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The Saga of Seven Suns #6
Metal Swarm
The alien hydrogues have been defeated, driven back into the cores of their planets by an alliance of the Earth Defence Forces, the ancient Ildiran Empire, the Roamer clans and water elemental beings as well as gigantic living 'treeships'. But as the various factions try to pick up the pieces and recover, the wounds may be fatal.
684 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
94 people are currently reading
1444 people want to read
About the author
Kevin J. Anderson
1,038 books3,107 followersYes, I have a lot of books, and if this is your first visit to my amazon author page, it can be a little overwhelming. If you are new to my work, let me recommend a few titles as good places to start. I love my Dan Shamble, Zombie P.I. series, humorous horror/mysteries, which begin with DEATH WARMED OVER. My steampunk fantasy adventures, CLOCKWORK ANGELS and CLOCKWORK LIVES, written with Neil Peart, legendary drummer from Rush, are two of my very favorite novels ever. And my magnum opus, the science fiction epic The Saga of Seven Suns, begins with HIDDEN EMPIRE. After you've tried those, I hope you'll check out some of my other series.
I have written spin-off novels for Star Wars, StarCraft, Titan A.E., and The X-Files, and I'm the co-author of the Dune prequels. My original works include the Saga of Seven Suns series and the Nebula Award-nominated Assemblers of Infinity. I have also written several comic books including the Dark Horse Star Wars collection Tales of the Jedi written in collaboration with Tom Veitch, Predator titles (also for Dark Horse), and X-Files titles for Topps.
I serve as a judge in the Writers of the Future contest.
My wife is author Rebecca Moesta. We currently reside near Monument, Colorado.
I have written spin-off novels for Star Wars, StarCraft, Titan A.E., and The X-Files, and I'm the co-author of the Dune prequels. My original works include the Saga of Seven Suns series and the Nebula Award-nominated Assemblers of Infinity. I have also written several comic books including the Dark Horse Star Wars collection Tales of the Jedi written in collaboration with Tom Veitch, Predator titles (also for Dark Horse), and X-Files titles for Topps.
I serve as a judge in the Writers of the Future contest.
My wife is author Rebecca Moesta. We currently reside near Monument, Colorado.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
December 27, 2021
3.5 Stars
These are not the strongest books in terms of characters or prose. Yet I keep reading because they are so easy to binge.
These are not the strongest books in terms of characters or prose. Yet I keep reading because they are so easy to binge.
August 10, 2010
Only one more book to go.
Often during the reviews of this series I cite how timeline is a terrible distraction. The Pregnancy that has gone on forever is now finally over. How a second problem that the author thinks is a triumph is the short vignettes of everyone's story. That still plagues us.
How as a political treatise we have a meglomaniac ruling earth without a checks and balance system. Still the Chairman gets away with terrible horrors and no one stops him.
A new item has come to the surface and that is the absence of death. In a story with so many heroes, killing some of them would seem to be natural. Especially with so many chances that they should die. Some of the horrors that our heroes face are such that cheating death should not be an option. But here very few have died.
For a successful author who certainly has a great deal of royalties form his other successes, one should believe that Anderson had the time to devote to polishing the story. Sometimes it takes hours to get to a planet, and sometimes weeks. Sometimes days goes by in the threads of one hero and then another is picked up and it is a few moments since last we met.
This is a story that a map of the galaxy could not be given because the author creates devices he needs whenever he needs it. The same with the abilities of his alien adversaries. All that means to me the reader that logic is absent. Further causing the story to be ridiculous.
That it gains higher marks from me then before is that now as some of the storylines are finishing, I am happy for it, and have the tiniest bit of better perception. But I will be glad when it is all done.
Often during the reviews of this series I cite how timeline is a terrible distraction. The Pregnancy that has gone on forever is now finally over. How a second problem that the author thinks is a triumph is the short vignettes of everyone's story. That still plagues us.
How as a political treatise we have a meglomaniac ruling earth without a checks and balance system. Still the Chairman gets away with terrible horrors and no one stops him.
A new item has come to the surface and that is the absence of death. In a story with so many heroes, killing some of them would seem to be natural. Especially with so many chances that they should die. Some of the horrors that our heroes face are such that cheating death should not be an option. But here very few have died.
For a successful author who certainly has a great deal of royalties form his other successes, one should believe that Anderson had the time to devote to polishing the story. Sometimes it takes hours to get to a planet, and sometimes weeks. Sometimes days goes by in the threads of one hero and then another is picked up and it is a few moments since last we met.
This is a story that a map of the galaxy could not be given because the author creates devices he needs whenever he needs it. The same with the abilities of his alien adversaries. All that means to me the reader that logic is absent. Further causing the story to be ridiculous.
That it gains higher marks from me then before is that now as some of the storylines are finishing, I am happy for it, and have the tiniest bit of better perception. But I will be glad when it is all done.
August 23, 2022
This is an interesting book. There was a major climax at the end of book five (Of Fire and Night), but there was also a cliffhanger that sets up this book. This book really positions the chess pieces to prepare the reader for the grand finale.
As a result, it doesn't feel particularly epic in scope like the other books, yet it is still a fun read.
This book does introduce a new character in Admiral Willis, who is from the getgo very interesting. She has an interesting moral compass, and we get to see how leaders in the military of the EDF are starting to finally realize how crazy the Chairman is. Her storyline was probably the most action packed and I was hooked!
I also really liked the character of Koker in this. He hasn't had too much to do in these books, but he was really compelling here. What made him special was his willingness to try something new, his interest in growing and learning more about different cultures. I thought it was fascinating and delightful.
The action overall was a step down from Of Fire and Night, but still par for the series course. Being a setup book, Anderson was more focused in character journeys, and setting the stage. This is probably one of the most character driven books in the series.
The ending has such an intense cliffhanger that I just can't wait to read the final book.
Overall, this is a very good book, but it is not on the level of book 5. Overall, I give this book an 8.3 out of 10!
As a result, it doesn't feel particularly epic in scope like the other books, yet it is still a fun read.
This book does introduce a new character in Admiral Willis, who is from the getgo very interesting. She has an interesting moral compass, and we get to see how leaders in the military of the EDF are starting to finally realize how crazy the Chairman is. Her storyline was probably the most action packed and I was hooked!
I also really liked the character of Koker in this. He hasn't had too much to do in these books, but he was really compelling here. What made him special was his willingness to try something new, his interest in growing and learning more about different cultures. I thought it was fascinating and delightful.
The action overall was a step down from Of Fire and Night, but still par for the series course. Being a setup book, Anderson was more focused in character journeys, and setting the stage. This is probably one of the most character driven books in the series.
The ending has such an intense cliffhanger that I just can't wait to read the final book.
Overall, this is a very good book, but it is not on the level of book 5. Overall, I give this book an 8.3 out of 10!
January 14, 2008
man, this really disappointed me. with such a great previous book, i really thought this was going to be amazing. it actually turned out to be my worst fears. anderson finally succumbed to corny characters, predictable plots, and tired conversations. too bad. i guess i'll still read the next one. i guess i have to since it'll be the last in the series. maybe this was a fluke.
April 8, 2017
The "swarm" of the title refers to the plans of Sirix and his Klikiss robots and EDF soldier compies. Unfortunately for Sirix and human colonists, the Klikiss have returned from some remote hibernation location and want all their original planets back. The Faeros have figured out a way to reproduce and expand their numbers through Ildiran souls, the EDF and Hansa Chariman slips further into paranoia and cruelty trying to keep power, and a religious/mental discovery by a green priest unleashes clarity and cooperation between races, but may well spell the end of those races.
Through six books, things have progressed at a good pace, but it's starting to be a bit like a soap opera or episodic TV since there seems to be a new crisis popping up after the current crisis has been vanquished. Not sure how it's going to end with one more book to go. I just know that you can never start rooting for any character that Anderson has thrown into this mix, because he's not afraid to kill off anyone at any time, especially when least expected.
Through six books, things have progressed at a good pace, but it's starting to be a bit like a soap opera or episodic TV since there seems to be a new crisis popping up after the current crisis has been vanquished. Not sure how it's going to end with one more book to go. I just know that you can never start rooting for any character that Anderson has thrown into this mix, because he's not afraid to kill off anyone at any time, especially when least expected.
August 8, 2023
I find it hard to put down, though I believe I found at least two errors during my reading, with photographic evidence. Rusa'h speaks of "retaining his human memories", and twice he refers to his attributes as "human" in the book.
November 14, 2015
The galaxy at war, humanity at war with itself and a new, ruthless enemy enters the scene. There are enough mysteries left in this saga to keep things interesting but there seemed much that was contrived to keep the plot alive in the present so the deeper history could be drawn out. The utter power difference between the elementals and terrestrial creatures suggests the latter should be easily eliminated; a leader as dysfunctional as Wenceslas would surely have been removed - these were issues in the previous book for me. Questions that remain for me are how the human and ildiran species is related and whether the elementals have some god like role deeper in Anderson's universe in bringing about life in some way and; how does tellink and the long range communication work? I suspect that the second will not get answered.
This said, this three star book had me picking it up in preference to 4 or 5 others which were on the go at the time. It's not that they are direct competition, but this is why I've enjoyed this series - it's so easy to keep picking up and enjoying the ride.
This said, this three star book had me picking it up in preference to 4 or 5 others which were on the go at the time. It's not that they are direct competition, but this is why I've enjoyed this series - it's so easy to keep picking up and enjoying the ride.
December 8, 2010
The plot lines in this series were very interesting, and it was just enough to keep me reading it through to the end, but I found the writing repetitive, than tiresome and finally flat out boring.
Anderson writes each chapter as if you may have forgotten the setting laid down previously...I get it that the roamers are inventive, I get it that Ildarians can feel each other through some sort of psychic link, and I get it that the Chairman is distrustful of others...you don't need to continually beat me about the head with this information.
Anderson writes each chapter as if you may have forgotten the setting laid down previously...I get it that the roamers are inventive, I get it that Ildarians can feel each other through some sort of psychic link, and I get it that the Chairman is distrustful of others...you don't need to continually beat me about the head with this information.
December 5, 2019
Up to this point, the Saga of Seven Suns kept getting better with each installment. Unfortunately, it seems to have stalled here. Perhaps it was the result of wrapping up the hydrogue war or switching to a different publisher. Whatever happened, Metal Swarm is the weakest book in the series. While there is still plenty to love about the series, this was not the dynamic story I had hoped for.
March 19, 2009
This is great science fiction - excellent character development, complex story arcs and just pure excitement to read. I'm glad I got into the Saga of Seven Suns series after 5 of them had been published as it would have killed me to have to wait long periods in between publishing each book.
September 10, 2012
I had been enjoying this series of seven books but it could have ended at book five. I am now just reading them to complete the set and am finding that I just want it to end already so I can go on to another book...something different.
March 27, 2021
I recently listened to Metal Swarm written by Kevin J. Anderson and narrated by David Colacci.
This is the sixth book in the Saga of Seven Suns series. It's nearly impossible to review a book in series like this without having a few spoilers. With that in mind, if you want to avoid spoilers stop reading now.
The Hydrogues are defeated, however, the Klikiss robots still roam free. Using this freedom they begin exterminating human colonies on ancient Klikiss worlds, forming a metal swarm that is dangerous to all humanity.
King Peter unites his people from his relocated throne on Theroc. Most of humanity unites behind his throne, in a confederation of worlds, openly defying the Hansa. Chairman Wenceslas of the Hansa, however, sees only rebellion and prepares to crush those who defy him.
Ildirans, having recently lost a substantial portion of their fleet in the defense of their ally Earth seek to rebuild. The Mage-Imperatur Jor'ah, seeking to correct the errors of the past, orders the Saga of the Seven Suns to be edited. This was, until recently, believes to be an accurate account and the Ildirans are still reeling under the implications implicit in whole sections of it being falsified.
David Colacci does his usual excellent job with the narration. He breathes life into each and every character and makes you care about them.
Conclusion: I am honestly surprised that the series didn't end with the previous book, however, this book clearly has more to add to the Saga. Despite the fact that I feel like the series didn't need to continue, I still feel this is an extremely well written continuation of a tale that still has yet more to tell. I'm looking to finishing the next, and last, book of the series.
This is the sixth book in the Saga of Seven Suns series. It's nearly impossible to review a book in series like this without having a few spoilers. With that in mind, if you want to avoid spoilers stop reading now.
The Hydrogues are defeated, however, the Klikiss robots still roam free. Using this freedom they begin exterminating human colonies on ancient Klikiss worlds, forming a metal swarm that is dangerous to all humanity.
King Peter unites his people from his relocated throne on Theroc. Most of humanity unites behind his throne, in a confederation of worlds, openly defying the Hansa. Chairman Wenceslas of the Hansa, however, sees only rebellion and prepares to crush those who defy him.
Ildirans, having recently lost a substantial portion of their fleet in the defense of their ally Earth seek to rebuild. The Mage-Imperatur Jor'ah, seeking to correct the errors of the past, orders the Saga of the Seven Suns to be edited. This was, until recently, believes to be an accurate account and the Ildirans are still reeling under the implications implicit in whole sections of it being falsified.
David Colacci does his usual excellent job with the narration. He breathes life into each and every character and makes you care about them.
Conclusion: I am honestly surprised that the series didn't end with the previous book, however, this book clearly has more to add to the Saga. Despite the fact that I feel like the series didn't need to continue, I still feel this is an extremely well written continuation of a tale that still has yet more to tell. I'm looking to finishing the next, and last, book of the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2025
(2 Stars)
The big bad is gone, so we give people nice things so that they can be taken away a minute later.
I continue to marvel at the lack of ambition of anyone in the Seven Suns universe. The lackadaisically-explained economy makes some of the efforts taken rather silly. The change from a pseudo-post-religious society to one where the powers that be excitedly crucify community leaders takes place entirely offstage and with little apparent import, except for some uneasiness. The famed bureaucracy of Earth's government also hidden off-screen, as the ruler of the human empire gives direct orders to subordinates who directly carry them out, with no checks, balances, or paperwork (this is not a new issue, it's just one I don't think I've mentioned in previous comments).
The tree-mind that basically zombifies humans to do its bidding in a parasitic relationship (perhaps you could argue it's symbiotic, but the vast majority of the time the humans get photosynthetic skin and a euphoria that is described an awfully lot like a drug-induced high and nothing else) has a downside, which is that apparently fireballs can make them burn from across the universe because there was a tree person nearby.
The earlier books were flawed to say the least, but they built to a climax. This one feels more like when the showrunners have all left, but the network wants to keep it going to suck a few more bucks out before everyone stops watching.
I didn't care for this.
The big bad is gone, so we give people nice things so that they can be taken away a minute later.
I continue to marvel at the lack of ambition of anyone in the Seven Suns universe. The lackadaisically-explained economy makes some of the efforts taken rather silly. The change from a pseudo-post-religious society to one where the powers that be excitedly crucify community leaders takes place entirely offstage and with little apparent import, except for some uneasiness. The famed bureaucracy of Earth's government also hidden off-screen, as the ruler of the human empire gives direct orders to subordinates who directly carry them out, with no checks, balances, or paperwork (this is not a new issue, it's just one I don't think I've mentioned in previous comments).
The tree-mind that basically zombifies humans to do its bidding in a parasitic relationship (perhaps you could argue it's symbiotic, but the vast majority of the time the humans get photosynthetic skin and a euphoria that is described an awfully lot like a drug-induced high and nothing else) has a downside, which is that apparently fireballs can make them burn from across the universe because there was a tree person nearby.
The earlier books were flawed to say the least, but they built to a climax. This one feels more like when the showrunners have all left, but the network wants to keep it going to suck a few more bucks out before everyone stops watching.
I didn't care for this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2025
I've always wanted a After The Great Space War book and this delivers.
Empires crumble, alliances shift, the lives of billions shift, new enemies are born.
This is, after all, what happened after WW2.
The style of presentation is what carries this series. When reading 'Game of Thrones', I'd have one perspective, get into it, then have to wait 120 pages to see it again, at which point, I had lost connection to the events. This happened to each and every perspective.
'Saga of Seven Suns' works with a VAST cast because the chapters are so short.
There are some narratives I prefer over others. I like the politics, so any time 'Basil Wenceslas' or 'King Peter', or 'Eldred Cain' came up as chapter titles, I pumped my fist.
I still don't love the wentals. So be it. It doesn't matter. They don't hang around for long. Like I said, the beauty of it.
The narrative of the overrun and enslaved colony is probably the most developed on a character level, as various perspectives overlap.
There is a payoff to the slightly tepid Ildiran rebellion. It is a wonderful payoff - one of those 'new threats'. And it's more terrifying even than the Hydrogues themselves.
Empires crumble, alliances shift, the lives of billions shift, new enemies are born.
This is, after all, what happened after WW2.
The style of presentation is what carries this series. When reading 'Game of Thrones', I'd have one perspective, get into it, then have to wait 120 pages to see it again, at which point, I had lost connection to the events. This happened to each and every perspective.
'Saga of Seven Suns' works with a VAST cast because the chapters are so short.
There are some narratives I prefer over others. I like the politics, so any time 'Basil Wenceslas' or 'King Peter', or 'Eldred Cain' came up as chapter titles, I pumped my fist.
I still don't love the wentals. So be it. It doesn't matter. They don't hang around for long. Like I said, the beauty of it.
The narrative of the overrun and enslaved colony is probably the most developed on a character level, as various perspectives overlap.
There is a payoff to the slightly tepid Ildiran rebellion. It is a wonderful payoff - one of those 'new threats'. And it's more terrifying even than the Hydrogues themselves.
August 1, 2019
“The Chairman believes that perceptions drive reality. If he spins his stories, colors his reports, and chooses the right words, then people will believe his version of events. He might even convince himself that his well-crafted fiction is actual history.” This quote from Metal Storm about the increasingly paranoid Hansa Chairman reads like current politics! This is a book 6 in a long, sometimes inconsistent space opera series. As with all the books in the series, there are good and bad parts. The good (but scary): the parallels to current USA and world politics - good because it got me thinking about USA politics through a different lens. Bad: In my opinion, he’s not a very polished writer, and doesn’t seem to have good consistency editors. Nevertheless, he’s created a sprawling space opera with tremendous world-building. One more book in the series to go - whew! Hint: Read series from beginning, and before you start every book, read over the cast of characters located at end of book.
June 2, 2023
Another mixed one for me to be honest.
Really enjoying the ongoing match between Peter & Estarra and Basil. I think Sarein is gonna be the one to do him in, as a sort of full circle arc from the day she saved his life.
However this whole human thism - and the return of the not dead but transformed fake Imperator - is just bizarre. I feel quite uncomfortable with the cult-like and slightly non-consensual 'You have to be one of us to understand, let me just 'adjust you' mentality.
I can only assume it was created as a way to make this 'mental fire attack' possible, where entities made of fire travel along psychic links to make trees on the other side of the galaxy catch fire. Yeah. It doesn't make much sense :/
Cesca and Jess's contribution to this book can sadly be largely summed up as 'lets travel around and show off our superpowers' :/
Really enjoying the ongoing match between Peter & Estarra and Basil. I think Sarein is gonna be the one to do him in, as a sort of full circle arc from the day she saved his life.
However this whole human thism - and the return of the not dead but transformed fake Imperator - is just bizarre. I feel quite uncomfortable with the cult-like and slightly non-consensual 'You have to be one of us to understand, let me just 'adjust you' mentality.
I can only assume it was created as a way to make this 'mental fire attack' possible, where entities made of fire travel along psychic links to make trees on the other side of the galaxy catch fire. Yeah. It doesn't make much sense :/
Cesca and Jess's contribution to this book can sadly be largely summed up as 'lets travel around and show off our superpowers' :/
November 16, 2019
Sometimes it was ok, sometimes it was just bad, rarely was it good. The bug race Klikiss come back and there is zero problem relating to them for the characters. Like, talking to them, driving their vehicles, etc. Even though they are bug like. That was one of my biggest problems. I know this is space opera and not supposed to be realistic in any way, but it's just so simplified to the point of absurdity. The characters are no longer very interesting either. I will listen to the last #7 book to finish it up, but I highly doubt it will improve in any way. Just my compulsion to finish things. If it was paper, I don't think I would have finished this one.
April 12, 2024
Anderson ist kein begnadet genialer Schriftsteller, er ist routiniert und der Point of View Ansatz mit kurzen Kapiteln funktioniert. Leider wird diese Reihe von Buch zu Buch uninteressanter. Nahezu alle Hauptcharaktere haben plot armor, irgendwie kommen alle aus jeder Situation wieder raus und das Universum ist extrem schwarz/weiß geworden. Teilweise extrem plakativ, himmelschreiendes Unrecht wird immer weiter ausgeweitet.
Völlig unbesiegbare Gegner sterben plötzlich reihenweise, immer wieder neue kommen dazu, wieder unbesiegbar, wieder wird ne Lösung gefunden. Ich hoffe sehr, dass das letzte Buch noch einen guten Abschluss findet.
Völlig unbesiegbare Gegner sterben plötzlich reihenweise, immer wieder neue kommen dazu, wieder unbesiegbar, wieder wird ne Lösung gefunden. Ich hoffe sehr, dass das letzte Buch noch einen guten Abschluss findet.
March 25, 2022
Metal Swarm renewed my interest in the series whereas previous I found myself tiring of it. The return of an ancient race coupled with the other intrigue that occurs within the book was more than enough to turn the pages and move beyond some of the minor characters that I was not really caring that much about or their plot lines. Some of the issues noted in previous volumes remain, but Metal Swarm was, for me, a huge improvement and very good.
April 24, 2019
Metal Swarm was a great book. I have really enjoyed this series and this volume is no exception. As the series is building to the conclusion things are heating up and the suspense is increasing. I can hardly wait to read the final book and see what is going to happen to the characters that I have come to know. Anderson continues to hit it out of the park!
December 29, 2020
It’s funny how you look forward to a book, but end up being disappointed. Don’t get me wrong, I still like the idea of the stories and actually enjoy reading. However there is something about this book which makes you feel slightly disappointed. I found the whole Klikiss and the robots story slightly confusing, and in many ways it distracted me from the rest of the story. Having said all that I am still looking forward to the next and final book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2018
Absolutely stunning and awesome... with all the things that is happening in this second last book in the series it is incomprehensible that the next one will be the last... I can't wait to see how Anderson wrap it all up. It is possibly one of the most satisfying sci-fiction series I've ever read
July 9, 2019
Fast paced and full of new twists and turns, the Roamers, the Hansa, King Peter, Wentals, Verdani Hydogues and Faeros! not forgetting the Klikiss and thier robots! Green Priests and Ildrians. where will it end? I dont know but its a rollicking and enjoyable rollercoaster ride, Im loving it
August 29, 2020
All things breaking loose now. Not my favorite of the series, but it sets up the final installment. In this, I feel way too many things going on. Between the Klikiss, robots, faeros, and crazy Basil, way too much here. I would've liked to see maybe two, three of those things.
July 23, 2021
Book 6 in the series. The robots are almost defeated and now the faeros are coming up. Anderson has one book more to go to tie it all up in some sort of a conclusion. I do like this series but it is quite a read up until now. I am looking forward to see how it wraps up and who will live.
May 10, 2022
Summer beach reads at best, they aren’t the most we written or thoughtful, but you find yourself hooked and reading more. Quick easy books with an interesting plot, albeit a sometimes shallow one from time to time.
January 7, 2018
Loved it. Inexorably draws the reader toward the end and onto the final book in the series.
June 10, 2018
Metal Swarm
Not sure why I'm leaving another review because this saga by Kevin J Anderson is absolutely amazing. I can't wait to read the next book.
Not sure why I'm leaving another review because this saga by Kevin J Anderson is absolutely amazing. I can't wait to read the next book.
July 18, 2018
some parts are so good, some parts i just zone out, want to finish the space opera though have to see what happens to my main characters, have a time investment in them!
January 21, 2020
Turgid boring and trite. A waste of time
Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews