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Book Review: Conspiracy of Fire

23rd November 2006

Conspiracy of Fire, the debut novel from Michael T Sanders, boldly throws the reader into the middle of a saga which has already begun. Set in the near future, a young society rebuilding itself after a cataclysmic war is beginning to break at the seams.

Thrown in at the deep end, the audience is confronted with an eclectic mix of characters; some good, some evil, some already dead. The plot, initially at least, is confusing. Much has clearly already happened to almost every character you meet, and the back story, skilfully weaved into the pages, only gradually reveals itself.

Conspiracy of Fire isn't the longest book you'll ever read, but it is challenging. With the sheer weight of characters, and various fantastical elements, it does require concentration - but the outcome is satisfying.

With three volumes to come, including what will no doubt be a revealing prequel – this is the second story – Sanders may be on the scene for a while. Conspiracy of Fire lays intriguing seeds for a story of impressive scope.

Conspiracy of Fire is released on 1 December and can purchased from Amazon.

Tim Sculthorpe