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Cassandra Kresnov #4
23 Years on Fire
Commander Cassandra Kresnov has her hands full. She must lead an assault against the Federation world of Pyeongwha, where a terrible sociological phenomenon has unleashed hell against the civilian population. Then she faces the threat from a portion of League space known as New Torah, in which a ruthless regime of surviving corporations are building new synthetic soldiers but taking the technology in alarming directions.
On the Torahn world of Pantala, Sandy encounters betrayal, crisis, and conspiracy on a scale previously unimaginable. Most challenging of all, she also meets three young street kids who stir emotions in her she didn't think she was capable of. Can the Federation's most lethal killer afford unexpected sentiment? What will be the cost if she is forced to choose between them and her mission, not only to her cause, but to her soul?
On the Torahn world of Pantala, Sandy encounters betrayal, crisis, and conspiracy on a scale previously unimaginable. Most challenging of all, she also meets three young street kids who stir emotions in her she didn't think she was capable of. Can the Federation's most lethal killer afford unexpected sentiment? What will be the cost if she is forced to choose between them and her mission, not only to her cause, but to her soul?
438 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
76 people are currently reading
649 people want to read
About the author
Joel Shepherd
29 books776 followersJoel Shepherd is an Australian science fiction author. He moved to Perth, Western Australia with his family when he was seven, where he later studied film and television arts at Curtin University. He now lives in Adelaide.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
September 16, 2013
3.5 stars. From the BiblioSanctum: http://bibliosanctum.blogspot.com/201...
23 Years On Fire was a bit of a pleasant surprise. Not really knowing what to expect when the book arrived from the publisher for review, I didn't exactly plan on reading this right away, seeing as it is described as the fourth Cassandra Kresnov novel and I generally prefer not to start reading in the middle of a series if I can help it.
However, my curiosity became too hard to ignore. Plus, the sleek, elegant cover image was part of the attraction, appearing to show an armored female black ops-type soldier in the midst of performing a military free fall jump. I flipped it open to read the first line, with the intention of just checking out the first few pages...only to get pulled in by the explosive opening scene of a covert assault on an enemy base. I ended up finishing the whole book in a matter of days.
As it turned out, not having read the first three books that came before did not hinder me too much, and I was able to follow this one just fine. It can definitely be read by itself, and the main character Cassandra "Sandy" Kresnov's backstory is easy enough to unravel just based on what unfolds in this book alone. An artificial person or an android called a "GI", Sandy was created by the League but defected to the Federation to join their security forces on the world of Callay.
That decision had a lot to do with the one thing Sandy would not stand for, which is the mistreatment of her fellow GIs. Just because they are synthetic doesn't mean that they do not possess humanity, and when it is brought to light that New Torah is involved in ruthless experimentation with artificial soldiers, Sandy leads a mission there to investigate. What she finds on New Torah, however, is a lot more than she bargained for.
Before this, I never would have thought military sci-fi would be my kind of thing (actually, I hadn't even read enough of it to determine whether it's my "thing" or not) but this turned out to be highly entertaining. It rather reads like a summer Hollywood sci-fi flick, and as such I thought the sex was a little overplayed and the book is heavily indulgent on the action, gun fighting and explosions, but it is a high-tech in-your-face roller coaster ride as it should be.
Sandy herself is somewhat of an enigma, even though I think she's a great character. She's certainly a different and unique kind of protagonist, being a synthetic human. Because she is a more advanced designation, this also gives her higher intellect, thus leading to her ability to have a wider range of emotions, to question her circumstances and form her own moral code.
As a result, she has a developed personality but also a childlike attitude towards certain topics, sometimes caring too much about something and at other times caring too little, and often her approach is very direct. I think Joel Shepherd did an incredible job giving Sandy an identity that stands out and at the same time making it clear that she is hardwired to be a certain way. I still don't know what to make of her yet, but then again I didn't have the benefit of getting to know her from the beginning of the series.
Ultimately, I went into this book knowing very little about it, but came out glad for the experience. Furthermore, I enjoyed this even though it has a bit of a cyberpunk feel to it, which was surprising but also a credit to the author, given how that has been a subgenre I've had little luck with in the past. A lot of the ideas I encountered were very interesting, and the book proved tough to put down.
Note: I received a review copy of this book compliments of the publisher, in exchange for my honest opinions. My thanks to Pyr Books!
23 Years On Fire was a bit of a pleasant surprise. Not really knowing what to expect when the book arrived from the publisher for review, I didn't exactly plan on reading this right away, seeing as it is described as the fourth Cassandra Kresnov novel and I generally prefer not to start reading in the middle of a series if I can help it.
However, my curiosity became too hard to ignore. Plus, the sleek, elegant cover image was part of the attraction, appearing to show an armored female black ops-type soldier in the midst of performing a military free fall jump. I flipped it open to read the first line, with the intention of just checking out the first few pages...only to get pulled in by the explosive opening scene of a covert assault on an enemy base. I ended up finishing the whole book in a matter of days.
As it turned out, not having read the first three books that came before did not hinder me too much, and I was able to follow this one just fine. It can definitely be read by itself, and the main character Cassandra "Sandy" Kresnov's backstory is easy enough to unravel just based on what unfolds in this book alone. An artificial person or an android called a "GI", Sandy was created by the League but defected to the Federation to join their security forces on the world of Callay.
That decision had a lot to do with the one thing Sandy would not stand for, which is the mistreatment of her fellow GIs. Just because they are synthetic doesn't mean that they do not possess humanity, and when it is brought to light that New Torah is involved in ruthless experimentation with artificial soldiers, Sandy leads a mission there to investigate. What she finds on New Torah, however, is a lot more than she bargained for.
Before this, I never would have thought military sci-fi would be my kind of thing (actually, I hadn't even read enough of it to determine whether it's my "thing" or not) but this turned out to be highly entertaining. It rather reads like a summer Hollywood sci-fi flick, and as such I thought the sex was a little overplayed and the book is heavily indulgent on the action, gun fighting and explosions, but it is a high-tech in-your-face roller coaster ride as it should be.
Sandy herself is somewhat of an enigma, even though I think she's a great character. She's certainly a different and unique kind of protagonist, being a synthetic human. Because she is a more advanced designation, this also gives her higher intellect, thus leading to her ability to have a wider range of emotions, to question her circumstances and form her own moral code.
As a result, she has a developed personality but also a childlike attitude towards certain topics, sometimes caring too much about something and at other times caring too little, and often her approach is very direct. I think Joel Shepherd did an incredible job giving Sandy an identity that stands out and at the same time making it clear that she is hardwired to be a certain way. I still don't know what to make of her yet, but then again I didn't have the benefit of getting to know her from the beginning of the series.
Ultimately, I went into this book knowing very little about it, but came out glad for the experience. Furthermore, I enjoyed this even though it has a bit of a cyberpunk feel to it, which was surprising but also a credit to the author, given how that has been a subgenre I've had little luck with in the past. A lot of the ideas I encountered were very interesting, and the book proved tough to put down.
Note: I received a review copy of this book compliments of the publisher, in exchange for my honest opinions. My thanks to Pyr Books!
October 31, 2013
I love this series. I enjoy the characters (even the ones Joel seems to like killing off), the technology, the world, the action, the political and philosophical debates. This really is a series in which it is necessary to start with the first in the series because Joel wastes no time explaining terms or past events.
Sandy has become well settled in her life on Callay, but this book raised the stakes when she is forced to decide if she'll continue to follow orders when it means the death of thousands. Sandy also wrestles with her fear that she is emotionally stunted due to the fact that she is artificially created. Her worries that her feelings aren't good enough are endearing and part of what makes her such a strong character.
The ending of this book (which I won't spoil) was very intense, introduced two new potential conflicts, and was a bit of a cliffhanger. I'm glad that the next book will be coming out early next year.
If you like technical based science fiction or cyberpunk, take a look at this series, but make sure to start at the beginning.
Sandy has become well settled in her life on Callay, but this book raised the stakes when she is forced to decide if she'll continue to follow orders when it means the death of thousands. Sandy also wrestles with her fear that she is emotionally stunted due to the fact that she is artificially created. Her worries that her feelings aren't good enough are endearing and part of what makes her such a strong character.
The ending of this book (which I won't spoil) was very intense, introduced two new potential conflicts, and was a bit of a cliffhanger. I'm glad that the next book will be coming out early next year.
If you like technical based science fiction or cyberpunk, take a look at this series, but make sure to start at the beginning.
September 24, 2013
Very good entry in what has become an excellent series. Tons of action, but plenty of character development and a good dose of thoughtful exploration of what a human being is. Almost took a star off because, for the first time in this series, this book is *not* completely self-contained. The ending is only barely half such and a sequel is obviously required (hopefully without too much delay).
February 21, 2020
After several years, Shepherd is back to Sandy Kresnov with another installment. This one takes place largely out of Federation space, and introduces some new characters as well. Still reminds me of Cherryh's Foreigner series regarding the politics, but lots more action. This was not quite as dynamic as the preceding three, but solid. 3.5 stars.
June 11, 2019
This is probably my favorite book in the series so far. I'm having an easier time keeping the politics straight and enjoy the action as well as the emotional development of the characters. This is more like a "part 1". I've already started on book 5 and was happy it continues where this book leaves off.
October 29, 2013
Android soldier finds her humanity a goes back to her home nation to rescue others of her kind.
I don't know what '23 Years on Fire' is supposed to mean exactly. Either a reference to her many years 'under fire' or marketing ploy to tap into 'girl on fire' popularity.
Very good book, and a good set up for another trilogy.
I don't know what '23 Years on Fire' is supposed to mean exactly. Either a reference to her many years 'under fire' or marketing ploy to tap into 'girl on fire' popularity.
Very good book, and a good set up for another trilogy.
February 8, 2020
4 stars: a little slow in places, but when it hits its pace, it rocks! Another winner. As in all good long-running series, the books benefit from adding details to the exceptionally fine world-building, revisiting familiar characters, and adding new ones. I recommend starting the series at #1, "Crossover," which I liked a lot.
July 27, 2025
At the beginning of the book, Sandy and her team clean up a mind-control site on another planet, where people are controlled for loyalty and for focus on their purpose. In this case, the focus makes them not realize that killing all the people who can't be mind controlled is not a good thing. The corporate masters have had them kill hundreds of thousands of people, and Sandy's team kills many more in the process of shutting down the mass killing site.
This is unpopular back home on semi-non-violent Callay, where the populace hasn't been given the whole story. So when a similar mind-control operation is found, which is making single-minded GIs (artificial superpeople like Sandy), Callay/the Federation won't send anyone to interfere. These GIs would be an unbeatable army if enough of them were made and deployed.
Of course, Sandy goes. And of course, her friends follow. What they find is similar to what they expect, but there are also some unexpected and paradigm-changing factors.
I have some problems with the writing and editing of this series. But it continues to be absorbing. This book may be the most thought-provoking one so far. it ends abruptly, and I will start the next book asap.
This is unpopular back home on semi-non-violent Callay, where the populace hasn't been given the whole story. So when a similar mind-control operation is found, which is making single-minded GIs (artificial superpeople like Sandy), Callay/the Federation won't send anyone to interfere. These GIs would be an unbeatable army if enough of them were made and deployed.
Of course, Sandy goes. And of course, her friends follow. What they find is similar to what they expect, but there are also some unexpected and paradigm-changing factors.
I have some problems with the writing and editing of this series. But it continues to be absorbing. This book may be the most thought-provoking one so far. it ends abruptly, and I will start the next book asap.
June 19, 2023
Keeping in with the theme of trying to finish series I started last year...
On the "this is great" side - 23 Years on Fire delivers on the military science fiction front, as one would expect from a Cassandra Kresnov novel. It also goes away with the Sandy/Ari relationship, which, let's be honest, never made any sense because those two had negative chemistry. It also greatly expands the scope of the universe, taking the action off Callay and introducing a novel, highly technologically advanced alien species.
On the "oh, piss off" side - the nagging frustrations that have been present since book one are still on display. Sandy is aggressively heterosexual. She like the penis and sleeps around, given half a chance.We get it already. Also, is there a LGBTQ equivalent of whitewashing? Straightwashing, is that a thing? Because, what the hell happened to Vanessa being in love with Sandy? Oh, it's fine - she has a husband now.
But, as a whole, 23 Years is a good military science fiction book that manages to be both entertaining in its own right and set up a compelling narrative for the sequels. I'll be continuing on with the series.
On the "this is great" side - 23 Years on Fire delivers on the military science fiction front, as one would expect from a Cassandra Kresnov novel. It also goes away with the Sandy/Ari relationship, which, let's be honest, never made any sense because those two had negative chemistry. It also greatly expands the scope of the universe, taking the action off Callay and introducing a novel, highly technologically advanced alien species.
On the "oh, piss off" side - the nagging frustrations that have been present since book one are still on display. Sandy is aggressively heterosexual. She like the penis and sleeps around, given half a chance.We get it already. Also, is there a LGBTQ equivalent of whitewashing? Straightwashing, is that a thing? Because, what the hell happened to Vanessa being in love with Sandy? Oh, it's fine - she has a husband now.
But, as a whole, 23 Years is a good military science fiction book that manages to be both entertaining in its own right and set up a compelling narrative for the sequels. I'll be continuing on with the series.
May 24, 2019
Another Great Kresnov Book
If you have read the first trilogy, pick this up. Hard to put down. I guess I will be staying up too late reading the next few.
If you have read the first trilogy, pick this up. Hard to put down. I guess I will be staying up too late reading the next few.
November 25, 2013
"23 Years on Fire" which I won from Goodreads Giveaways is a fast-paced, heart-stopping military SF thriller that begins with an assault by Commander Cassandra (Sandy) Kresnov and her team on the Federation world of Pyeongwha where medical experimentation is being done to advance human evolution. After her mission as she's dealing with the negative fallout on her home planet of Callay, Sandy discovers that an army of new synthetic soldiers is being constructed in League space known as New Torah, on the planet Pantala. When she investigates she will not only find that the horror and cruelty of the testing far exceeds what she expected, but that her maternal instincts are stirred by three tough streetkids she befriends. In this story of conspiracy, betrayal, inhumanity and tragedy are woven elements of friendship, self-sacrifice, and deliverance.
The plot is well-organized, imaginative and very realistic; the writer creating political systems in unique worlds that are as complex as they are chilling. In this story the characters are interesting and multi-dimensional like Sandy Kresnov, the smart and deadly combat-designed synthetic being whose emotions evolve as the story progresses. A straightforward, no-nonsense person she begins to emotionally connect with the three children she befriends, her inner desire to nurture and protect in conflict with her duty. Ari Reuben a systems genius who's determined, focused and shrewd,is haunted by a love he abandoned.
"23 Years on Fire" is an intriguing novel that deals with issues like prejudice, segregation and genetic manipulation and testing. The story is a bit slow at first and for those who can ignore the swearing the plot quickly catches fire. The ending provides a cliffhanger that begs for another book but in the meantime I will read previous books in the series.
The plot is well-organized, imaginative and very realistic; the writer creating political systems in unique worlds that are as complex as they are chilling. In this story the characters are interesting and multi-dimensional like Sandy Kresnov, the smart and deadly combat-designed synthetic being whose emotions evolve as the story progresses. A straightforward, no-nonsense person she begins to emotionally connect with the three children she befriends, her inner desire to nurture and protect in conflict with her duty. Ari Reuben a systems genius who's determined, focused and shrewd,is haunted by a love he abandoned.
"23 Years on Fire" is an intriguing novel that deals with issues like prejudice, segregation and genetic manipulation and testing. The story is a bit slow at first and for those who can ignore the swearing the plot quickly catches fire. The ending provides a cliffhanger that begs for another book but in the meantime I will read previous books in the series.
August 12, 2019
To be completely up front I do have some issues with Shepherd's writing and novel construction. At the same time when he concentrates of what I think are the core issue(s) of the Kresnov series he turns in excellent if not outstanding work.
That core issue I'm talking about? It is the issue of what makes someone or something human. I mean, I don't think I can state with utter certainty what defines a human being (but I can say what doesn't IMO look at the so-called president). As the final three books in the Kresnov series begins Sandy is wondering about her "humanity". Yes, scientists created her, but she does and can evolve. She wonders about what she perceives as her inability to handle emotions well, and to maintain intimate relationships (while no graphic scenes she has no issues with the physical aspect of sex, for her it is a stress reliever).
While still a member of Federation security services, Sandy is fighting to have GIs (those created in labs like her and then having physical and mental augments grafted on) be perceived not only as human, or at the worst beings with sentience and basic civil rights. This leads to her being at odds with her adoptive government because of intelligence she has obtained about possible experimentation on GIs on a League world (allegedly a world abandoned by the League).
This does get lost in what I feel are at times overly long action sequences. Shepherd arguably has put out novels that could be filmed and would be successful as action blockbusters. I could do with a little less explode and tech porn, and more about the development of GI brains and the civil rights aspects of this universe.
That core issue I'm talking about? It is the issue of what makes someone or something human. I mean, I don't think I can state with utter certainty what defines a human being (but I can say what doesn't IMO look at the so-called president). As the final three books in the Kresnov series begins Sandy is wondering about her "humanity". Yes, scientists created her, but she does and can evolve. She wonders about what she perceives as her inability to handle emotions well, and to maintain intimate relationships (while no graphic scenes she has no issues with the physical aspect of sex, for her it is a stress reliever).
While still a member of Federation security services, Sandy is fighting to have GIs (those created in labs like her and then having physical and mental augments grafted on) be perceived not only as human, or at the worst beings with sentience and basic civil rights. This leads to her being at odds with her adoptive government because of intelligence she has obtained about possible experimentation on GIs on a League world (allegedly a world abandoned by the League).
This does get lost in what I feel are at times overly long action sequences. Shepherd arguably has put out novels that could be filmed and would be successful as action blockbusters. I could do with a little less explode and tech porn, and more about the development of GI brains and the civil rights aspects of this universe.
September 9, 2013
It’s been almost a decade since the release of Killswitch, the third novel in Joel Shepherd’s excellent Cassandra Kresnov series. In that time, Shepherd wrote a series of four fantasy novels entitled A Trial of Blood and Steel (also excellent, by the way). Given the long break, I’m sure that many readers assumed that the Cassandra Kresnov series was done at three books. At least, it came as a complete surprise to this fan when an advance copy of 23 Years On Fire, a brand new novel in the Cassandra Kresnov series, landed on my doorstep.
First things first: if you’re new to Cassandra Kresnov, you probably shouldn’t start with 23 Years On Fire. Some time has passed in the internal chronology since the end of the previous novel, which makes the book feel like a series reboot of sorts, or even the start of what will possibly turn out to be a whole new trilogy. Whatever the case may be, you’ll be lost if you haven’t read the first three novels in the series: Crossover, Breakaway, and Killswitch.
Read the entire review on my site Far Beyond Reality!
First things first: if you’re new to Cassandra Kresnov, you probably shouldn’t start with 23 Years On Fire. Some time has passed in the internal chronology since the end of the previous novel, which makes the book feel like a series reboot of sorts, or even the start of what will possibly turn out to be a whole new trilogy. Whatever the case may be, you’ll be lost if you haven’t read the first three novels in the series: Crossover, Breakaway, and Killswitch.
Read the entire review on my site Far Beyond Reality!
December 11, 2016
I'm a big fan of Shepherd's first series with Cassandra "Sandy" Kresnov. Technically this is a cyberpunk series, but I still have a hard time identifying it as such. It is a bit more like "Ghost In The Shell" combined with a political/action thriller.
Sandy is a GI, an artificial human, that defected to the Federation towards the end of the Federation vs League war. The war is over now, but her choices have directly affected the Federation and set the groundwork for this new series. She and her GI followers now have to make a choice about what their future holds and how to face a new threat that is looming.
Shepherd writes great action, but more interesting is his world building. He's infused the world with a decidedly multicultural mix. I'm guessing this has a lot to do with him being an Australian writer. The main world in the story, Callay, feels very Malaysian with the cultures, religions, and political maneuverings. And Shepherd blends all of this together with action and intriguing ideas to make a story that feels pretty original.
I'm very much looking forward to books #5 and #6. And I hope he continues Sandy's story for quite a while.
Sandy is a GI, an artificial human, that defected to the Federation towards the end of the Federation vs League war. The war is over now, but her choices have directly affected the Federation and set the groundwork for this new series. She and her GI followers now have to make a choice about what their future holds and how to face a new threat that is looming.
Shepherd writes great action, but more interesting is his world building. He's infused the world with a decidedly multicultural mix. I'm guessing this has a lot to do with him being an Australian writer. The main world in the story, Callay, feels very Malaysian with the cultures, religions, and political maneuverings. And Shepherd blends all of this together with action and intriguing ideas to make a story that feels pretty original.
I'm very much looking forward to books #5 and #6. And I hope he continues Sandy's story for quite a while.
August 5, 2016
I really, really enjoyed the first three books of this series, and I was really, really excited when I found out that another book was on the way. I was not let down.
All the action, all the depth of character that Shepherd brings to the table when writing Sandy and those who orbit about her makes this series much more than your average adventure sci-fi series. I highly recommend it.
It is military sci-fi, especially this one, but that's not what it's all about. Violence, yes. Meaningless violence, no. Are the characters sometimes too quick to resort to or advocate the use of violence, yeah, probably, but not to worry: the people they kill are all really bad!
Yes, the ending was a complete setup for the next book. Normally that bugs me, but I'm letting it slide this time.
Yes, it reminds me a bit of the X-men and their struggle with predjudice and fear by "normal" humans.
Yes, I waited a long time for this book to become available, and yes, I've already got the next one preordered.
All the action, all the depth of character that Shepherd brings to the table when writing Sandy and those who orbit about her makes this series much more than your average adventure sci-fi series. I highly recommend it.
It is military sci-fi, especially this one, but that's not what it's all about. Violence, yes. Meaningless violence, no. Are the characters sometimes too quick to resort to or advocate the use of violence, yeah, probably, but not to worry: the people they kill are all really bad!
Yes, the ending was a complete setup for the next book. Normally that bugs me, but I'm letting it slide this time.
Yes, it reminds me a bit of the X-men and their struggle with predjudice and fear by "normal" humans.
Yes, I waited a long time for this book to become available, and yes, I've already got the next one preordered.
September 18, 2013
Sandy has matured in the five years since volume three of the Cassandra Kresnov chronicles. She is well-loved as well as still hated by some on Callay. Now for the first time she must venture outside what is now her home world, onto the galactic stage, with fascinating results.
With this fourth volume Sandy’s story keeps growing and maturing, along with her. Plenty of action, of course, but a blossoming understanding of Sandy and her friends as well. Some of whom are some of the more than 50 high-designation GIs who’ve realized that the Federation is a better home for them than the League.
We also get a better look at the complex milieu in which she lives. This is science fiction that I keep looking for - about a future strange and terrible and wonderful all at the same time, yet so well-thought-out and realistic that it seems as if Shepherd’s worlds really are out there.
Joel Shepherd is at the very top of the sci-fi writing world. I look forward eagerly to his every new book.
With this fourth volume Sandy’s story keeps growing and maturing, along with her. Plenty of action, of course, but a blossoming understanding of Sandy and her friends as well. Some of whom are some of the more than 50 high-designation GIs who’ve realized that the Federation is a better home for them than the League.
We also get a better look at the complex milieu in which she lives. This is science fiction that I keep looking for - about a future strange and terrible and wonderful all at the same time, yet so well-thought-out and realistic that it seems as if Shepherd’s worlds really are out there.
Joel Shepherd is at the very top of the sci-fi writing world. I look forward eagerly to his every new book.
January 31, 2014
Joel Shepherd, one of my favorite authors, returns to his superhuman female warrior princess, Cassandra Kresnov, in “23 Years on Fire” (Pyr, $16.95, 439 pages), but this one doesn’t quite have the spark of his first three books about a vat-grown, heavily augmented fighter who’s designed to blindly follow orders but develops a mind of her own.
There’s a lot going on in “23 Years on Fire,” as Shepherd never dodges difficult questions, but the writing gets a little clunky this time (especially a long explanation disguised as dialog about human beings’ insistence on creating narratives). Still, things pick up steam as the book goes along, and Shepherd’s battle scenes – with all the bells and whistles of modern combat – are well-done.
“23 Years on Fire” is also clearly book one of a series (and it would have been nice to see some indication of that), so there’s more Cassandra Kresnov where this came from. If you’re a fan of the previous books, jump on in; if you haven’t encountered Sandy before, though, I’d definitely suggest starting with “Crossover.”
There’s a lot going on in “23 Years on Fire,” as Shepherd never dodges difficult questions, but the writing gets a little clunky this time (especially a long explanation disguised as dialog about human beings’ insistence on creating narratives). Still, things pick up steam as the book goes along, and Shepherd’s battle scenes – with all the bells and whistles of modern combat – are well-done.
“23 Years on Fire” is also clearly book one of a series (and it would have been nice to see some indication of that), so there’s more Cassandra Kresnov where this came from. If you’re a fan of the previous books, jump on in; if you haven’t encountered Sandy before, though, I’d definitely suggest starting with “Crossover.”
September 10, 2013
23 Years on Fire is the fourth book in Joel Shepherd’s Cassandra Kresov series, a set of military SF books set several hundred years in future, in a distant galaxy. Cassandra Kresov, who goes by Sandy, is the commander of the galactic Federal Security Agency, or FSA’s, special operations branch. She is also a GI, a combat-designed 100% synthetic person. Sandy must deal with the prejudices of original humans and her own questions about the destiny and evolution of her “people,” the synthetic soldiers.
The book opens with a wild-ride action sequence as Sandy and a bunch of her friends invade the capital city of a planet named Pyeongwha, and uncover strange, disturbing medical experiments being done on citizens who were defined as dissidents. Back home on the planet of Callay, the galactic capital of the Federation, Sandy and her human friends struggle with negative public ... Read More:
http://www.fantasyliterature.com/revi...
The book opens with a wild-ride action sequence as Sandy and a bunch of her friends invade the capital city of a planet named Pyeongwha, and uncover strange, disturbing medical experiments being done on citizens who were defined as dissidents. Back home on the planet of Callay, the galactic capital of the Federation, Sandy and her human friends struggle with negative public ... Read More:
http://www.fantasyliterature.com/revi...
September 26, 2013
An excellent addition to Cassandra Kresnov's story, 23 Years on Fire exposes mostly familiar characters to new threats and takes the action beyond the world of Callay. As in the whole series, almost every main character has depth, is strong and upbeat which makes for really fun reading. I especially like the portrayal of the "normal life" in the refreshingly positive Federation future, mixing neatly with action sequences and politicking. The only minor blemish is that Shepherd's language could use some tightening, while easy to read it doesn't flow as well as it could.
February 2, 2014
Military thriller set in space, in the aftermath of a war between the "League" and the "Federation". The League had created a new race of synthetic androids, of increasingly powerful intelligence and capabilities; many of the most capable ended up defecting to the Federation, unhappy with how League society treated them. (This was apparently handled in earlier books in the series; I read this without having read the previous books, but this was a good entry point. It was several years into the post-war peace so there was probably a natural stopping point).
Parts of this were standard military SF, but with a better appreciation for internal politics than many, and some really thought provoking contemplation of social dynamics.
Parts of this were standard military SF, but with a better appreciation for internal politics than many, and some really thought provoking contemplation of social dynamics.
March 19, 2014
Only noticed fairly late that Joel Shepherd had finished writing sequels to the previous Cassandra Kresnov trilogy (which I thoroughly enjoyed in the past).
This book carries on from the last several years down the line from Killswitch further exploring the concepts raised before with the rights of GI's as well as further blurring the line between GI's and highly augmented "straights". It ends somewhat explosively and left me itching for book 5.
This book carries on from the last several years down the line from Killswitch further exploring the concepts raised before with the rights of GI's as well as further blurring the line between GI's and highly augmented "straights". It ends somewhat explosively and left me itching for book 5.
September 23, 2013
This book is a great extension to the first 3 Kresnov books and Sandy has matured a lot in the 5 years since book 3. Not only is this a good story about the integration of human and biotech cultures, the author opens up quite a few alternate evolutionary avenues for future books. I'm hoping Hollywood is paying attention.
October 13, 2013
This is a change-up for Sandy Kresnov. She's made her place in her adopted world (see the previous trilogy.) The technology that made it possible for her to exist, though, has implications beyond a mere supersoldier. Some of those are disturbing, even for an android. This appears to be the start of a new series. May it be as good as Shepherd's previous one.
October 16, 2013
Outstanding as always! I am happy that the next in the series in the pipline and we have not long to wait! YAH!
January 21, 2014
This series has everything I love. And I think I am in love with Sandy. No one kicks butt like she does.
October 26, 2013
If you are going to read one military science fiction book this year it should be 23 Years on Fire. This is just the kind of book I love to read.
February 1, 2014
Superb Series and Book
May 3, 2017
Love the non-US centric view of the future detailed by Aussie author Shepherd in his Sci-Fi series; and Cassandra Kresnov makes for an excellent, kick-arse character!
January 17, 2019
Solid SF story with some nice twists and turns in the overall plot.
As usual, the fight scenes are very well written. Shepherd always does a good job of this.
As usual, the fight scenes are very well written. Shepherd always does a good job of this.
March 1, 2019
I enjoyed this more than the previous one with a lot more action happening and quite and expansion on the previous story. Very good read, great characters.
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