The Orphaned Worlds: Book Two of Humanity's Fire and over 1.5 million other books are available for Amazon Kindle . Learn more


or
Sign in to turn on 1-Click ordering.
More Buying Choices
Have one to sell? Sell yours here
Sorry, this item is not available in
Image not available for
Colour:
Image not available

 
Share your own customer images
Search inside this book
Start reading The Orphaned Worlds: Book Two of Humanity's Fire on your Kindle in under a minute.

Don't have a Kindle? Get your Kindle here, or download a FREE Kindle Reading App.

The Orphaned Worlds: Book Two of Humanity's Fire [Paperback]

Michael Cobley (Author)
3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
RRP: £8.99
Price: £7.19 & this item Delivered FREE in the UK with Super Saver Delivery. See details and conditions
You Save: £1.80 (20%)
o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o
Only 2 left in stock (more on the way).
Dispatched from and sold by Amazon. Gift-wrap available.
Want it Friday, 21 June? Choose Express delivery at checkout. Details

Formats

 Amazon Price New from Used from
Kindle Edition £5.49   -- --
Paperback £7.19   -- --
Audio Download, Unabridged £14.99 or Free with Audible.co.uk 30-day free trial
Books Trade-In
Amazon.co.uk Trade-In Store
Did you know you can trade in your old books for an Amazon.co.uk Gift Card to spend on the things you want? Visit the Books Trade-In Store for more details. Special Offer until June 30, 2013: Receive an additional £5 promotional Gift Certificate, when you trade-in at least £10 worth of books. Learn more.

Book Description

Publication Date: 3 Mar 2011 | Series: Humanity's Fire

Darien is no longer a lost outpost of humanity, but the prize in an intergalactic power struggle. Hegemony forces control the planet, while Earth merely observes, rendered impotent by galactic politics. Yet Earth's ambassador to Darien will become a player in a greater conflict as there is more at stake than a turf war on a newly discovered world.

An ancient temple hides access to a hyperspace prison, housing the greatest threat sentient life has ever known. Millennia ago, malignant intelligences were caged there following an apocalyptic struggle, and their servants work on their release. Now a new war is coming.

Frequently Bought Together

The Orphaned Worlds: Book Two of Humanity's Fire + The Ascendant Stars: Book Three of Humanity's Fire + Seeds Of Earth: Book One of Humanity's Fire
Price For All Three: £19.07

Buy the selected items together

Product details

  • Paperback: 656 pages
  • Publisher: Orbit; paperback / softcover edition (3 Mar 2011)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1841496340
  • ISBN-13: 978-1841496344
  • Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 5 x 17.8 cm
  • Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 21,990 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

    •  Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?

More About the Author

› Visit Amazon's Michael Cobley Page
Michael Cobley
Discover books, learn about writers, and more.

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 )

Book Description

A multi-layered, 21st century take on the classic tropes of space opera by a bold new voice in British science fiction.
See all Product Description
Inside This Book (Learn More)
Browse Sample Pages
Front Cover | Copyright | Excerpt
Search inside this book:

What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?

› Explore similar items

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
15 of 15 people found the following review helpful
2.0 out of 5 stars losing the plot 6 July 2010
By ricardo
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
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....."
1 Comment | 
Was this review helpful to you?
Yes
No
17 of 18 people found the following review helpful
3.0 out of 5 stars A bit of a mish mash 16 May 2010
By Gareth Wilson - Falcata Times Blog TOP 500 REVIEWER VINE™ VOICE
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.
2 Comments | 
Was this review helpful to you?
Yes
No
14 of 16 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars A good continuation with multiple plot threads 22 April 2010
By Mark Chitty TOP 1000 REVIEWER
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.... Read more ›
Comment | 
Was this review helpful to you?
Yes
No
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
3.0 out of 5 stars Book 2: Heavy on the "deus ex machina" 8 Nov 2011
By M-I-K-E 2theD
Format:Paperback
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. The character appendix in the back of the novel was too limited to refresh one's memory and the additional species appendix was just a terse blurb about the average height, body hair distribution, locomotion and vision of each species. A heftier appendix would have been much appreciated but instead the reader is left with a rather unhelpful few pages.

Once the plot gets moving, the bits and pieces from Book One begin to slowly fall back into place. Like Book One, each chapter shifts point of view between the characters and in Book Two we experience about nine perspectives. Like Space Opera ought to be, it's a large platter to eyes and mind to digest. As a means of synopsis, I'll review the nine perspective alphabetically and sequentially:

1) Cat has risen to become the keeper of the forest on the Nivyesta moon, where she witnesses the continual destruction of the forests by invading forces. 2) Chel assumes the role of middle-man between the Sentinel and Greg as the both begin to understand their true role. 3) Greg is the head of the rebel force on Darien and continues to hide and resist the Brolturan forces. 4) Julia and her Enhanced counterparts are raided by pirates and forced to use their minds for the evil purposes an organized quasi-religious cult. 5) Kao Chih remains a pawn in the great game of the galaxy he he finds himself used yet again, this time as he visits his home world. 6) The Knight of the Legion of Avatars is still striving for access to the warpwell through victories and setbacks after arriving on Darien.... Read more ›
Comment | 
Was this review helpful to you?
Yes
No
Would you like to see more reviews about this item?
Were these reviews helpful?   Let us know
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars A good read
A good series. Very unique in writing style and descriptive perspectives. There is a lot going on with many different characters which could get complicated, but the author makes... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Heather
4.0 out of 5 stars High Fantasy in a space opera setting
As a long time reader of epic fantasy, this book seemed pretty familiar in a lot of ways. Cobley wrote a pretty good fantasy trilogy some years back, and Orphaned Worlds reads... Read more
Published 4 months ago by John Middleton
5.0 out of 5 stars Orphaned Worlds
Found this book to be as good a read as the first in series, hope the third is as good
Published 6 months ago by Mr. R. F. Bennell
5.0 out of 5 stars A superbly written piece
Having already gone through the first book, Seeds of earth' I was very much looking forward to this second installment. Read more
Published 8 months ago by S. M. Gedeon
4.0 out of 5 stars 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 21 months ago by steelyglint1
5.0 out of 5 stars 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 23 months ago by Ash
1.0 out of 5 stars 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 on 15 May 2011 by Chris Hibbert
1.0 out of 5 stars 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 on 12 Mar 2011 by B. Bello
4.0 out of 5 stars 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 on 14 Feb 2011 by C. Jones
5.0 out of 5 stars 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 on 17 Dec 2010 by Nick Miles
Search Customer Reviews
Only search this product's reviews

There's a problem loading this menu at the moment.

Learn more about Amazon Prime.

    Your Shopping Basket is empty.

    Give it purpose -- fill it with books, DVDs, clothes, electronics and more.

    If you already have an account, sign in.

    There's a problem previewing your shopping basket at the moment.

    Check your Internet connection and go to your cart, or try again.

    View Shopping Basket (0 items)

      Customer Discussions

      This product's forum
      Discussion Replies Latest Post
      looking forward to the sequal of Seeds of Earth 0 17 Nov 2009
      › See all discussions...  
      Start a new discussion
      Topic:
      First post:
      Prompts for sign-in
       


      Active discussions in related forums
      Search Customer Discussions
         
      Related forums

      Listmania!

      Create a Listmania! list

      Look for similar items by category

      Feedback


      Amazon.co.uk Privacy Statement Amazon.co.uk Delivery Information Amazon.co.uk Returns & Exchanges