To the explorers, the pilgrims, the ones who are always looking to the horizon and the new grounds and different skies are calling to them. I read this book after I read the “Deepness in the sky” in search of another story of Pham Nuwen, the master programmer-at-arms, the strategist and the best Qeng Ho had to offer.

Some said that if you happen to read Fire first, the deepness would read like a tragedy unfolding. The order made no difference. Although glimpses of the fire that was Pham would burn through some parts of the book, his essence had been engulfed and restrained by God shatter throughout most of story and he stayed, up to almost the last minute, in doubt of what he was made of, which was a big loss. Still a really interesting story on “others” who are similar but different.