<p><b><i>The Consuming Fire</i> by John Scalzi is the dazzling follow-up to <i>The</i> <i>Collapsing Empire</i>, the second in the Interdependency series – a space opera in a universe on the brink of destruction.</b><br><br>The Interdependency, humanity’s interstellar empire, is on the verge of collapse. The Flow, the extra-dimensional pathway between the stars, is disappearing, leaving planets stranded. Billions of lives will be lost – unless desperate measures can be taken. <br><br>Emperox Grayland II, the leader of the Interdependency, is ready to take those measures. But it’s not that easy. There are those who believe the collapse of the Flow is a myth – or an opportunity for them to ascend to power. <br><br>While Grayland prepares for disaster, others prepare for civil war. A war that will take place in the halls of power, by the altars of worship and amongst the