I am such a fan of TA White and her work and I have made no secret of my love for this series in particular. Trials of Conviction is the 5th book in the Firebird Chronicles and if you haven’t read this series yet I will say that you probably do have to go back and read the other books first in order to make sense of this one. The reading order for this series is:
- Rules of Redemption
- Age of Deception
- Threshold of Annihilation
- Facets of Revolution (you can read my review of this book here)
This series is a wonderful blend of fantasy/science fiction and romance with scenes both in space and in some strange, wonderful worlds full of alien creatures, magic and futuristic weapons and vessels. It follows Kirra Forrest, a woman introduced in the first book as a human salvager who was a former officer in what passes for the human army/alliance. Kirra has a bot best friend named Jin and it is impossible not to love Jin. He’s snarky, funny and unbelievably loyal.
The series starts with Kirra saving the lives of two children of an alien race called the Tuann. This then starts the story arc of the series and leads to discoveries of who Kirra actually is and introduces the overarching plotline of a war between humans and their allies and another alien race called the Tsavitee.
I can’t give away too much plot wise as I really don’t want to spoil anything BUT I can say that this book starts pretty much right after that cliffhanger at the end of book 4 with Kirra making plans to save the day with grim determination as she always does.
The found family trope and poor Kirra gathering more and more people who are loyal to her in spite of herself always makes me laugh and her romance with Graydon continues to grow and deepen. I love how the romance is fierce and challenging like they both are and not necessarily a soft thing of sonnets and poems:
Graydon’s face was furious, his fingers tender as he feathered a touch across her jaw. “I’m here Kira. All the way to the end. Your shelter and your anchor.”
Kira’s cheeks were wet with tears as she covered his hand with hers, “Okay.”
Graydon’s glare remained hot. “You’re such a difficult woman”
Kira’s laugh sounded clogged. “Isn’t that why you love me?”
(Trials of Conviction page 118)
There are some heavier themes of war and torture in the book although none too graphic but trigger warnings there. There is a dry humor sprinkled throughout book that helps lighten some of the more stressful moments:
Why was it that everytime she turned around in this place someone was threatening her life? Sheesh. No wonder Auntie hated the Tsavitee. They were so dramatic all the time.
(Trials of Conviction page 236)
I loved this book so much I read it all within 24 hours. I looked up at the end with my eyes blurry and my heart full. It gave me all the feels – stress, tingles, laughter, surprise you name it, I felt it. It ties up loose ends nicely and although the overarching plot is not yet resolved enough little sub plots and questions are answered that it won’t make you crazy in the meantime waiting for the next book. Five plus stars from me J
romancefangirl 
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