hold onto their little pieces of the universe. Read this series from the beginning because it is so full of characters and locations that it will be difficult to understand backstories otherwise. This is the 5th book in this far-flung space opera series. First, it’s better than book 4 so if you are bogged down in the series, take heart. Second, a lot happens in this book, and a lot of loose ends are tied up. Third, remember there is a glossary at the end of the book. In fact, read the glossary before starting the book to refresh your memory of Tasia, King Peter, Queen Esterra, Jess and Cesca, Robb Brindle, and the always wonderful Rlinda and BeBob.

[Tyler Hall · Rating 2 out of 5]

Man these books are turning into a struggle. They jump around so much and there are no main characters. Half of every chapter is a recap of the last time we were with that character (which is necessary because there are so many characters). The one good thing I can say is that I am genuinely interested in how this all ends. It's just that I don't have the time to dedicate to reading this story. Luckily, it's possible to pick up any book in this series and start reading because everything is recapped each chapter. Someday I will finish but it is not this day.

[Kevin Pimbblet · Rating 3 out of 5]

By this stage in the Space Opera, some of the plot lines involved are coming to a climax, and other new ones that have been long hinted at start to take their place and come to the fore. Some of the early issues with the series are still present: the repetitive recaps are ever present coupled with the sprawling cast of characters that may often times be hard to keep track of, and even care about in some cases. There's certainly enough plot lines to keep things entertaining though and these are executed well. The acceleration present in this book is good!

[Philip Chaston]

There are space operas and there is pulp. Doesn't make the book less readable, but elementals, psychic powers, a landscape of monolithic empires, monarchies, aliens with weird foreheads and plucky traders does remind of stories and tv shows from the 50s and 60s.

Given the level of incompetence shown by the human authorities, it is remarkable that they did survive. Sci fi as conservative comfort blanket

[Marcin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The BEST book so far in the series. It has epic second half, with lots of existing plots coming to the and, new ones starting for the rest of the series. Can't wait to read the remaining two books!

The only issue is one side plot in the book (on ice planet), which is totally pointless and takes you away from all the interesting staff. Seriously, if you just quickly skim through all those chapters, you will not loose anything.

[Garrett Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 5th book in the Saga of Seven Suns series. I believe I have already stated it in the other book reviews for this series but I am really enjoying it. the world building is not bad at all and the characters are very unique and have so much development as the series continues to progress. I will continue with this series and would recommend anyone that loves the sci-fi/fantasy genre to give this old forgotten series a try.

[Marc Diepstraten · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this serie. But there are lots of characters to keep track of, allthough to be honest not all make it to the end of the book. Many storylines which all run over all book. The introduction into what happened previously is mandatory for me, just to catch up. Non-stop action throughout. Recommended if big space opera is your thing.

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

A real page-turner! Anderson advances and ties up several storylines very nicely, while setting up new conflicts to carry through top the last 2 books. I did not see the last few pages coming, though I probably should have. Very enjoyable. 4 stars.

[Michael Jarrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

KJA hit yet another one out of the park with this one! Each novel in the series outdoes the ones before and "Of Fire And Night" is no exception. If you like wide ranging space opera with and engaging, and expanding story then this is the series for you! I can't wait to read the next one!

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 rounded up. These just seem to get more mediocre as they go. The chairman character in particular is just laughably bad at this point. There is just enough interest to keep going in audio, but I sure wouldn't be reading these on paper.

[Stephen Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kevin Anderson is such a vivid writer. It doesn't matter which of his books you read, he is entertaining. The Saga of the Seven Suns is a massive investment, but well worth it if you like science fiction. I am looking forward to the n st few books.

[Randall Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Kevin j. Anderson weaves an amazing story through many eyes in the expanding tale. I'm sure when I finish the saga I will start the new saga of Shadows

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the strongest book so far in the series.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of Fire and Night

Well I finished this book in 2 days. I am absolutely loving this saga by Kevin J Anderson. Highly recommend this saga.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

really a 3.5 really liked alot of it, so had to give it higher than just a 3- maybe getting to know the world better, so many players in this world!!

[Paul Hancock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book so far, and easily the most fast paced.

[Yun Ting · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when you thought that the conflict have been resolved, they throw a massive cliffhanger at you. Moving on to the next book, no time for reviews!