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Dan Clifford #1
The Seventh Sun
A stunning debut novel about corrupt government agencies and terrifying conspiracies using the latest developments in science, technology, and oceanography
In a breathtaking debut drawing on complex science and recently discovered deep-sea biology, Kent Lester has married fast-paced narrative and cutting-edge, reality-based science to produce an edge-of-the-seat thriller.
A seemingly random murder off the Honduran coast leads scientist Dan Clifford to a massive corporate conspiracy. Illegal, automated, undersea operations have unwittingly awakened a primordial organism that turns host organisms into neurotoxin factories, wreaking havoc with aquatic life and the nearby human population. This maleficence threatens to trigger a worldwide outbreak that could end in human extinction, the Seventh Sun of ancient myth.
When the CDC and the full resources of the U.S. biological threats team fail to uncover the source of the devastation, Dan and a brilliant marine biologist, Rachel Sullivan, must plumb the deeps and face an unimaginable, ancient horror in the murky depths. It's up to them to stop this terror before a determined multi-national corporation unleashes death on an unsuspecting world.
In a breathtaking debut drawing on complex science and recently discovered deep-sea biology, Kent Lester has married fast-paced narrative and cutting-edge, reality-based science to produce an edge-of-the-seat thriller.
A seemingly random murder off the Honduran coast leads scientist Dan Clifford to a massive corporate conspiracy. Illegal, automated, undersea operations have unwittingly awakened a primordial organism that turns host organisms into neurotoxin factories, wreaking havoc with aquatic life and the nearby human population. This maleficence threatens to trigger a worldwide outbreak that could end in human extinction, the Seventh Sun of ancient myth.
When the CDC and the full resources of the U.S. biological threats team fail to uncover the source of the devastation, Dan and a brilliant marine biologist, Rachel Sullivan, must plumb the deeps and face an unimaginable, ancient horror in the murky depths. It's up to them to stop this terror before a determined multi-national corporation unleashes death on an unsuspecting world.
416 pages, Hardcover
First published April 18, 2017
13 people are currently reading
928 people want to read
About the author
Kent Lester
8 books42 followersAuthor of the latest sequel in the Dan Clifford series, The Third Instinct, published by Macmillan-Forge.
Author of the recent Dan Clifford thriller, The Seventh Sun, published by Macmillan-Forge.
Current non-fiction author of The Complete Guide to Contracting Your Home, 5th edition, with over 350,000 copies in print.
Author of the recent Dan Clifford thriller, The Seventh Sun, published by Macmillan-Forge.
Current non-fiction author of The Complete Guide to Contracting Your Home, 5th edition, with over 350,000 copies in print.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
April 25, 2017
What can I say? I wrote it. :-) Therefore, I've read it many, many times. It was a book I just couldn't put down. (for years, actually) :-)
April 18, 2017
A copy of this book was provided to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This is one of the most entertaining, well written books I've read in a long time.
The Seventh Sun is a little slow at times because of the set up that went into the plot and concept but it wasn't boring at all. This book was such a fun adventure and so unexpectedly great.
I loved the writing style and all the thought that went into this story. It was clear that the author put a lot of time and effort into creating the plot, which I loved so much. It was complex without being confusing and incredibly well written.
I was never able to become fully emotionally invested in the characters but I still really liked them. I really enjoyed reading from the main character's perspective.
Overall, The Seventh Sun was a great read. I can't stress enough how entertaining I found this book to be. I read it in just a couple of days because I never wanted to put it down.
This is one of the most entertaining, well written books I've read in a long time.
The Seventh Sun is a little slow at times because of the set up that went into the plot and concept but it wasn't boring at all. This book was such a fun adventure and so unexpectedly great.
I loved the writing style and all the thought that went into this story. It was clear that the author put a lot of time and effort into creating the plot, which I loved so much. It was complex without being confusing and incredibly well written.
I was never able to become fully emotionally invested in the characters but I still really liked them. I really enjoyed reading from the main character's perspective.
Overall, The Seventh Sun was a great read. I can't stress enough how entertaining I found this book to be. I read it in just a couple of days because I never wanted to put it down.
December 22, 2022
Action-packed sci-fi thriller that screams for a film adaptation.
Read this if you are interested in emerging diseases, corporate greed, and global implications of new technologies.
When an acquaintance disappears while researching extinction events, prediction scientist Dan Clifford joins Rachel Sullivan, a marine biologist, as they race to prevent worldwide annihilation by primordial substances found in the ultimate extremes of the ocean.
I picked this up because I have an ARC of the second in the series on my TBR to review. So glad I did as it was rife with cutting edge and realistic science, had a fast pace, and packed with interesting characters. Can't wait to start the next installment.
Read this if you are interested in emerging diseases, corporate greed, and global implications of new technologies.
When an acquaintance disappears while researching extinction events, prediction scientist Dan Clifford joins Rachel Sullivan, a marine biologist, as they race to prevent worldwide annihilation by primordial substances found in the ultimate extremes of the ocean.
I picked this up because I have an ARC of the second in the series on my TBR to review. So glad I did as it was rife with cutting edge and realistic science, had a fast pace, and packed with interesting characters. Can't wait to start the next installment.
Read
June 2, 2017Abandoned at 51% for not holding my interest
October 9, 2022
a bit overlong but I can't hate it seeing as it is the story of my life
April 18, 2017
The Seventh Sun is a great debut novel for Kent Lester! Are you a fan of sci-fi? The end of the world? Well, look no further! This has the right mixture of thriller and sci-fi. I'm not the biggest fan of science fiction or apocalypse novels (why would I read this then, right?) but I was incredibly impressed! Corporate conspiracies that lead to the destruction of the world, murder, ancient evils. All great elements!
A seemingly random murder alerts scientist Dan Clifford to a global conspiracy that stretches from the halls of Washington to the Honduran coast. Illegal, automated, undersea operations have unwittingly awakened a primordial organism that turns host organisms into neurotoxin factories, wreaking havoc with aquatic life and the nearby human population. This maleficence threatens to trigger a worldwide outbreak that could end in human extinction, the Seventh Sun of ancient myth.
Dan and marine biologist, Rachel Sullivan, must dive into the deeps and face an unimaginable, ancient horror. It's up to them to stop this terror before a determined multi-national corporation unleashes death on an unsuspecting world.
I thought the characters were well-developed and that Lester showed he either did great research for the science/marine biology portion, or already had a working knowledge of the topic. I feel like most of the time any kind of science related topic just loses me, but he did a great job keeping my interest throughout the book. I enjoyed his writing style and will definitely be looking for his next books.
I give this a solid 4/5 stars!
Thanks to Forge Books for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
A seemingly random murder alerts scientist Dan Clifford to a global conspiracy that stretches from the halls of Washington to the Honduran coast. Illegal, automated, undersea operations have unwittingly awakened a primordial organism that turns host organisms into neurotoxin factories, wreaking havoc with aquatic life and the nearby human population. This maleficence threatens to trigger a worldwide outbreak that could end in human extinction, the Seventh Sun of ancient myth.
Dan and marine biologist, Rachel Sullivan, must dive into the deeps and face an unimaginable, ancient horror. It's up to them to stop this terror before a determined multi-national corporation unleashes death on an unsuspecting world.
I thought the characters were well-developed and that Lester showed he either did great research for the science/marine biology portion, or already had a working knowledge of the topic. I feel like most of the time any kind of science related topic just loses me, but he did a great job keeping my interest throughout the book. I enjoyed his writing style and will definitely be looking for his next books.
I give this a solid 4/5 stars!
Thanks to Forge Books for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
October 23, 2022
THE SEVENTH SUN is a murder mystery, wrapped up in scientific enquiry, and tied in a bow of human need.
Not every thriller screams nailbiter on the first page, or even the first chapter; THE SEVENTH SUN is such a book. In fact, you need to read several disparate sounding chapters to understand what is happening. As the pieces start to gel into a cohesive whole, the role of each character, and the significance of each location becomes clearer.
9/11, Fukushima, Hurricane Katrina, and other devastating disasters that were considered unpredictable, surprises, if you will… black swan events that have a major effect and are inappropriately rationalized after the fact with the benefit of hindsight. Coulda… Shoulda… Woulda… Dan Clifford believes that with enough data, analyzed properly, such events could be mitigated beforehand. Black swans have been his life's work, and he is so close to realizing his dream.
When marine biologist Rachel Sullivan teams up with techy Dan Clifford there is synergy. Together they find a way to tackle murder, corruption, and a black swan event of world-wide potential. As you work your way to the end of the book, there will be enough tension to satisfy the cravings of any adrenalin junkie.
Not every thriller screams nailbiter on the first page, or even the first chapter; THE SEVENTH SUN is such a book. In fact, you need to read several disparate sounding chapters to understand what is happening. As the pieces start to gel into a cohesive whole, the role of each character, and the significance of each location becomes clearer.
9/11, Fukushima, Hurricane Katrina, and other devastating disasters that were considered unpredictable, surprises, if you will… black swan events that have a major effect and are inappropriately rationalized after the fact with the benefit of hindsight. Coulda… Shoulda… Woulda… Dan Clifford believes that with enough data, analyzed properly, such events could be mitigated beforehand. Black swans have been his life's work, and he is so close to realizing his dream.
When marine biologist Rachel Sullivan teams up with techy Dan Clifford there is synergy. Together they find a way to tackle murder, corruption, and a black swan event of world-wide potential. As you work your way to the end of the book, there will be enough tension to satisfy the cravings of any adrenalin junkie.
June 29, 2018
Solid, well-written, interesting science. Female characters are cardboard. So is the main villain. Debut novel; hoping for some growth from this promising author.
May 31, 2017
Kent Lester, debut author of The Seventh Sun, and New York Times #1 bestselling author James Rollins currently have the same literary agent representing their work. Sharing an agent isn't the only thing Lester and Rollins have in common. Fans of Rollins' Sigma Force will find a lot to like about The Seventh Sun.
The protagonist Dan Clifford is a level-headed scientist with a strong sense of ethics and a claustrophobic streak. Completely dedicated to his work (which has something to do with a massive detection and computer processing system that might predict earthquakes, among other things), Clifford doesn’t really want to stick his nose into the shady financial and political dealings of his corporate boss. But he does, scheduling a scuba diving trip to Honduras in order to visit the company’s manufacturing facility there. While diving, he finds a dead body. (In a book where the idea of “black swans” comes up repeatedly, this belief-shattering coincidence is perhaps a good example of such an unlikely event, but this reader was happy to forgive the coincidence as just one of those things you sometimes have to accept to make a good story unfold.)
Lester writes plenty of action and intrigue in a variety of arresting scenes that tickle the imagination. His settings include laboratories, rock climbing cliffs, scuba diving, boats of all kinds, deep-sea submersibles, medical facilities, a computer chip factory, a Congressional committee chamber, and more. (I don’t know if MOBIDIC, the Mobile Infectious Disease Interdiction Center is a real thing or not, but it totally should be!)
Of course I’m attracted to the science elements of the story. I’m pleased to say such elements are abundant, accessible, and accurate. How can I not love a novel in which the origin of eukaryotic life is a major plot point? Most impressive of all, in this book Lester successfully navigates what I call the “killer virus ending” problem. Plenty of plague thrillers release a deadly infection on the world, but few of them plausibly put the cat back into the bag. Lester manages this with technical sophistication and flair.
The Seventh Sun stumbles a little with actions that can’t quite be justified but are required by the plot, and an odd story structure which makes the book feel like two novels in one with a preliminary climax halfway through.
But these flaws are far from fatal. The Seventh Sun by Kent Lester successfully joins real science with action, exotic settings, and the threat of a global catastrophe. I enjoyed every page of this smart, fun thriller novel.
An advance copy of this novel was given to me by the publisher
The protagonist Dan Clifford is a level-headed scientist with a strong sense of ethics and a claustrophobic streak. Completely dedicated to his work (which has something to do with a massive detection and computer processing system that might predict earthquakes, among other things), Clifford doesn’t really want to stick his nose into the shady financial and political dealings of his corporate boss. But he does, scheduling a scuba diving trip to Honduras in order to visit the company’s manufacturing facility there. While diving, he finds a dead body. (In a book where the idea of “black swans” comes up repeatedly, this belief-shattering coincidence is perhaps a good example of such an unlikely event, but this reader was happy to forgive the coincidence as just one of those things you sometimes have to accept to make a good story unfold.)
Lester writes plenty of action and intrigue in a variety of arresting scenes that tickle the imagination. His settings include laboratories, rock climbing cliffs, scuba diving, boats of all kinds, deep-sea submersibles, medical facilities, a computer chip factory, a Congressional committee chamber, and more. (I don’t know if MOBIDIC, the Mobile Infectious Disease Interdiction Center is a real thing or not, but it totally should be!)
Of course I’m attracted to the science elements of the story. I’m pleased to say such elements are abundant, accessible, and accurate. How can I not love a novel in which the origin of eukaryotic life is a major plot point? Most impressive of all, in this book Lester successfully navigates what I call the “killer virus ending” problem. Plenty of plague thrillers release a deadly infection on the world, but few of them plausibly put the cat back into the bag. Lester manages this with technical sophistication and flair.
The Seventh Sun stumbles a little with actions that can’t quite be justified but are required by the plot, and an odd story structure which makes the book feel like two novels in one with a preliminary climax halfway through.
But these flaws are far from fatal. The Seventh Sun by Kent Lester successfully joins real science with action, exotic settings, and the threat of a global catastrophe. I enjoyed every page of this smart, fun thriller novel.
An advance copy of this novel was given to me by the publisher
April 14, 2019
That was one entertaining book, I actually enjoyed it much more than I anticipated. Who doesn't love pleasant surprises. This book had me gripped within the first chapter, and wouldn't let go. I was so engrossed in it that it made me miss my dinner, only great hunger and extreme sleepiness kept me away from the pages, and I picked it right up first thing in the morning.
The book mixes Science, with fiction and mythology so beautifully that it really makes you think. One of the books you would love to talk about to your friends. Though the characters are bit One dimensional that simplicity doesn't take much away from the ride you are about to embark upon. It's rather a shame that not many people have given it a try.
The book mixes Science, with fiction and mythology so beautifully that it really makes you think. One of the books you would love to talk about to your friends. Though the characters are bit One dimensional that simplicity doesn't take much away from the ride you are about to embark upon. It's rather a shame that not many people have given it a try.
April 21, 2017
** Awesome novel, review forthcoming **
April 12, 2017
I loved this book! It does start off slow with character and plot development in the first few chapters. Once the story starts to unfold the book is hard to put down. It is a good book for adult readers who will read into the first few chapters to see how the plot unfolds. For less patient readers it would not catch them right off and they would not get the full experience of the book. I would go with 11th grade or higher in suggesting this read. Most younger than that would be more for a book that leads directly into the story line with out interest with the story development or the characters directives. The book flows in a well organized manner that makes it easy to follow and still without a clear outcome. It is a tremendous read and well worth the time to read it. This author is a true genius in development of the story.
November 7, 2017
If ruthless mad scientists working for greedy corporations hell-bent on harnessing the titular, legendary Seventh Sun’s evil power for death and world domination can be said to be a fun adventure, then this is indeed super fun. Scientist Dan Clifford and marine biologist Rachel Sullivan accidentally discover that NeuroSys is mining the crap out of the seabed off the Honduran coast. The company has unintentionally awakened some badass ooze that pretty much obliterates any living thing it touches. NeuroSys figures it can make a killing (heh) and Dan and Rachel have to stop it for the good of the planet and all. They do so by racing about counteracting shit in the sea, on land, in Congress’ hallowed halls, at the CDC, underwater, in submarines, I think they even used the bathroom over at the Piggly-Wiggly downtown. Action, brainpower, peril, who could want for more out of a thriller that incorporates science? Whereas your typical thriller (e.g., Robin Cook) tends to plod along, this moves quickly but thoroughly from place to place. Characters remain clearly defined (taking a page from Robert B. Parker’s book-of-making-things-easier-for-the-reader) and the plot is intricate without being confusing. VERDICT This isn’t going to make it into the canon, but it is entertaining and light fare from a writer with obvious talent for that.
Find reviews of books for men at Books for Dudes, Books for Dudes, the online reader's advisory column for men from Library Journal. Copyright Library Journal.
Find reviews of books for men at Books for Dudes, Books for Dudes, the online reader's advisory column for men from Library Journal. Copyright Library Journal.
September 1, 2017
Read this review and more on my blog, uncovered-books.
I received a free copy of The Seventh Sun in exchange for my honest opinion.
I always try and give a book at least 100 pages before giving up on it, not to say that I got 100 pages in but if I have not gotten interesting in whatever was occurring then chances were that it was not going to change. I got about 38% though The Seventh Sun before reaching this point (but I had been trying to read it for over 3 months though).
Even though I did give up on this, it started out really promising. Scientist Dan Clifford has created a program that an predict ‘black sheep’ events. A black sheep event is those rare metrological events that cause major catastrophe like a tsunami. Since this machine can predict these extreme events, it can also accurately predict the weather for 2 weeks. Imagine knowing exactly what the weather was going to do 2 weeks in advance!
Once we are explained the basics of this program and its capabilities, things grind to a halt. Dan goes on holiday and finds a murder victim. This is where I ended up as nothing seemed to be happening and since I had been trying to read it for about 3 months, I figured that it just was not for me.
The writing style for what I read was very in-depth. Lester was able to explain a complex machine that can predict extreme events in an easy-to-understand manor. Not only was he able to explain it extremely well, he made it interesting! Unfortunately this did not continue forwards and I quickly lost interest in what was happening.
As this book is a stand-alone you may enjoy it more than me but I was not drawn into the story enough to continue with it.
I received a free copy of The Seventh Sun in exchange for my honest opinion.
I always try and give a book at least 100 pages before giving up on it, not to say that I got 100 pages in but if I have not gotten interesting in whatever was occurring then chances were that it was not going to change. I got about 38% though The Seventh Sun before reaching this point (but I had been trying to read it for over 3 months though).
Even though I did give up on this, it started out really promising. Scientist Dan Clifford has created a program that an predict ‘black sheep’ events. A black sheep event is those rare metrological events that cause major catastrophe like a tsunami. Since this machine can predict these extreme events, it can also accurately predict the weather for 2 weeks. Imagine knowing exactly what the weather was going to do 2 weeks in advance!
Once we are explained the basics of this program and its capabilities, things grind to a halt. Dan goes on holiday and finds a murder victim. This is where I ended up as nothing seemed to be happening and since I had been trying to read it for about 3 months, I figured that it just was not for me.
The writing style for what I read was very in-depth. Lester was able to explain a complex machine that can predict extreme events in an easy-to-understand manor. Not only was he able to explain it extremely well, he made it interesting! Unfortunately this did not continue forwards and I quickly lost interest in what was happening.
As this book is a stand-alone you may enjoy it more than me but I was not drawn into the story enough to continue with it.
July 31, 2021
this book was initially pretty slow and hard to get into but after about 70 pages it really picked up. i think some aspects were a little unnecessary, such as the “romance”, and you could definitely tell this book was written by a guy bc there wasn’t much to the (barely 2) female characters as far as personality or character development other than to further the plot for the male main character. the ending was somewhat lackluster, but overall it was a pretty enjoyable read. you could tell the author really did his research, which i appreciated, although sometimes the scientific jargon was a little confusing. however, i think this story would be better if it was adapted as a film bc of the hard-hitting action scenes.
April 28, 2020
As we endure the Coronavirus Pandemic, I am impelled to read novels and nonfiction about Plague events, pandemics, and wildly mutating evolution. Whether or not Coronavirus is a "black swan event," I found THE SEVENTH SUN (a reference to the ancients' view of the final Extinction Event) highly apropos. With a protagonist of high moral integrity and an adrenaline-driven, near-fearless, female evolutionary scientist, this tale of rampant conspiracy, genetic manipulation, corporate greed, governmental emptyheadedness, seems very real and tremendously up-to-date now that we seldom can predict what even the next day might bring.
July 8, 2017
Well researched but needed to take marine biology in college to understand many of the terms. I can only assume Mr. Lester knew what he was writing about and it's a pretty scary premise. The Seventh Sun refers to the latest extermination of life on Earth, in this case an extermination brought on by man. I enjoyed the "edge of the seat" style if writing which mirrors the old Perils of Pauline which keeps you starting the next chapter when you swore you were done for the night!
February 5, 2023
This book has the same problems, for me, many other do. An early introduction to, the basic plot but then is bogged down and lost in a minutia of "investigating' and chapter after chapter of nothing to build from. I didn't connect with the characters at all. The build up to an unstoppable earth ending event is averted with a shot in the dark miracle unfolded in 2 or 3 pages. Will not continue series.
April 2, 2019
It is a hard book to put down. Its hard to believe that this is his first book. As a former member of the Santa Fe Institute, he knows what he is talking about. How he did this with out the education that I have is unreal. It made me really take notice to the book. As a scientist, he is dead on.
I love it
I love it
July 22, 2020
This was not my usual cup of tea. (Reading material), but I did find it fascinating. It kept me interested through the whole book, which is about new pandemics starting in the Honduras. Illegal dumping in the ocean, where it all starts. This book is very interesting, and the characters are well-rounded and also interesting.
May 9, 2017
Long book, and incredibly scientific at times. Overall, pretty good.
May 14, 2017
Very much enjoyed this ride with a new author. A sci-tech thriller with some appealing characters and lots of twists, this was just what I needed for a good, fast adventure read.
May 15, 2017
Interesting and well-written but just a bit too much going on. A little more focus would have been better.
July 14, 2017
Great read. Very well researched and kept me interested. Proud to say this was written by my cousin!
July 20, 2017
A great debut novel Mr. Lester! I really enjoyed it, and I can't wait to see what you have coming next because I get the sense that Dan and Rachel aren't done yet.
May 28, 2020
Great read! Especially during the corona virus pandemic.
July 22, 2020
Interesting science....more character development needed...disappointing conclusion.
December 4, 2025
You ever seen one of those 70s/80s action films that end up feeling really schlocky, especially when it comes to certain characters? Imagine that somehow became a published book in 2017
September 15, 2017
Riveting and timely, Kent Lester’s THE SEVENTH SUN takes the reader from the high stakes world of corporate America to the dark ocean bottom off the coast of Honduras, featuring characters with fascinating backstories using bleeding edge technology that lends and almost science fiction feel to the story. An enjoyable—and thought-provoking—read.
April 16, 2017
An ok thriller about the end of the world!!! I have read better books then this one!!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews