What do You think about Of Fire And Night (2006)?
This is better than book 4 of the series and comes to a satisfactory conclusion. I was tempted to stop reading at this point as some of the major story lines were resolved, but have now decided to see it through for all seven books - even though I feel a little taken advantage of. It did not need to be 7 books, but it's a nice money spinner for the author. There was a bit of a feeling of 'how can there be 2 more books' while reading it, and then 'oh no another story line has begun' at the end. It is easy reading though and an enjoyable story, though I do resent the £42 I will have spent on it altogether for the Kindle versions when it could easily have been only 4 books.
—Nor'dzin Pamo
Coming into a series near the end is never a good thing, but it does give one a unique perspective. When I first starting reading this book, I was completely confused. Even the author’s “The Story So Far” prologue did not help. But my initial confusion soon gave way to enlightenment. Anderson’s character development and world creation are so good that you lose yourself in the story without really knowing – or even really caring – what has happened so far.With each chapter devoted to a different set of characters – and there are a lot of them – you would think you’d forget what was going on by the time you cycle back around, but within a sentence or two, you know exactly where you are and what is going on. If I were to map out the plot and subplots with colored pens, there would be a myriad of colors all intertwining. To give specific character information in this review would be too involved for this short space. Essentially, the story is about many worlds and as many sentient beings uniting to fight a common enemy – the hydrogues. But within the alliances lie deceit and betrayal as different factions attempt to further their own interests. Case in point, you have the Ildirans, led by Jora’h, supposedly aligning with the hydrogues. Jora’h must agree to help destroy humans or risk being destroyed. He has nothing against humans, but the ultimatum has been issued. But then there are the Theroc’s with their world trees, the water entity wentals, the Roamers, and several other factions who are aligning against the hydrogues. They don’t necessarily like the humans, but we’re better than the hydrogues. Oh, and don’t forget the rampaging compies – computerized robot armies in revolt. There is a lot going on in this book.If you enjoy lengthy space sagas, this would be a good book to pick up, but I strongly urge you to read the previous four first. It’s not absolutely necessary, but would probably be helpful.
—Vicky
The fifth book in the Saga of Seven Suns is arguably the best yet.The pacing of this book increased tenfold from the previous four. There is hardly a moment of inaction in the entire 550 pages. And yet, amid the battles and epic plots, the characters remain central to the story, giving the events an emotional resonance too often lost in the flurry of sci-fi action.At first, I was sure that the characters where kidding themselves about the “last battle” against the hydrogues. They are the ultimate enemy, and I had assumed that the final battle wouldn’t come until book seven. Anderson, however, decided to defy convention again. This book truly does conclude the hydrogue war. I won’t say how it ends or who survives, but it is a battle every bit as epic as the Saga of Seven Suns.The end of the hydrogue war is not the end of the Spiral Arm’s problems, however. There were more enemies than just the hydrogues, and it is their turn to take center stage …
—Heather
