Hidden Empire is the first book in a series, but despite its length, it seems like little more than a prologue rather than a novel. Author Kevin J. Anderson spends most of this book repetitively universe building that he forgets to drive the story forward. Chapters are presented where nothing happens. For example, several chapters involve a cultural spy and by the end of the book, he's done nothing, learned nothing, and was completely irrelevant to the overall story. Because of the many useless chapters introducing peripheral characters doing nothing, the book and the plot move at a snail's pace. By the time interesting things happen, it's about 90% through the book. And then Anderson just breezes through those plot points with short prose.
And that's a darn shame. There's some really good, intriguing ideas in this book. This book could easily have been 1/3 of its length, and what Anderson needed was a strong editor to tell him to cut the fat from the story, while strengthening the more interesting parts. I will finish the series because I'm invested in the story now, but it's pretty clear that the rest of the series will suffer from the same problems--slow pace, useless chapters, and nothing driving the plot forward.
Worse--many of the characters seem to have names taken from other sci-fi and fantasy books and dropped in as distracting homages, particularly to Game of Thrones. Anderson may fantasize that he's creating a story as interesting and complex as George R.R. Martin, but he doesn't come close. For example an alien admiral is named Jora'h (shades of Jorah Mormont from Game of Thrones); an alien bodyguard is named Bron'n (like Bronn from Game of Thrones); a pair of Earthlings are named Colicos (like actor John Colicos from the original Battlestar Galactica), etc. It happens enough that it cannot be mere coincidence, but this really breaks up the already weak story for the well-informed science fiction fan.
Barely deserving of three stars ("It's okay"), it's really worthy only as a time-waster and not as a world-changing story. The good ideas are developed too slowly and lost in completely irrevelant chapters. Good chapters are too short and too few. One of the few times that I've wished a story was actually shorter. Someday, someone will create a more compact version of the whole saga, cutting out the useless material. There's a good story here waiting to come out, but this first book makes me feel like I'm a beta tester for a crappy author.
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club?
Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required. Learn more
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle Cloud Reader.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Enter your mobile phone or email address
Processing your request...
By pressing "Send link," you agree to Amazon's Conditions of Use.
You consent to receive an automated text message from or on behalf of Amazon about the Kindle App at your mobile number above. Consent is not a condition of any purchase. Message & data rates may apply.
Flip to back
Flip to front
Follow the Author
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
|
Price
|
New from | Used from |
|
Audible Audiobook, Unabridged
"Please retry"
|
$0.00
|
Free with your Audible trial | |
|
Mass Market Paperback
"Please retry"
|
$6.39 | $1.10 |
| Mass Market Paperback, June 1, 2003 |
$15.00
|
— | $1.95 |
|
Preloaded Digital Audio Player, Unabridged
"Please retry"
|
—
|
— | — |
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now
Customers who viewed this item also viewed
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
What other items do customers buy after viewing this item?
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
Limited time offer
Join Audible Premium Plus for 60% off and get a bonus $20 credit for Audible. Get this deal
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Customer reviews
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in the United States on May 9, 2015
Verified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on November 26, 2017
Verified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on March 14, 2013
Verified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on August 10, 2015
Verified Purchase
Top reviews from other countries
Ashes
Thought provoking Sci fi
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 15, 2019Verified Purchase
Alan Marron
ANDERSON ON TOP FORM - AS USUAL!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 26, 2018Verified Purchase
Amazon Customer
A slow start
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 25, 2013Verified Purchase
Oscar Shave-smythies
An interesting theory
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 28, 2013Verified Purchase
Adam
Space opera
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 21, 2021Verified Purchase
Customers who bought this item also bought
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
