The Bond of Absolution (Bridgers #6) by Stan C. Smith

The Bond of Absolution (Bridgers #6) Reviews

• 
  Rosemary Standeven

  This is the final episode in the wonderful Bridgers series. Desmond, Infinity et al are on yet another new world – this one chosen by Kitty. As Kitty promised, there is another sentient species already at home there, and this book charts how the two completely alien (to each other) species interact, fight and ultimately learn to get along. The new species are utterly unlike anything we have seen before – in physical structure, means of communication, philosophy and thought patterns.
  As could be expected there is tension between the two groups, but the speed with which it escalates into violence – and the reasons behind the violence – I found totally irrational. I guess I (thankfully) do not have the revenge gene.
  Apart from the trials with the new environment and the new species, the Bridger colony also has to deal with the addition of five humans from the Red Howler Monkey Plague world. They are met with suspicion (not entirely unwarranted) at every turn by the original human group, but eventually prove their worth in a completely unexpected way.
  I was much happier, once the matters were settled, and the new world building could begin.
  This is a book of two parts. I really liked the description of the new world and the new aliens, and how their civilisation worked. And I liked the ending. But I fell out of love with the human colonists, particularly Infinity, in the middle.
  The story is essentially about admitting and atoning for mistakes, about reconciliation and – as the title states – absolution. A fitting ending to the series.
  I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book at no cost from the author in exchange for an honest review
  
• 
  Meenaz Lodhi

  “Revenge is a predisposition, not a rule.”
  A wonderful and emotive end to a fabulous series. It is an amazingly inventive, complex, and compelling story and one of the best reads I’ve encountered. It has been a fulfilling, heart breaking, dangerous, thought provoking, tension and action filled adventurous trip. A fantastic and realistic world building, with excellent characters. The quality of its intelligence, imagination, and prose raises Bridgers to the level of inspiring stories. Stan C. Smith has the ability and creativity to capture my mind and heart, to the point of being extremely drawn to a fantastic world of amazing creatures, and a profound knowledge of human sociology. An absolute gem! I’m going to miss it!
  “I aspire to inspire before I expire.
  Bide within the law I must, in untainted family trust.”
• 
  Ron

  The final Installment of this excellent series was everything I’ve come to expect from Stan Smith
  Great character’s who are like old friends with plenty of surprises and lots of tense action
  Really enjoyed this story from the very first word to the last
  Highly recommended
• 
  Sherri

  Things were not as they appeared!
  In the final book of his Bridgers’ series, BRIDGERS 6: THE BOND OF ABSOLUTION, Stan C. Smith crafts a fast-paced science fiction story filled with interesting characters. True to his style, Smith again blends a sense of adventure with attention to detail and concepts that inspire awe. For those who have read Bridgers 5, you may remember Kitty, a highly intelligent and furry being. Kitty had offered Infinity’s and Desmond’s group of 22 migrants a final bridge to an ideal world, a place where they could thrive and be happy. One condition though required the group to peacefully coexist in the new world with another sentient species in a mutually beneficial relationship. However, upon their arrival in the new world, a sense of dread creeps over Infinity as she realizes things were not as they appeared. For fans of the Bridgers’ series, Bridgers 6: The Bond of Absolution is a must-read. For those new to the series, Bridgers 6 will inspire you to devour the whole set.
• 
  Margaret

  Fabulous finale to a terrific series. You will be astounded at what transpires. I am sad that the series is concluded, but hopeful that Stan Smith will miss the brave Bridgers and revisit them in the future. There is certainly more to this story of the last refugees from our Earth, promised a new world with another sentient race. And what of the vengeful character Kitty?
  
  I am always amazed by Smith's creativity and imagination to come up with such exquisitely developed characters, cultures and environments. I NEVER know where his stories will take me next. He's an entertaining writer with a brilliant imagination.
• 
  Dave

  I received this book as part of the Bridgers books 4-6 boxed set. However, I am reviewing each book separately to get proper credit toward my annual Goodreads challenge 😉. This was an incredible end to awesome series which I enjoyed very, very much. The series combines all the best parts of all my favorite genres. The bridging concept is such a brilliant outlet for the author's obviously creative mind and opens up endless options for future storylines. I can only hope one day, after they get a well-deserved rest, Infinity and Desmond are revisited in future books.
• 
  Hazel

  There's nothing I can say about this except BRILLIANT!!
  I'm sad to see one of my all time fave series end but this is an amazing conclusion and an absolutely satisfying read, just like the prior books.
  The last two Bridgers bridge to a new world, only to find all is not as it seems. This is def. not the pristine world they were told to expect. They are not alone in this beautiful place!
  The twists and turns kept me engrossed right to the end and I cannot rate this series conclusion highly enough. Unlike many series it does not coast. The fact every single question is not answered makes it that much better. I regret I'm not allowed to give this book the 6☆ it deserves.
  I received an ARC of this book
• 
  Judy

  My only disappointment with this series is that it is ending. I have thoroughly enjoyed every book and this last one is no exception. The concept was original and the adventures were exactly that, real adventures. It was very easy to feel as though you knew the characters and to develop empathy for their plight. I would have been happy to follow them into old age because I don't think they would ever stop having adventures. I spent many late nights with these stories and will miss the thrills.
• 
  jboyg

  Very Entertaining Series Of Alt World Explorations
  
  I did it! Read all six books in the series in less than one week. And really enjoyed the experience. Smith is A very inventive writer and his theme and variations approach to creating the various worlds and alien races encountered throughout the six book series is outstanding. For good old fashioned SF Adventure and thrills, it is tough to beat.
• 
  Nicole

  This final book in the series definitely wrapped everything up, and still left the door open for future stories.
  I found this final story lacking. The "intelligent" species that lived there and met and worked with them seemed a bit over the top and how they lived their lives was a bit far fetched.
  The round about way to get to the end was also tedious and not up to snuff with the fantastic writing and story in books 1-3.
• 
  Paul Cobbs

  This book is an outstanding end to a great series. According to the author, this is the final book in the /Bridgers/ series. I really enjoyed where he took us in this final book. I am sad to see the end of the series, but at the same time, I could see an entire new series written in the same "universe".