Metal Swarm

The Saga of Seven Suns, Book 6

By: Kevin J. Anderson

Narrated by: David Colacci

Length: 19 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's summary

For years, the alien Klikiss robots have pretended to be humanity's friends, but their seeming "help" allowed them to plant an insidious Trojan Horse throughout the Earth Defense Forces. Now, in the aftermath of a devastating war, swarms of ancient black robots built by the lost insectoid Klikiss race continue their depredations on helpless worlds with stolen and heavily armed Earth battleships.

Among the humans, the Hansas' brutal Chairman struggles to crush any resistance, even as King Peter breaks away to form his own new Confederation among the colonies who have declared their independence.

And meanwhile, the original, voracious Klikiss race, long thought to be extinct, has returned, intent on conquering their former worlds and willing to annihilate anyone in the way.

The saga continues: listen to more of Kevin J. Anderson's Seven Suns series.

©2007 Word Fire, Inc. (P)2007 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved. Published by arrangement with Orbit/Little, Brown and Company, a division of Hachette Book Group USA.

Critic reviews

"Rapid-fire action and panoramic plotting make this a first-class space opera." ( Library Journal)

Im a real fan now

At first i thought the stories were okay a real good listen and a good value. but this listen made me a real fan i have since finished the series and hope anderson hurries to write another i enjoy his story telling, a touch just a touch predictable but he is second to none in his story telling.

great series

this series is great it show how one man can think that he can do no wrong and how people can overcome trials and tribulations.

Not as good as Of Fire and Night

I liked this installment but didn't think it was as good as Of Fire and Night. I was disappointed with the number of characters that died in this one but it happens. The plot was good overall and the performance good as well. I'm anxious to start the next book in the series and see how several subplots turn out.

Good but could have been better

This book and the series is very interesting and an entertaining story. There are some implausabilities that could have been done better but if you look beyond that and just enjoy it is good stuff.

I much preffered George Guidell's reading in the first 3 books. This narrator is a little over dramatic in the read.

And also why cant new narrators in series ever listen to the way the first ones were read so the names are at least consistent?

A painful joy

As the book moved to its conclusion, I thoughts story was over. hero's had overcome, skies had joined forces and defeated their enemies. I was sad for it to end, and now there is a new new key who had taken hold, and we get more story.

Hang on, we're almost there ..

With this novel, we are almost there. More of the threads of the story are woven into the tapestry. While listening, you will find it almost impossible to put aside the story. This is definitely a fast paced story. Sit back, listen, & enjoy!!

Oooh, he is really, really bad!

Would you listen to Metal Swarm again? Why?

Probably not. It is The Empire Strikes Back of this series, so the good guys are on the run, and all the bad guys are winning. This time, when I finished the book, I needed a long break from the series.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I still like King Peter. He is going to have to become a tad bit more proactive, but I think he can do it. I am also liking the two guys (one guard and one councilor) at the Whisper Palace who are becoming disenchanted with Basil Wenceslas. I expect a coup there, and hope it is exciting.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No. However much you like the series, they do get tiring with their constant jumping from world to world, species to species, character to character. And this one is the losing battle before the (I hope) final heroic, winning scenes that will resolve all.

Any additional comments?

My parents used to say that I could tell a 5-minute story in only half an hour. Well, this guy has got me beat. I am exhausted.

never ending story

When I began this series with book one, I thought it was imaginative and grand in scope. Now, however at the end of book six, I am tired of destruction and resurrection, it goes on and on and has become somewhat predictable. I doubt if I will invest and future credits or money listening to this never ending story. Mr. Anderson, a fine writer, needs to bring it to a succinct ending.

Just when you think it can't get worse!

My god! I just finished the book and I can wait for the next in the series. It is such an engrossing story! I've become seriously involved with the characters. I cheer and get worried about their fate. Just when you think everything is gonna work out... BAM! epic disaster. And you wonder "how will the spiral arm ever recover?" How in the world is Anderson going to make things ok? Or is he?!?! There are just so many new and amazing things that happen in this book.

As for the narration. It is different, but you get used to it as with book 4. I do find it weird that the roamers have a southern accent, I always imagined them as Japanese and Italian/European.

Almost a version of season 3&4 of B5

The series seems a lot like Babylon 5. the Wentals and Verdoni are Vorlons, and the Hydrogs and Firos are the Shadows. Even the human civil war has overtones of President Clark. It's a great story nonetheless.