What do you think?
Rate this book
The Labyrinth #1
The Seven: The Labyrinth, Book 1
The Labyrinth — an interconnected mythos that binds all of Brian Keene’s works together.
The Labyrinth — an interdimensional construct that binds all of reality together.
Now, the Labyrinth is threatened. A group of malevolent cosmic entities known as The Thirteen have been loosed upon the universe. Ob, Leviathan, Behemoth, Nodens, Meeble, Shtar, Kandara and the rest of their kind have one goal — the complete destruction of all Creation. Seven unlikely warriors from across time and space have been called upon to stop them. If they fail, reality itself will crumble. And the collapse has already begun…
THE THE LABYRINTH Book One is the start of Brian Keene’s magnum opus, featuring characters and situations from THE RISING, EARTHWORM GODS, DARKNESS ON THE EDGE OF TOWN, THE COMPLEX, CLICKERS, DARK HOLLOW, and many more in an epic, multi-volume final battle that spans Keene’s vast literary universe, and will thrill both new readers and long-time fans.
THE THE LABYRINTH Book One — Everything dies, but not everything has an ending…until now.
The Labyrinth — an interdimensional construct that binds all of reality together.
Now, the Labyrinth is threatened. A group of malevolent cosmic entities known as The Thirteen have been loosed upon the universe. Ob, Leviathan, Behemoth, Nodens, Meeble, Shtar, Kandara and the rest of their kind have one goal — the complete destruction of all Creation. Seven unlikely warriors from across time and space have been called upon to stop them. If they fail, reality itself will crumble. And the collapse has already begun…
THE THE LABYRINTH Book One is the start of Brian Keene’s magnum opus, featuring characters and situations from THE RISING, EARTHWORM GODS, DARKNESS ON THE EDGE OF TOWN, THE COMPLEX, CLICKERS, DARK HOLLOW, and many more in an epic, multi-volume final battle that spans Keene’s vast literary universe, and will thrill both new readers and long-time fans.
THE THE LABYRINTH Book One — Everything dies, but not everything has an ending…until now.
300 pages, Paperback
Published October 27, 2021
51 people are currently reading
153 people want to read
About the author
Brian Keene
384 books2,989 followersBRIAN KEENE writes novels, comic books, short fiction, and occasional journalism for money. He is the author of over forty books, mostly in the horror, crime, and dark fantasy genres. His 2003 novel, The Rising, is often credited (along with Robert Kirkman’s The Walking Dead comic and Danny Boyle’s 28 Days Later film) with inspiring pop culture’s current interest in zombies. Keene’s novels have been translated into German, Spanish, Polish, Italian, French, Taiwanese, and many more. In addition to his own original work, Keene has written for media properties such as Doctor Who, Hellboy, Masters of the Universe, and Superman.
Several of Keene’s novels have been developed for film, including Ghoul, The Ties That Bind, and Fast Zombies Suck. Several more are in-development or under option. Keene also serves as Executive Producer for the independent film studio Drunken Tentacle Productions.
Keene also oversees Maelstrom, his own small press publishing imprint specializing in collectible limited editions, via Thunderstorm Books.
Keene’s work has been praised in such diverse places as The New York Times, The History Channel, The Howard Stern Show, CNN.com, Publisher’s Weekly, Media Bistro, Fangoria Magazine, and Rue Morgue Magazine. He has won numerous awards and honors, including the World Horror 2014 Grand Master Award, two Bram Stoker Awards, and a recognition from Whiteman A.F.B. (home of the B-2 Stealth Bomber) for his outreach to U.S. troops serving both overseas and abroad. A prolific public speaker, Keene has delivered talks at conventions, college campuses, theaters, and inside Central Intelligence Agency headquarters in Langley, VA.
The father of two sons, Keene lives in rural Pennsylvania.
Several of Keene’s novels have been developed for film, including Ghoul, The Ties That Bind, and Fast Zombies Suck. Several more are in-development or under option. Keene also serves as Executive Producer for the independent film studio Drunken Tentacle Productions.
Keene also oversees Maelstrom, his own small press publishing imprint specializing in collectible limited editions, via Thunderstorm Books.
Keene’s work has been praised in such diverse places as The New York Times, The History Channel, The Howard Stern Show, CNN.com, Publisher’s Weekly, Media Bistro, Fangoria Magazine, and Rue Morgue Magazine. He has won numerous awards and honors, including the World Horror 2014 Grand Master Award, two Bram Stoker Awards, and a recognition from Whiteman A.F.B. (home of the B-2 Stealth Bomber) for his outreach to U.S. troops serving both overseas and abroad. A prolific public speaker, Keene has delivered talks at conventions, college campuses, theaters, and inside Central Intelligence Agency headquarters in Langley, VA.
The father of two sons, Keene lives in rural Pennsylvania.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 27, 2022
This is the first volume in what Keene essentially describes in his introduction as the capstone of his career up to now, a magnum opus that brings together all of the threads of his novels and stories for a grand finale smackdown of good versus evil. He equates it with the formation of The Avengers in the Marvel universe, though parallels with King's Dark Tower or Moorcock's eternal champion/Cornelius chronicles are easy to draw. The current volume reminded me more of Tolkien's Lord of the Rings than anything else, as we see the titular Seven, his Fellowship if you will, established, and their initial encounters with the Thirteen evil cosmic entities. Almost all of the characters have appeared in one version or another in previous Keene stories, and a nice appendix is provided that explains their provenance and previous appearances. The current aspects of the characters and the situations they've faced are well explained within the context of the book, but he suggests in his introduction that some familiarity with his other works is necessary in order to enjoy this one, so who am I to argue? Despite a couple of slightly overlong sections in the middle detailing religious matters, it's a very well-written story, and he obviously put a lot of care into connecting a lot of dots and details. (The paperback does have several typographical problems that are annoying, though... sentences stopping in the middle of a line and then continuing after an indentation in the following line.) It's much less graphic than some of his extreme works and is a very entertaining read. I look forward to the next volume.
March 1, 2022
THE SEVEN: THE LABRYINTH BOOK ONE puts me in mind of a superhero film-one of the ones where they come together to fight an evil that threatens us all. In this volume, we have characters from THE RISING and EARTHWORM GODS, as well as many characters featured in other Brian Keene novels. What does all this amount to? A big-ass bunch of fun!
Being that I wanted to read this book, I first listened to EARTHWORM GODS because the protagonist in that tale is featured in this one. I just love Teddy and was excited to meet him again here. I remember several of these characters from THE RISING and CITY OF THE DEAD, most especially Frankie, who I loved then and I still love now.
This is like a super mash up of all of Keene's works, featuring connections and easter eggs for everyone. I admit that I haven't read all of Brian's work, so I probably missed a ton of stuff, but I sure did have a lot of fun, just the same! I'm sure comparisons to King's Dark Tower series will be made, but who says that King is the only author allowed to write such a thing?
In the intro to THE SEVEN, Keene explains what a fan showed him and how this book came about. I thought that was pretty cool. This book was first released to members of Brian's Patreon account, and now it has become available to everyone in a number of different formats, including audiobook, which is what I'm reviewing here. Joshua Saxon is one hell of a narrator and the only issue I had with him was the pronunciation of OB. The audio of THE RISING, had it pronounced as AWWB, not OHHB. No big deal, really. The man has a lot of characters to voice here and he pulls it off with aplomb.
This book was so much fun with its doors opening onto different worlds and different time periods, there really is no limit to where Brian Keene can lead us with this. All I want to know is when and where I need to be to continue this series!
Highly recommended, especially to fans of Brian Keene's work!
*I bought this audio with my hard earned cash.*
Being that I wanted to read this book, I first listened to EARTHWORM GODS because the protagonist in that tale is featured in this one. I just love Teddy and was excited to meet him again here. I remember several of these characters from THE RISING and CITY OF THE DEAD, most especially Frankie, who I loved then and I still love now.
This is like a super mash up of all of Keene's works, featuring connections and easter eggs for everyone. I admit that I haven't read all of Brian's work, so I probably missed a ton of stuff, but I sure did have a lot of fun, just the same! I'm sure comparisons to King's Dark Tower series will be made, but who says that King is the only author allowed to write such a thing?
In the intro to THE SEVEN, Keene explains what a fan showed him and how this book came about. I thought that was pretty cool. This book was first released to members of Brian's Patreon account, and now it has become available to everyone in a number of different formats, including audiobook, which is what I'm reviewing here. Joshua Saxon is one hell of a narrator and the only issue I had with him was the pronunciation of OB. The audio of THE RISING, had it pronounced as AWWB, not OHHB. No big deal, really. The man has a lot of characters to voice here and he pulls it off with aplomb.
This book was so much fun with its doors opening onto different worlds and different time periods, there really is no limit to where Brian Keene can lead us with this. All I want to know is when and where I need to be to continue this series!
Highly recommended, especially to fans of Brian Keene's work!
*I bought this audio with my hard earned cash.*
April 21, 2020
After recently reading the majority of Brian’s work I decided to jump on to his Patreon and check out this serialised novel. The Labyrinth Book 1 will probably be compared to King’s Dark Tower again and again, as these books will tie together Keene’s multiverse and continue the underlying story that has been told in the background of his work. I’d support this comparison as I love the Dart Tower and also adored this.
My expectations were very high going into this and I can happily say that they were met. This is the start of an epic story that all Keene fans will want to read. I loved every moment of this book, it is fun, gripping and very well written, I seriously struggled to stop reading.
Anything I say about the plot will be a spoiler to I’ll just say this this is an absolutely fantastic read that I’d highly recommend, although you’d want to be very familiar with Keene’s work before reading this.
My expectations were very high going into this and I can happily say that they were met. This is the start of an epic story that all Keene fans will want to read. I loved every moment of this book, it is fun, gripping and very well written, I seriously struggled to stop reading.
Anything I say about the plot will be a spoiler to I’ll just say this this is an absolutely fantastic read that I’d highly recommend, although you’d want to be very familiar with Keene’s work before reading this.
January 15, 2024
Brian Keene here begins his seven book Magnum Opus that weaves all of his worlds and stories together. Some of his favourite characters are brought together to fight the evil thirteen entities that in one form or another have assumed the role of primary antagonists in most of his works.
And, honestly, it’s a bit of a rough start. Keene has to do the heavy expository lifting that is necessary to manoeuvre everyone where they need to be, and then explain what they have to do and (largely) how they’re going to do it over the next six books.
The stand out character here is one that is new to Keene’s multiverse: Lucifer. His caustic and world weary wit adds a welcome injection of humour into some pretty grim proceedings.
Beyond that, things are pretty standard for a Keene novel. The heroes square off against one of The Thirteen and supposedly there are big stakes, but given this is the first book of seven, it’s hard to take those stakes too seriously.
This one is doing almost the heavy leg work, so I can forgive most of these issues. But I hope that the latter books in this series get progressively better, rather than peter out.
3 Magical Melding of Selves for The Labyrinth.
And, honestly, it’s a bit of a rough start. Keene has to do the heavy expository lifting that is necessary to manoeuvre everyone where they need to be, and then explain what they have to do and (largely) how they’re going to do it over the next six books.
The stand out character here is one that is new to Keene’s multiverse: Lucifer. His caustic and world weary wit adds a welcome injection of humour into some pretty grim proceedings.
Beyond that, things are pretty standard for a Keene novel. The heroes square off against one of The Thirteen and supposedly there are big stakes, but given this is the first book of seven, it’s hard to take those stakes too seriously.
This one is doing almost the heavy leg work, so I can forgive most of these issues. But I hope that the latter books in this series get progressively better, rather than peter out.
3 Magical Melding of Selves for The Labyrinth.
November 10, 2021
This book was pretty much Brian Keene's version of Avengers: End Game, where various characters from his countless novels, novellas and short stories converge and have one final battle against the forces of evil.
I came into this book expecting a satisfying conclusion to this sprawling saga that BK has created, but it wound up feeling more like the first episode of a TV series, where most of the run time is spent introducing us to the characters and setting up events that are going to happen in the future.
Despite that, this book was still thoroughly enjoyable and I look forward to seeing where this series goes and how it all ends. I think I'm gonna hold off on reading any of the other books in this series until they've all been written and released though.
I came into this book expecting a satisfying conclusion to this sprawling saga that BK has created, but it wound up feeling more like the first episode of a TV series, where most of the run time is spent introducing us to the characters and setting up events that are going to happen in the future.
Despite that, this book was still thoroughly enjoyable and I look forward to seeing where this series goes and how it all ends. I think I'm gonna hold off on reading any of the other books in this series until they've all been written and released though.
November 15, 2021
Best book by Keene in ages. Really enjoyed it. Think it's more one for fans of his work than new readers. Not sure I would have enjoyed it as much as a stand alone read but having read most of his stuff, it was a treat to revisit these characters. Can't wait for book two.
May 7, 2022
Until I sat down to write this review, I hadn't considered how much I built this book up in my head. A little history, I read and enjoyed Brian Keene's Ghoul and Earthworm Gods enough to consider myself a fan and pick up a few more books. Then I saw Keene write about this book, a culmination of his labyrinth mythos and a Dark Tower of sorts. He had my attention, but thankfully, Keene included a disclaimer that this book was designed for long-time readers of his work. Newbies might find themselves lost. He also included a list of books that readers should familiarize themselves with the maximize their enjoyment of The Seven. So 2022 hit and I set to work.
A long introduction, but I think it's important to note. Brian Keene sets about writing this book with enough exposition to allow casual readers to follow the proceedings, but if you're invested in the characters that reappear here (From the Rising series, Earthworm Gods, Clickers, Dark Hollow, and various short fiction), the story that begins here will resonate stronger.
The Seven wastes no time getting the ball rolling and never drags for a moment of its 270 pages. Keene excels here in setting the stage for the sequels, but never making The Seven feel like just the foundation. Make no mistake, events are in motion.
A long introduction, but I think it's important to note. Brian Keene sets about writing this book with enough exposition to allow casual readers to follow the proceedings, but if you're invested in the characters that reappear here (From the Rising series, Earthworm Gods, Clickers, Dark Hollow, and various short fiction), the story that begins here will resonate stronger.
The Seven wastes no time getting the ball rolling and never drags for a moment of its 270 pages. Keene excels here in setting the stage for the sequels, but never making The Seven feel like just the foundation. Make no mistake, events are in motion.
January 21, 2025
Вече двадесет години феновете на Кийн се забавляваме с мултивселената му, в която се навързват всичките му произведения, от най-краткия разказ, до най-обемния тритомник. Митовете за Тринадесетте и Лабиринта са в основата на тази писателска мултивселена. Години съм чел и препрочитал произведенията му, записвал съм си паралели и препратки, водил съм теми по клубове и кон-ове, обсъждал съм, споделял съм и съм се карал с други фенове във форуми, по имейли, социални мрежи и на живо. Дори съм участвал в общи форумни дискусии със самият Кийн, преди десетилетие и отгоре, когато интернет още не беше такова изнервящо блато.
Та, тази книга (и цялата задаваща се поредица) е подарък точно за такива фенове като мен. Ако булшинството от останалите му произведения могат да се четат самостоятелно, то Седемте може да се разбере изцяло само от някой чел по-голяма част от творчеството на Брайън.
Няма да обяснявам кое от къде идва, първо някаква част е обхваната в анотацията и второ – има доста информиращ апендикс в края на книгата.
Световете, които аторът системно унищожава и героите, които безмилостно избива, вече повече от две десетилетия, най-накрая може би ще отвърнат на удара. Седем врели и кипели в неприятни ситуации човека ще бъдат събрани, за да се изправят срещу безмилостните Тринадесет. Сблъсъкът ще е навсякъде. На всички нива на Лабиринта, а нашите герои ще трябва да измислят как да унищожат създания с умения на богове и по-стари от времето.
Ако тепърва се запознавате с творчеството на Кийн, ще бъдете хвърлени във водовъртеж, но за обиграните читатели, първата третина на книгата, където се запознаваме с протагонистите и антагонистите, е доста приятно припомняне на неща, които сме чели преди 10-15-20 години.
Нататък нещата продължават доста добре, но като цяло е само началото на нещо много по-голямо. Не смея да издавам сюжета, защото няма как да не разваля кефа на някой читател. Буквално всяко изречение може да издаде нещо от тази или предходните книги, дори имената на Седемте (има ги на корицата, редовия читател би ги познал).
Само да кажа за финал, че нямам търпение да се сблъскат с любимият ми персонаж от Тринадесетте – Щар.
Та, тази книга (и цялата задаваща се поредица) е подарък точно за такива фенове като мен. Ако булшинството от останалите му произведения могат да се четат самостоятелно, то Седемте може да се разбере изцяло само от някой чел по-голяма част от творчеството на Брайън.
Няма да обяснявам кое от къде идва, първо някаква част е обхваната в анотацията и второ – има доста информиращ апендикс в края на книгата.
Световете, които аторът системно унищожава и героите, които безмилостно избива, вече повече от две десетилетия, най-накрая може би ще отвърнат на удара. Седем врели и кипели в неприятни ситуации човека ще бъдат събрани, за да се изправят срещу безмилостните Тринадесет. Сблъсъкът ще е навсякъде. На всички нива на Лабиринта, а нашите герои ще трябва да измислят как да унищожат създания с умения на богове и по-стари от времето.
Ако тепърва се запознавате с творчеството на Кийн, ще бъдете хвърлени във водовъртеж, но за обиграните читатели, първата третина на книгата, където се запознаваме с протагонистите и антагонистите, е доста приятно припомняне на неща, които сме чели преди 10-15-20 години.
Нататък нещата продължават доста добре, но като цяло е само началото на нещо много по-голямо. Не смея да издавам сюжета, защото няма как да не разваля кефа на някой читател. Буквално всяко изречение може да издаде нещо от тази или предходните книги, дори имената на Седемте (има ги на корицата, редовия читател би ги познал).
Само да кажа за финал, че нямам търпение да се сблъскат с любимият ми персонаж от Тринадесетте – Щар.
May 11, 2023
The Seven is sort of Brian Keene's version of the film "The Avengers." To summarize very briefly, several characters who have appeared in in his previous novels/novellas/short stories are gathered together to stop an almighty supernatural force/Satan from wiping out all the known universes. Some of these characters aren't heroes by any stretch, but are now recruited by a supernatural being who has pervaded Keene's stories in various forms and identities to take on this monumental task. In the preface of the book Keene lists the various stories of his that you really should be familiar with to totally get who all the characters are and what's happened in his "universe." Though I have read quite a number of his books, there were some listed, including a bunch of sequels, that I never read, and even the ones that I did were read so long ago I only vaguely recalled who some of the characters and incidents were. Mainly for those reasons I had a hard time getting into this book, although all the combination of history/religious figures/references that Keene tried to wedge into his story also just didn't resonate with me. It was ambitious to try to pull from all his previous 20+ years of writing to make one sensational gathering, but this just wasn't one of my favorite books of Keene's. Not sure if I'll bother with the sequel, other than the fact that this book ended just as things were finally making sense and getting interesting.
December 17, 2021
Keene Introduces His Mythos
Like King’s Gunslinger series, The Seven is Keene’s tale of the Labyrinth and the complex mythology behind it. A total tour de force of worlds and universes, the novel introduces us to seven characters we met in Keene’s other works and how they are assembled to battle the Thirteen, malignant horrors loosely related in spirit to the beings of Lovecraft’s Mythos.
It helps to be familiar with some of Keene’s other works but each character is introduced with backstory to help newcomers get up to speed.
I look forward to the other books in the series.
Like King’s Gunslinger series, The Seven is Keene’s tale of the Labyrinth and the complex mythology behind it. A total tour de force of worlds and universes, the novel introduces us to seven characters we met in Keene’s other works and how they are assembled to battle the Thirteen, malignant horrors loosely related in spirit to the beings of Lovecraft’s Mythos.
It helps to be familiar with some of Keene’s other works but each character is introduced with backstory to help newcomers get up to speed.
I look forward to the other books in the series.
December 29, 2024
This really is not a 4 plus book, I assume it is because of hardcore fans love of Easter eggs. Between Keene's book is very below average.
To oOoOO much exposition lack characterization. Keene is worried only with the plot and thinks the reader will do their homework and that will be enough. It is not. Long passages, like the fusion of alternative realities are completely useless and could be submitted by another device
The addition of Lucifer is funny but little thought out, more than avengers infinity war it is ant man 3, Mr Keene end it up doing fan fiction of his own work
To oOoOO much exposition lack characterization. Keene is worried only with the plot and thinks the reader will do their homework and that will be enough. It is not. Long passages, like the fusion of alternative realities are completely useless and could be submitted by another device
The addition of Lucifer is funny but little thought out, more than avengers infinity war it is ant man 3, Mr Keene end it up doing fan fiction of his own work
March 17, 2023
This was very good. I enjoyed everything about it. I got to revisit some of my favorite characters from the Keeneiverse and there was definitely no shortage action. I have a good feeling about this shared world multiverse of Keene’s. It’s going places. Not knowing where is half the fun.
My only peeve was that I did not want this to end and then it was over. Dang.
4+ Stars and highly recommended, especially if you are familiar with Brian Keene's previous works.
My only peeve was that I did not want this to end and then it was over. Dang.
4+ Stars and highly recommended, especially if you are familiar with Brian Keene's previous works.
December 15, 2023
I know all the characters and the author. Author is doing a decent job of world building. Trick is the world he is building is conveniently only located in his backyard. Did The Stand stay in Maine? No. Its weak and so are some plot points that only exist to keep the narrative juiced. Typical choices by charcater that only make sense...cause the simple obvious choice would give you a chapter of writing.
October 12, 2022
If you're a fan of Keene and have read enough of the related stories this book uses as source material, you are going to have a hell of a good time.
Still very digestible if you're unfamiliar with the source material, but it does help.
Still very digestible if you're unfamiliar with the source material, but it does help.
January 28, 2024
Fantastic Start!
Just decided to get back into reading after a long absence, and what better Author to do that with than Brian Keene? Easily my favorite of the newer Horror Authors and one of my favorites in general. He never disappoints and I am looking forward to the next book!
Just decided to get back into reading after a long absence, and what better Author to do that with than Brian Keene? Easily my favorite of the newer Horror Authors and one of my favorites in general. He never disappoints and I am looking forward to the next book!
December 9, 2022
A real thrill
Kings book was a real Thrill Ride FUN fast-paced with familiar characters I for one am hooked and eagerly looking forward to the next book.
Kings book was a real Thrill Ride FUN fast-paced with familiar characters I for one am hooked and eagerly looking forward to the next book.
July 31, 2023
This is a great start to a series I have high hopes for, if you are a Brian Keene fan this is a must read, This feels this like this will be Brian Keene best and most epic work
October 4, 2023
I was a bit let down. There were parts I really enjoyed but overall, it was just okay.
July 26, 2024
Excellent
Like a marvel and dc crossover all your favourite characters are here on a mission to stop the thirteen
Enjoyable romp
Like a marvel and dc crossover all your favourite characters are here on a mission to stop the thirteen
Enjoyable romp
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews