Review: Magnificent Storms are Brewing in ‘Horizon Storms’ (The Saga of Seven Suns, #3)

Cynthia Ayala ’17 / Emertainment Monthly Staff Writer

A space opera for the ages, Horizon Storms is the third novel by Kevin J. Anderson in the science fiction/space opera series, The Saga of Seven Suns. Originally published by Aspect books on January 1, 2004, the novel has since been republished by Orbit on November 1, 2007. The human race, after making the ultimate mistake of turning a gas planet into a sun, have awakened the force of an alien superpower. Caught up in a war bigger than they are, the humans are trying to hold their own. However, their biggest threat to them all is not from the outside, but from the inside.

Kevin J. Anderson is a brilliant writer. Bringing to life the third novel in the Saga of Seven Suns series, he continues to impress in the way that he intermingles the different characters and viewpoints. Shifting from one perspective to another with clear precision, the story is clear to the reader. The shifting of perspectives really gives an in depth look at the plot line and the universe the novel is set it. The plot gives this impression that there is so much going on when in reality, there really isn’t. The number character shifts and the introduction of various subplots gives this illusion, but as the reader continues to read the story, the simplicity of the story makes reading this 600 page book very easy.

“Horizon Storms” Cover. Source: Orbit

The point of view shifts also allow the readers to understand the characters. With so many characters it is easy to get lost in the story and who they are, and with all the detail that goes into their lives, they are easy to relate too, even in this futuristic world. Anderson is talented enough to make the readers feel something about the characters, fear of Basil Wenceslas and admiration for King Peter for example. Everything that goes on between the characters and the views they have about the world are very cohesive. At times, it seems as though the characters and the story is rambling, but with the detail of the massive story, nothing seems out of place and it all fits together very well. No one character is like the other, which is very impressive considering the number of characters in the story while each narrative shows exactly who they are. They are what keep the plot moving forward, the character development. Readers see what these characters are thinking, the motives behind their actions and this entices reactions from the readers. The villains and the heroes, the aliens and the robots, everything is so unique, they are so unique.

Horizon Storms is very intricate story, and while it is a filler novel, it still has its own premise while it continues the story of the Saga of Seven Suns with great promise. Anderson is a very creative writer and has given himself the challenge of weaving together this elaborate story, successfully compiling in together. This just continues to be impressive series that remains cohesive and easy to understand despite everything that is going on.

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