The Ascendant Stars

Humanity's Fire, Book 3

By: Michael Cobley

Narrated by: David Thorpe

Length: 18 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's summary

Battle-ready factions converge above Darien, all with the same objective. The goal is control over this newly discovered planet and access to the powerful weapons at its heart. Despotic Hegemony forces dominate much of known space and they want this world too, but Darien's inhabitants will fight for their future.

However, key players in this conflict aren't fully in control. Hostile AIs have infiltrated key minds and have an agenda, requiring nothing less than the destruction or subversion of all organic life. And they are near to unleashing their cohorts, a host of twisted machine intelligences caged beneath Darien.

Fighting to contain them are Darien's hidden guardians, and their ancient ally the Construct, on a millennia-long mission to protect sentient species. As the war reaches its peak, the AI army is roaring to the surface, to freedom and an orgy of destruction. Darien is first in line in a machine vs. human war - for life or the sterile dusts of space.

©2011 Michael Cobley (P)2011 Audible Ltd

Great series

Overall good narration and a solid storyline. Especially pleased with the abundance of different species and civilizations.

decent trilogy

Decent trilogy, Unfortunately it may have been trying to do to much in just 3 books.

On balance, it's good fun

I'm sympathetic to the review that suggests that these novels are pretty packed. The Humanity's Fire series is an eye-popping tour of a highly elaborate galaxy. At times it might have helped to slow down, and I wondered at the choice to have some key events occur offstage.

Even so, this is a triumphant conclusion to the trilogy and one that rewards the attentive listener. Even as I might have liked a more measured pace, Cobley and Thorpe's strengths are undeniable. The former renders his universe with wit and verve. Although I could guess at influences, it emerges with distinction. I'd give special emphasis to his use of humor: there is a persistent patter of it throughout that livens up the action. Even if the series could have used either expansion or decluttering, I was never exhausted.

Thorpe is a remarkably gifted narrator, breathing life into the wide array of humans, aliens, robots, and others. His own passion for the material is readily apparent.

Some intricate series wear one out. Even as this did grow more elaborate over time, it held its own and gained something with each successive installment. I'll look forward to new adventures in the fourth book.