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)

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.

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.