- Paperback: 480 pages
- Publisher: Orbit; First Thus edition (22 April 2010)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 1841496332
- ISBN-13: 978-1841496337
- Product Dimensions: 23 x 15.2 x 3.8 cm
- Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 208,056 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
The Orphaned Worlds: Book Two of Humanity's Fire
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Product Description
Review
Space opera has never been in more capable hands GUARDIAN Fast and exciting WATERSTONES BOOKS QUARTERLY Packs a mighty punch BOOKGEEKS.CO.UK
--This text refers to an alternate
Paperback
edition.
Review
Space opera has never been in more capable hands (GUARDIAN )
Fast and exciting (WATERSTONES BOOKS QUARTERLY )
Packs a mighty punch (BOOKGEEKS.CO.UK ) --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.
Fast and exciting (WATERSTONES BOOKS QUARTERLY )
Packs a mighty punch (BOOKGEEKS.CO.UK ) --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
15 of 15 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Mmmmm, Seeds of Earth wasn't too bad, though hardly worthy Iain Bank's 'review' (or the Guardian one I bought it on the back of), and I'd hoped Cobley would have settled down a bit in this one, but it's just too disjointed, the characters are one dimensional, retro explaining missing sections just doesn't seem to work, and whenever the various plot sections are geting a bit boring, he just adds another plot line. Don't get me wrong, this is not really, really bad, but it's more Elizabeth Moon (I just couldn't be bothered by the last part of Vatta's War) than Banks, Asher or Hamilton for space opera or anywhere near Morgan for SF; lets just hope the third part is better - this has good potential, but could do with some decent structure and editing, and in some parts, I'm afraid to say, a second draft/rewrite would not have gone amiss.
Perhaps he could re-issue the trilogy when it's finished as a cut down single volume?
Sorry Michael, when I write my galatic busting mega novel, I'll send it to you for first digs, but until then, you've just got me saying, "I could have enjoyed this a lot more if you'd....."
Perhaps he could re-issue the trilogy when it's finished as a cut down single volume?
Sorry Michael, when I write my galatic busting mega novel, I'll send it to you for first digs, but until then, you've just got me saying, "I could have enjoyed this a lot more if you'd....."
17 of 18 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
To be honest I wasn't that enamoured with Michael's Seeds of Earth offering so was pretty apprehensive about what was to unfurl within this title. Whilst this title can concentrate more on the overall story arc (as most of the world building was done in the previous) it is a title that loses its way as the author seems to keep piling more and more on top of everything else that's happening in a mishmash sort of way. Whilst this could be seen as a strength as it keeps the reader exploring it's a bit off putting as at times it feels that the author seems to lose focus as there's so many separate story threads woven throughout. A shame to be honest but it is a definite improvement for my money on the previous and with luck the third part will clearly demonstrate the readers continued faith in this author.
13 of 15 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I read Mike Cobley's first epic space opera book, Seeds fo Earth, prior to its release last year and thoroughly enjoyed it. The Orphaned Worlds, the sequel and part two of the trilogy, was a highly anticipated release for this year and upon getting a copy through the post I made sure it was high on the list of to-read books. While not quite on the same level as Seeds of Earth, The Orphaned Worlds delivers a whole lot of action, adventure and politics on a canvas even bigger than the first novel!
The foundation laid down in Seeds of Earth gets us introduced to the lost colony world of Darien, the surprise arrival of an Earthsphere ship and the discovery of an ancient and powerful relic on Darien as well as delivering an excellent cast of characters that kept the story focused. The Orphaned Worlds picks things up without holding its breath and delivers very much more of the same sensawunda that I got from the first book. The characters return and we follow the trouble and strife they now must struggle through in the face of powerful adversaries.
Widescreen isn't quite the term I'd use to describe this book, it goes far beyond that in many ways! From the guerrilla conflict on Darien to the immense journey through the ancient hyperspace layers, The Orphaned Worlds certainly doesn't take things lightly. The characters are also relatable and enjoyable to read, especially as we start to get glimpses of Legion and it's own quest. Greg and Theo are left on Darien trying to survive and lead the attack on the invaders; Robert is on a mission to the ancient Construct deep in hyperspace; Kao Chich is journeying to try and find help for the colony of Darien; Catriona and Chel are learning more of the ancient ways of the Uvovo and the secrets the forest moon of Segrana; Legion is slowly fighting it's battle to free the ancient evil that was imprisoned thousands of years ago. There are also a host of other characters supporting these main ones, including Julia who is a little out of the action after being captured in Seeds of Earth.
However, The Orphaned Worlds loses it's focus slightly because of the sheer number of plot threads we follow. While all individually adding to the bigger picture, the pages pass without much feeling of urgency. For instance, the first seven chapters are each from a different perspective and last 90 pages, so when we finally catch up again with the characters it's with a feeling of detachment. I sometimes had to stop reading and go back to remind myself of the situation they were in last time they had some page time - it can be a frustrating read because of this.
Don't get me wrong though, The Orphaned Worlds was very enjoyable and delivers a good story on a huge canvas with more than its fair share of great scenes and interesting developments. Being the middle book of the trilogy hasn't helped matters and much of the time it feels like a big build up to a grand finale - without the payoff. Because of this it's very difficult to say how successful the novel is as part of the series, but it certainly gives the reader more than enough to come back for the third installment, The Ascendant Stars.
Humanity's Fire is definitely a series worth reading and I'll be eagerly anticipating the final book next year!
The foundation laid down in Seeds of Earth gets us introduced to the lost colony world of Darien, the surprise arrival of an Earthsphere ship and the discovery of an ancient and powerful relic on Darien as well as delivering an excellent cast of characters that kept the story focused. The Orphaned Worlds picks things up without holding its breath and delivers very much more of the same sensawunda that I got from the first book. The characters return and we follow the trouble and strife they now must struggle through in the face of powerful adversaries.
Widescreen isn't quite the term I'd use to describe this book, it goes far beyond that in many ways! From the guerrilla conflict on Darien to the immense journey through the ancient hyperspace layers, The Orphaned Worlds certainly doesn't take things lightly. The characters are also relatable and enjoyable to read, especially as we start to get glimpses of Legion and it's own quest. Greg and Theo are left on Darien trying to survive and lead the attack on the invaders; Robert is on a mission to the ancient Construct deep in hyperspace; Kao Chich is journeying to try and find help for the colony of Darien; Catriona and Chel are learning more of the ancient ways of the Uvovo and the secrets the forest moon of Segrana; Legion is slowly fighting it's battle to free the ancient evil that was imprisoned thousands of years ago. There are also a host of other characters supporting these main ones, including Julia who is a little out of the action after being captured in Seeds of Earth.
However, The Orphaned Worlds loses it's focus slightly because of the sheer number of plot threads we follow. While all individually adding to the bigger picture, the pages pass without much feeling of urgency. For instance, the first seven chapters are each from a different perspective and last 90 pages, so when we finally catch up again with the characters it's with a feeling of detachment. I sometimes had to stop reading and go back to remind myself of the situation they were in last time they had some page time - it can be a frustrating read because of this.
Don't get me wrong though, The Orphaned Worlds was very enjoyable and delivers a good story on a huge canvas with more than its fair share of great scenes and interesting developments. Being the middle book of the trilogy hasn't helped matters and much of the time it feels like a big build up to a grand finale - without the payoff. Because of this it's very difficult to say how successful the novel is as part of the series, but it certainly gives the reader more than enough to come back for the third installment, The Ascendant Stars.
Humanity's Fire is definitely a series worth reading and I'll be eagerly anticipating the final book next year!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Book 2: Heavy on the "deus ex machina"
I had read Book One, Seeds of Earth, only one month ago but I found it hard to start to get into Book Two right from the start. Read more
Published 6 months ago by M-I-K-E 2theD
The Orphaned Worlds (Humanity's Fire, Book 2)
very interesting can't wait too read the next one very well throught out sequel michael cobley has a wonderful way of picking the story off the page and placing it in your mind and... Read more
Published 8 months ago by steelyglint1
Brilliant!
This book and it's predecessor, in my opinion, are excellent. They are highly enjoyable, easy to read and thoroughly entertaining. Read more
Published 10 months ago by Ash
Utter tosh
Thought I'd give the 2nd book a go because I thought it couldn't possibly be worse than the first one. How wrong I was. Read more
Published 12 months ago by Chris Hibbert
Disappointing, right to the middle
It is really rare for me to not finish a book, several time my option changed once a slow book got on to it's pace. Not this time. Read more
Published 14 months ago by B. Bello
Getting better...
Cobley may live in Scotland but he does not have aa ear for the Scot's vernacular, but apart from that there is not much wrong with either book. Read more
Published 15 months ago by C. Jones
The Orphaned Worlds: Book 2 of Humanity's Fire
The Orphaned Worlds is the second instalment to Humanity's Fire by Michael Cobley. He does a great job of weaving subtle reminders into the narrative of the events of the first... Read more
Published 17 months ago by Nick Miles
Great sequal
This is a great sequal. The first book took a while to catch on but this one just gets better and better. So I can't wait to read the last book when ever it's out.
Published 18 months ago by Peter Aaen Erichsen
Utter confusion
I've been so frustrated by this book that it has spurred me to submit my first review.
Like others I bought Seeds of Earth because of Bank's cover quote and I while I thought... Read more
Like others I bought Seeds of Earth because of Bank's cover quote and I while I thought... Read more
Published 20 months ago by Frustrated
Itching to see what happens next.....
I enjoy space opera and have read much of it over the years. Michael Cobley's 'The Orphaned Worlds' found me itching to turn the pages to see what happens next. Read more
Published 20 months ago by Mrs. Marion Feasey
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