A Search for Starlight

The Firewall Trilogy #3

by James Maxwell

Beyond the firewall lies a greater threat than Taimin and Selena could have foreseen. Taimin and Selena have destroyed the firewall that once trapped them in their dangerous wasteland. But with their hard-fought freedom now comes a greater threat. Outside the wasteland, under the same two scorching suns, live the bonded. This powerful ancient enemy will unleash a destructive war on the wasteland’s inhabitants, and Taimin knows it’s a fight they cannot win. When Zorn comes under attack, Selena uses all her power as a mystic to protect the white city. Meanwhile Taimin’s path takes him to Agravida, the capital of the advanced bonded civilization―where he must work fast to find a weakness in a seemingly unbeatable enemy. To save everyone in the wasteland from certain death, Taimin and Selena seek to contact their ancestors in the stars. But will they reach them in time, and will their help be enough to turn the tide? The existence of the world is in their hands…

Genres: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Fiction, Audiobook, Adventure, Space, Young Adult

Audio CD

First published February 4, 2021

About the author

James Maxwell is a British-Australian best-selling author of epic fantasy novels, with millions of copies sold in multiple languages worldwide. With over a dozen acclaimed novels, including Enchantress, Golden Age, and A Girl From Nowhere, he is celebrated for his richly imagined worlds and epic, interwoven plots. His books have received multiple award nominations, including the World Fantasy Award, the Aurealis Awards, and three Arthur C. Clarke Award nominations, as well as garnering tens of thousands of reviews on Amazon.

Born in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand, and raised in Brisbane, Australia, James attended Brisbane’s Anglican Church Grammar School and the University of Queensland, where he studied a diverse mix of arts and sciences.

Since becoming a full-time author in 2012, he has made his home on Australia’s Sunshine Coast, where his writing is accompanied by the rumbling sound of the sea and the antics of his capricious white cat.

Blood and Empire, published in March 2025, begins James Maxwell’s latest gripping series, The Gateway Saga.

Reviews

[Carrot :3 (on a hiatus) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A 4.5 stars.
I love it! I am quite satisfied with the ending. Though the Aurelium and the Mystic power are still a mystery, it was so good to read the final book. It was refreshing to read the pov of awe to the highly advanced world again. I always loved how richly all the races are represented in this series. I liked to read about the bonded too. This book reminded me of Starsight and Red Rising saga because of the sci-fi.
We all know that Taimin and co. will pull through the imminent doom... or will they?
It was nice to keep my mind scrambling for the possible good endings throughout the plot. The thick plot being absolutely fast paced, wrapped with a happy ending pleased me.
(Slight spoilers ahead)
I would love to read a spin-off novella/short story where Taimin and co. visit Earth!
Total time spent: 5h 8min.
~ARC received through NetGalley for an honest review.

[Misty Galbraith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best of the series! I loved the wyvern riders attacking wing fighters, bow and arrows taking down the fancy pants spaceships. Hero’s and villains, alien life forms, mystics, space travel, inter-galactic war...
5 races war for dominance; not so different than our day! But a lot more fun than watching the nightly news. Solid ending to the trilogy.

[Tori Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this series! The world that James Maxwell created was so expansive, but was developed at a great pace throughout the series. Each book took a couple chapters for me to get into the groove of the story, but once I did, I had a hard time putting it down. But this book really ties the series all together very well. I especially loved how the uniqueness of each of the species in the world are highlighted to resolve the conflict. It's a great reminder that together, we can do seemingly impossible things when we work within our strengths.
I really loved the ending for Taimin and Selina as well. It was a really fun surprise!

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great World-Building

Well-written series, strong on character, plot, and originality. Up there with Brent Weeks and Brandon Sanderson. The series starts deceptively as an apparent fantasy trilogy, but then the protagonists ' circumstances are revealed to be caused by a forgotten war involving six different galactic civilisations. I read the trilogy over two days on Kindle Unlimited. The quality of writing is well above the norm for KU, in which easy-reading light fantasy predominates.

[Alisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall I loved this series. I did feel like the ending was a bit rushed and I would have liked more explanation on how the 5 allies were able to stop the radioactive missile they had launched towards Lemura after the elders and advisors were is ascendency. I also feel like there could have been a 4th book depicting the new world order with the Wastelanders and the Bonded live together

[Bob · Rating 3 out of 5]

The plot seemed too contrived since a questionable physical attribute of the bonded contributed to a social change of heart. The good/evil issue in most wars turned into a difference among races that only applies to this fantasy world yet the opposing five races might be inclined to argue there are significant psychological differences among themselves, basically cementing a racial divide. Still, the action was fun. There was also too much dependence on the previous stories in the trilogy, so it is not a stand alone story. The ending did close plot for the entire the series.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this trilogy. As a non-native speaker of the english language, it was still easy for me to follow the plot and get a global understanding of what was going on.

As for the content: there are many plot-twists that you wouldn‘t expect and the way the story develops over the three books is amazing.

I finished listening to the trilogy a few days ago and still I keep thinking about it. The setting and world building make you think a lot about our world and ressources aswell as how we treat each other.

[Ash · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read A Girl from Nowhere through Prime First reads and it was a 5 star novel for me! The second book was still super great but not as great as the first. This final book, for me, rates higher than book 2 but still didn't strike my heart as fiercely as book 1.

Which is all to say, WOW I LOVE THIS SERIES. It's a great adult but young adult appropriate fantasy with a bit of sci fi feel. The world building is so incredible through all three books. I was constantly gushing over the creativity and development world building and relationships as the trilogy ended in A Search for Starlight. It's a great ending to a great series. Did I mention this series is great?

The romance arc is slight, it takes a back seat to the action, which I didn't mind since that stayed consistent through all 3 books. All issues were tied up, but not so neatly as to be boring.

What I especially adore about these books and this third one in particular, is the social and philosophical issues that are dealt with with grace, tact, and not heavily handed. Like Red Rising series, Hunger Games, and Harry Potter, these books tackle big topics like racism, imperialism, government theory, etc. in a way that is still also entertaining, beautiful, and approachable.

I am definitely hooked on this author and can't wait to read more by him! Thank you NetGalley and 47North for a copy of this ebook in exchange for my honest review. See reviews for all 3 books on my instagram page: @interview.with.a.reader

[Liepe · Rating 3 out of 5]

The revelations that helped me understand what was actually going on in this universe was fascinating and that's what I enjoyed most. As far as character development and relationships between the characters, I was a bit disappointed after the character interaction in the first book left me heart wrenching, laughing, and generally feel good vibe. In this book the relationships between the characters are subpar especially the main characters from the first book. The newer(ish) characters had more time to shine, still... I did really like the ending to the point where I kinda just wanna leave it here, and have not yet decided to read the next book

[Mrs R M Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable -

I enjoyed all 3 books in this series. And I have recommended to a friend already. What I really liked was that the author kept your attention without resorting to bad language or immortality. If a child read this they would actually learn what love is (not lust). True friendship and the importance of being honest and how peace and working together is far more powerful and meaningful than war. We all have differences but that we can all work together when we try to understand each other and see the good that is there. I am 68 years old and am grateful that I could really enjoy this author’s vision and I know my grandchildren will too.

[Miss Jacqui · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fitting end to this series, I don't think I would ever have guessed at this upon reading the first book. The characterisations are consistent and as I know the characters better from the first couple of books I didn't feel so irritated by some behaviours (Vance's or Taimin's jealous) and well developed with the worlds created and described vividly. I felt the tension of the different situations through the writing and could imagine the wasteland as well as the cities and technology of the bonded. A really enjoyable trilogy.

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

The third and final installment of the Firewall Trilogy delivers a gripping continuation of Selena and Taimin’s journey, this time placing them at the forefront of leadership in the city of Zorn. Their dream of creating a harmonious society where all five races can coexist is threatened when they capture Ingren, a member of the enigmatic Bonded people from beyond the fallen firewall. Ingren’s ominous warning—that her technologically advanced people will stop at nothing to eradicate the five races—sets the stage for a high-stakes confrontation.

As Zorn’s leaders, including Selena and Elsa, prepare for the inevitable war, Taimin takes a different approach. Believing diplomacy to be their best hope for survival, he makes the daring decision to free Ingren and travel with her to Agravida, the stronghold of the Bonded. This division in strategy adds tension to the narrative, reinforcing the novel’s exploration of themes such as trust, sacrifice, and the moral complexities of war.

As with the previous books, Maxwell deftly tackles weighty subjects—war, death, love, loyalty, and betrayal—while keeping his prose accessible for a younger audience. Though he maintains a G-rated approach to sensitive topics, he does not shy away from encouraging readers to reflect on their real-world implications. His depiction of war, in particular, is refreshingly realistic; victories are not easily won, plans fall apart, and characters must adapt in the face of devastating losses. These challenges lend the story emotional depth, making the stakes feel genuinely high.

However, one aspect that felt somewhat underdeveloped was the supposed difficulty of uniting the five races. Given their history of neutrality at best, and outright hostility at worst, it seems unrealistic that they would integrate so smoothly without at least some internal conflict. While the book does an excellent job showcasing the external threat posed by the Bonded, a bit more internal strife among the five races would have added another layer of realism and tension to the story.

Another minor issue is the inconsistent passage of time. At some points, time jumps are clearly marked (e.g., "two years later"), while at others, vague references such as "for some time" or "a long time" make it difficult to gauge the timeline of events. This occasionally disrupts the pacing, particularly in moments of emotional weight. For example, after Taimin leaves Zorn with Ingren, Selena believes him to be dead. Without a clear sense of how long she waited before reaching this conclusion, the reader is left wondering whether this assumption was premature or entirely reasonable.

Despite these flaws, the novel brings the trilogy to a satisfying conclusion. The fate of the six races is resolved while leaving ample room for future stories should Maxwell choose to continue exploring this world. While this may not be the strongest book in the series, it remains an engaging and worthwhile read. Overall, the Firewall Trilogy is an excellent choice for middle-grade readers, as well as older readers looking for an easy yet compelling fantasy adventure that balances action, heart, and thought-provoking themes.

[Nick Warner · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the cleverest things about this series is despite the ending of the first and second books, where the paradigm of the world, and therefore the series, shifts losing these high quality elements did not prevent the subsequent novel being strong and adjusting well to the paradigm shift. (In book 1 the city of Zorn's corrupt rulers being overthrown, in book 2, the Firewall is destroyed and they recognize the wider cosmos.) That takes talent and many series struggle after loosing some of the key elements of the world.

The negative is that this book, as with the rest of the series, still has a slightly comic-book/older kids cartoon feel to it, for reasons I can't quite put my finger on. Perhaps it's because whilst distinctive it feels very familiar playing into key sci-fi and fantasy themes and ideas, giving it perhaps a sense of over familiarity. (On reflection the Everman saga struggled with this too.) Whatever this quality is, it prevents it being a 5 star book.

But the book has a lot to recommend it. As stated the paradigm shift doesn't spoil the novel. The writing is good in communicating a sense of tragedy and loss when those from the wastes are attacked and overmatched by their technologically superior foes. The solution and resolution is plausible making the most of the characters' resolution and talents whilst recognizing they are hugely overmatched. And it's a good read, easy to read and flows well.

All in all, a strong conclusion to a great series. 4 stars.

[Wolfmantula · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Wasteland was just a forgotten playground

A Search for Starlight was an enjoyable read/listen with Kindle whispersync, it was fast paced and had an interesting story where fantasy meets sci-fi... but I had some issues.
While it was fast paced, it did move a little too quick at times which kept me from connecting and the lack of a STORY SO FAR made it difficult for me to remember events that happened in books 1 & 2 since I have read over 30 books since reading them.

Other issues I had was the weird “love triangle” with Selena. It didn’t make any sense to add it and it didn’t change anything with the characters or the story.
A man accused his wife of having an affair and her reaction is laughing it off and forgives him for being a fool. Not sure I’ve seen a good convo happen when a spouse accused the other of being with someone else.
Both of these just felt like unnecessary plot lines that didn’t add much substance to the characters involved.

Strange to say this but I felt this book was too descriptive. They were great, don’t get me wrong, it painted a picture that you could easily see. But it was almost 15% of the book. For a final book of a series of this size, just a little over 300 pages, it just felt a bit much.

I wish these books were longer to get more out of them, because it really is a great story.
3.5 stars

[Jack Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had previously read the Everman Saga so was already a fan of James Maxwell. I must say, he outdid himself with the Firewall trilogy. Even if you are not a fan of fantasy or science fiction, this story will grab you and not let you go through each of the three outstanding segments of this saga. The first book, "the Girl from Nowhere" is a thrilling adventure in its own right that winds through a perilous journey in which many fascinating characters are developed and culminates in an epic struggle for survival in the city of Zorn. The second novel, "A World of Secrets" reveals aspects of this "world of the wasteland" that the reader cannot imagine from the first book. Both the alliances that develop as well as the new threats our main characters face are completely unexpected from the first book but pivot the story beautifully into the absorbing third act, "A Search for Starlight." I read this third installment in 2 days which is extremely fast for me and a testament as to how gripping this epic becomes as it moves to a climax. Here again, new alliances are formed and the journey goes well beyond the borders of the wasteland at the story's heart. I loved the world and all the unique characters that James Maxwell creates in this saga. If there is a fourth book or beyond, I will eagerly resume following the exploits of Taimin and Selena. I highly recommend this trilogy.

[Ernest · Rating 3 out of 5]

Despite Maxwell being "the top 5 best selling authors on Amazon worldwide" I hadn't read anything by him before coming across "A Search for Starlight." That's understandable because his first two series, The Evermen Saga and The Shifting Tides, were both fantasy, which is fine, but not generally on my reading list.

This book could well have been fantasy too, and when I started it out I was initially put off by Selena's mystic powers, which reveal themselves as astral projection and telepathy. The setup, humans and four other races in a Wasteland that had been penned in by another alien race for sport, becomes more and more validly science-fictional as the story goes on, especially as what looks like sword and sorcery pale in the face of a modern military.

Taiman and Selena have been the main characters from the start, and they get to finish in style, even if they do wind up separating for a fair bit of the story. Readers of the whole trilogy will be happy to see old friends unite to fight again.

I'm only giving it a three-star rating, because it's entertaining but not groundbreaking, which doesn't mean it's not fun. For fans of sword and sorcery with a bit of science fiction on the side, it's a good read.

[Clay Kallam · Rating 4 out of 5]

James Maxwell's Firewall Trilogy finished in solid fashion with "A Search for Starlight," as he continued to unveil surprises almost until the end. But late-breaking surprises can come across as deus-ex-machina devices that are introduced just to salvage a plot gone awry, and it seemed that after writing himself into a corner as a plucky band of humans and aliens have to somehow overcome an interstellar civilization, Maxwell wrote himself out of it with some hand-waving and unlikely occurrences.

That said, "A Search for Starlight" was a pretty good read, furthering the adventures of Taiman and Selena. They began the series trying to survive in a harsh desert, and ended by dealing with an star-spanning war that had gone for centuries, but this young-adult effort got bogged down in plot machinations about their relationship and their friends' relationships. (Relationships are important in any novel, of course, but artificially setting up conflict, for example, to add tension, wears thin, as do out-of-the-blue plot developments that abruptly alter the arc of the story.

Still, the Firewall Trilogy is a fun read, because Maxwell has a ton of ideas, and makes most of them work. It's asking a lot for all of them to work, but that's what separates four stars from five stars.

[pili gaudiello · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hooo, I am DONE!!!

This review should absolutely be taken with a grain of salt! I do not normally read these kinds of books and never would have continued with the series if it weren't for a family member and I reading through them all.

This book was. . . okay. Honestly, probably the best out of the three in the trilogy, if you take away the absolutely unnecessary love triangles??? Yes, that's plural. No seriously because why even wait to introduce that till the last book and still include it? It just really didn't make sense.

I also felt like the writing was too much. There is definitely room here for people who love dense, over explainy, writing, and I have to admit it's really good at place setting. Like, I could smell it good. But I felt a lot of the time I was taking entire chapters to get to the point of something, and as per usual, this book only really got fast and interesting towards the end.

Anyhow, this just wasn't for me. But I can understand why someone would like it. Do with this what you want. Much love!

[C.J. Santiago · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting ending

Taimin and Selena have grown closer together and they both strive to do what's best for the people. Talon believes when can convince the warriors to agree to leave if only he can speak with them. Now that Ingren is without her protector, Taimin wants her to take him to their city. She agrees. With sheer determination, they leave not knowing what he will find if he returns. His only thought is to save her.

Terror rains down as the city housing all five factions is attacked. People die. Hell spreads through and they must decide what to do.

Will Taimin succeed or fail?? Can they survive??

You must read to find the answers. It's an interesting story. Read on my friends.

[Katie Schmitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Fitting End to the Series

I really enjoyed the Firewall Trilogy and A Search for Starlight, although the ending left me wanting more. I enjoyed Taimin’s continued character development, learning more about Ingrin and the Bonded, and Maxwell’s vivid descriptions of Agravida and the technology within. I didn’t love the hint of a spark between Selena and Dale - I found it unnecessary and thought it detracted from Selena’s character. Taimin fought so fiercely for her wellbeing that it felt like a betrayal. I would have also liked to learn more about the origins of the five species, and how the war between species came to be. Perhaps the author was leaving space for additional books down the line? Overall, a good book and a great series.

[JenBsBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another series by the James Maxwell/Simon Vance team completed. I think I fell in love with the other two series (quartets) a bit more, but I liked this one too. The different races (the five from within the firewall, then the Bonded), the world setting (the whole "firewall" thing), the mystics, fantastical animals (wyverns, etc). First book introduced everything, and the conflict was survival and conflict within the five races. The second book introduced the Bonded, and the conflict with the one. Book three, biggest conflict yet, all the bonded on a world-wide scale (and beyond). Unlike the other two series, this one wrapped up with three books.

Borrowed for free with KindleUnlimited. Audio and kindle copy.

[Lydia Fussell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t enjoy this last book as much as I thought I would. I skimmed a bit in the middle because I was a little bored. However, I’m not rating it any less because I think the story is very cool.I believe I’ve just outgrown this series. It took me a while to finally get to reading the last book. I loved the first one, the second was good but I just didn’t get sucked into the third book as much. Does that make sense🤷‍♀️?
I thought the whole idea for the series was unique. The last book just felt like it had a lot of filler material and I didn’t enjoy the fact that Taimin and Selena were separated much of the time. I missed their interaction.
Awesome YA sci-fi that I would still recommend!

[Lezlie Ramsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tense, exciting ending to Taimen's story

Taimen, a warrior but also peaceful, realizes from his talks with captured Ingren, the advisor from a bonded pair, that there will be no peace with the warriors of the bonded. He leaves his beloved Selena behind to return Ingren to the main city of the bonded in order to speak to the assembly in an attempt at peace.

Along the way, Taimen learns the rudiments of the bonded language, and more about their society. Once in the main city, he is allowed to learn the history of this race of warrior and advisor giants ... and a sliver of hope of how to save all the peoples of the wasteland.

[jacqueline mattis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A real, heartfelt piece of work.

James Maxwell, you should be a member of NATO. Your path to freedom and peace for the characters in book, 'A Search for Starlight, The Firewall Trilogy, would be relevant for the issues we face today. Although this is a work of fantasy, you hit all of humanities social issues. This is a very thought provoking piece of work. I enjoyed the story line and built a relation with the main characters, Taimin and Serena. They teach that you can't judge someone on appearance, everyone has strengths that can be assets to society. I recommend this book because it's engaging and multi dimensional(no pun intended).

[Anna Beste · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each book in the Firewall Trilogy has had a storyline that is unique and exciting, that grows in complexity with each book. The world keeps expanding in each book, introducing new characters, species, customs, and cities. The final book in the series has expanded even farther to explore past the planet in search for help against the Bonded and their desire to destroy everyone in the wastelands after Taimin tries and fails to advocate for peace with the Bonded. The story had an interesting ending which made it feel like a giant cliff hanger was going to happen but luckily everything wrapped up pretty nicely.

[Annissa Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Weak finale

The first book of the series was so promising. There were many things set up that went nowhere. This book would build a little only to cress and plummet. This is the last book of a violent series, why are the significant deaths 15 pages from the end of the book? And those deaths are from mostly insignificant characters. Why are Selena and Taimen your main characters if nothing of the things that were special about them mattered in the end? I enjoyed all the main characters and their world but I hated the bonded. Ingren was cool though. Small changes could have made this so much better. 2.75

[Night Runner · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 Stars for me.
3.25 Stars for the series.

Spoilers below...
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The series was decent but a few portions drove me nuts. I know that it is PC to say that guns and violence are not the answer but, in some cases, it is if you want to survive.

The ending was a bit simplistic and frustrating as the Elders just stood by until 'death was on the line' 🤗. Seconds later and with 1 minute of turmoil, the war is over? The constant warriors (Bonded) just said OK?

The love triangle was irritating and unnecessary. It just showed a lack of character in those who needed to be focused on saving their lives.

[Lisa Armeo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Search for Starlight by James Maxwell, the third, in The Firewall Trilogy. Taimin and Selena are the main characters, they are finally free from the firewall wasteland. Now they will face the bonded a new enemy, this was a fun and easy read.
A big Thank You!!!!, to Netgalley and the publisher for my early access ofA Search for Starlight by James Maxwell and Amazon Publishing UK. All opinions in this review are my own honest opinion. If you do not agree, it's ok! :) I would recommend this book to anyone that likes General Fiction (Adult)/Sci Fi & Fantasy.

[Blair Gormley]

A Search for Starlight book 3 the Firewall triology

The final book of the series is very good. Thiamin traveled to the bonded capital city of Agravida and tried Roquefort peace which failed. The five races fought the bonded by the Old firewall while Taimin, Selen, Lars and Vance went to destroy the stalk to convince the bonded fighting was useless. Serena contacted another human mystic who sent a nuclear device to Lumea which forced sky marshal Jakkar to give power to the elders and Ingren. Good ending to the series

[Karen Campbell · Rating 3 out of 5]

More detail, please

The story arc over all three books was great, if a little tries and rushed in places. I enjoyed the world building and all of the races were well constructed. However, it was often hard to picture the characters because they were so sparsely described. The wherries, in particular, were a puzzle. They were big enough to be ridden but so small that a person had to crouch to embrace them. I can, and do, use my imagination when I am reading but it is not the role of the writer to make that a challenge.