Rating: 
Summary: Disappointing
Review: After waiting for so long for a conclusion to the trilogy, I was sadly disapointed. "Freedom's Challenge" just doesn't have the same flair as the previous two books. It was not as gripping, almost as if Ms McCaffrey had written it to satisfy her readers and just finish the series.
Rating: 
Summary: Was this the synopsis before the actual book?
Review: As a devoted reader of Anne McCaffrey I couldn't wait to find out what happened with the Botany people. I was very disappointed to find out that the book tells the story in such a general fashion, and in such broad notions, that no depth is created. I always loved Anne McCaffrey's books for their characters' depth. Since she has given a lot of information and details in the Pern series, I expected that to reflect in other works. It was not. The character of Zainal is shallow. There is no info on the way he thinks, feel, or even why he is doing what he is doing. And if you do not like to know that, but just like the action of the book - well, not much there either. The story is what I would tell a friend if asked what the book is about. It is general, without the details that are expected. It gives the basics of actions taken, without giving information about the actions themselves. If you read other works of science fiction or fantasy, such as another favorite of mine Rober Jordan, you immediately see a difference. In the Wheel of Time series, for example, the characters come to life and the story is complete without gaps. I really regret to write this about this book, as I truly like the writing of Anne McCaffrey, and plan to continue reading her books.
Rating: 
Summary: Great ending to a fantastic series
Review: Catteni are mercenaries to their overlords, the oppressive Esoi. When they invade Earth, they ship some of their captives off to the planet Barevi to be sold as slaves. One of the prisoners, Kris Bjornsen, escapes and heals an injured Catteni, Zainal. The pair, along with other humans and aliens, is captured and shipped to the uninhabited planet of Botany Bay. The place turns out to be a good provider and the inhabitants flourish. With the help of the Farmers, the real owners of Botany Bay, the planet is made impregnable to an Esoi attack. Although Kris and Zainal become mates and live peacefully on their adopted planet, both know that they must break the stranglehold the Esoi have on their native worlds. The colonists infiltrate Earth to coordinate the resistance movement. The endgame has begun and Kris and Zainal know that the lives of several billion people are at stake if their daring plan fails. For those who have read FREEDOM'S LANDING and FREEDOM'S CHOICE, FREEDOM'S CHALLENGE will prove to be an emotionally satisfying conclusion to one of the best space operas in years. Over the course of the trilogy, Anne McCaffrey has developed her primary and secondary characters to such a degree that the audience will regard both human and alien as real beings. The romance between the human and the Cattani is perfectly described as it condemns prejudice especially towards biracial couples. The magnificent Ms. McCaffrey has provided a memorable series. Harriet Klausner
Rating: 
Summary: Kris and Zainal continue their Botanical adventures.
Review: For those who have followed the adventures of Kris Bjornson and Zainal, the long-awaited finale in the Freedom trilogy will be a welcome addition to their library. While the editing on this book was the worst yet, the characters and the story itself serve to overcome most of those shortcomings. Of the three books, this is the shortest by far. As other readers have commented, one wonders if Ms. McCaffrey was tired of the series at this point and just trying to wrap it up. On the positive side, I found the characters to be just as intriguing and sympathetic as in the previous installments; however, I would have liked to have had a little more insight into some of the more prominent secondary characters like Chuck and Sandy. John Beverly was a favorite of mine, too. A lot of questions were left unanswered: Did Kris ever find her family? What about Chuck? What happened to Zainal's father? Why didn't the Farmers make a final appearance? Despite the p! oor editing and unanswered questions, I enjoyed this book and was sorry to have to say farewell to my friends on Botany!
Rating:
Summary: Book Three was great! Where's Book Four?
Review: I can't believe it! I found a book that both my wife and I like! Three books! She hates it when I get into a book, but when I finished the first book I handed it to her and asked her to try it. Just like Mikey, she liked it. As a matter of fact she loved. We have read and enjoyed all three books but, where is book number four? Anybody know? We're waiting!
Rating:
Summary: Book Three was great! Where's Book Four?
Review: I can't believe it! I found a book that both my wife and I like! Three books! She hates it when I get into a book, but when I finished the first book I handed it to her and asked her to try it. Just like Mikey, she liked it. As a matter of fact she loved. We have read and enjoyed all three books but, where is book number four? Anybody know? We're waiting!
Rating:
Summary: Disappointing
Review: I enjoyed Freedoms Landing and Freedoms Choice. None of these books were what I would call "deep" or "thought provoking". They were just plain fun. I also enjoyed this novel, but there is a disquieting sense of disappointment with it as well. My understanding is that this is the last of the Freedom series. There are still many questions in this universe that McCaffrey has created. This book was rushed, almost as though the author was getting tired of the series. Too many convenient "duex ex machina" type plot devices. "Gee whiz, lets use this conveniently placed herb to wipe out the overlords!" If you have read the first two books, you have to read this to finish the series. Just don't expect too much.....
Rating:
Summary: Interesting, but disappointing.
Review: I felt the character of Chris changed drastically -- and went downhill fast. In the first two books she was a self sufficient survivor, but not so in this book. I would have liked to see more development of other characters like Chuck who has always been one of my favorites, or Gino or Ray. The ending was predictable, but lots of fun. I'd like to see what happens on some of the other worlds, not just Botany.
Rating:
Summary: Semi - Wonderful
Review: I have really enjoyed reading the two previous books in this so far trilogy over and over. However, in this last book I was just getting settled into what was a great continuation when the story ended with many unanswered questions. Such as:1.What happens to Zianal's children. 2.What has happened on Earth and does Kristian B. ever find out about her family. 3. Do the farmers ever come back and what happens to the other worlds that were colonized. I really hope this is not the last book in this series because I will miss these characters very much if it is. Ms. McCaffery has started a wonderful saga with this story and I hope she will finish it with as much flair, adventure and style as she started it with. Thank you Ms. McCaffery for many hours of escape into the world of Botony and the people who made it their home.
Rating: 
Summary: Good, but lacking something....
Review: I love the Freedom series! The first two books were fantastic, but this one, was slower, Kris wasn't what she used to be...she was far too mellow and homewifey. The other characters, I felt, were not as well developed as they normally are...it was great to read, and the ending was fantastic, but it just didn't have that extra little "sparkle" that really makes a great book great....I want to read more.....
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