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Firebird #Omnibus, 1-3
Firebird Trilogy
These critically acclaimed novels deftly chronicle one courageous woman’s spiritual and physical battles and the eternal consequences of her struggle--not only for herself and Brennan Caldwell, the man she loves, but also for the worlds she seeks to save. With her own people seeking her sacrifice, Lady Firebird finds herself swept toward an exciting but perilous destiny. Capturing the imaginations of readers of all genres, the complete story is now offered in this 3-in-1 volume. Fans of science fiction and fantasy from a Christian worldview and readers who simply love great storytelling will be thrilled by the thoughtful themes and intriguing.
800 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1987
10 people are currently reading
292 people want to read
About the author
Kathy Tyers
33 books236 followersShe 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.
In 1993, her Bantam Spectra editor asked if she’d like to be a Star Wars © writer. THE TRUCE AT BAKURA hit the bestseller list, and life got hectic, exciting, and generally crazy for a while.
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.
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.
In 1993, her Bantam Spectra editor asked if she’d like to be a Star Wars © writer. THE TRUCE AT BAKURA hit the bestseller list, and life got hectic, exciting, and generally crazy for a while.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
February 21, 2011
During Thanksgiving, my sister found an old copy of Kathy Tyers's Firebird trilogy, and skimmed through it. Being the good sister that I am, every time she put it down, I'd pick it up just to annoy her. In the process, I re-skimmed the books myself.
Some context: In middle school, I LOVED this trilogy. I read the general market version of the first one many many times, then the Christian market version of the second one a few times (which was very confusing--not only have names been changed and altered, but entire plot points as well). In seventh grade, I bought the third one the week it came out, because I really wanted to know how it would all end.
Back in 1999 and 2000, I lived and breathed these books. So how do they hold up?
Meh.
Here's the plot in a nutshell:
FIREBIRD: enemies turned lovers! (I can't believe this relationship is allowed, wouldn't Brennen have gotten court-martialed for this?)
FUSION FIRE: dump those babies at the first sign of trouble; also, don't use amnesia blocks, they'll eff you up!
CROWN OF FIRE: congrats, you're being confirmed as an heir, but don't get too uppity or you'll get almost blown up and your husband might die!
(jk guys, he doesn't die, you just think he did for about 50 pages!)
VILLAINS
As villains, the treatment of the Shuhr disturbs me a bit. The only examples of non-eugenics practicing, non-child-killing, non-psychotic Shuhr are Terza and some unnamed people from the settlements, who don't pop up until book three. There are more good Calormen in the Narnia series than good Shuhr in this trilogy. I'm not sure what to think about that.
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT
Firebird changes immensely during the the trilogy. In the first book, her entire culture and religion is wrong; in the second book, she's placed on avoid status and her newborn babies are taken away from her; in the third book, someone shoots a bomb into her chest and it's pretty much passed off as "you were acting super prideful, you deserved it." Massive, huge character development going on there. Brennen....not so much. Sure, he gets weird phobias from his amnesia blocks in the second book, but that's mostly because he's acting like a know-it-all dumbass. (Not an oxymoron, I swear!) It's rather unbalanced. While I appreciate seeing a strong female character that actually develops throughout a series, it's worrying that she's the only one that has to change, while her male love interest remains static.
ROMANCE
At 12, I remember thinking that the whole connaturality thing was sooooo romantic. Now, it's slightly creepy, especially when viewed from Firebird's POV. I think that pair bonding could be interesting, but in my opinion, it still has great potential for misuse and some residual creepiness attached to it.
And just the word "connatural" makes me want to smack someone. When discussing this with my sister, I started yelling "SHUT UP" every time she used it. (Her rational response, of course, was "it has no synonyms, what else am I supposed to say?" Dang logic.)
BRENNEN WAS, IN FACT, KICKED OUT OF SPECIAL OPS
While I'm glad to see that there were some repercussions for Brennen stealing borrowing a ship & running off with someone who used to be in his custody (!!!), he still seems to be rather well off when book two opens. How????
STRONG WOMAN FAIL
Also, while Tyers obviously was trying to make Firebird achieve Thrawn-trilogy-Leia levels of awesome in the later books (she's in a committed relationship, with children, and still kicking butt and taking names), it doesn't really work since Firebird only attains strong-ish womanhood once she has dumped her children off with her sister and basically forgotten about them. FAIL.
NAMES
In the first book, Firebird's full name is given as Firebird Elsbeth Angelo. She gets married before the second book and takes her husband's name & switches to a new middle name (it was a nickname), so that her legal name is now Firebird Mari Caldwell. BUT, it gets really complicated in the third book: she gets confirmed as an heir with the name Firebird Elsbeth Domita Angelo; some people call her Firebird Angelo; some call her Firebird Caldwell; and the news broadcasts refer to her as Firebird Angelo-Caldwell.
So basically, she has one first name, anywhere between one and three middle names, and anywhere between one and three variations on her surname. Ms. Firebird Elsbeth Domita Mari Angelo Caldwell Angelo-Caldwell, I know you're royalty, but that's too many names.
IN SHORT: this trilogy is best experienced when you are an impressionable youngster, not a cynical old fart.
Some context: In middle school, I LOVED this trilogy. I read the general market version of the first one many many times, then the Christian market version of the second one a few times (which was very confusing--not only have names been changed and altered, but entire plot points as well). In seventh grade, I bought the third one the week it came out, because I really wanted to know how it would all end.
Back in 1999 and 2000, I lived and breathed these books. So how do they hold up?
Meh.
Here's the plot in a nutshell:
FIREBIRD: enemies turned lovers! (I can't believe this relationship is allowed, wouldn't Brennen have gotten court-martialed for this?)
FUSION FIRE: dump those babies at the first sign of trouble; also, don't use amnesia blocks, they'll eff you up!
CROWN OF FIRE: congrats, you're being confirmed as an heir, but don't get too uppity or you'll get almost blown up and your husband might die!
(jk guys, he doesn't die, you just think he did for about 50 pages!)
VILLAINS
As villains, the treatment of the Shuhr disturbs me a bit. The only examples of non-eugenics practicing, non-child-killing, non-psychotic Shuhr are Terza and some unnamed people from the settlements, who don't pop up until book three. There are more good Calormen in the Narnia series than good Shuhr in this trilogy. I'm not sure what to think about that.
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT
Firebird changes immensely during the the trilogy. In the first book, her entire culture and religion is wrong; in the second book, she's placed on avoid status and her newborn babies are taken away from her; in the third book, someone shoots a bomb into her chest and it's pretty much passed off as "you were acting super prideful, you deserved it." Massive, huge character development going on there. Brennen....not so much. Sure, he gets weird phobias from his amnesia blocks in the second book, but that's mostly because he's acting like a know-it-all dumbass. (Not an oxymoron, I swear!) It's rather unbalanced. While I appreciate seeing a strong female character that actually develops throughout a series, it's worrying that she's the only one that has to change, while her male love interest remains static.
ROMANCE
At 12, I remember thinking that the whole connaturality thing was sooooo romantic. Now, it's slightly creepy, especially when viewed from Firebird's POV. I think that pair bonding could be interesting, but in my opinion, it still has great potential for misuse and some residual creepiness attached to it.
And just the word "connatural" makes me want to smack someone. When discussing this with my sister, I started yelling "SHUT UP" every time she used it. (Her rational response, of course, was "it has no synonyms, what else am I supposed to say?" Dang logic.)
BRENNEN WAS, IN FACT, KICKED OUT OF SPECIAL OPS
While I'm glad to see that there were some repercussions for Brennen stealing borrowing a ship & running off with someone who used to be in his custody (!!!), he still seems to be rather well off when book two opens. How????
STRONG WOMAN FAIL
Also, while Tyers obviously was trying to make Firebird achieve Thrawn-trilogy-Leia levels of awesome in the later books (she's in a committed relationship, with children, and still kicking butt and taking names), it doesn't really work since Firebird only attains strong-ish womanhood once she has dumped her children off with her sister and basically forgotten about them. FAIL.
NAMES
In the first book, Firebird's full name is given as Firebird Elsbeth Angelo. She gets married before the second book and takes her husband's name & switches to a new middle name (it was a nickname), so that her legal name is now Firebird Mari Caldwell. BUT, it gets really complicated in the third book: she gets confirmed as an heir with the name Firebird Elsbeth Domita Angelo; some people call her Firebird Angelo; some call her Firebird Caldwell; and the news broadcasts refer to her as Firebird Angelo-Caldwell.
So basically, she has one first name, anywhere between one and three middle names, and anywhere between one and three variations on her surname. Ms. Firebird Elsbeth Domita Mari Angelo Caldwell Angelo-Caldwell, I know you're royalty, but that's too many names.
IN SHORT: this trilogy is best experienced when you are an impressionable youngster, not a cynical old fart.
October 1, 2020
This is one of my all time favorites!!
Exciting adventure, character change, imagery and, for me at least, an encounter with the Lord.
I highly recommend this book.
Exciting adventure, character change, imagery and, for me at least, an encounter with the Lord.
I highly recommend this book.
April 11, 2024
Great Christian sci-fi series (5 stars)
This omnibus was published in 2004, and includes three books in the one volume: #1 Firebird (first published in 1986), #2 Fusion Fire (first published in 1987), and #3 Crown of Fire (first published in 2000). Both Firebird and Fusion Fire were republished with more spiritual content in 1999 and 2000 respectively, when Tyers moved to the Christian publishing house Bethany House Publishers, and these reworked versions are the ones that are included in the one volume trilogy. Kathy Tyers did go on to publish two more concluding books in the series, #4 "Wind and Shadow" (2011) and #5 "Daystar" (2012), but "Crown of Fire" does round off the stories nicely, and you don't have a sense that you're left hanging.
STORY LINE
Book 1: Firebird - In the first book, Firebird is a young heroine who is a member of the royal family in Naetai, but is distant heir to the throne and thus as a "wastling" is expected to follow Naetai's custom of committing suicide, ideally in a final honorable act of war. Naetai is part of the wider system of planets governed by the "Federate", but follows its own laws, and as part of that they launch an attack on another planet, Veroh, with Firebird leading the suicide attack. But instead of dying as expected, she survives, and gets involved with Federate soldier Brennan Caldwall, who has telepathic abilities, and introduces her to their religion, and challenges Firebird's entire view of reality. Her growing relationship with Caldwall, and the possibility of romance, also becomes a major plot point.
Book 2: Fusion Fire - In the second book, Firebird is now married to Master Sentinel Brennen Caldwell, and is expecting twins. Originally from Naetai, from where she was exiled by her family, she is more and more finding her place Thyrica and accepting its faith. But now Shuhr agents are attempting to wipe out her royal family, including Brennen and Firebird. What can Brennen and Firebird do when her traitorous sister Phoena heads to the Shuhr home world of Three Zed?
Book 3: Crown of Fire - In the third book, Firebird heads back to her home world of Netaia, where she is again welcomed as a royal heir. But as the threat of the Shuhr and their home world Three Zed continues, Firebird and her husband Brennan plan to trap a Shuhr agent, in order to gain the information they need to make a devastating strike on the Shuhr planet. But while trying to save her people, Firebird faces a new enemy: pride.
All three stories are well written and engaging, and for the most part there's a lot of exciting action. At times things slow down, and there are slightly boring forays into the politics of the universe that Tyers has created, but overall the storyline is keeps the reader interested, with only a few points left wanting. The final two books that were published later deal with Firebird's twin boys (Book 4), and the arrival of the Messiah (Book 5); but the trilogy doesn't feel incomplete without these later additions.
SCIENCE FICTION ASPECTS
Kathy Tyers seems to enjoy creating her own sci-fi concepts. You'll come across restraining fields, energy shields, atmospheric interceptors, fusion fire, BV boards, ventral screens, field projectors, catchfields, slip-states, cups of kass, and much more. I'm still not sure what most of these things are, and the author evidently relishes inventing new words and ideas, which give the sense of a high tech sci-fi world, largely because it's unfamiliar and sounds very techy, but without readers actually knowing what everything is.
Many readers will of course enjoy this kind of world of imagination, while others may find it somewhat frustrating. But it is a creative and a good example of space opera, a subgenre of science fiction sometimes described as emphasizing "space warfare, melodramatic adventure, interplanetary battles, as well as chivalric romance, and often risk-taking. Set mainly or entirely in outer space, this genre usually involves conflict between opponents possessing advanced abilities, futuristic weapons, and other sophisticated technology." The Firebird trilogy certainly has the feel of an epic story which meets these criteria well.
CHRISTIAN ASPECTS
These books also have many positive Christian elements without being preachy. In a one page author's note at the end of each story, Kathy Tyers explains some of the spiritual ideas she was trying to convey in these three novels. Her basic premise has to do with an imagined world where God has created an Earthless universe and a chosen people with a vastly different history, and where space travel has been invented before the Messiah's coming. She uses this fictional landscape to portray Biblical truth, e.g. about the atoning work of Jesus, as symbolized through sacrifices.
Firebird is deliberately portrayed to mirror pagans like Ruth who formed part of Christ’s family tree, as she discovers and embraces the truth. In Tyers' own words: "In `Firebird' I touched on God's existence and His mercy. In `Fusion Fire' I tried to deal with the existence of evil and our separation from God." Meanwhile `Crown of Fire' has a dual theme of pride and atonement.
Tyers states that her intention is not to be allegorical, but rather that her speculative fiction is designed to function more like a parable, which she uses to explore and convey Biblical truth, and for the most part she does a very good job of this. Her theology is Scripturally sound (she is currently a member of the Presbyterian Church of America - PCA), and I appreciated how this trilolgy clearly conveys the need for a Saviour as a result of "the intimate evil that results from our fallen nature".
FINAL THOUGHTS
This is a great series of books that can be read and enjoyed without ever reading the fourth and fifth books that were eventually published a decade later. Not only is there a strong and interesting plot that shows all the hallmarks of the space opera genre, but in addition there is a deeper spiritual message that does a good job of combining science fiction and faith, and Christians will appreciate its strong spiritual themes.
With this trilogy, Kathy Tyers offers an exciting read, and a thoughtful spiritual story that is both engaging and upbuilding. While at times it can be a little weighed down by sci-fi mumbo jumbo, with references to technological jargon and concepts that we are meant to imagine without having much of an idea how they function, overall it is a well-imagined and convincing universe. This trilogy is thoughtful entry into the Christian science fiction genre, and one that I'm happy to recommend.
This omnibus was published in 2004, and includes three books in the one volume: #1 Firebird (first published in 1986), #2 Fusion Fire (first published in 1987), and #3 Crown of Fire (first published in 2000). Both Firebird and Fusion Fire were republished with more spiritual content in 1999 and 2000 respectively, when Tyers moved to the Christian publishing house Bethany House Publishers, and these reworked versions are the ones that are included in the one volume trilogy. Kathy Tyers did go on to publish two more concluding books in the series, #4 "Wind and Shadow" (2011) and #5 "Daystar" (2012), but "Crown of Fire" does round off the stories nicely, and you don't have a sense that you're left hanging.
STORY LINE
Book 1: Firebird - In the first book, Firebird is a young heroine who is a member of the royal family in Naetai, but is distant heir to the throne and thus as a "wastling" is expected to follow Naetai's custom of committing suicide, ideally in a final honorable act of war. Naetai is part of the wider system of planets governed by the "Federate", but follows its own laws, and as part of that they launch an attack on another planet, Veroh, with Firebird leading the suicide attack. But instead of dying as expected, she survives, and gets involved with Federate soldier Brennan Caldwall, who has telepathic abilities, and introduces her to their religion, and challenges Firebird's entire view of reality. Her growing relationship with Caldwall, and the possibility of romance, also becomes a major plot point.
Book 2: Fusion Fire - In the second book, Firebird is now married to Master Sentinel Brennen Caldwell, and is expecting twins. Originally from Naetai, from where she was exiled by her family, she is more and more finding her place Thyrica and accepting its faith. But now Shuhr agents are attempting to wipe out her royal family, including Brennen and Firebird. What can Brennen and Firebird do when her traitorous sister Phoena heads to the Shuhr home world of Three Zed?
Book 3: Crown of Fire - In the third book, Firebird heads back to her home world of Netaia, where she is again welcomed as a royal heir. But as the threat of the Shuhr and their home world Three Zed continues, Firebird and her husband Brennan plan to trap a Shuhr agent, in order to gain the information they need to make a devastating strike on the Shuhr planet. But while trying to save her people, Firebird faces a new enemy: pride.
All three stories are well written and engaging, and for the most part there's a lot of exciting action. At times things slow down, and there are slightly boring forays into the politics of the universe that Tyers has created, but overall the storyline is keeps the reader interested, with only a few points left wanting. The final two books that were published later deal with Firebird's twin boys (Book 4), and the arrival of the Messiah (Book 5); but the trilogy doesn't feel incomplete without these later additions.
SCIENCE FICTION ASPECTS
Kathy Tyers seems to enjoy creating her own sci-fi concepts. You'll come across restraining fields, energy shields, atmospheric interceptors, fusion fire, BV boards, ventral screens, field projectors, catchfields, slip-states, cups of kass, and much more. I'm still not sure what most of these things are, and the author evidently relishes inventing new words and ideas, which give the sense of a high tech sci-fi world, largely because it's unfamiliar and sounds very techy, but without readers actually knowing what everything is.
Many readers will of course enjoy this kind of world of imagination, while others may find it somewhat frustrating. But it is a creative and a good example of space opera, a subgenre of science fiction sometimes described as emphasizing "space warfare, melodramatic adventure, interplanetary battles, as well as chivalric romance, and often risk-taking. Set mainly or entirely in outer space, this genre usually involves conflict between opponents possessing advanced abilities, futuristic weapons, and other sophisticated technology." The Firebird trilogy certainly has the feel of an epic story which meets these criteria well.
CHRISTIAN ASPECTS
These books also have many positive Christian elements without being preachy. In a one page author's note at the end of each story, Kathy Tyers explains some of the spiritual ideas she was trying to convey in these three novels. Her basic premise has to do with an imagined world where God has created an Earthless universe and a chosen people with a vastly different history, and where space travel has been invented before the Messiah's coming. She uses this fictional landscape to portray Biblical truth, e.g. about the atoning work of Jesus, as symbolized through sacrifices.
Firebird is deliberately portrayed to mirror pagans like Ruth who formed part of Christ’s family tree, as she discovers and embraces the truth. In Tyers' own words: "In `Firebird' I touched on God's existence and His mercy. In `Fusion Fire' I tried to deal with the existence of evil and our separation from God." Meanwhile `Crown of Fire' has a dual theme of pride and atonement.
Tyers states that her intention is not to be allegorical, but rather that her speculative fiction is designed to function more like a parable, which she uses to explore and convey Biblical truth, and for the most part she does a very good job of this. Her theology is Scripturally sound (she is currently a member of the Presbyterian Church of America - PCA), and I appreciated how this trilolgy clearly conveys the need for a Saviour as a result of "the intimate evil that results from our fallen nature".
FINAL THOUGHTS
This is a great series of books that can be read and enjoyed without ever reading the fourth and fifth books that were eventually published a decade later. Not only is there a strong and interesting plot that shows all the hallmarks of the space opera genre, but in addition there is a deeper spiritual message that does a good job of combining science fiction and faith, and Christians will appreciate its strong spiritual themes.
With this trilogy, Kathy Tyers offers an exciting read, and a thoughtful spiritual story that is both engaging and upbuilding. While at times it can be a little weighed down by sci-fi mumbo jumbo, with references to technological jargon and concepts that we are meant to imagine without having much of an idea how they function, overall it is a well-imagined and convincing universe. This trilogy is thoughtful entry into the Christian science fiction genre, and one that I'm happy to recommend.
August 12, 2017
I really loved the first book in the series (5 stars). I liked the character development, the plot, the setting. I'm not a SciFi person, so saying that I loved this is really something. The second book really did not live up to my expectations...there were some weird ideas (3 stars). The third one was good (4stars), but my favorite was still the first one. Overall, the trilogy gets 5stars. 👍
June 2, 2008
This is one of my all time favorite trilogies. It's got action, romance and sci-fi. How can you go wrong?
November 13, 2025
The first time I picked up the Firebird Trilogy, I didn’t expect the ways that it would impact me. I was in my friend’s bedroom, studying her collection of books when the word Firebird in gold lettering caught my eye—I remembered hearing my uncle talk about it. I started reading, and I couldn’t stop.
I didn’t really know how to express how much I loved this series, so I decide to write a list of some things I loved about it:
- Worldbuilding: Extensive and immersive worldbuilding on an epic scale, from cultures to ships to intersystemic travel to politics to architecture. Everything seemed so real, textured, and believable.
- The characters: Agh, this is the biggest one. Firebird, and her deeply flawed but equally loveable self, her battle to prove herself, her growth. Brennan, and his unbreaking faith and perseverance that is somehow laced with doubts and pain. Tel, his loyalty and his fighting spirit (though his physical capacity may not always match :P), Carradee with her compassionate heart, Phoena: Conniving… yet loved deeply. Micahel, with his chilling determination and pleasure in all the wrong things… the list could go on and on but here’s the thing: They all feel like real people. Flawed, with deep, raw emotion, natural motivations.
- Tension. What’s amazing to me is how Kathy Tyres managed to include an all-powerful Creator, and yet keep the stakes high. Much like in real life, she made it clear that the Singer’s plan would come to fruition—but the characters constantly have to ask themselves, what is the plan? How would it fit with the world’s ideas of right and wrong? What would be the consequences? How did they know that they weren’t breaking from his plan and bringing judgment on themselves? What if He asked them to sacrifice their lives? Throughout the story, Kathy keeps the readers on the edge of their seats and the sense of danger high.
- The viewpoint: As a christian reader, I found this trilogy not only entertaining and deeply moving on an emotional level, but edifying. Kathy displays how even the most terrible things can be used for our good and his glory. His timing is perfect. His plan is flawless. His love is boundless. He has a plan for all of our suffering. —But that does require submitting to Him, even when you’re afraid. Even when you want to take action yourself, you must trust Him.
The Sentinels: The whole concept of the Thryians and the ayin and epsilon abilities is so fascinating and adds a whole level of interest that other sci-fi doesn’t have. It’s like the Force in Star Wars… but better.
- The ending: (And yes… in case you hadn’t picked up on this… SPOILER ALERT…skip to the next point if you haven’t read the whole series). Tyres got me with that ending. I don’t even know how to describe the emotional whirlwind I experienced. I could not stop reading and every interruption felt like a heart attack. I realized later that I experienced the same emotional journey as Firebird (That there is beyond exceptional writing… stories that portray emotion so well that you don’t just understand it… you feel it). When Firebird first started having bereavement shock, I denied it. Maybe there was interference! Maybe something happened to her ayin! And then as the bereavement shock is confirmed, and they locate Brennen but don’t go after him yet, and people are trying to comfort Firebird… at that point my brain is screaming, “NO! Nonono no! He’s not dead. He can’t be! Kathy Tyres wouldn’t do that to me! She wouldn’t betray me like that! AHHH! I need my heart!” but then slowly… Shel (another awesome character) and Firebird find him. No perceptible brain activity. I think there might’ve been a glitch with his space suit? He’s been floating in space too long. His mind was almost certainly shattered and destroyed by fielding teams. I’m a writer myself. I can imagine myself doing this to my readers. Slowly, with Firebird, I begin to lose hope. I begin to accept the inevitable loss—it had been prophesied, after all. I begin to process.
And then he’s alive.
(Huh, now that I think about it, it strikes me almost as a picture of Christ: Sacrifice, death, alive again)
And then I want to cry. Because I’m so relieved. (Yes. I know it’s just a fictional character. It’s easy to forget with an author like Kathy Tyres, though.)
But what about the bereavement shock?
Not a plothole! Firebird’s ayin was damaged! (WHAT! I thought of it, considered it… still dismissed it. I was this close! —which is a testament to Kathy’s masterful writing; she convinced me to dismiss the correct solution, and slapped me in the face with something I’d already thought of and still made it into a plot twist! Woah.)
This trilogy was deeply meaningful to me as someone who often wonders why I don’t hear God—where’d he go when I needed him most? Why didn’t he do things differently? Why didn’t he fix things? Why did he let things happen the way they did? And this story is such a strong reminder that He’s been there all along, waiting for the perfect moments to reveal himself in power.
I didn’t really know how to express how much I loved this series, so I decide to write a list of some things I loved about it:
- Worldbuilding: Extensive and immersive worldbuilding on an epic scale, from cultures to ships to intersystemic travel to politics to architecture. Everything seemed so real, textured, and believable.
- The characters: Agh, this is the biggest one. Firebird, and her deeply flawed but equally loveable self, her battle to prove herself, her growth. Brennan, and his unbreaking faith and perseverance that is somehow laced with doubts and pain. Tel, his loyalty and his fighting spirit (though his physical capacity may not always match :P), Carradee with her compassionate heart, Phoena: Conniving… yet loved deeply. Micahel, with his chilling determination and pleasure in all the wrong things… the list could go on and on but here’s the thing: They all feel like real people. Flawed, with deep, raw emotion, natural motivations.
- Tension. What’s amazing to me is how Kathy Tyres managed to include an all-powerful Creator, and yet keep the stakes high. Much like in real life, she made it clear that the Singer’s plan would come to fruition—but the characters constantly have to ask themselves, what is the plan? How would it fit with the world’s ideas of right and wrong? What would be the consequences? How did they know that they weren’t breaking from his plan and bringing judgment on themselves? What if He asked them to sacrifice their lives? Throughout the story, Kathy keeps the readers on the edge of their seats and the sense of danger high.
- The viewpoint: As a christian reader, I found this trilogy not only entertaining and deeply moving on an emotional level, but edifying. Kathy displays how even the most terrible things can be used for our good and his glory. His timing is perfect. His plan is flawless. His love is boundless. He has a plan for all of our suffering. —But that does require submitting to Him, even when you’re afraid. Even when you want to take action yourself, you must trust Him.
The Sentinels: The whole concept of the Thryians and the ayin and epsilon abilities is so fascinating and adds a whole level of interest that other sci-fi doesn’t have. It’s like the Force in Star Wars… but better.
- The ending: (And yes… in case you hadn’t picked up on this… SPOILER ALERT…skip to the next point if you haven’t read the whole series). Tyres got me with that ending. I don’t even know how to describe the emotional whirlwind I experienced. I could not stop reading and every interruption felt like a heart attack. I realized later that I experienced the same emotional journey as Firebird (That there is beyond exceptional writing… stories that portray emotion so well that you don’t just understand it… you feel it). When Firebird first started having bereavement shock, I denied it. Maybe there was interference! Maybe something happened to her ayin! And then as the bereavement shock is confirmed, and they locate Brennen but don’t go after him yet, and people are trying to comfort Firebird… at that point my brain is screaming, “NO! Nonono no! He’s not dead. He can’t be! Kathy Tyres wouldn’t do that to me! She wouldn’t betray me like that! AHHH! I need my heart!” but then slowly… Shel (another awesome character) and Firebird find him. No perceptible brain activity. I think there might’ve been a glitch with his space suit? He’s been floating in space too long. His mind was almost certainly shattered and destroyed by fielding teams. I’m a writer myself. I can imagine myself doing this to my readers. Slowly, with Firebird, I begin to lose hope. I begin to accept the inevitable loss—it had been prophesied, after all. I begin to process.
And then he’s alive.
(Huh, now that I think about it, it strikes me almost as a picture of Christ: Sacrifice, death, alive again)
And then I want to cry. Because I’m so relieved. (Yes. I know it’s just a fictional character. It’s easy to forget with an author like Kathy Tyres, though.)
But what about the bereavement shock?
Not a plothole! Firebird’s ayin was damaged! (WHAT! I thought of it, considered it… still dismissed it. I was this close! —which is a testament to Kathy’s masterful writing; she convinced me to dismiss the correct solution, and slapped me in the face with something I’d already thought of and still made it into a plot twist! Woah.)
This trilogy was deeply meaningful to me as someone who often wonders why I don’t hear God—where’d he go when I needed him most? Why didn’t he do things differently? Why didn’t he fix things? Why did he let things happen the way they did? And this story is such a strong reminder that He’s been there all along, waiting for the perfect moments to reveal himself in power.
September 10, 2021
This series was put together so nicely. In most science fiction books, authors don't entirely seem to know what they're talking about. However, every step of the way, it felt like Kathy Tyers did know, and it was wonderful.
The reason I docked it one star actually has nothing to do with the quality of the series; it's simply because it didn't check off all the emotional boxes for me--I liked the characters, but I didn't feel a connection to them. I liked the plot, but I didn't relate to any aspects of it. The books themselves were wonderful! I just tend to want some emotional relation and connection to something :)
The reason I docked it one star actually has nothing to do with the quality of the series; it's simply because it didn't check off all the emotional boxes for me--I liked the characters, but I didn't feel a connection to them. I liked the plot, but I didn't relate to any aspects of it. The books themselves were wonderful! I just tend to want some emotional relation and connection to something :)
October 16, 2025
I come back to this trilogy set every year. It was the first read I did that got me into science fiction, fantasy, and romance. My favorite is the first book but I love all three for different reasons. Rereading the books is like coming home after being away for a while. It’s comfort and I’m so glad I took a chance on buying it. I recommend anyone looking for a twist on the Christ story from a sci-fi different universe plot line to give it a try. I recommend rounding it out with books 4 and 5 as well if you’re looking for world and character expansion.
November 5, 2020
I just finished the first 3 books of this amazing series, "Firebird", "Fusion Fire", and "Crown of Fire".
I really liked the concept of this Sci-Fi, as it wasn't like most Science Fiction's I have read. *Spoiler Alert* I was so glad when Firebird and Brennen finally fell in love! XD These three books are total page-turners and I would totally recommend them for fellow Sci-Fi lovers.
I really liked the concept of this Sci-Fi, as it wasn't like most Science Fiction's I have read. *Spoiler Alert* I was so glad when Firebird and Brennen finally fell in love! XD These three books are total page-turners and I would totally recommend them for fellow Sci-Fi lovers.
February 2, 2015
This is exactly the kind of book I would have liked to have written.
It's like a space opera, with this whole pre-Messianic society thing going on. Knowing that Tyers is a Star Wars novelist in her spare time, of course, it's hard not to see parallels - you might say the Force is strong in this book. But if you're prepared to see past what could be seen as derivative, there is a tale of spiritual awakening, inner conflict and a far-reaching destiny, woven into an action packed sci-fi adventure full of ray guns, interstellar conflict and genetic manipulation. And it all comes together brilliantly.
On the downside, it's loooooooong. The trilogy works well and certainly deserved to be released as one volume, but in this format suffers (as single volume trilogies are apt to do) from a degree of repetition. There seemed to be a lot of re-capping, especially during the first part of Fusion Fire (Book 2) - fair enough if you're reading it, as it is set, eight months after the first book, but I found being reminded of something I read the previous Thursday a bit annoying.
The feeling you're going to be reading this book forever isn't helped by the third book, Crown of Fire, getting off to a slow start. However, once it gets going it soon builds to what turned out to be a very satisfying (if slightly Hollywood) conclusion.
Minor drawbacks aside, Firebird is at once entertaining and thought-provoking; it illustrates God and the Christian worldview through a not-obviously-Christian faith; and above all it's a thoroughly enjoyable read.
I want to give it a 4.5 star rating; reading the trilogy straight through would highlight the shortcomings and drop the rating, but on the basis that you don't actually need to do that (I certainly won't if and when I tackle it again) I don't mind rounding up.
For an aspiring Christian science fiction writer like myself, the Firebird Trilogy is one of the benchmarks of the genre, and no fan of Christian sf should miss it.
It's like a space opera, with this whole pre-Messianic society thing going on. Knowing that Tyers is a Star Wars novelist in her spare time, of course, it's hard not to see parallels - you might say the Force is strong in this book. But if you're prepared to see past what could be seen as derivative, there is a tale of spiritual awakening, inner conflict and a far-reaching destiny, woven into an action packed sci-fi adventure full of ray guns, interstellar conflict and genetic manipulation. And it all comes together brilliantly.
On the downside, it's loooooooong. The trilogy works well and certainly deserved to be released as one volume, but in this format suffers (as single volume trilogies are apt to do) from a degree of repetition. There seemed to be a lot of re-capping, especially during the first part of Fusion Fire (Book 2) - fair enough if you're reading it, as it is set, eight months after the first book, but I found being reminded of something I read the previous Thursday a bit annoying.
The feeling you're going to be reading this book forever isn't helped by the third book, Crown of Fire, getting off to a slow start. However, once it gets going it soon builds to what turned out to be a very satisfying (if slightly Hollywood) conclusion.
Minor drawbacks aside, Firebird is at once entertaining and thought-provoking; it illustrates God and the Christian worldview through a not-obviously-Christian faith; and above all it's a thoroughly enjoyable read.
I want to give it a 4.5 star rating; reading the trilogy straight through would highlight the shortcomings and drop the rating, but on the basis that you don't actually need to do that (I certainly won't if and when I tackle it again) I don't mind rounding up.
For an aspiring Christian science fiction writer like myself, the Firebird Trilogy is one of the benchmarks of the genre, and no fan of Christian sf should miss it.
September 25, 2007
This edition contains the complete Firebird trilogy, a religious space opera by Kathy Tyers. It was a tad too smoochy for my tastes, particularly in the first volume--which I thought was weaker compared to the second and third. The religious aspect was a bit heavy-handed sometimes, but was generally much better than some I've read and occasionally inspiring.
My main gripe plot and character-wise is that the male protagonist, Brennan, is. . .to dang square-chinned perfect :P.
I'd recommend it to anyone who likes space opera and doesn't mind a good chunk of romance.
My main gripe plot and character-wise is that the male protagonist, Brennan, is. . .to dang square-chinned perfect :P.
I'd recommend it to anyone who likes space opera and doesn't mind a good chunk of romance.
March 29, 2011
Probably more like 3.5 stars. Pretty good, although some of the political mechanisms are confusing. I read to the last book, although found the end of it unsatisfying. This series is kind of obscure; I believe I had to use interlibrary loan to get one or more of the books (there are three). I really liked how, at the beginning of each chapter, it told what would be happening if the whole book were a song (ex: majestic prelude at the beginning, grand pause at the climax). It was very unique and, I thought, added to the story very nicely.
Read
February 27, 2007I don't remember how I heard about these books. I do know that Kathy Tyers's "The Truce At Bakura" book was one of the first Star Wars books I'd ever read. But this isn't Star Wars. This is phenomenal sci fi with a hidden Christian "allegory" of sorts - but it can appeal to anyone, regardless of religion! Believe me; the two friends that have read it are atheist and agnostic. So there. Ummmm I'm horrible with plot; go find it on Amazon. Love these books.
February 25, 2010
I enjoyed this book a lot. Aside from The Chronicals of Narnia - this was one of the first overtly Christian themed fantasy/sci fi books I've ever read. The writing was good - there was nothing that threw me out of the story - a VERY good thing. I felt for the characters and enjoyed exploring the world they lived in. It was very well developed. There were a few hoakey moments but they weren't annoying ... just hoakey.
January 29, 2014
This version collects books 1, 2, and 3 of the Firebird trilogy. Books 1 and 2 were definitely 5 stars. Book 3 would be more 4 to 4.5 stars. It lacked a little of the interest of the other two books. It is a very imaginative series that kept me enthralled, even in the midst of a trip to Europe. I gave my copy to my nephew, but I need to buy it to share with my boys, as they are getting old enough to read it.
August 2, 2011
This is science fiction written well, and shown in a Christian light. It's a miracle to behold and an absolute joy to read! The characters are human and complex, the story involving, engaging and thought-provoking. This is the perfect book to read when there seems to be only plastic stories of tentacles and violence filling one's sci-fi vision. Great, great, great book!
July 27, 2012
From the beginning of this book I was fully engrossed in the culture, feelings, and lives of the characters! I couldn't put it down until I read all three books. I love the developement of Firebird herself as she comes into her own life. The one that SHE wants, not the dictations of her family. Ms. Tyers is a wonderful author and I would love to read more of her books soon.
December 6, 2013
Firebird fits into the category of books I re-read periodically. Firebird has more elements of great fiction than any ordinary book should have: Believable created world; Star Wars quality action scenes; compelling, complicated characters; scary bio-ethical and political themes; serious spirituality.
August 27, 2009
I loved loved loved this book as a teen. Somehow it wasn't as good as I remembered. Still a very interesting plot and great main character. The 2 sequels suck, though, always have. They go in an entirely different direction and are even contradictory.
September 11, 2016
a fun read and an interesting twist on prophecy combined with telepathy.
the romance was fun to read too, but I find I always regret the kind contained w/in this book - carries the emotions with it through a wild, thrilling ride, but in the end has not the depth of great lit
the romance was fun to read too, but I find I always regret the kind contained w/in this book - carries the emotions with it through a wild, thrilling ride, but in the end has not the depth of great lit
February 18, 2016
I read this so many years ago. Found it still in my library and didn't even know it was a trilogy. Can't remember it but do know I really enjoyed it. Will reread in the future and purchase the other 2 in the trilogy.
March 1, 2007
These were good books, lent to me by my dear friend Glory B!. I read them rather enjoyed them. The idea driving the plot was rather interesting.
September 29, 2007
Another beautiful romance. I loved the firstbook but I thought the otheres were just a shade depressing, but not too bad.
March 8, 2008
The first book in the trilogy is really the best, although the other two are decent reads as well.
April 7, 2008
I've never read a sci-fi book. This was recommended by Christina. It was a good and interesting read. It has a very Christian background. Something I never thought I'd see in a sci-fi.
June 9, 2008
yay for christian telepaths!
July 24, 2008
This one is my favorite probably.
January 29, 2009
Cute book! The beginning and ending were the best, with the ller in the middle being a bit to dry for my tastes, but still a good book- very interesting!
August 30, 2009
I'm not a huge sci-fi fan, but I looove this trilogy.
October 14, 2009
This is one of my favorites. I wish Kathy Tyers would write more books. She's a good writer. Have to take a look at her Star Wars book sometime - never read any of those
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