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)

Well crafted

Great characters and a gripping story line. I can't wait for the next part of this series.

Hidden Empire

Imaginative, fun and ejoyable. Yes more of the action is in the next two books yet I found this a great listen. If you like Dune, or Lord of the Rings or Dan Dimmons Hyperion then this book is for you. The next two books Forest of stars and Horizon Storms have more action but mostly they are about different life forms, their survival and misunderstanding of each other. Sound Familiar. I loved everything about this book but I also like science fiction.

Rich storytelling and great voice actor

I rented this audio book from my local library more than 10 years ago. The story stuck with me so strongly, but I couldn't recall the title or author. The only searchable term I had was Klikiss robots. Fortunately, it was enough to find what I was looking for! I enjoyed it as much this time as I did all those years ago, and I'm excited to finally get to other books in the series.

worth it for geeks, maybe not for normies

this entire book was basically nothing but build up for the real conflict. it takes a LONG time to get rolling. this is the first of seven. approach with extreme caution unless you love to get lost in long stories and don't mind staying for many, many, many hours.

oooh, what a cliff hanger

The story starts off with Margaret and Luis Calicos, and they quickly become a couple of my most favorite characters in all scifi.

Australian: Can't get the whole series

I found this engaging and interesting enough. By the end I was hooked enough to want to continue with the series. But once again I have been caught by Audible not having the Australian rights for the whole series!!! So now I can not get books 4,5 and 6. Arrgghhh!!!

Finally found another decent space sci fi

Where does Hidden Empire: The Saga of Seven Suns, Book 1 rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

So much better than the newer trash that has flooded the market. Great writers show through whether in their first or last books. New greats that immediately come to mind are Andy Wier and Kloos. So much else is amateurish at best, such as BV Larson and Michael Wallace.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Hidden Empire: The Saga of Seven Suns, Book 1?

I am not through with it yet but the whole story is so well constructed that likely no one part will stand out more than the whole.

What about George Guidall’s performance did you like?

Outstanding as usual, he is one of the most talented of all narrators. He really brings a story to life.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

A saga of humanities future

Great story

I enjoyed this book so much that I was able to put in five hours a day listening to it. Kevin J Anderson is one of my favorite authors and his stories never let me down. I am really looking forward to listening to the rest of the series.

It is not Dune, but it is well worth the time

I just finished this book and enjoyed it a great deal. Some elements of the plot were awfully forseeable but that did not bother me too much. If you have already read the full Dune series (including the great prequels) and the Foundation series, and are looking for a series with similar scope and ambition, the Saga of the Seven Suns is one you will likely enjoy.

Took a long time to get going

Took a good while to get truly interesting, but once it did, it was pretty good