Wind and Shadow By Kathy Tyers

Janelle

I have waited quite a while to read the follow-up to the Firebird books, which I first read almost ten years ago. I was somewhat disappointed in the first quarter of Wind and Shadow. I'm not sure if there were too many characters, or I just had trouble making a connection to them. However, after this point, the novel picked up pace markedly, and with strongly maintained tension, I found myself racing to the end of the book. While the ending left me feeling happily satisfied, I can't wait to go on to the next book and what I am sure will be a thrilling conclusion. Just to note, while I thoroughly recommend Wind and Shadow to readers of sci fi, I would suggest that you read the three Firebird books first. To my mind, the author has assumed prior reader knowledge in a lot of aspects of this novel, and I think anyone without previous reading would struggle to follow and appreciate the story.

Heidi

I love this series. And I really wish the whole concept of connaturality were a real thing because it’d give me a better shot than the dating world has so far. 😅🙈 can someone please invent it so I don’t have to try and explain my brain to people?

E.F. Buckles

This is the fourth book in the Firebird series and takes place a couple of decades after the original trilogy. Naturally, it means that some things that I must mention will include spoilers for the original trilogy, so if that’s important to you, you should probably hold off on reading this review until you’ve read the first three books. :)

[SPOILER BREAK]

.

.

.

.

.

If you’re still here, it should be safe for me to say that this fourth book follows the now-adult twin sons of Firebird and Brenan: Kiel and Kinnor. It was very interesting to see the twins grown, and the way the world has changed in the decades since they were babies. I was happy that Firebird and Brenan are still around (and got at least a nod or two if not a cameo), and that Kiel has married and had kids. Kinnor, meanwhile, has grown into a fierce military man. The contrast between their personalities was so good and I really appreciate how they’ve become such distinct individuals and that you can feel the history between them even if we didn’t see it all play out on the page.

At the end of the original Firebird trilogy, a certain group had stolen some of Brenan’s genetic material and now we see how that has played out over the long term as there are now a whole bunch of clones running around, under the command of someone who isn’t exactly the nicest person in the galaxy. I appreciated the ways that the book grappled with the morality of cloning, even if I found some of the technical talk a little confusing. (Which is the only reason I’m giving this 4 stars instead of 5… there were just some things I had a little trouble wrapping my brain around. There was some complex stuff going on for a relatively short book!) Wind was a great new character and it was interesting to see things through her eyes as she starts to encounter new things and people and change her worldview. Her relationship with Kinnor was especially handled with complexity and I really loved the tension between them.

Kiel’s storyline was different than I expected, but even as I was surprised by how things worked out, I also very much appreciated the ultimate message that even when we mess up in our human weakness, God’s still in control and our failures or successes don’t dictate His plan. Only He can do that. And even when we mess up, there is still mercy and grace to be found.

I’m now looking forward to book 5, which I already own and can verify that it is delightfully chunky at over 500 pages! I can only imagine all the drama that is about to unfold!

Content Advisory:

No real life swears and I barely remember any made up ones.

Romance/Sexual

This is adult fiction and there are hints of sensuality, but never anything overly descriptive.

Kiel makes vague reference to when he and his wife consummated their marriage, and the physical union of man and woman upon marriage gets vaguely referenced elsewhere as well.

One side character hints that she was, in her younger years, a high class prostitute to politicians, but again, no description.

Wind experiences some blushy feelings of attraction toward Kinnor and then later is forced to try to seduce him (Nothing physical happens, they just talk) in order to manipulate him to participate in a nefarious plot, but the two of them end up figuring out an alternative plan.

Violence:

There are a lot of threats of violence here, including a threat to essentially cover an entire planet with a kind of material that would ultimately trap everyone and suffocate them. When actual violence occurs, it’s on the same level as what is seen in the Star Wars movies: Largely bloodless with laser fire, use of lightsaber-like devices, and explosions. Deaths occur but are never described graphically.

Drug/Alcohol:

Some people get knocked out with and voluntarily take scifi medications that have fictional uses. One individual is essentially euthanized via an injected drug. (Barely described.)

Spiritual/Magic: This series is Christian fiction and there are many faith themes. Some Characters pray and some hear the voice of God either in their hearts or with their ears.

As in the previous books, Sentinels are Jedi-like individuals with Force-like abilities to move things without touching them and read and sometimes manipulate the minds of others. However, where Star Wars Jedi have the supernatural “Force” as their power source, Sentinels go their abilities because of genetic experimentation.

Heads up to those who are sensitive to darker spiritual issues that this book also features a character who is essentially demon-possessed. (Kiel calls it a “shadow”.) This character repeatedly tries to tempt Kiel into wrongdoing and Kiel is held captive by this individual for the majority of the book. It’s written in a way that feels a bit like in Star Wars when a dark side user keeps trying to tempt a Jedi to the dark side, but some readers may still find it a little creepy.

On the opposite end of things, a different character has an experience that reads a lot like Mary in the Bible being told that she will bear the baby Jesus.

Valerie Comer

Their people have been enemies for centuries, but Wind Haworth has embraced the Sentinel religion and puts herself forward as a diplomat. Apprentice priest Kiel Caldwell no sooner arrives on the planet of Mikuhr to investigate rumors (and meet Wind) when he vanishes without a trace, sending the fragile peace into a spin. Sentinel prophecies say a messiah is coming. Some have thought it might be Kiel. Is that why he’s been snatched by the enemy?

Kiel’s twin, Kinnor, is sent to find out what happened. Against Kinnor’s better judgment, he’s linked with Wind. Kinnor is the opposite of his brother. Though from a heroic Sentinel family, he barely believes. He rides on the edge of his military training and this mission may unhinge him completely. Kinnor and Wind have no reason to trust each other, but if they don’t, more than Kiel’s life may be at stake.

Wind and Shadow follows the Firebird Trilogy, which was initially released from Bethany in 2004 and re-released by Marcher Lord Press in 2011. The first book in the trilogy, Firebird, is likely the best science fantasy book I’ve ever read. I absolutely loved it. The 2nd and 3rd books, which I also enjoyed, didn’t make as deep an impression. Because I hadn’t read the trilogy since 2006, I had a hard time re-immersing in the world of the Whorl for book 4. My best advice to you is to read all four, end to end, and be ready for the upcoming release of book 5!

I purchased this book as a gift to my daughter, a Tyers fan. Of course, I had to read it, too. I did let her read it first. Honest.

C.J. Darlington

I have loved every Kathy Tyers novel I have read, especially the Firebird Trilogy. It was thrilling to pick up the continuation of that series, Wind and Shadow. I wish I would've re-read the original trilogy before reading this one as there's so much backstory I forgot that would've made the experience richer. This made the beginning of the book a tad confusing at times for me, but as the story progressed I understood more, and I loved the time I spent reading it. A meaty, redemptive, sci-fi novel full of theological underpinnings that don't at all take away from the story. In fact, they enrich it. UPDATE: I just finished reading this novel for the second time. This go around I picked it up right after re-reading the first three books in the Firebird trilogy, and it made all the difference in the world. The things that confused me before now made sense! Highly recommend reading the series in order, though Tyers does give some backstory that helps if you haven't.

Kerry Nietz

Wind and Shadow is a masterful addition to the Firebird universe. It builds on themes and concepts introduced in the earlier novels, expanding them in wonderfully creative ways. Here we get to see the twins, Kinnor and Kiel, full-grown and struggling with adulthood. There are primarily two storylines, one following each twin, and both are excellent.

There are some great new characters too. One of my favorites is Wind Haworth. As a young member of a previously despised race, her journey is especially poignant. It will resonant with anyone who ever struggled to fit in, or fought to be seen as significant.

Plus there is tons of intrigue and action, many technological and biological surprises, and a deep spiritual undercurrent. Once started, there is little slowing down until the end. Wind and Shadow reads like a rocket.

I highly recommend it to fans and newcomers alike.

Ronie

There's a reason Kathy Tyers is one of my writing heroes--and this book solidifies it. Allowing us to keep company with the wonderful Firebird, Tyers introduces new and compelling characters, and a plot that keeps us reading and turning pages!

MC

Kathy Tyers continues the story line of the Firebird books with Wind and Shadow. In this fourth book, the tale moves forward over twenty years, to a very different Federacy. The distrust and fear of the Sentinels has ramped upward in the past two decades in-universe sine the end of the third book, Crown of Fire, and persecution is beginning to rise. Things have come to the point where there are those who advocate for the actual genocide of the Ehretan remnants, both Sentinel and Mikuhran (as the former Sentinel enemies, the Shuhr, are currently called.

The book opens by introducing the reader to a young Mikuhran woman named Wind Haworth. Wind is one of a group of Mikuhrans who was rescued as a child from the villainous Shuhr, and raised by the Sentinels on Thyrica. She eventually chose to go home to do good for her people and the Sentinels both, and in this vein, is awaiting the arrival of the priest Kiel Caldwell to help her in this quest. One of the two twins of “Mari” Firebird Angelo Caldwell and General Brennan Caldwell, he has dedicated himself to teaching the truths of the Eternal Speaker to those who ask. Wind is a rarity, a young Mikuhran who follows the Path, and wants to establish a relationship between the two Ehretan remnants.

Part of this is her idealism, and religious beliefs, but part is also reality, in her mind. She believes that with the increasing hostility they are suffering from others, that the only way the two groups can survive is to make peace and work together. Together, they may be able to forge some way to survive the coming government actions against them. It turns out that she is right, and that the Sentinels and Mikuhrans are very nearly wiped out, and it also turns out that she, along with Kiel and his twin brother Kinnor, will be the ones the Eternal Speaker will use to stop this threat until He sends His promised Boh-Dabar.

The tone of this story was much darker than in previous books. I don't mean it was bloody or overly violent, as most of the scenes were arguably less graphic than in the previous three books. Instead, there was this overall sense of darkness slowly enveloping the galaxy. To put it simply, much like the government of Rome leading up to the time of Our Lord on earth, the Federacy is turning steadily more authoritarian, and their target is the modified Ehretan remnants.

I had stated in my review of The Annotated Firebird Trilogy that the fear and hostility the people of the Federacy felt towards the Ehretans was somewhat understandable. Then, after all, the Shuhr menace was a real threat, so the paranoia, while definitely wrong, could be sympathized with. This is often a problem with such fantasy or science fiction series where there is a persecuted people. The persecuted folks actually do have shady pasts and/or incredible, frightening powers. It's only natural, though wrong, to fear such folks, and this is where the stories lose some of their steam. I don't know if Kathy Tyers was deliberately trying to avoid this problem, or just did so accidentally, but she did avoid it. The fact is that there was only one single problem with the Sentinel community in the twenty years since the Shuhr were put down, and that was an undercover operation gone wrong against some drug cartel. The Sentinels Special Ops member, who was severely punished for that mess-up, was our hero Kinnor Caldwell.

No, in this story the persecution is very much not justified. It is due to bigotry and hate. To racism of this group of people with enhanced abilities due to no fault of their own, who do their best to never use their powers for anything but the absolute good. The primary villain of the novel, a “shadow” (hence the title, Wind and Shadow after the primary female protagonist and primary antagonist) is stoking the flames of resentment. All of these demonic creatures (which is what the shadows essentially are) are doing so, hoping to somehow destroy the prophesied Boh-Dabar.

I am trying to avoid giving away too many spoilers, but I thought I had to deal with a few items first. I had only one problem with this novel, and that is the vagueness of just why the actions that the Shadow was trying to tempt Kiel to do were so bad. I get a general idea that using their abilities for gain is evil, but the cases in the book are about saving lives, not getting rich off of the stock market. For that matter, how is using their psychic powers so much worse than lying, for the same good ends? I can get the idea of robbing one of free will being wrong, or of violating Scriptural commands being wrong, and I think that these were what the rub was, but really I do wish Tyers had dealt with this whole issue more in depth.

The second item was that this novel had a theme of sorts, if you looked for it, whether it was intentional on the part of Tyers or not. This was a theme it shared with the third book in the series, Crown of Fire. Namely this is that evil can not comprehend good, love, the supernatural, or anything else that doesn't fit into their narrow, demented view of “logic”. In the third book this eventually lead to the downfall of the Shuhr, with the defection of Terza Shirak, to save her unborn child. In Wind and Shadow, this happens again with a close-knit group of clones. The very seeds of their betrayal of the evil Mikuhrans were planted by the very same head of their cell that wants to “conquer” the galaxy. Almost similar to Voldemort's refusal to recognize the power of “love” in Harry Potter, and Emperor Palpatine's refusal to recognize the uses of loyalty and friendship in the Star Wars films, the bad guys in the 3rd and 4th books are done in by their refusal to recognize the truths apparent to almost anyone else who knows of them, including that of the reality of the Mighty Singer. In a very real way, for all of the evil that occurs in the Firebird universe, faith in God and obeying His will still gets you victory. It may be a painful victory, and maybe even a victory in death, but it is a victory nonetheless.

I wanted to note that it was obvious from the beginning of the book just how much like the virgin Mary young Tiala Caldwell was. Whether you view Mary as sinless, as Catholics do; or an exemplary, though fallen, woman, as many Protestants do, it is obvious that the character of Tiala could only represent her. This is, admittedly, a major spoiler, but it was one that I had to mention, because I just find the character of Tiala as a Mary-analogue, quite interesting.

Despite the darker tone of the work, I found myself greatly enjoying and tearing through this story. You would think that a work so directly derivative, as opposed to merely allegorical of, the Bible would be a tad tedious, but this wasn't. Tyers seamlessly blended together space opera, fantasy, Biblical ideas, and a morality play of sorts, into a brilliant “what if?” scenario about the Messiah coming to a space-faring civilization. Absolutely incredible.

Highly Recommended.

Andrew Miller

Years have passed since the events of Crown of Fire, and now Brennan and Firebird’s children are grown and out doing their best to save the Whorl. Kiel chooses to shun his family’s military history and instead serve the Eternal Speaker as a priest. Kinnor, on the other hand, chooses the way of the Sentinel. Thought by some to be the promised Messiah, Kiel is targeted by a fearsome enemy who kidnaps him while he is on his way to help Wind Haworth, a descendant of the renegade Shuhr. Wind tries her best to help the Mikhuran occupation force to find the missing priest, but to no avail, and Kinnor is called in to help in the search. But when Kinnor and Wind realize they might be connatural, will they be able to focus on the higher stakes?

Wind and Shadow has the sci-fi elements of the previous installments in the Firebird series, as well as the deeper spiritual truths present in those other books. There are some interesting philosophical questions that get raised as well, but they do not bog down the story but rather appear integral to it. The best part of the storyline, at least in the opinion of this reviewer, is the relationship between Wind and Kinnor. It is introduced fairly quickly, and one might think, “Well, I guess that’s all settled,” but in actuality, it is not. There is an underlying sense of it running throughout the book from that first instance, but there is enough doubt cast by the author as to what the final outcome will be to keep the storyline interesting.

[SPOILERS AHEAD] There are quite a few storylines running throughout the book, and not all of them are wrapped up quite as satisfactorily as the romantic one, such as the motivations behind the betrayal of Kinnor’s fellow operative, or the reasons for Kiel being summoned to Mikhur in the first place. Of course, it could be argued that the inciting incident (Kiel’s trip to Mikhur and his subsequent kidnapping) is only necessary in that it fulfills the role of getting the story moving, and it does that. That being said, as a reader I like to see more cohesion between story elements. The ‘new-revelations’ subplot was tied up to a certain extent, but perhaps not so obviously as some of the others. There is also the matter of Shel Mattason, a somewhat key player in the previous installment. In Wind and Shadow, she meets her fate with hardly any fanfare, simply falls right out of the story. If she were just introduced in this book, perhaps such a fate would be acceptable, but since she was a larger character in Crown of Fire, it seems like she is warranted more closure than what is given to her.

All in all, Wind and Shadow carries itself well as a part of the Firebird series. In the opinion of this reader, it is probably the best book of the series to this point. It will be interesting to see what direction the story goes from here, and how the current characters will fit into it as it progresses toward its conclusion.

Dalen

I think I liked this one more than the first three. It seems to deal better with the difficulties of the Shuhr than books 2 and 3, and I enjoyed the metaphysical science-fantasy aspects to this more than the space opera elements of the first trilogy. It took a little while to get into the book, but then it clipped along nicely through the end with some interesting concepts along the way.

Ashley

I absolutely loved the fourth book of the Firebird Series. I have read the first three half a dozen times and finally purchased and read the fourth. I cannot believe that it took me so long. I do honestly wish the book had contained a bit more of Brennen and anything of Firebird, but I imagine there was already a lot to pack in. I loved getting to know their grown children and my heart broke for them along the way. Going into this book I wasn't too sure what to expect and it definitely surprised me. So much happened and I could not put it down. Another wonderful book from Kathy Tyers that I know I will be reading again in the future. Now onto book 5!

Katherine

Awesome read! I didn't read Wind and Shadow directly after Crown of Fire, so it took me a couple chapters to catch up on the characters, nations, and tech, but the setting is so interesting once it comes together in your mind. So much depth in every aspect, especially theology. Wing and Shadow included darker elements, but Tyers resolved the darkness wonderfully in the end. Very much enjoyed!

Deborah S.

Not as good as the earlier books in the series.

Sharon

I am in this series for the long haul; however, this book was slightly less appealing to me than its predecessors.

Lady Jessica

After many years of torturous silence for her fans, bestselling author Kathy Tyers returned to her Firebird universe with the fourth book in the series in Wind and Shadow, published in 2011 by Marcher Lord Press.

Wind and Shadow picks up Brennan and Firebird's story by following the lives of the three Caldwell children, now all grown up. While their younger sister Tiala has devoted her life to spiritual intercession on behalf of her people, twins Kiel and Kinnor have allowed their own opposite interests and beliefs to take them in very different directions from one another. But when the Sentinels' ancient enemy rises again on a familiar world, events bring the brothers together in ways they could not have foreseen as both of their lives are put at risk. Enter Wind Haworth, a Mikuhran diplomat whose desire to see peace between her people and the Sentinels is thwarted by both sides' mistrust of her. With no place to call her own, Wind finds a chance to belong when she and Kinnor Caldwell are thrown together. But will he trust her? The decisions Kinnor and Kiel make on one shattered planet will determine more than just their own fate – they will affect the outcome of entire worlds.

I was anxiously excited to read Wind and Shadow. It did not disappoint. As usual, Kathy's expert ability to tell a thrilling story while weaving the plot in and out of her characters' decisions and weaknesses shines in every part of this book. Familiar faces made me feel at home while the new characters led me into yet another rich layer of the Whorl that I thought I knew. The plot is fast-paced and so full of stunning descriptions that I felt the need to start it over again the moment I had read the last page, just to try and catch it all.

I particularly enjoyed the difficulties between the Caldwell brothers. Everything I had imagined they would be when reading about them as babies in the second and third books was wiped away in their actuality. For the better, in my opinion. Real struggles and sometimes difficult familial interactions made them lunge off the page.

In short, they captured my imagination.

Once more, Kathy has created a rip-roarin' good time and a gripping adventure as she leads readers in the exploration of tough theological questions. I loved this addition to the Firebird universe.

My recommendation? Read it. Science fiction fans – and even those who aren't – will not be disappointed by this master storyteller.

Kim Gregory

I've read several Kathy Tyers stories, including the first three in this series and have never run into a cuss word. I wasn't too far into this one and ran into one. Shocked! Dismayed! Since I don't read books with bad language in them, I couldn't finish this one.

Someone commented about my stopping after running into only one cuss word. Most of the time I do, unless I'm not sure that they meant the word as a cuss word but rather the reality of the word. If more happen I quit reading realizing that they probably meant it as a cuss. I don't know how many other words I am going to run into and personally I don't want those words wandering in my head. To me cuss words are garbage or poison and if I willingly put them in my mind they will become a part of my heart eventually - and I don't need that. It is hard enough for a person who wants to live godly to do so in this sinful wicked world - inviting sin into my mind and heart just doesn't make sense.

Zachary

I was thrilled when I heard that Kathy Tyers was writing another book in her Firebird series. This book, though, is about the children of the primary characters in the previous book. In fact, Wind and Shadow could be read by itself, though some of the depth of the universe Tyers has created therein will be lost.

Within the first few pages it can easily be seen that Tyers has put as much effort into the creation and maturation of her vision of the Firebird universe as she does into the Star Wars books she is much more well known for.

The book starts right into the action, with the initiating event occurring within the first few pages. Kiel Caldwell, an apprentice priest inexplicably disappears within moments of stepping off a his ship. Wind Haworth, the diplomat who invited him, is thrust into a maelstrom of events which quickly spiral out of control with the arrival of Kiel's brother, a powerful psychic who is slightly hotheaded. The scope of the danger quickly goes beyond mere local consequences as political plots are unveiled.

As I started reading, the pages were initially turning out of curiosity, but a few chapters into the book the pace really started to pick up and before I knew it I was just devouring the thing. The ending is quite climactic and very much a fitting apex to the entire story line.

It's hard to actually call this a Christian book, because, in fact, the faith and beliefs detailed are not Christian, per se. One of the big 'what if's behind the entire Firebird series is 'what if Christ had not come 2000 years ago, but instead came many years after man achieved space travel?' All of the conflicts in Kiel's faith (as well as the other characters) are nearly exact mirrors of many struggles every Christian has, therefore the moral and ethical solutions and resolutions resonate with the Christian faith. But technically the faith is not Christian because there is no Christ (at least not yet) in the Firebird universe.

All in all, an excellent book. If you get a chance, read the other Firebird books first, but don't let that stop you from reading this one, it stands excellently on its own. An excellent work of sci-fi!

Jamie Downer

Long time fans of Kathy Tyers will relish reading the latest installation of her Firebird series. This book follows the next generation, now making the Firebird books a familial saga. Set in an alternate universe where the Messiah has not yet come, Wind and Shadow continues the speculation of what waiting for the “Word to Come” might look like in the age of space travel and high technology. The protagonists of the Firebird trilogy now take a supporting role while their children face new dangers and threats. Wind and Shadow focuses specifically on Firebird and Brennen Caldwell’s twin sons Kiel and Kinnor, while also introducing new protagonist, Wind Haworth.

Fans familiar with Kathy’s previous work will greatly enjoy having new material. Her strengths as a storyteller shine as she vividly portrays the hostile, conquered world of Mikhur (known as Three Zed in the Firebird novels), introduces well-developed and sympathetic characters, and raises the moral and ethical questions of futuristic technology. There is also complicated romantic potential between protagonists Wind and Kinnor, which engages at a heartfelt level and leaves the reader fully satisfied. A few hours tucked up with Wind and Shadow leaves one feeling like they have risked life and limb with good friends.

But while Kathy continues the Firebird legacy in her trademark style, Wind and Shadow introduces new theological depth. One can see the mark of her two-year pursuit of a Masters of Christianity and the Arts at Regent College in Vancouver, B.C. While Kathy has never shied away from “tough” questions in her previous books, she outshines herself in Wind and Shadow. As she examines the realities and complexities of the Christian life, she also builds the expectation and promise of the coming Messiah. One can sense the building climax as the characters look for the Word to Come – and come he will in Kathy’s fifth and final Firebird novel, Daystar, released with Marcher Lord Press in 2012. I can't wait to read the last book!

Meggie

I will be the first to admit that I don't remember much from the previous three books, and that Firebird was always my favorite (I have...problems with the Shuhr). But I spent far too much of this book confused.

Maybe it was all the made-up words--which is a huge pet peeve of mine, especially when there are entirely suitable English equivalents. Maybe it was the barest of resolutions/explanations for what happened to characters like

Mostly, though, I was disappointed that the space opera quality of Firebird was replaced by complicated science fantasy with metaphysical stuff. Please understand, this is totally YMMV--if I had gone into W&S expecting all that, I might have enjoyed it more.

C.O. Bonham

Wind and Shadow by Kathy Tyers, is a follow up to her original Firebird trilogy. Can this be read apart from its predecessors? I believe it can.

Wind and Shadow takes place twenty years after the close of the original series. This is also a much more spiritual novel featuring not just angels but demons as well. Where the Firebird trilogy was space warfare; this is very much about spiritual warfare.

It has been foretold that the coming Messiah would be a male born of the Caldwell line. The Enemy knows that the time is at hand and so constructs a no win scenario for the twins Keil and Kinnor. But while her brothers are fighting for their lives and their souls, the youngest Caldwell is visited a different kind of spiritual being.

Amberlee Bixler

I received an Advanced Readers Copy (ARC) of this book, and I'm glad I did. It's not an easy read, but it's worth the time to mull over and let marinate in your head. Demons, psychics, clones and what really defines humanity are all tackled, along with the coming Messiah, serious firefights, and genocide.

For those looking for a really complex story, or Christian fiction that actually tells an interesting, worthy story, this needs to be on your shelf. Expect no easy answers, but a thoughtful mediation and killer science fiction. The characters flaws and faith present difficult scenarios, but I found my apathy challenged and a God worth my attention.

Della Loredo

This fourth book in the Firebird series is set some 20 years after the third one. I suspect it's primary purpose was to set up the fifth book in the series by giving us some needed background information about Firebird's twin boys. Here we follow them as they work through their separate struggles on a problem planet. I found it difficult to get into -- the characters aren't as well fleshed out (one of the twins isn't even particularly likable) so their stories just aren't as compelling. Still, this book is worth the read in order to better appreciate and enjoy the fifth book, which is amazing!

Rebekah

Fantastic - I could barely put this book down, even though I was somewhat leery because I loved the preceding series so much, but knew the main characters from that series played little role in the newer books.

Kathy Tyers did an excellent job of drawing me back into the world, though, despite the change of characters. The connections to the previous books is solid, but the story still stands on its own.

I will definitely be re-reading this soon, though, because there are so many layers to it. I feel like I've barely brushed the surface.

Susie

It took about 3 chapters to really get into the book. Seemed like not a lot of character development in the beginning. I don't know if that was on purpose - to keep me guessing who these people are? Once into the book, I enjoyed it. Looking forward to see how things unfold in the next book.

This is a continuation of one of my favorite book series, Firebird. So, I'm happy that Kathy Tyers is writing more.

Celesta Thiessen

Awesome story! The situation goes from bad to worse in this exciting Sci Fi set in the Firebird universe. The two main characters know there are so many reasons they shouldn't be together. And only one reason why they should! And if you've read the original Firebird trilogy, you can probably guess :)

If you like Christian Speculative Fiction this book is for you!

Elizabeth Goddard

Wind and Shadow continues where Tyer's Firebird Trilogy left off. Tyer's sets up the story well starting right in the middle of the action--with the lives on an entire world on the line. She is one of my favorite author and she didn't disappoint in this one.

Rachel

Review to come...

Dion

Many fresh and intriguing concepts. Good blend of character and action in a thoroughly believable created world. However, maddeningly impenetrable mostly for some reason.

Title	:	Wind and Shadow
Author	:	Kathy Tyers
Rating	:
ISBN	:	-
ISBN-10	:	2940013652255
Format Type	:	Nook
Number of Pages	:	350
Publication	:	First published October 1, 2011

Wind and Shadow Reviews

Releated on Wind and Shadow