The Orphaned Worlds: Book Two of Humanity's Fire

Michael Cobley

Oct 2010 · Hachette UK

About this ebook

'Proper galaxy-spanning space opera' Iain M. Banks on Seeds of Earth

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.

For more epic space opera action from Michael Cobley, check out:

Humanity's Fire Trilogy:
Seeds of Earth
The Orphaned Worlds
The Ascendant Stars

Standalone novels in the Humanity's Fire universe:
Ancestral Machines
Splintered Suns

Also look out for Cobley's epic fantasy trilogy, Shadowkings!

Ratings and reviews

The plot played out slow at times and although it was an interesting read, it was only occasionally compelling. I look forward to Book Three but in some ways look back to Book One.

Good second in the trilogy. Just want to get my cold cybernetic claws on book three!

It's hard to get a good sequel. I recommend it, but it's a a bit too action packed for my taste. More drama and witty dialogs please ;)

About the author

Michael Cobley was born in the city of Leicester, has lived in Perth (Australia) and Glasgow but now resides in North Ayrshire. His previous works have included the Shadowkings trilogy (a dark and grim fantasy epic), Iron Mosaic (a collection of short stories) but he is best known for his epic space opera series - Humanity's Fire. Splintered Suns is a stand alone adventure set in this universe.