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)

A matter of taste.

If I was reading this book in hardcopy I'm not sure if it is the type of book I'd have continued. But listening to it on audible I really like it.

Yes the author takes a long time to develop the story and skips from one character to another and the story is interconnected through many viewpoints of each character. Some of the characters even get bumped off.

If you are the type that you want 1 or two strong protaganists in a story than this book is not for you.
On the other hand if you are a little more openminded and like to see a story from at least 10 different view points than 7 suns series is an enjoyable read.

Too Big, Too Long, No real style

Any additional comments?

I really wanted to like this book, and on some level I did. For me: Universe building books usually go one way or the other; either love 'em or hate 'em! This was a bit different...somewhere in the middle.
I liked some of the characters but the dialog was boring. I liked the aliens but the predictability bored me.If you like slow, long, humorless, long, predictable, (did I say long?) books this is for you.One thing I hate is a book that is planned for a series.
Why can't the these long winded authors come up with an ending for a book and not a cliffhanger or finish that feels like a commercial break??

many hours of prequel

starts very very slow, but in the last few chapters it turns into what you were hoping for

Like Doing Homework

Good writing, but it reads like homework, required to read the rest of the books. It gets going at the end.

I hope the time invested is rewarded in the subsequent books.

excellent

i have enjoyed the first in the series ontwo the second and many more

Manay characters, but no doring story arcs.

What did you love best about Hidden Empire: The Saga of Seven Suns, Book 1?

Epic

Any additional comments?

This is a review of the entire series. As I try to venture into the world of space operas, I find this series to be one of those that keeps me moving in that direction. At first it is a little confusing given the number of characters, but if you hang in there they all become interesting. The series is epic, and only starts to become tiring towards the last book (book 7), but those wrap up things well. Both the main protagonists and antagonist grow and develop throughout the series.

Hidden Empire

Good story, I enjoyed all the characters and can't wait to see what happens next.

A complex epic space opera

Fine writing, if a bit long-winded for my taste. The vocal performance wasn’t in a tone I prefer but it was well done. Good acting, just not my flavor. The story is strong, but it took a lot of world building to get things rolling. I was of two minds throughout, but again this was mostly a matter of taste, and no reflection on the author’s work or the vocal performance.

If you like Scalzi, LeGuin and Tim Powers, this one will probably be in your sweet spot.

great story and performance!

very interesting and creative sorry, kept me interstellar the whole time. the narrator does a great job with the different parts, never confused about who's line is who's. my new favorite arthor

mostly good

the only downside was the names of the compy robots. there names were DD EA and OX. each letter pronounced. but the reader kept saying OC as if it was the animal not two different letters. most annoying