Firesong

Firesong is what publishers like to call an "event" book. Launched with huge razzmatazz, this weighty--at 350-plus pages--yet highly readable novel is a fitting conclusion to the story of the Manth people, and their long, dangerous and imaginative journey, Moses-like in scale, to a new and promised land. Highly-anticipated final books in big fantasy trilogies don't come much bigger than this and, reassuringly, William Nicholson's concluding instalment of his Wind on Fire sequence lives up to the immense expectation established by its excellent and award-winning predecessors The Wind Singer and Slaves of the Mastery.

The story picks up with the flight of the Hath family, and their crew of other willing Manth families and friends, away from the ruined Mastery. After the defeat of the Master, alone and displaced, they seek a new homeland but have no real destination and very little food. Ira Hath leads the way, prophesising their eventual success but also her own, sad demise. Bowman and Kestrel Hath, brother and sister, carry burdens of their own. Bowman, in particular, is anxious. He awaits a summons from the Sirene, and must make a great sacrifice for his people. The journey is long, and his preparation is tough--especially in the unforgiving hands of an unexpected teacher.

As with the previous two volumes, there are some wonderfully exciting moments of action, as well as vivid landscapes and colourful characters. Last time it was Mumpo in gladiatorial combat--this time it is the dramatic attempted rescue of the Manth women who fall into the grubby hands of a desert people.

So after all of this, the ending is definitely worth waiting for--and very emotional. There are some surprising twists and turns, and a truly satisfying conclusion. Yet, despite all three books being so immensely well-written and popular, it remains to be seen whether or not this author will continue to write novels for children as well as screenplays for Hollywood (his other job). Write to your MP if he doesn't, but make sure you read his next book if he does. (Ages 10 and over) --John McLay

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firesong rocks - Rated
i love the book!!! amasing. shame my school only has the one in the triology...

Great Book - Rated
This book is a great end to the trilogy. I thoroughly enjoyed it and was engrossed into the story. The first two books were good and this one also meets that high standard.

An excellent teen fantasy. - Rated
Written by William Nicholson in a classic and timeless fashion. It is the concluding book of the 'Wind on Fire' Trilogy, and makes and almost perfect ending to the series.

It ties off all the loose ends, and gives a satisfying ending to your journey through Bowman and Kestrels world. It follows in fashion of the rest of the series, and if youre contemplating buying the third book, then you must have appreicated the first two as well and you wont find this one not to your taste.

Dont read this as a standalone book however, as the plot and character development will be missed by you.

This is a teen book, although can be appreciated by adults with a more carefree outlook on life.

A stranger in a strange land - Rated
This story is incredible!We see the all the characters mature and at the end of the book we begin to realise although Bowman thinks he is the one to save his people ,his destiny is not to be the saviour but to be saved and it is in fact Kestrel his sister must make the sacrifice instead.The penultimate chapter in the book is by far the most moving.READ IT!

Firesong - Rated
An incredibly moving conclusion to the series, and definatly worth the read. I first read the trilogy when i was 10 and loved them. Now 16, I have moved on to the likes of Stephen Donaldson and Robert Jordan, however i still enjoy returning to Nicholsons work, especially Firesong. Great read and will not disappoint! Buy Them!!!