The Firebird Chronicles (Books #1-3) by T. A. White

The Firebird Chronicles is a new space opera series by T. A. White. You would have to read the series in order, starting with the crackling Rules of Redemption.

The Plot

Kira Forrest has been in hiding for several years since the last battle against the scourge of the dangerous and power-hungry Tsavitee. She is famous as both war hero and deserter, and now lives on the fringes as a space-ship salvager.

But then one day, she rescues a child of the Tuann, a technologically advanced alien race that distrusts all humans. Soon, she gets snowballed into inter-galactic treaties and intrigue. She may have to give up her hard-won freedom, in order to find out more about her own roots, and save the world.

My Review:

Lately, a lot of interesting SciFi Operas have come up, including the Consortium Rebellion Series by Jessie Mihalik. They read a lot like Urban Fantasy, except that they are obviously set up across the galaxy, and not in traditional urban settings. The Firebird Chronicles is in similar vein.

Kira is a one-woman demolition army, as she shows remarkable agility, cunning, linguistic abilities, excels in all manner of death-defying stunts and challenges, and defeats the Tsavitee — again and again. She also keeps lots of secrets for the good of others, is reckless, and has a giant martyr complex. Of course, these abilities mean she wins lots of friends and supporters along the way, and also finds she is an important ally for several alien races.

In this, the books are quite formulaic. Kira is literally unstoppable, like a unique Marvel hero(ine). At the same time, she is continuously under-estimated by those around her. But never mind, she will just prove herself repeatedly. And she’ll always have a desire to “belong”, as she has never really known the love of family. Sounds familiar?

And yet … I found it very difficult to put down the books. The world-building is spectacular, very imaginative. I really like theories about extra-terrestrial life forms (hello, Interstellar?), and T.A. White serves that on an assorted platter. The political set-up is also believable and complex, even if a little black-and-white. The Tsavitee are drawn in deadly detail, and there are hints of a bigger enemy out there. Kira’s love interest, Lord Graydon, is annoying in his omniscience, but is given enough backstory to keep things going. All in all, very cracktastic.

Rating: 8 out of 10

This one looks to be a long series. And although the third book in The Firebird Chronicles does not end in a cliffhanger, not sure how long we’ll have to wait till Book 4.