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Kevin J. Anderson
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A Forest of Stars (Saga of Seven Suns Book 2) Kindle Edition

by Kevin J. Anderson (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 562 ratings
Five years have passed since humans set fire to the gas-giant planets, unwittingly committing genocide of the Hydrogues-an infinitely powerful species of aliens-and igniting a war of epic proportions.

Five years after attacking the human-colonized worlds of the Spiral Arm, the enigmatic hydrogues maintain absolute control over the galaxy's gas-giant planets. Still reeling from renewed attacks by the hydrogues, the Terran rulers don't realize the dangers they face. The Ildirans, believed to be allies, are abducting humans for breeding experiments. Far-flung colonies plan a rebellion--an military robots, used to build cybernetic legions to fight the war, have secretly exterminated their own makers--and may soon turn on mankind.

Five years ago, humans thought they ruled the cosmos. Today they are the galaxy's most endangered species.
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  1. Book 2 of 7
    Saga of Seven Suns
  2. Print length
    672 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publisher
    Aspect
  5. Publication date
    July 1, 2003
  6. File size
    2.8 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Bestseller Anderson turns up the heat in his second Saga of the Seven Suns installment (after 2002's Hidden Empire), proving he has firepower to burn. He weaves action, romance and science with a rousing plot reflecting the classic SF of Clarke and Herbert and the glossy cinematic influence of Lucas and Spielberg. Five years after the events in Hidden Empire, hydrogues, gas giant aliens, continue to plague the Terran Hanseatic League in retaliation for the Hansa's "accidental" destruction of a hydrogue planet. This time they're also eager to destroy their ancient enemy, the Verdani, an interconnected, semi-sentient worldforest far more dangerous to the quicksilver aliens than mere humans ("The roots of a tree can shatter mountains, given time"). EDF (Earth Defense Forces) have hidden enemies in the Klikiss robots, whose resolve to reprogram "compies" (short for "Competent Computerized Companions") into human-killing robots is just as alarming as covert alien experiments on humans. Anderson's well-drawn cast includes spy Davin Lotze, an exosociologist who discovers a new method of space travel; earthy space-trader Rlinda Kett; King Peter, a reluctant "puppet" who challenges power-mad Basil Wenceslas; and DD, the terrified friendly compy kidnapped by a ruthless Klikiss robot. Sparked with surprises, enriched by ecological issues that laypersons can appreciate, this saga soars as it exposes the inner and external roots of war.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

The second novel in an exciting new science fiction series by the author of the New York Times bestsellers Dune Butlerian Jihad, Star Wars: Darksabre, and X-Files: Antibodies, among many others.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B000FBFLAS
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Aspect (July 1, 2003)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 1, 2003
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.8 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 672 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 0446528714
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 562 ratings

About the author

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Kevin J. Anderson

Kevin J. Anderson

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Yes, I have a lot of books, and if this is your first visit to my amazon author page, it can be a little overwhelming. If you are new to my work, let me recommend a few titles as good places to start. My major new fantasy trilogy (all finished!) consists of SPINE OF THE DRAGON, VENGEWAR and GODS AND DRAGONS. My newest Dune novel with Brian Herbert is THE HEIR OF CALADAN, end of a new trilogy. I also love my Dan Shamble, Zombie P.I. series—newest one is DOUBLE-BOOKED— humorous horror/mysteries, which begin with DEATH WARMED OVER. My steampunk fantasy adventures, CLOCKWORK ANGELS, CLOCKWORK LIVES, and CLOCKWORK DESTINY, written with Neil Peart, legendary drummer from Rush, are some of my very favorite novels ever. And my magnum opus, the science fiction epic The Saga of Seven Suns, begins with HIDDEN EMPIRE. After you've tried those, I hope you'll check out some of my other series.

I have written more than 175 books, including 59 national or international bestsellers. I have over 24 million books in print worldwide in thirty languages. I've been nominated for the Nebula Award, Hugo Award, Bram Stoker Award, Shamus Award, and Silver Falchion Award, and I've won the SFX Readers' Choice Award, Golden Duck Award, Scribe Award, and New York Times Notable Book; in 2012 at San Diego Comic Con I received the Faust Grand Master Award for Lifetime Achievement.

I have written numerous bestselling and critically acclaimed novels in the Dune universe with Brian Herbert, as well as Star Wars and X-Files novels. In my original work, I am best known for my Saga of Seven Suns series, the Terra Incognita trilogy, the Dan Shamble, Zombie PI series, and Clockwork Angels and Clockwork Lives with Neil Peart. Along with my wife Rebecca Moesta, I am also the publisher of WordFire Press. Find out more about me at wordfire.com, where you can sign up for my newsletter and get some free fiction.

FOR RIGHTS INQUIRIES (Film/TV/Gaming/Foreign/Literary) please contact me directly at info (at) wordfire (dot) com, and I will put you in touch with my appropriate representative.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
562 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this science fiction book to be a great continuation of the series, with complex characters and lots of action. Moreover, the story unfolds well, with one customer noting how different plot lines knit together effectively. Additionally, the book maintains a good pace, with one review describing it as a wide-ranging space epic, and customers find it very entertaining.

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13 customers mention "Story development"11 positive2 negative

Customers enjoy the story development of the book, with its unfolding narrative and action sequences, and one customer notes how different plot lines knit together well.

"...it as character after character is developed and events are seen from diffeent perspectives with a resulting better understanding of why events..." Read more

"...I've adjusted to the short chapters and rapid plot development that was a little disconcerting in book 1, and am really starting to enjoy it...." Read more

"...my favorite author and with this series he comes through with an original story, original characters, original aliens races...." Read more

"I thought it was exciting, well paced, and meted out enough details to remain interesting...." Read more

12 customers mention "Readability"12 positive0 negative

Customers find the book highly readable and enjoyable, particularly as a continuation of the series, with one customer noting it's an easily consumed science fiction novel.

"Wow what a series. A must read for Sci FY readers as this space opera series just continues to grow...." Read more

"Really impressed with this series to date. The first book was pretty good, Forest of Stars got even better...." Read more

"...All in all, a good and easily consumed science fiction novel." Read more

"Another excellent book from Kevin J Anderson. Such an amazing story that just flows so wonderful. I can't wait to finish this great saga" Read more

11 customers mention "Pacing"9 positive2 negative

Customers find the pacing of the book well-paced, with one customer noting how it builds momentum and leaves readers hungry for more, while another describes it as a wide-ranging space epic.

"...describing a building or hole in the ground, but rather moves the pace along quickly and had great action sequences...." Read more

"I thought it was exciting, well paced, and meted out enough details to remain interesting...." Read more

"...Such an amazing story that just flows so wonderful. I can't wait to finish this great saga" Read more

"This book is where this epic series builds a lot of momentum (the first book had a lot of character building to do)...." Read more

7 customers mention "Character development"7 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, noting that the characters are complex.

"...irritating, but once I got used to it loved it as character after character is developed and events are seen from diffeent perspectives with a..." Read more

"...But who cares? It's extremely well written, the plot and characters are intriguing, and it leaves you hungry for more...." Read more

"...and with this series he comes through with an original story, original characters, original aliens races...." Read more

"...Characters are complex and well drawn and the different plot lines knit together well whilst keeping constant surprises up their sleeves...." Read more

7 customers mention "Entertainment value"7 positive0 negative

Customers find the book very entertaining.

"...Enthralling, always wanting to know what's going to happen next. Mr. Anderson is at the pinnacle of Sci-Fi writing...." Read more

"I thought it was exciting, well paced, and meted out enough details to remain interesting...." Read more

"...this failing this series is one of great imagination and entertainment for the reader, blurring a little into fantasy at times but enough hard..." Read more

"The second book in a series of seven is just as interesting and exciting as the first. I am moving straight on to the third one ASAP." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • TheSeb
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wow, what a sereis.
    Reviewed in the United States on November 2, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Wow what a series. A must read for Sci FY readers as this space opera series just continues to grow.The universe covered by this series continues to grow with so many side stories going on that it is at times hard to put down. The style of switching from one character to another was at first irritating, but once I got used to it loved it as character after character is developed and events are seen from diffeent perspectives with a resulting better understanding of why events developed as they did.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Jonathan C. Pike
    4.0 out of 5 stars Getting better
    Reviewed in the United States on November 30, 2005
    Verified Purchase
    Really impressed with this series to date. The first book was pretty good, Forest of Stars got even better. I've adjusted to the short chapters and rapid plot development that was a little disconcerting in book 1, and am really starting to enjoy it. It's nice to see an author who doesn't spend 5 pages describing a building or hole in the ground, but rather moves the pace along quickly and had great action sequences. Some may criticize this series as a cheap thrill because of the brevity of chapters and such, and maybe they're right. But who cares? It's extremely well written, the plot and characters are intriguing, and it leaves you hungry for more. I only hope Anderson continues his high quality work in books 3 and 4. But up to this point I'm very pleased with the Saga of the Seven Suns. A great scifi series that is not to be missed.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Infinity's End
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beyond Good
    Reviewed in the United States on June 27, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Kevin J. Anderson is very close to my favorite author and with this series he comes through with an original story, original characters, original aliens races. That may be the best part, the originality and uniqueness of the new races. Enthralling, always wanting to know what's going to happen next.

    Mr. Anderson is at the pinnacle of Sci-Fi writing. He is one of the greats.
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  • david
    3.0 out of 5 stars x
    Reviewed in the United States on March 3, 2022
    x
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  • Kelli Bates
    5.0 out of 5 stars Some thought this book too political and slow.
    Reviewed in the United States on April 28, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    I thought it was exciting, well paced, and meted out enough details to remain interesting. All in all, a good and easily consumed science fiction novel.
    Helpful
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  • Alan Burdon
    4.0 out of 5 stars Small worlds; big ideas.
    Reviewed in the United States on September 1, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    One of the general failings with Sci Fi novels that span the galaxy is that whole planets are treated as single cities. Rarely is the scale involved sensibly expounded. Perhaps only the Ringworld series has managed that, but then only with an artifical world. This is no different. The various characters are constrained by their narrow environments and actions that take place on other worlds could equally be taking plaqce over the horizon of the world upon which they dwell. Only the Roamers, with their honeycombed asteroids seem to fill their home environment adequately.
    Despite this failing this series is one of great imagination and entertainment for the reader, blurring a little into fantasy at times but enough hard science to keep the Sci Fi purists happy. Characters are complex and well drawn and the different plot lines knit together well whilst keeping constant surprises up their sleeves. I am ready to start on book three after a brief diversion into other genres.
    Helpful
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Forest of Stars
    Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Another excellent book from Kevin J Anderson. Such an amazing story that just flows so wonderful. I can't wait to finish this great saga
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  • Jabee
    5.0 out of 5 stars It is a fantastic read and is highly recommended
    Reviewed in the United States on June 1, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    This book is where this epic series builds a lot of momentum (the first book had a lot of character building to do). It is a fantastic read and is highly recommended.
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Greggorio!
    4.0 out of 5 stars SCI FI ISNT JUST FOR GEEKS... ITS FOR ROMANTICS, TOO!!!!!
    Reviewed in Australia on June 24, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Fans of Kevin J Anderson who finished the very famous and equally controversial) book one would have gone straight onto book two. I must admit that i did, but I found myself more than a little worried about how the book was shaping up. The first half was very slow, very, very political, and not very actiony. Nor was it very science-y.

    But kept the faith, i did, and I kept reading. And as soon as i reached the half way mark of A FOREST OF STARS, the action picked up, the chapter ending cliff hangers returned, and massive plot twists began to appear out of nowhere that changed the course of the story line forever, and as an added bonus, gave the reader a cascading series of goose bumps and memories that will not only stay with you for years, but will make you a fan of Mr Anderson for ever.

    I said at the end of book one that the reader is not completely sure that the Hydrogues are the story’s true bad guys. Up to that point, they had acted entirely in self defence, albeit with no demonstrable intent to communicate toward the aim of a truce. New evidence and information has since come to the surface that the Hydrogues and the Ancient Forest on Theroc played out an ancient war thousands of years ago. New players in that war have since been discovered (or, re-discovered) and with this information came the book’s principle “sense of wonder” moment. The Wentals. Damn, i love me those Wentals... But yet again, we know little of their true intent.

    And those damn fools who lead and control the Hanseatic League, who jump at the first glimpse of an advantage, no matter how small minded and desperate it makes them appear to be. And yet love remains a demonstrable force in this book, principally for King Peter and his lovely Queen Estarra, but for others, the chance for true happiness and contentment has gone, for ever.

    I compared THE SAGA OF THE SEVEN SUNS to GAME OF THRONES and STAR WARS in my review of book one, but having finished book two only a few moments ago, i dont think this claim is fair to Mr Anderson. Reading SOTSS i get a feeling that the story itself is infinite, just like the genre he is writing in. GAME OF THRONES is fantastic, dont get me wrong, but its set in a universe where we all know the boundaries. They say that in space, no one can hear you scream, but in Kevin J Anderson’s exquisite universe, no one can hear it when you inhale a giant lung full of air as you encounter and try to absorb a story defining moment. And that no one can see you cry as you come across a chapter so beautifully written describing two souls whose love for each other is as infinite as the universe itself.

    Four stars for this book. I cant wait to start book three.

    Now, do you see.... sci fi isnt just for geeks, its for romantics, too.
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  • Stefan The Urban Bard
    5.0 out of 5 stars Hidden Gem of a Saga
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 19, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    My fellow Sci-fi affection ado's this review is in my eyes an A&E stat situation. I picked up Hidden Empires in my local Arbury library as a punt. Bought "A Forest of Stars" as soon as I finished on my kindle.

    On my day off yesterday (being a contract killer is not easy my friends). Hours spent in the punishing summer sunshine. Worrying about your cornetto dripping, leaving DNA evidence in the Merc and policing your brass!! ( stop laughing T'is true). Due to the above I read an heroic amount of this book in the twilight of Sunday.

    The slurs on Kevin's work are unacceptable!!!! Nay should I say, as unacceptable as walking into your kitchen & seeing your house mate having marmalade on toast after 11am (seriously what sane person does that??).

    This my avid bookworms IS a space opera. And my honest opinion is that the short chapters written via peoples' views has been done in such a way as the story propels you forward.

    I agree that compared to say "Naked God" it does lack 50 pages telling you how forestry a forest is ( & I love Hamilton's work). I do sometimes want to read something that does not require a Masters in serious attention.

    Buy this guy's work and just enjoy. My best analogy would be comparing it to Arrow or The Flash ( bear with me Prime- ordians). These 2 amazing episodic TV shows are short individually, yet have an almost addictive overarching storyline. Anyone watch the last episode of Arrow1, then watch Arrow2ep1 and wonder where the series cut off was meant to be?

    Well folks I must now decide on whether my next hat will be a satirical bucket hat ridiculing social media morons, or a more stylish snap panama- it is Summer after all.

    Love Da Bard
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  • Arne Lange
    4.0 out of 5 stars Gute Unterhaltung, bei der man hier und da ein Auge zudrücken muss.
    Reviewed in Germany on July 6, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Ich habe mich gut unterhalten gefühlt und es gab nur wenige Längen. Etwas schade ist, dass es mehrere Hinsichten gibt, in der dem Leser meines Erachtens ein bisschen zu viel dahingehend abverlangt wird, über Nachlässigkeiten oder Übersehen des Offensichtlichen durch einen Charakter hinwegzusehen. Es ist nie gut, wenn so etwas als Lösung gewählt wird, damit der Plot funktioniert. Ich will nichts vom Inhalt verderben, also sei gesagt, dass sich das noch im gelben Bereich bewegt. Es ist genug für ein Kopfschütteln, aber nicht genug, um einen aus der Story herauszureißen.

    Dass diese Serie ein großes Universum (dutzende, wenn nicht gar hunderte Welten) enorm vereinfacht und nur wenige Fraktionen und tatsächliche Akteure kennt, sollte jeder bereits nach dem ersten Buch bemerkt haben. Das wird auch im zweiten Buch nicht besser. Das Interessengeflecht ist trotz der zahlreichen Perspektivcharaktere doch recht einfach gestrickt.

    Diese eBook Version ist tadellos, ohne nennenswerte Fehler oder Formatierungsprobleme. Wer etwas den Überblick verloren hat, sollte beachten, dass es einen Glossar und auch ein paar Familienstammbäume am Ende des Buches gibt.

    Als solide Science Fiction mit gerade eben mittlerem Anspruch und durchaus gutem Tempo kann ich dieses Buch für all jene empfehlen, die ihre Erwartungen nicht zu hoch schrauben. Wer den ersten Teil gelesen hat und wissen will, wie es weiter geht, wird nicht enttäuscht werden. 3,5 Sterne (aufgerundet auf 4) vor allem wegen der zu einfach gehaltenen Weltstruktur.
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  • George A
    4.0 out of 5 stars Well worth the read.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 8, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Lives up to the standard set by the first book in the series
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  • Brendan Nicholls
    3.0 out of 5 stars stuck in third gear
    Reviewed in Australia on December 5, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    the book is very simple in its writing and the problem I have is the lack of motivation with the characters. It's been five years since the events of the first book and they just don't react realistic enough for me. The problem reviewing is that the book is part 2 of 7, meaning how it fits into the scheme of things won't come into play until later.

    I'll revisit my rating once I have completed the series but this review 05/12/14 doesn't leave me wanting to buy the other 5 and complete the story straight away. I rated the first in similiar fashion and I read that six months prior to this one if that's any indication of enthusiasm.

    the outlook doesn't have my utter interest and I feel I have chosen a lacklasture space opera for my first outing. fingers crossed Kevin J. Anderson gets it together for an epic conclusion.
    Report

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