It is the year 2427, and humanity has spread throughout the Spiral Arm of the galaxy. Assisted by the Ildiran Empire, successful colonies have grown in many exotic locations. Now the human race has split into three major factions. The Hansa is the Earth-based government; the Therons have adopted a forested homeworld where their Green Priests commune with the worldtrees; and the Roamer clans make up an industrious lot capable of almost anything.

The Spiral Arm is a relatively peaceful span of the galaxy—until a well-meaning experiment provokes attacks that wreck unimaginable devastation. Mysterious alien ships rise from the depths of gas giants to destroy the skymines that harvest ekti, a gas vital to interstellar travel.

As the introductory novel to Anderson’s “The Seven Suns Saga,” Hidden Empire is breathtaking in scope and depth. The characters are vivid, fresh and unforgettable. Although the story is told through many eyes, the reader will find it easy to distinguish between each individual and his or her point of view. Furthermore, the numerous settings are exquisitely described, but not overbearing. It’s refreshing to get a clear picture of a scene without suffering through page after page of minute detail.

Anderson is a master at balancing action, characterization and setting. Hidden Empire is sure to whet the appetite of science fiction fans everywhere.

Reviewed by Christina Wantz Fixemer
5-27-2006

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