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Undisclosed
A veteran of the Iraq war is appointed Under Secretary of Defense in order to penetrate a secret government purposely black-shelving zero-point-energy, a clean, abundant energy source reverse-engineered from downed UFOs.
Are Extraterrestrials and UFOs real? Are there secret subterranean military bases hiding advanced technologies that date back to the incident at Roswell? Is there a False Flag in the works intended to wipe out billions?
Steve Alten's UNDISCLOSED is a mind-opening thriller of -faction- which incorporates testimonials from military and intelligence personnel who were actual eyewitnesses and participants involved in the greatest secret in history.
Are Extraterrestrials and UFOs real? Are there secret subterranean military bases hiding advanced technologies that date back to the incident at Roswell? Is there a False Flag in the works intended to wipe out billions?
Steve Alten's UNDISCLOSED is a mind-opening thriller of -faction- which incorporates testimonials from military and intelligence personnel who were actual eyewitnesses and participants involved in the greatest secret in history.
379 pages, Hardcover
First published May 7, 2017
79 people are currently reading
412 people want to read
About the author
Steve Alten
62 books1,359 followersSteve Alten grew up in Philadelphia, earning his Bachelors degree in Physical Education at Penn State University, a Masters Degree in Sports Medicine from the University of Delaware, and a Doctorate of Education at Temple University. Struggling to support his family of five, he decided to pen a novel he had been thinking about for years. Working late nights and on weekends, he eventually finished MEG; A Novel of Deep Terror. Steve sold his car to pay for editing fees. On September (Friday) the 13th, 1996, Steve lost his general manager’s job at a wholesale meat plant. Four days later his agent had a two-book, seven figure deal with Bantam Doubleday.
MEG would go on to become the book of the 1996 Frankfurt book fair, where it eventually sold to more than a twenty countries. MEG hit every major best-seller list, including #19 on the New York Times list (#7 audio), and became a popular radio series in Japan.
Steve’s second release, The TRENCH (Meg sequel) was published by Kensington/Pinnacle in 1999 where it also hit best-seller status. His next novel, DOMAIN and its sequel, RESURRECTION were published by St. Martin’s Press/Tor Books and were runaway best-sellers in Spain, Mexico, Germany, and Italy, with the rights selling to more than a dozen countries.
Steve’s fourth novel, GOLIATH, received rave reviews and was a big hit in Germany. It is being considered for a TV series. MEG: Primal Waters was published in the summer of 2004. A year later his seventh novel, The LOCH, hit stores — a modern-day thriller about the Loch Ness Monster. Steve’s eighth novel, The SHELL GAME, is about the end of oil and the next 9/11 event. The book was another NY Times best-seller, but the stress of penning this real-life story affected Steve’s health, and three months after he finished the manuscript he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Steve’s ninth novel, MEG: Hell’s Aquarium, is considered to be the best of the best-selling MEG series. Steve says his best novel is GRIM REAPER: End of Days. The story, a modern-day Dante’s Inferno, takes place in New York when a man-made plague strikes Manhattan.
Steve’s novels are action-packed and very visual. He has optioned DOMAIN, MEG and The LOCH to film producers. Steve has written six original screenplays. His comedy, HARLEM SHUFFLE was a semi-finalist in the LA screenwriting contest, his comedy MINTZ MEATS was selected as a finalist at the Philadelphia film festival as was his psychological thriller, STRANGLEHOLD. Steve’s reality series, HOUSE OF BABEL won at Scriptapalooza. He has also created a TV Drama, PAPA JOHN, based on his years coaching basketball with Hall of Fame coach John Chaney.
Over the years, Steve has been inundated with e-mail from teens who hated reading …until they read his novels. When he learned high school teachers were actually using his books in the classroom (MEG had been rated #1 book for reluctant readers) Steve launched Adopt-An-Author, a nationwide non-profit program designed to encourage students to read. Teachers who register for the program (it’s free) receive giant shark posters, free curriculum materials, student-author correspondence, an interactive website, and classroom conference calls/visits with the author. To date, over 10,000 teachers have registered, and the success rate in getting teens to read has been unprecedented. Steve now spends half his work week working with high schools. For more information click on www.AdoptAnAuthor.com
As an author, Steve has two goals. First, to continue to work hard to become a better storyteller and create exciting page turning thrillers. Second, to remain accessible to his readers. Steve reads and answers all e-mails, uses the names and descriptions of his loyal fans as characters in all his novels, and even hires readers as editors, depending on their particular expertise.
MEG would go on to become the book of the 1996 Frankfurt book fair, where it eventually sold to more than a twenty countries. MEG hit every major best-seller list, including #19 on the New York Times list (#7 audio), and became a popular radio series in Japan.
Steve’s second release, The TRENCH (Meg sequel) was published by Kensington/Pinnacle in 1999 where it also hit best-seller status. His next novel, DOMAIN and its sequel, RESURRECTION were published by St. Martin’s Press/Tor Books and were runaway best-sellers in Spain, Mexico, Germany, and Italy, with the rights selling to more than a dozen countries.
Steve’s fourth novel, GOLIATH, received rave reviews and was a big hit in Germany. It is being considered for a TV series. MEG: Primal Waters was published in the summer of 2004. A year later his seventh novel, The LOCH, hit stores — a modern-day thriller about the Loch Ness Monster. Steve’s eighth novel, The SHELL GAME, is about the end of oil and the next 9/11 event. The book was another NY Times best-seller, but the stress of penning this real-life story affected Steve’s health, and three months after he finished the manuscript he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Steve’s ninth novel, MEG: Hell’s Aquarium, is considered to be the best of the best-selling MEG series. Steve says his best novel is GRIM REAPER: End of Days. The story, a modern-day Dante’s Inferno, takes place in New York when a man-made plague strikes Manhattan.
Steve’s novels are action-packed and very visual. He has optioned DOMAIN, MEG and The LOCH to film producers. Steve has written six original screenplays. His comedy, HARLEM SHUFFLE was a semi-finalist in the LA screenwriting contest, his comedy MINTZ MEATS was selected as a finalist at the Philadelphia film festival as was his psychological thriller, STRANGLEHOLD. Steve’s reality series, HOUSE OF BABEL won at Scriptapalooza. He has also created a TV Drama, PAPA JOHN, based on his years coaching basketball with Hall of Fame coach John Chaney.
Over the years, Steve has been inundated with e-mail from teens who hated reading …until they read his novels. When he learned high school teachers were actually using his books in the classroom (MEG had been rated #1 book for reluctant readers) Steve launched Adopt-An-Author, a nationwide non-profit program designed to encourage students to read. Teachers who register for the program (it’s free) receive giant shark posters, free curriculum materials, student-author correspondence, an interactive website, and classroom conference calls/visits with the author. To date, over 10,000 teachers have registered, and the success rate in getting teens to read has been unprecedented. Steve now spends half his work week working with high schools. For more information click on www.AdoptAnAuthor.com
As an author, Steve has two goals. First, to continue to work hard to become a better storyteller and create exciting page turning thrillers. Second, to remain accessible to his readers. Steve reads and answers all e-mails, uses the names and descriptions of his loyal fans as characters in all his novels, and even hires readers as editors, depending on their particular expertise.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
January 19, 2024
This book is about a government conspiracy to hide technology discovered from aliens. This technology could save the Earth and solve so many of the world's problems. We have a small group who strive to reveal the truth.
I am amazed that I did not enjoy this book more than I did. All the elements are there for this to be an amazing book. This book was written several years ago and it is like a portent of the congressional hearings that happened several months ago. The plot is very similar to The X-Files which I was a fan. I have read the author's well known Meg series and they are exciting thrillers. After reading this book I am dumbfounded as to why I am only giving this three stars. The problem was the execution of the book. This definitely was not the author's best display of his writing skill. I thought the characters were all one dimensional and none of them really stood out. We also get little glimpses into the future with some random teen and these scenes were just useless. The biggest problem was there was no bang. Even the action scenes were ho-hum. It sort of felt like the author had this idea for this book but mailed it in because he had something better to do.
I was interested in the subject matter throughout and I was waiting for the big payoff. When it happened I was not impressed. This book was all over the place with its ideas and if the author concentrated more in just one area I believe this book could have been terrific. Instead it is just a decent read.
I am amazed that I did not enjoy this book more than I did. All the elements are there for this to be an amazing book. This book was written several years ago and it is like a portent of the congressional hearings that happened several months ago. The plot is very similar to The X-Files which I was a fan. I have read the author's well known Meg series and they are exciting thrillers. After reading this book I am dumbfounded as to why I am only giving this three stars. The problem was the execution of the book. This definitely was not the author's best display of his writing skill. I thought the characters were all one dimensional and none of them really stood out. We also get little glimpses into the future with some random teen and these scenes were just useless. The biggest problem was there was no bang. Even the action scenes were ho-hum. It sort of felt like the author had this idea for this book but mailed it in because he had something better to do.
I was interested in the subject matter throughout and I was waiting for the big payoff. When it happened I was not impressed. This book was all over the place with its ideas and if the author concentrated more in just one area I believe this book could have been terrific. Instead it is just a decent read.
February 23, 2018
Steve Alten is one of my top 5 authors. He's such a good storyteller, and his MEG books are some of my all-time favorites. Plus, he's so, so good to his fans--making them characters in all his books, sending personalized messages when you order books through his website, responding promptly to e-mails sent his way, and even mailing you really cool freebies like book-cover posters. I truly adore the guy.
Having said all that, this wasn't my favorite Alten book. While I absolutely believe so much of the information in this book is highly probable, it reads more like a combination history/science lesson. There are so many characters, it's truly hard to keep everybody straight. And although I have a medical background, much of the science was above me. Bottom line...it's pretty convoluted.
In the positive column, the conspiracies are utterly entertaining...and, for the most part, believable. The book cover artwork is stunning. Steve always goes out of his way to make the book covers intriguing...they really draw you in. Overall, this is a book worth reading, but I'm forever a devoted MEGhead.
Having said all that, this wasn't my favorite Alten book. While I absolutely believe so much of the information in this book is highly probable, it reads more like a combination history/science lesson. There are so many characters, it's truly hard to keep everybody straight. And although I have a medical background, much of the science was above me. Bottom line...it's pretty convoluted.
In the positive column, the conspiracies are utterly entertaining...and, for the most part, believable. The book cover artwork is stunning. Steve always goes out of his way to make the book covers intriguing...they really draw you in. Overall, this is a book worth reading, but I'm forever a devoted MEGhead.
August 2, 2017
I love conspiracy theories and ones dealing with UFO's/ aliens and secret technology, ranks right up there as my favorite.
The author labels this book, not as fiction, but "faction", facts woven into a fiction story. The information comes from Dr. Steven Greer, M.D., and the huge amounts of secret files, documents and witness testimony that he has.
Now, I am not going to sit here and tell you that I agree, or disagree, with all the information contained in this book. That is something that everyone should decide for themselves based on the information and their own research. But, the book was very exciting and just thinking about the possibility...well...it does make one wonder. I thought that the possibility of zero-point energy and trans-dimensional surgery was pretty amazing.
Recommended (especially for all you conspiracy buffs out there, or if you loved the show X-Files)!
The author labels this book, not as fiction, but "faction", facts woven into a fiction story. The information comes from Dr. Steven Greer, M.D., and the huge amounts of secret files, documents and witness testimony that he has.
Now, I am not going to sit here and tell you that I agree, or disagree, with all the information contained in this book. That is something that everyone should decide for themselves based on the information and their own research. But, the book was very exciting and just thinking about the possibility...well...it does make one wonder. I thought that the possibility of zero-point energy and trans-dimensional surgery was pretty amazing.
Recommended (especially for all you conspiracy buffs out there, or if you loved the show X-Files)!
May 16, 2020
I've never experienced more endless exposition in my book reading lifetime. Chapter after chapter after chapter after chapter after chapter after chapter after chapter after (annoying, right?) chapter was nothing more than five or fewer people in a secret room talking endlessly about conspiracy theories and explaining every detail of every scientific topic that they can think of.
I still wanted to know where it was going, though, and for that it gets an extra star.
Now that I know would I do it again? No.
Am i glad i got through it? Yes. It was interesting eventually.
I still wanted to know where it was going, though, and for that it gets an extra star.
Now that I know would I do it again? No.
Am i glad i got through it? Yes. It was interesting eventually.
July 6, 2018
Occasionally when reading a novel, the reader will perceive the unabated enthusiasm, the sheer glee that permeated the author’s very existence when they were writing the book. This usually manifests in a fast-pace, a tightly woven plot, credible three-dimensional characters and an overall theme which lifts the tale from the merely ‘highly entertaining’ category into the ‘makes you think’ ranking. Such was my experience with Steve Alten’s ‘Undisclosed’.
I was familiar with the author’s work from his seminal novel ‘Meg’ read many years ago, a novel that has stuck in my mind since reading it when it was first published in July of 1997. Comparing ‘Meg’ with the more widely known (thanks to the Spielberg movie) ‘Jaws’, I’d stay with the former. Unlike Peter Benchley’s novel, Alten’s book was far more focused, and tension and threat lived on every page. He’s done it again with this one!
His novel tackles the spiny subject of black projects, research projects so secret not even the US President is allowed to be told about them. Neither is the US Congress who, in theory have to approve the budgets for these super-secret endeavours, and when the money assigned stretches into the billions of dollars every year for decades, well, something is very amiss. An investigation into this, peppered with multiple appearances by real people, is the basic premise for Alten’s tale. It isn’t a documentary, however. The author keeps the reader’s adrenaline flowing as his hapless examiner faces deadly assassins who try to keep the projects secret. As for what the projects are about, well, you’ll just have to read the novel… and yes, you are going to be very surprised: it rewrites history as you think you know it.
A magnificent read. Highly recommended to readers of taut thrillers that make you think.
I was familiar with the author’s work from his seminal novel ‘Meg’ read many years ago, a novel that has stuck in my mind since reading it when it was first published in July of 1997. Comparing ‘Meg’ with the more widely known (thanks to the Spielberg movie) ‘Jaws’, I’d stay with the former. Unlike Peter Benchley’s novel, Alten’s book was far more focused, and tension and threat lived on every page. He’s done it again with this one!
His novel tackles the spiny subject of black projects, research projects so secret not even the US President is allowed to be told about them. Neither is the US Congress who, in theory have to approve the budgets for these super-secret endeavours, and when the money assigned stretches into the billions of dollars every year for decades, well, something is very amiss. An investigation into this, peppered with multiple appearances by real people, is the basic premise for Alten’s tale. It isn’t a documentary, however. The author keeps the reader’s adrenaline flowing as his hapless examiner faces deadly assassins who try to keep the projects secret. As for what the projects are about, well, you’ll just have to read the novel… and yes, you are going to be very surprised: it rewrites history as you think you know it.
A magnificent read. Highly recommended to readers of taut thrillers that make you think.
July 19, 2017
It's a historical fiction/science fiction mash-up featuring Bill Clinton, Donald Trump and a cast of real and imagined government officials.
The ultimate Administrative State powerhouse has emerged from the military-industrial complex. It has been reverse engineering scientific breakthroughs from UFOs for decades and has the solution for hunger, space travel, energy and a variety of other real world needs locked away so it can continue to profit from the existing structure.
Adam Shariak lost a leg when his helicopter was shot down during the Iraq War. He has returned to the ultimate good life: great job, happily engaged and adjusting well to his new normal.
But then he is nominated to be President Trump's under secretary of defense, President Clinton secretly urges him to reveal zero point energy to save the world and all hell breaks lose.
Nationals Park has two great cameo appearances, as do some UFOs, so it was right in my personal wheel house.
The ultimate Administrative State powerhouse has emerged from the military-industrial complex. It has been reverse engineering scientific breakthroughs from UFOs for decades and has the solution for hunger, space travel, energy and a variety of other real world needs locked away so it can continue to profit from the existing structure.
Adam Shariak lost a leg when his helicopter was shot down during the Iraq War. He has returned to the ultimate good life: great job, happily engaged and adjusting well to his new normal.
But then he is nominated to be President Trump's under secretary of defense, President Clinton secretly urges him to reveal zero point energy to save the world and all hell breaks lose.
Nationals Park has two great cameo appearances, as do some UFOs, so it was right in my personal wheel house.
August 1, 2023
Reading this novel right after viewing the hearing of congress about UAP’s is mind-boggling! Remember, this book was released in 2017 and it took 6 years to see the US government talking about the same subject.
Real people (Steven M. Greer, Trump, etc…) interacting with Alten’s characters gives the story an aura of reality and makes me anxious about real life events. Will we have confirmation about zero point energy and non-human species soon? Will it be again hidden from the public? The book raises a lot of questions and hopes for a better tomorrow.
Real people (Steven M. Greer, Trump, etc…) interacting with Alten’s characters gives the story an aura of reality and makes me anxious about real life events. Will we have confirmation about zero point energy and non-human species soon? Will it be again hidden from the public? The book raises a lot of questions and hopes for a better tomorrow.
February 14, 2022
Where I have liked everything I have read previously by Steve Alten, this one fell flat for me. There is not much of a story here. It’s really just something so that he can explain his cause. If he wanted to do that so much, I wish he had just presented us with a non-fiction work.
August 14, 2017
Ultimate secret mega-conspiracy but unlike X-files it feels more and more real as you go. And maybe it is.
November 29, 2022
Conspiracy theories and aliens! What could be better?
May 20, 2025
For those who have never heard of Steve Alten, he’s the reason there’s been 2 MEG movies about a killer prehistoric shark starring Jason Statham. His first MEG book is a classic and if you haven’t read it, I encourage you to do so as it’s a lot of fun. Outside of that first book, most of his other books that I’ve read have just been okay. Undisclosed falls in that bucket. It’s a book that strays from the shark theme and instead attempts to tackle the subject of UFOs. Unfortunately, it isn’t executed very well. Alten is all over the place in this novel as he expends a lot of energy pushing his political views and listing fact after fact about UFO sightings as if he just copied and pasted off of an essay he wrote for college. Once you’ve dug through those weeds and try to focus on the plot, you’re left with a rather unexciting story involving characters who have little depth and aren’t very interesting. Other gripes I have with this book is that he throws in real people as characters such as Trump, Clinton, heck even Bob Costas makes an appearance. There’s major cheese factor by doing this in my opinion and some of the dialogue with these characters just made me cringe.
All of this to say, I would pass on Undisclosed. I love the topic of UFOs so for that reason I added a second star, but I just wish he would have taken a different approach with this one.
All of this to say, I would pass on Undisclosed. I love the topic of UFOs so for that reason I added a second star, but I just wish he would have taken a different approach with this one.
February 18, 2018
A Believable “Faction” Sci-Fi Thriller
Early in this book, Alten describes it as a “faction” book — a book rooted in fact, but that is still a fictional title. You’ll notice real things and places like Trump and real Air Bases but there will also be fictional things like zero-point energy (no matter how bad I want it to be real) and reverse-engineered alien spacecraft.
Alten describes the story perfectly in his synopsis: “A veteran of the Iraq war is appointed undersecretary of defense in order to penetrate a secret government purposely black-shelving zero-point energy, a clean, abundant energy source reverse-engineered from downed UFOs. Are extraterrestrials and UFOs real? Are there secret subterranean military bases hiding advanced technologies that date back to the incident at Roswell? Is there a “false flag” in the works intended to wipe out billions? Steve Alten’s Undisclosed is a mind-opening thriller of “faction” that incorporates testimonials from military and intelligence personnel who were actual eyewitnesses and participants involved in the greatest secret in history.”
The story itself might rub some people the wrong way. I was not one of those people. This tickled all of those “unmentionable” things that you think or assume that the government knows about and is hiding from you. It’s Ancient Aliens and Men in Black meets a well-oiled thriller. It has parts of it that you shake your head in disbelief and also parts that you think “well, that’s real”.
It was honestly one of those books that I don’t think I’ll ever forget. As I said earlier, it talks a lot about things that if you are even a vague conspiracy theorist will really tickle your fancy.
The narration provided by Jeffrey Kafer was perfect, as I expect with any title he takes on. I was SUPER excited to find out that one of my favorite authors and narrators were teaming up. It was too good to pass up and I’m glad that I listened to the audiobook. Kafer always adds something to the story that you miss reading it on your own.
If you aren’t a conspiracy theorist at all or think that the government could and would not keep anything from you — I would avoid this book. If you’re a big Trump fan, avoid it. But, if you think that the government hides things or that there might be a secret shadow government really running things and/or you really like a science fiction book that feels real — Undisclosed is for you.
Early in this book, Alten describes it as a “faction” book — a book rooted in fact, but that is still a fictional title. You’ll notice real things and places like Trump and real Air Bases but there will also be fictional things like zero-point energy (no matter how bad I want it to be real) and reverse-engineered alien spacecraft.
Alten describes the story perfectly in his synopsis: “A veteran of the Iraq war is appointed undersecretary of defense in order to penetrate a secret government purposely black-shelving zero-point energy, a clean, abundant energy source reverse-engineered from downed UFOs. Are extraterrestrials and UFOs real? Are there secret subterranean military bases hiding advanced technologies that date back to the incident at Roswell? Is there a “false flag” in the works intended to wipe out billions? Steve Alten’s Undisclosed is a mind-opening thriller of “faction” that incorporates testimonials from military and intelligence personnel who were actual eyewitnesses and participants involved in the greatest secret in history.”
The story itself might rub some people the wrong way. I was not one of those people. This tickled all of those “unmentionable” things that you think or assume that the government knows about and is hiding from you. It’s Ancient Aliens and Men in Black meets a well-oiled thriller. It has parts of it that you shake your head in disbelief and also parts that you think “well, that’s real”.
It was honestly one of those books that I don’t think I’ll ever forget. As I said earlier, it talks a lot about things that if you are even a vague conspiracy theorist will really tickle your fancy.
The narration provided by Jeffrey Kafer was perfect, as I expect with any title he takes on. I was SUPER excited to find out that one of my favorite authors and narrators were teaming up. It was too good to pass up and I’m glad that I listened to the audiobook. Kafer always adds something to the story that you miss reading it on your own.
If you aren’t a conspiracy theorist at all or think that the government could and would not keep anything from you — I would avoid this book. If you’re a big Trump fan, avoid it. But, if you think that the government hides things or that there might be a secret shadow government really running things and/or you really like a science fiction book that feels real — Undisclosed is for you.
November 19, 2019
I love the meg series and have read all of those books many times over. Alten is one of my very favorite authors and I was so excited to read this book. I love aliens, conspiracy theories, and sci-fi so what could go wrong? Well, one way to kill a promising sci-fi book dead is to make it political. What a let down, i almost wanted to cry. I’m not a huge Trump fan, but this socialist crap needs to stay out of my beloved fiction novels. Alten, you let me down and i pray to god you do not make the same mistake with the future Meg novels or you will lose me for good.
February 6, 2021
Zero point energy is a means that can bring some of the poorest areas in the world up to a acceptable level of existence. It is a clean energy, which means there would be no need for fossil fuel and would bring an end to global warming. But there are two problems: It is being kept from humanity from a rogue power that controls all of the world's leaders, and it was brought to Earth by aliens.
Enter Undersecretary of Defense Adam Shariak. As he discovers the incredible value of zero point energy and the fact that events, like happenings in Roswell, actually occurred. The protagonist literally risks everything to uncover what has been hidden from humanity for decades.
Once again, Steve Alten, author of the highly popular Meg series, has spun a tale that will take readers on a thrill ride from beginning to end. Undisclosed is an adventure escape for anyone looking for a fun story that takes readers to an alternate world where the author practices his craft of "faction". It's another entertaining story by the author. Usually I tend to think Alten's books fall around a three and one half stars, but I'm giving this one the full four star treatment. Tons of fun, excitement, and entertainment.
Also, I'm giving a shout-out to my wife for getting me an autographed copy of the book for Christmas. Love you!
Enter Undersecretary of Defense Adam Shariak. As he discovers the incredible value of zero point energy and the fact that events, like happenings in Roswell, actually occurred. The protagonist literally risks everything to uncover what has been hidden from humanity for decades.
Once again, Steve Alten, author of the highly popular Meg series, has spun a tale that will take readers on a thrill ride from beginning to end. Undisclosed is an adventure escape for anyone looking for a fun story that takes readers to an alternate world where the author practices his craft of "faction". It's another entertaining story by the author. Usually I tend to think Alten's books fall around a three and one half stars, but I'm giving this one the full four star treatment. Tons of fun, excitement, and entertainment.
Also, I'm giving a shout-out to my wife for getting me an autographed copy of the book for Christmas. Love you!
July 13, 2025
I picked up what I thought would be a fun sci-fi thriller, and two days later put down what is now my favorite work of postmodern literature. Sorry, Crying of Lot 49--second place isn't so bad!
My favorite aspect of postmodern literature is the "secret world behind this world" paranoia, and this book is ALLLLL about that. OMG super-government cabals, aliens among us, conspiracy theories are true, government cover-ups, and Area 51 for the win! The book is grounded in some very fleshed-out contemporary conspiracy theories, so a lot of that work making them believable and inserting realistic elements had already been done for Alten, and I could kind of tell when he started to riff on them on his own, because those parts worked a little less well. It was still sci-fi, but I prefer the type of sci-fi that borders on magical realism rather than hard-core science.
Adam's character was far more fleshed out than Jessica's, and I didn't really care what happened to her, but I had a lot of fun with Adam going BAMF. I kind of wish Alten had gone full on cyberpunk with Jessica rather than hands-on scientist, but oh, well. She still had a futuristic skateboard!
My favorite aspect of postmodern literature is the "secret world behind this world" paranoia, and this book is ALLLLL about that. OMG super-government cabals, aliens among us, conspiracy theories are true, government cover-ups, and Area 51 for the win! The book is grounded in some very fleshed-out contemporary conspiracy theories, so a lot of that work making them believable and inserting realistic elements had already been done for Alten, and I could kind of tell when he started to riff on them on his own, because those parts worked a little less well. It was still sci-fi, but I prefer the type of sci-fi that borders on magical realism rather than hard-core science.
Adam's character was far more fleshed out than Jessica's, and I didn't really care what happened to her, but I had a lot of fun with Adam going BAMF. I kind of wish Alten had gone full on cyberpunk with Jessica rather than hands-on scientist, but oh, well. She still had a futuristic skateboard!
August 9, 2018
Good book. Like Lorien Legacies, it pretends to be revealing facts. Unlike Lorien Legacies, it is set in the present day with Trump as President. And there are enough facts. There were two I actually googled to see if they were facts or fiction. Both were facts.
The present day characters felt unnecessary. Clinton wanted to do something, but didn't while President. Yet he hopes a tiny bit of effort now will be enough. Trump has sound bytes along with his support staff (Kellyann, Steven Bannon, etc).
The more sci fi elements were better. The UFOs and zero point energy was well explored. The bad guys were theorized both present day and past. JP Morgan personally shut down Tesla for example.
I liked the scene of the underground city and tech. Along with the implications of min control type weapons and other magic.
I liked the stories of Adam and Jessica. Although not immune to unhappy endings! I would have liked to see more of Michael's story since he opened things as a kid in the future. His story was resolved; just not explored in the depth I would have liked.
The present day characters felt unnecessary. Clinton wanted to do something, but didn't while President. Yet he hopes a tiny bit of effort now will be enough. Trump has sound bytes along with his support staff (Kellyann, Steven Bannon, etc).
The more sci fi elements were better. The UFOs and zero point energy was well explored. The bad guys were theorized both present day and past. JP Morgan personally shut down Tesla for example.
I liked the scene of the underground city and tech. Along with the implications of min control type weapons and other magic.
I liked the stories of Adam and Jessica. Although not immune to unhappy endings! I would have liked to see more of Michael's story since he opened things as a kid in the future. His story was resolved; just not explored in the depth I would have liked.
September 15, 2023
Review: "Undisclosed" by Steven Alten falls short of expectations when it comes to its writing quality. While the premise of the book is intriguing, the execution leaves much to be desired. Alten's writing style feels disjointed and lacks the finesse one would hope for in a thriller novel.
The characters often come across as one-dimensional, making it difficult for readers to fully connect with or invest in their fates. Additionally, the pacing of the story can be inconsistent, with moments of excitement followed by long stretches of slow development that test the reader's patience.
Moreover, the narrative's structure may leave readers feeling disoriented, as it attempts to blend various elements but struggles to do so cohesively. This lack of clarity in storytelling hampers the overall reading experience.
In summary, while "Undisclosed" presents an interesting premise, its execution and writing quality fall short of expectations, making it a challenging read for those seeking a well-crafted thriller.
The characters often come across as one-dimensional, making it difficult for readers to fully connect with or invest in their fates. Additionally, the pacing of the story can be inconsistent, with moments of excitement followed by long stretches of slow development that test the reader's patience.
Moreover, the narrative's structure may leave readers feeling disoriented, as it attempts to blend various elements but struggles to do so cohesively. This lack of clarity in storytelling hampers the overall reading experience.
In summary, while "Undisclosed" presents an interesting premise, its execution and writing quality fall short of expectations, making it a challenging read for those seeking a well-crafted thriller.
July 7, 2017
A book written in "current time", with characters including Bill Clinton and Donald Trump (as president), with a young couple discovering a whole heckuva lot of what they'd believed to be true about aliens, history, and climate change was incorrect.
This story is right up there with The X-Files for conspiracies and the government knowing more than its letting on to anyone (including, actually, the government itself). Mulder and Scully would've been right at home with the twists and turns this story took as it unfolded.
A frightening look at something that could have very well happened in the past (and the future) based on today's - and the recent past's - headlines.
This story is right up there with The X-Files for conspiracies and the government knowing more than its letting on to anyone (including, actually, the government itself). Mulder and Scully would've been right at home with the twists and turns this story took as it unfolded.
A frightening look at something that could have very well happened in the past (and the future) based on today's - and the recent past's - headlines.
November 16, 2018
I loved Alten's Meg series and Domain series and have reread them all multiple times so when I was at my local library and saw this book, I was excited. The premise was interesting, figured it would be entertaining. It was not. I'm sorry to say that it had major pacing issues, major plot issues, even the actual writing style seemed clunky and unpolished. Some of this I will blame on whoever edited the manuscript, because they could have given him some much needed constructive criticism. Lastly, although I am a liberal individual who has never been (nor likely will ever be) a Trump fan, even I found the political commentary off-putting, heavy-handed, and in poor taste.
October 6, 2022
Big fan of "the meg" series and was hoping some of the perfect future sci fi time travel that was introduced late in the series came from this...but alas this lacks most of the stupid fun of the meg.
IF the best humanity can do with alien tech is give us iPhones to make stupid videos then we deserve to be wiped out by climate change.
This book went two steps beyond crazy conspiracies when it should have played into them like "Men in Black" does. Where are the lizard people running the government? Where is the super "space force" we now have our taxes going towards? What was the point of the future bits at all? Is this a book 1 of a new series?
IF the best humanity can do with alien tech is give us iPhones to make stupid videos then we deserve to be wiped out by climate change.
This book went two steps beyond crazy conspiracies when it should have played into them like "Men in Black" does. Where are the lizard people running the government? Where is the super "space force" we now have our taxes going towards? What was the point of the future bits at all? Is this a book 1 of a new series?
July 13, 2017
Steve Alten is one of my favorite authors.
You can't tell what's real, fiction or science fiction. When a book begins with the inauguration of Trump and goes into the billionaire class, religious fanatics and climate deniers, then brings in other living scientists and politicians and the most highly trained military minds, it's sure to be an exciting ride.
You can't tell what's real, fiction or science fiction. When a book begins with the inauguration of Trump and goes into the billionaire class, religious fanatics and climate deniers, then brings in other living scientists and politicians and the most highly trained military minds, it's sure to be an exciting ride.
September 7, 2018
Another great tale from the Altenverse!
This is an amazing story about the secret dark order that is pulling the world’s strings and withholding the technology to remove disease and pollution.
As typical for a story by Steve Alten, there is constant edge of seat suspense and a repetitious need to Google things he writes about.
This is an amazing story about the secret dark order that is pulling the world’s strings and withholding the technology to remove disease and pollution.
As typical for a story by Steve Alten, there is constant edge of seat suspense and a repetitious need to Google things he writes about.
July 5, 2017
Thought provoking
Covers a lot of well documented information gathered by Steven Greer expertly woven into a gripping story. Certainly the rise of the sociopath in the wealthy elite is very disturbing.
Covers a lot of well documented information gathered by Steven Greer expertly woven into a gripping story. Certainly the rise of the sociopath in the wealthy elite is very disturbing.
January 28, 2018
Incredible
Absolutely amazingly written. This book is one of the best in its genre. The reality it is based on is terrifying. If watch the news cycle you can see where reality is showing itself.
Absolutely amazingly written. This book is one of the best in its genre. The reality it is based on is terrifying. If watch the news cycle you can see where reality is showing itself.
June 15, 2018
Three stars as I did finish the book. I did not care about any of the characters and had no stake if they did what they needed to do. Tension and suspense are almost non-existent. Weakest book I have read by Alten.
June 25, 2018
Informative and exciting
This book contains historical and scientific information that will help you reflect upon the possibilities of extraterrestrial interaction with mankind. It has made me curious to learn more.
This book contains historical and scientific information that will help you reflect upon the possibilities of extraterrestrial interaction with mankind. It has made me curious to learn more.
July 5, 2022
Not what I'd hoped for
Political novels and novels about UFOs do not interest me. Political intrigue is not my "cup of tea". Stories about UFOs likewise do not interest me in the slightest.
Political novels and novels about UFOs do not interest me. Political intrigue is not my "cup of tea". Stories about UFOs likewise do not interest me in the slightest.
July 24, 2017
It took me a while to get into this book. Way too many acronyms, charts, and technical talk. But the story was great and the characters were real.
August 21, 2017
Great Read
What a great read! If you believe there's more to the UFO story than the mainstream media lets on, check this one out. Thank you Steve Alten!
What a great read! If you believe there's more to the UFO story than the mainstream media lets on, check this one out. Thank you Steve Alten!
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