Hidden Empire: The Saga of Seven Suns, Book 1

By: Kevin J. Anderson

Narrated by: George Guidall

Length: 20 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's summary

An explosive new science fiction series by New York Times best-selling author Kevin J. Anderson, Hidden Empire is the first volume in The Saga of the Seven Suns, modeled after the Star Wars and X-Files universes. Anderson has become the foremost science fiction writer of the century, bringing to life vivid characters and worlds that delight his fans across the galaxy.

The Klikiss, a now-extinct alien civilization, left behind vast technological information that has been discovered by two xenoarchaeologists. One discovery, a device that converts gas planets into life-giving suns is quickly put to the test with unimaginable results. Arising out of the test is a new alien species that threatens every human. Mankind is left with the dim reality, either fight the new alien life form or face humiliation, death, and extinction.

This riveting adventure swings you from one wonderous realm to another as the Hidden Empire is sought after and exposed. Anderson has created a gripping beginning to what will surely be his best series yet. George Guidall has returned a stellar performance and brought these characters to life in vivid detail.

Don't miss a minute of the action in Kevin J. Anderson's Saga of Seven Suns.

©2002 WorldFire, Inc. (P)2002 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"In this stellar launch of a new series, bestseller Anderson...delivers action, engaging characters, and credible fantastic worlds." (Publishers Weekly)
"Full of battles, chases, and hairbreadth escapes...this is also an intelligently conceived and executed nailbiter." (Booklist)
"Anderson's skill in delivering taut action scenes and creating well-rounded human and alien characters adds depth and variety to a series opener that belongs in most sf collections." (Library Journal)

Great story, but it takes it's time.

Is there anything you would change about this book?

It seems arrogant to suggest changing a book, but I would liked to have seen things pick up much quicker.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

I really loved the overall story but I disliked almost every single character. There was an overall lack of depth to most of the characters.

Have you listened to any of George Guidall’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

I imagine that Hollywood could turn this into a pretty good series of flicks.

Any additional comments?

I think that the series has a great story to offer, but I would hope that the characters mature greatly in the following installments.

Excellent!

I have always appreciated Kevin J. Anderson's writing and chose this book based on my past experience with him. I was NOT in error! This is an excellent example of Mr. Anderson's ability in the SciFi genre. His characters are well developed and the story line flows without sudden stops or holes. The story itself is a good SciFi thriller and I can't wait to download the next two books!

Great Story!

I enjoyed the characters and their interactions. The factional 'gypsy' group was the most fascinating, although the tree hungers, I believe, were meant to be the heroes. They have the ability to communicate across the 'spiral arm'. The antagonists were entertaining and gave a few interesting plot twists.

Great Space Opera

This is one of my favorite Space Opera's, the characters are well written and defined, can't wait to read threat of the series.

Engrossing and original

One of the most original stories I have read in a millennium. With the opening chapter I was engrossed and did not stop listening until I had listened to all three novels currently out on Audible. Highly, highly recommended to any fan of Sci-fi. May the story never end.

Excellent Start!

This one was well done in my opinion. I loved the story and the reader. Cant remember any profanity but there were a couple of sex scenes that could have been left out, they added nothing to the story. The story held your interest without going to slow or give to much away to fast. Character development could have been given a little more attention, but this is said, from a guy who drives and listens to Audible at the same time, while paying more attention to my driving then the story. As it should be. All in All, if only the sex scenes could please be left out, I would have to give this one a "9.5" out of "10". look forward to book 2.

This is not provocative or challenging sci fi...

This series has been well reviewed, so I was anxious to listen to the 1st book. Maybe because I've read so much excellent sci fi over the years, I've become too critical. For me, this book seems to have been written for an adolescent audience; it's not challenging or provocative. The direction of the various storylines is predictable. Worse, the characters are not well enough written to engage empathy. Although a lot happens to a multitude of characters in a great many places, it just isn't exciting.

On a bright note, there are some very interesting concepts introduced, they just never evolve. So although this book was disappointing, I'm going to listen to the 2nd book of the series, hoping the story gains momentum and the characters come to life.

I'll let you know....

Excellent but Remember Book 1 of a series

I had never heard of this author and while on a job which required some travel, chose it for the length of the book. Character definition takes the majority of the book, but it is interwined with various plot lines that will leave you looking forward to the nex book. Fortunately, there are a few more written to look forward to. The story reveals the multiple aspects of human nature in a futuristic setting of multiple humanoid races interacting with each other. Of course an action taken after discovering an alien technology leads to the uncovering of consequences the majority of us would never fathom based on our limited knowledge.

The time flew by listening to this book, and I was ready to find the next book in the series. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in science fiction and enjoys a series leading to some conclusion that will keep you looking for excuses to listen. If you enjoyed reading a series such as the "Left Behind" books spread out over a number of years, you may enjoy this author's Saga of the Seven Suns.

An Excellent Series worth a listen

I'm a BIG science fiction fan, and I can truthfully say that this is one of the best books that I've come across. Kevin Anderson has an interesting writing style with VERY long books, but short chapters. (I haven't read any other books by Kevin Anderson, so I don't know if all of his books are so large or if was specific to this series.) The short chapters keep the action going and keep things interesting.

Begin at the Beginning

Neil Gaiman convinced me to read this after making a comment on it in some interview I heard somewhere. The first few hours are very slow and I struggled to keep my MP3 on, but things pick up around half way through, and speed along in the last quarter. You have to make it through the first few hours to get to the exciting bits but I am guessing the next in the series will set a faster pace...I hope.