Rating: 
Summary: A disappointing rewrite
Review: I'm sorry that this book has gone through the changes it has; I read the original and enjoyed it but this hacked version version is not the same book at all. The changes are frequently heavy-handed and obvious and once you understand that this is a "message book" published by a message publisher you'll not be surprised by the action or concerned for the now-witless characters. Very disappointing!!!
Rating: 
Summary: Expendable royal daughter goes to meet her fate
Review: In Naetain society, the "heir and a spare" custom holds the force of law. Only the heir is allowed to breed, but the 2nd, or spare, is kept around, just in case. Any other children are classified as Wastlings and are expected to eventually attain an "honorable suicide", or else. As a Wastling, Firebird had joined the military and was given the alloted suicidal mission against the Federation and especially, the psionically powerful Aurians (also members of the Federation). After failing to die in the assault (though not through lack of trying) Firebird winds up in the hands of the most powerful Aurian of all... Will she survive her suicidal training? Will Brennen (the Aurian) help her, or is it all a trick? Can she make a new life for herself without betraying her people, and how much loyalty should a Wastling be expected to have, anyway? This was a good book, with plenty of twists in the plot and politcs--between the Aurians and the Federation, the N'tains and all comers, and individuals with their own agendas to follow. The sequel _Fusion Fire_, was also a good read.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent balance between sci-fi action and soul-searching
Review: In the sci-fi genre, Star Wars books are usually my reading of choice, but I have to say that I was impressed by Kathy Tyers' book Firebird. I read the recently published version by Bethany House and have never read the previously published version. Firebird's struggle is one that many people can probably relate to. The new worlds and cultures Tyers has created were a breath of fresh air. I was especially intrigued by the Sentinels and would like to find out more about them. Tyers gives a lot of good background on characters but leaves spaces that will more than likely be filled in the upcoming books. Tyers has the uncanny ability to create characters that touch the heart as well as characters you dislike upon first meeting. The space battles were very well-done and were balanced out by the moments of romance and deep conversation. I am very much looking forward to the next book coming out! I do not think that Bethany House will regret the decision to publish this series!
Rating:
Summary: Great sci-fi action and romance too.
Review: It's too bad this book is out of print! I've re-read it many times. It should be dual listed as sci-fi and futuristic romance. An original story complete with high tech space battles, super-human psi powers, and sizzling romance. I highly recommend it. The sequel to this book is also good, and the book "Shivering World" is excellent too. The author always uses a female as the main charactor which is refreshing.
Rating:
Summary: Firebird and Fusion Fire
Review: Kathy has our attention. My family (wife, sons [ages 12, 14, 30], daughter-in-law and I are waiting for more. Move over Asimov, Clarke, Perettie, Ringermanson and the man from Narnia, Kathy is here. Keep them coming, Kathy, we need this kind of great stuff for ourselves as well as our children. I've been a sci-fi buff ever since, in the first grade [1952] I read "Mrs. Piggly Wiggly goes to Mars". I've read them all. Let us know when you are coming out with more about Ellen and Netria. God bless you.
Rating:
Summary: Firebird and Fusion Fire
Review: Kathy has our attention. My family (wife, sons [ages 12, 14, 30], daughter-in-law and I are waiting for more. Move over Asimov, Clarke, Perettie, Ringermanson and the man from Narnia, Kathy is here. Keep them coming, Kathy, we need this kind of great stuff for ourselves as well as our children. I've been a sci-fi buff ever since, in the first grade [1952] I read "Mrs. Piggly Wiggly goes to Mars". I've read them all. Let us know when you are coming out with more about Ellen and Netria. God bless you.
Rating:
Summary: Another Science Fiction Winner!
Review: Kathy Tyers has done an excellent job integrating fantasy and spirituality in this engaging story about a condemned princess and the genetically-enhanced telepath who is offering her another chance at life. The action is written realistically and Firebird's inner conflicts draw the reader in to her budding romance. An excellent read for anyone who loves action and adventure along with romance. Hghly Recommended.Note: I have not read the original "Firebird" or its sequel "Fusion fire" but would be interested in obtaining a copy. If you have any suggestions please e-mail me at the address above.
Rating:
Summary: Firebird Comes of Age
Review: The 1987 Bantam Books version of Firebird was Kathy Tyers' first novel. It was good, but it was a first novel. The 1999 Bethany House version is the work matured. Everything about it is better. The writing is crisp, clear and evocative, the plotline flows smoothly and logically, the characters, always appealing and admirable, have gained authenticity. Best of all is the addition of the spiritual element which, while subtle and never preachy, pulls it all together and gives the story a weight and depth of meaning the first version lacked. If you haven't read the new version, Read It Now! It is without question the best fiction Kathy Tyers has written to date, though I have every confidence she will top this effort in the sequels to come.
Rating: 
Summary: Good if not extraordinary
Review: The original Firebird was a good plot and interesting characters somewhat marred by a beginners writing style. The rewrite comes back and cleans up a lot of those faults. Unfortunately it adds several new ones, leaving us with a book essentially about the same quality as the old one. Ms. Tyers gives us more depth on Netaian culture and religion, which was welcome. She cleans up Phoena's character a bit, which is the original wavered between spoiled brat and true evil plotter. She moves the start of the romance between Firebird and Brennan closer to the end of the book, which is more feasible. She removes several improbably trusting moments from the book - I mean really, the Federates allowing the slaughter of most of their negotiating team? All of these are good things. On the down side, without the attraction to Brennan so visible, Firebird becomes rather insipid in the middle section of the book, the religious questing might have taken the place of the romance in providing drive, but somehow doesn't. Instead she's barely gotten started questioning when she has a huge epiphanal moment, and now she believes, even if she doesn't quite know what. Ummm - if God had given me a great epiphanal moment right at the start, I wouldn't have had any problem believing either. Things are usually more subtle than that. The Ehretan religion is a bit of a problem too. For a pre-Messianic religion they seem to know an awful lot about what this Messiah is going to be like, and it bears a suspicious resemblance to our Christ. After all, Jesus wasn't at all what the Jews of the day had in mind. There are some other minor quibbles. Ellet Kinsman is more ethical in her behavior in this version, but somehow less likeable. The old Ellet would do the virtually unforgiveable, but she was doing it out of great emotions and desires which we understood, and could understand even if we disagreed. The new Ellet does less horrible things, but we're given less reason for why she does them, so she seems very dry and remote. All in all, I call it a wash, it was a pretty good book before, it's a pretty good book now, just different in emphasis.
Rating:
Summary: The Best Despite Others' Criticism
Review: This book was one of the BEST I have read in a long time. It takes a fantasy sci-fi book to a new level. It was supenseful, intriguing, and a renewal of faith. A great way to say "what if God had made a place other than Earth..." Overall: This deserves six stars.
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