Firebreak: Volume 1

By Kathy Tyers

What would you sacrifice to save your family and your home world?

Lady Firebird Caldwell returns to the world of her birth, Netaia, intending to introduce her young sons to the noble Electors while her husband, Brennen, conducts a military inspection. When mysterious ships in distress suddenly approach the planet, the Electorate sends her to initiate first contact. Forced to work alongside a vengeful childhood enemy, Firebird uses everything within her power--even her passion for music--to negotiate, only to discover their alien technology threatens all the worlds she holds dear.

Facing ruthless betrayal, Firebird undertakes a deadly journey to salvage the mission. Brennen must make daring use of his telepathic powers to save human life in the galactic Whorl, including that of their young sons. But saving the worlds might force Brennen to give the order that would mean Firebird's death. In a galaxy poised on the edge of ruin, survival may demand the ultimate sacrifice--from them both.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0FNPVJ713
• ISBN13: 9798886052503
• Release Date: March 2026
• Publisher: Enclave Publishing
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 3.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.0" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

Can AI eradicate evil?

Reflections on Kathy Tyers’ Sci-fi Novel Firebreak Kathy Tyers’s sci-fi novel, Firebreak, raises some important and highly relevant questions for modern people and especially theologians. She only suggests a few answers, but they are worth noting. What is a human being? Many today claim that this question is the central issue in the so-called culture wars. It may be the most compelling of Tyers’ enquiries. Can a machine (AI) possess human attributes to the point of actually becoming human, especially if it has physical characteristics and abilities as well? It is not a new theme in the sci-fi universe. The 1980’s sitcom Small Wonder, spanning four seasons, featured a little girl robot with very human and childlike qualities. Tyers takes it further. What is a human soul? How valuable is human life? And one other question related to the others is whether a human can become a machine. That is, can a human being transfer its personality and even memories to a robotic invention, even maintaining its perpetuity? Some characters in the story demonstrate telepathic abilities. The antagonist at one point calls them post-human. At what point should we consider them other than human? Are super heroes and villains really human? Our entertainment industry with its comic book heroes is proposing answers to this very question. So does Tyers. Tyers’ work touches on the nature of spirits, like angels and demons. She asks whether spiritual beings can retain a will while selling themselves out to evil. Other highly charged and spiritual characters demonstrate amazing self-discipline in service to God and to people. In Tyers’ universe it seems that angels and demons can take on human qualities, even dwelling among people and using, blessing, guarding, helping, or hurting them. They can become human! Indeed, some of Tyers’ good guys may be considered angelic, except that they are mortal. Writing from a monotheistic perspective, Tyer’s main characters manifest faith in an omnipotent God, One Who is merciful and holy. She invites the question of how far this God’s mercy can extend. She does not seem to answer how a just God can extend forgiveness without becoming complicit in moral evil, which of course, is the whole point of the Christian Gospel. The main aspect of the story that seems particularly Christian is occasional hints about a prophecy of a coming messiah figure. Christians will find the italicized silent prayers of the central characters familiar, and the emphasis upon moral rectitude also strikes a chord. Most mono-theistic theology has a Satan figure that personifies evil. Is it possible for there to be an entity even more evil than Satan? Tyers gives a surprising answer. Humanity, individually at least, can act just as wickedly and destructively as any devil, given the resources to do so. Tyers has written Star Wars stories. Some features of this story—like space travel, telepathic powers, and amazing martial arts abilities—reflect the Star Wars genre. There is even reference to an instrument like the distinctive “light saber”. Some characters are like Jedi, or the Sith. The story is satisfying, exciting, and uplifting. I recommend it to thoughtful sci-fi fans.

fascinating space opera

"Courage didn't mean there was no fear. Often, it meant acting in spite of fear." I am embarrassed to admit that this is my first Kathy Tyers book. I should have read her original Firebird series a long time ago. Even without having read them, it was easy to become absorbed into the world of Netaia since the author interspersed synopsis of the important events from books 1-3 throughout this book. I loved Netaia with its cool technology, desire to reverse injustice, and willingness to work with former enemies for the greater good, though the world did have its share of evil and greed. I really enjoyed getting to know Firebird and Brennen. Their deep connection and love for each other formed a solid foundation for their missions. There were a lot of third person narrators carrying the story. It took me a little while to separate out the voices and learn each one by name. This book had two subplots - one with Brennen on the ground defending Netaia against a known foe and preparing for offensive attack against an unknown and one with Firebird in space dealing with an unknown entity. These two subplots necessitated the many voices to tie in the story well. Shel and Uri were impressive Sentinels and Esme and Prince Tel were worthy secondary characters. Brennen's mother Dara and former queen Carradee both exuded maternal love, warmth, and protection. The second half of the story moved quickly with lots of action and plot twists. The unshakable faith of the Sentinels and Firebird was inspiring. I can't wait for the next book to see what intergalactic threat Brennen and Firebird will neutralize. As a side note, this trilogy comes between books 3 and 4 of the original series (for those who have not read them yet). I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Enclave Publishing via Celebrate Lit Tours. I was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinion are my own.