What a fantastic end to a trilogy—really, two trilogies. The previous book was lighter on action, delving deeper into psychological manipulation and grief. Out Past the Stars ramps up the action, emotion, and sacrifice, and is the very epitome of what space opera should be. ( )

And there it is, all over series complete. Some of the most inventive space opera, at least in terms of characters, has run it's course. It was a grand ride.

This final instalment ties up all the loose ends. The aliens are coming and Hail has to find enough help to drive them away before the destruction of everything and everyone she holds dear - the . At least she knows this now, and has her friends and companions around to help. I'm not a great fan of prophecy, especially in science fiction where it doesn't really fit with the universe as we know it. As always with prophecy a lot of it is in the interpretation, especially as some of the visions were seen a long time ago. Wagers does a good job here of changing the interpretations without changing the original vision, but I did feel a little bit cheated sometimes, even though you'd been given other clues this was happening.

So we found out at the end of the last book that the gods of the farians were in fact aliens with some form of powers enough to convince the provincials. And they were being chased by their brethren for a great crime had been committed. However this 'truth' came through various ears, and we start to hear the original stories from everyone involved, it turns out or be more complicated than even Hail expected. She thinks fast on her feet though which has always been a highlight of the series. And an alliance is made to quash this threat forever.

I loved the Dalien race, especially the little cameo of their children, even though all of the aliens are suspiciously humanoid, and no explanation is ever given for the 'energy manipulation'. Nor why Hail and Jo are so proficient. The third god makes remarkably little appearance, but otherwise it's all meticulously planned and executed. The characters interactions are the star of the show, from Hao and Jo's gang background to the formal Stasia and the heart-melting Mia.

Wonderful ( )

I loved this series about a gunrunner turned princess, who takes her job pretty damn seriously. Great characters and lots of internal dialog regarding what our choices are, what is important to us, and how to deal with a hostile universe.

Shiva, I'm sorry to say goodbye to Hail. ( )

Saying goodbye to characters you’ve come to think of as friends is always hard and nowhere is it more so than in Out Past the Stars by K.B. Wagers, the conclusion to the Farian War trilogy. Hail Bristol has come a long way since readers first met her. A gunrunner princess, reluctant Empress, and now hope of the galaxy. The Farian War has seen Hail kidnapped, tortured, rescued and drafted to end one centuries-long war and prevent a different one. For some, this might be too much, but for Hail, it’s just another day in the life.

Hail is committed to bringing peace to the warring Farians and Shen. Part of doing that means shattering the illusion that those the Farian people believe to be gods are actually supersoldiers fleeing a different war. This revelation is a political bomb but a necessary one if the Farians and Shen are ever to end their conflict and the first step in stopping an invasion of forces from outside the galaxy that even the gods fear.

One of the strengths of Hail’s character is her confidence to trust in her friends so that she doesn’t have to do everything herself. Wagers brings all of them to such vivid life that you feel you are part of this close-knit group as you are reading. This feeling lends excitement and consequence to the outstanding action sequences whether it be battles in space or gunfights on the ground.

Fascinating politics, outstanding action sequences and characters so well-written that you will be truly sad to leave them behind, even if Wagers has given them a wonderful send-off. I highly recommend this book and this series.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. ( )