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Veiled Alliances
Eleven exploratory space ships leave an exhausted Earth in search of new resources and find intelligent, and apparently benevolent, aliens to assist their mission.
96 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2004
About the author
Kevin J. Anderson
924 books2,983 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 39 reviews
February 27, 2012
The Saga of the Seven Suns series is a favorite in my household. So, when I saw that the prequel was out, the book I had been reading was abandoned to the nightstand and I dove into one of my favorite universes. As a follower of the series I was pleased with Veiled Alliances and consider it an excellent addition to the story as a whole. For a new reader to the series, I would suggest starting at book one, Hidden Empire, as Veiled Alliances did have some spoilers for what comes in the series. The original series was a fantastic journey of exploration and I would definitely read the original books before going back to the prequel. However, I consider it a must have for the collection if you enjoyed the series. All in all it was a great read and a pleasant trip back to one of my favorite places.
November 26, 2012
I haven't read any of Kevin J. Anderson's books before, but as I was planning to read his Hidden Empire I decided to whet my appetite with this prequel novella.
This is an adaptation of the graphic novel he wrote. Sadly those origins shine through in the pacing, plotting and dialogue. At first, before I knew of the graphic novel origins, I thought I was reading a synopsis of the story. It was very thread bare on details and simplistic in characterisation.
I enjoy the occasional graphic novel, and in that medium, such brevity is appreciated. In prose it comes across as rushed. Stannis is a cardboard power behind a comically weak king. There is no attempt to explain how the relationship of the Chairman and the figurehead King is able to function. Other than to assume that the populace of Earth are spoon-fed from a mass media under an absolutely authoritarian government. Cross-fertilisation with the alien Ildiran is glossed over. The treatment of Ramirez, regardless of previous actions, is abhorrent, yet we are expected to sympathise with Chrysta.
Reading the rest of the novella with the realisation that it was a graphic novel in prose form helped in that I could see the pages of the book in my mind complete with word balloons. While not ideal, it at least allowed me to get through the novella.
It hasn't put me off reading Hidden Empire, but it better be a vast improvement. I wouldn't want to read an entire novel, never mind an entire series, that lacked any depth.
The setting is interesting and I hope that with the broader canvas of an entire novel and series that it will be fleshed out a lot more and brought to life.
This is an adaptation of the graphic novel he wrote. Sadly those origins shine through in the pacing, plotting and dialogue. At first, before I knew of the graphic novel origins, I thought I was reading a synopsis of the story. It was very thread bare on details and simplistic in characterisation.
I enjoy the occasional graphic novel, and in that medium, such brevity is appreciated. In prose it comes across as rushed. Stannis is a cardboard power behind a comically weak king. There is no attempt to explain how the relationship of the Chairman and the figurehead King is able to function. Other than to assume that the populace of Earth are spoon-fed from a mass media under an absolutely authoritarian government. Cross-fertilisation with the alien Ildiran is glossed over. The treatment of Ramirez, regardless of previous actions, is abhorrent, yet we are expected to sympathise with Chrysta.
Reading the rest of the novella with the realisation that it was a graphic novel in prose form helped in that I could see the pages of the book in my mind complete with word balloons. While not ideal, it at least allowed me to get through the novella.
It hasn't put me off reading Hidden Empire, but it better be a vast improvement. I wouldn't want to read an entire novel, never mind an entire series, that lacked any depth.
The setting is interesting and I hope that with the broader canvas of an entire novel and series that it will be fleshed out a lot more and brought to life.
February 22, 2009
This is one of the best and most original SF series written in recent years. The author Kevin Anderson is on a level of Clarke, Herbert and Ray Bradbury. If you start one of his books in a series you will find yourself staying up late at night and playing hooking from work in order to complete the series.
June 2, 2015
Meh. But I'm still going to give the novels a shot.
May 8, 2019
This is another very short read, so I understand that almost all prequels are obviously made after the current series has been made and there are many good prequels out there but this one isn’t one of them.
I’ve never heard of the Saga of the seven suns before and this book only got a 2 star rating because after reading it I got interested to read it but here is the thing this book feels completely rushed, I wish but it was longer and events and people and places were explained way way better, I guess most fans would know these answers but I am not and that’s why I don’t know it.
I feel that a good prequel is one that even non fans would be able to appreciate it and understand it and get into the series and honestly the way third was executed really didn’t do that for me the only reason I got interested is because it’s a space opera and I want to see if it can match Dune by Frank Herbert.
If you’re a fan of this series you most likely have read this if you haven’t you’ll enjoy it but if you’re a random person like me (I actually bought this in a book sale it was dirt cheap) and don’t know anything about it you won’t enjoy this as much
I’ve never heard of the Saga of the seven suns before and this book only got a 2 star rating because after reading it I got interested to read it but here is the thing this book feels completely rushed, I wish but it was longer and events and people and places were explained way way better, I guess most fans would know these answers but I am not and that’s why I don’t know it.
I feel that a good prequel is one that even non fans would be able to appreciate it and understand it and get into the series and honestly the way third was executed really didn’t do that for me the only reason I got interested is because it’s a space opera and I want to see if it can match Dune by Frank Herbert.
If you’re a fan of this series you most likely have read this if you haven’t you’ll enjoy it but if you’re a random person like me (I actually bought this in a book sale it was dirt cheap) and don’t know anything about it you won’t enjoy this as much
July 5, 2019
Great drawings but I forced myself to read the graphic novel until the end. I liked how the story was going back and forth between different set of characters in different planets, but sadly this meant also there was no time to get attached to any of the characters. Also a few times I wans't sure about what was happening.
I found the comic book in a shop for a very good price so I bought it thinking to give it a try: science fiction is not really my favourite genre but I liked the drawings and they made me curious to check it out. I just discovered on goodreads this is a sort of prequel but I don't think I will continue the series.
I found the comic book in a shop for a very good price so I bought it thinking to give it a try: science fiction is not really my favourite genre but I liked the drawings and they made me curious to check it out. I just discovered on goodreads this is a sort of prequel but I don't think I will continue the series.
October 7, 2020
Yet another great graphic novel by Kevin J. Anderson! If you have read "The Saga of Seven Suns" series, then most of this stuff will not be unfamiliar to you, but it will fill in some minor details that were not covered in the series. Add in the fantastic Artwork and this is a sure fire winner!
April 14, 2021
Was actually surprised that this was a graphic novel. Interesting pre-quel. Answered some questions and did a nice job to help visualize certain events (the Burton for one) that were so crucial to the series.
November 15, 2023
I’m a big fan of the Saga and was pleased to see that there was a prequel. It really sets up the entire series and makes me want to go back and reread the series. If you’ve not read the series, think of this as an appetizer. Lots of good story lines and will get intertwined in the books to follow.
June 7, 2024
I’m a big fan of the Saga and was pleased to see that there was a prequel. It really sets up the entire series and makes me want to go back and reread the series. If you’ve not read the series, think of this as an appetizer. Lots of good story lines and will get intertwined in the books to follow.
January 21, 2020
Don't bother
January 14, 2011
This a great prequel to the Saga of Seven Suns epic by Kevin J. Anderson. This graphic novel, like the books, has a slow pace that focuses on vignettes of different characters and places. The technique works brilliantly for the novels, allowing the story to slowly build in complexity and scope. But this technique does not work quite so well for the graphic novel, primarily due to the lack of space. This graphic novel is under 100 pages, which does not allow a lot of room for sprawling story lines. The matter is further aggravated by the number of individual stories taking place within the overarching plot line. Still, this is a great prequel that sheds light on events and characters that are just briefly mentioned in the books.
Artistically, Veiled Alliances as a stylized look that is defined by its lack of inked pencils. The artist literally colored over the rough pencils. The end result is a bold style rarely seen in contemporary comic art. The artist also makes use of "floating head sequences" where the heads of characters are layered on top of background panels. This technique works really well with scenes that are heavy with dialog.
This graphic novel is a must read for fans of the Saga of Seven Suns!
Artistically, Veiled Alliances as a stylized look that is defined by its lack of inked pencils. The artist literally colored over the rough pencils. The end result is a bold style rarely seen in contemporary comic art. The artist also makes use of "floating head sequences" where the heads of characters are layered on top of background panels. This technique works really well with scenes that are heavy with dialog.
This graphic novel is a must read for fans of the Saga of Seven Suns!
February 11, 2014
This book started out all right. It's clearly a prequel story because it's all patched together and in small chunks. The idea here seems to be to squish together as many origin stories as one can possibly do, so that the reader will be interested in reading the actual novels.
But it didn't work for me. The first stories were almost interesting but the later ones just fell apart — basic old-school out of fashion science-fiction in which aliens I just humans in blue skin and pointy years. There's a modicum of political conspiracy (from both sides) which really fell flat and predictable.
The art is all right. Nothing fancy but not bad. The artist was clearly going for the anthology idea, with many a panel covering sweeping galactic angles with only busts for characters. The color is reminiscent of its period (early 2000s) when you had to show your skills at digital painting.
All in all, maybe I should've gone straight to the novels, because now I'm not interest in Kevin J. Anderson's cosmic saga.
But it didn't work for me. The first stories were almost interesting but the later ones just fell apart — basic old-school out of fashion science-fiction in which aliens I just humans in blue skin and pointy years. There's a modicum of political conspiracy (from both sides) which really fell flat and predictable.
The art is all right. Nothing fancy but not bad. The artist was clearly going for the anthology idea, with many a panel covering sweeping galactic angles with only busts for characters. The color is reminiscent of its period (early 2000s) when you had to show your skills at digital painting.
All in all, maybe I should've gone straight to the novels, because now I'm not interest in Kevin J. Anderson's cosmic saga.
August 9, 2011
It has become something of a fad for authors to have graphic novel "prequels" released for their popular series. The Dresden Files, Mercy Thompson, The Hallows and Anita Blake all have a graphic novel that takes place before the series begins. This is billed the same, however, it actually includes minor spoilers for the first two books. This is a problem because if you have read the series, there is nothing new here, and if you haven't, some surprises will be lost. That said, this is worthwhile to pick up. The alternate format is a nice contrast to text heavy novels and the artwork is simply stunning - clean, well drawn, and richly detailed. The book is full color throughout, on glossy pages. The plot is limited, but clearly revealed, and leads directly into the series. This is a nice companion to Anderson's rich and sprawling science fiction epic. Highly recommended, but I suggest reading Hidden Empire before beginning Veiled Alliances.
May 11, 2015
Earth has exhausted its resources, sending the population into space in search of whatever they can find; resources or a new home. Near the end of their craft’s abilities to support them, one by one these space explorer vessels are found by a benevolent alien species that seems to want nothing in return for saving the Human race.
Each independent vessel is guided to a new world capable of supporting life. The aliens give humanity FTL technology to accomplish this. We are introduced to a couple of the ship’s captains along with the aliens.
And then the story stops. I didn’t realize this was a prequel – I’ve not read any of the Seven Suns books. Apparently this is a graphic novella. I listened to the audio version, so no pretty pictures. Still it was an interesting read. I wouldn’t push the rest of the saga off my reading list.
Each independent vessel is guided to a new world capable of supporting life. The aliens give humanity FTL technology to accomplish this. We are introduced to a couple of the ship’s captains along with the aliens.
And then the story stops. I didn’t realize this was a prequel – I’ve not read any of the Seven Suns books. Apparently this is a graphic novella. I listened to the audio version, so no pretty pictures. Still it was an interesting read. I wouldn’t push the rest of the saga off my reading list.
December 15, 2011
A ma grand surprise, en allant chercher la suite de la série Sword of Truth, je suis tomber sur la dernière copie de cette graphic novel qui était à la boutique l'Imaginaire. Je me suis empressé de l'acheté et de le lire le soir même :).
Cette BD si on peut l'appeler ainsi est le préquel qui se passe je crois 100 ans avant l'histoire du premier livre. Elle explique comment les humains on découvert les premières planètes, les premières relation avec les Ildirans et plusieurs moment qui sont laisser en plan dans le premier roman.
Une excellente lecture pour voir en image ce que Kevin J. Anderson a imaginé pour son monde.
Si vous êtes fan du roman, cette lecture est incontournable.
Cette BD si on peut l'appeler ainsi est le préquel qui se passe je crois 100 ans avant l'histoire du premier livre. Elle explique comment les humains on découvert les premières planètes, les premières relation avec les Ildirans et plusieurs moment qui sont laisser en plan dans le premier roman.
Une excellente lecture pour voir en image ce que Kevin J. Anderson a imaginé pour son monde.
Si vous êtes fan du roman, cette lecture est incontournable.
May 20, 2012
Veiled Alliances is simply a MUST read for anyone who enjoyed the Saga of Seven Suns. If you haven't read it and have read the other seven books you are missing out. Being able to marvel at the glorious illustrations portraying the characters, vehicles and planets described in the books was a treat that is rarely matched in literature. As always, Anderson is at his finest when he is pursuing his own original ideas. For anyone that didn't like his Dune novels, Saga may just be that perfect next series to dive into, providing space-opera on a scale rarely seen in literature.
May 10, 2016
Interesting ideas and plot threads are established, reasonably good characters are put in place, and this has all the makings of the start of a good story/series, but I know from having already read books one and two of the saga, that things progress too pedantically and the story (the parts that I have read anyway) just fizzles and does not catch fire and is only mildly interesting. "Sure, I would like to find out what happens next with these plot threads and characters, but I don't have the patience".
July 28, 2015
Paper-thin characters that struggle to show even a single dimension to their personality, exceedingly uncreative environments in which each planet shows a single characteristic clime (the forest planet, the grass planet, the rock planet, the gas planet), ye olde fashioned alien monsters, and a generally simple progression of events with few major surprises. For a quick read that provides a modicum of fun, it's fine, but it in no way inspires me to read the rest of the series.
May 10, 2016
Veiled Alliances does a fantastic job of setting up the Seven Suns universe. While you don't see too many familiar faces from the series, you will recognize the places, roles, and families. All the major aspects of the series can trace their roots here - the Dobro colony, green priests, Hydrogues, and more.
If you're a fan of the Saga of Seven Suns, this is definitely worth the read.
If you're a fan of the Saga of Seven Suns, this is definitely worth the read.
November 4, 2015
Boring, clumsy, and contrived. And does humanity's future in the stars really need to be this rapey?
I got an audio version, not realizing the original was a graphic novel. Maybe that was the problem. But it was still written by the author (redundant?). I'm not at all sure I want to bother with the regular series.
I got an audio version, not realizing the original was a graphic novel. Maybe that was the problem. But it was still written by the author (redundant?). I'm not at all sure I want to bother with the regular series.
August 26, 2011
Anderson has stated that he's working on a novelization, and I think that will work better than this did. I enjoyed the overall story, but the pacing was very strange, as if they were trying to squeeze too much into the very few pages in this graphic novel.
Looking forward to the novelization.
Looking forward to the novelization.
August 1, 2012
This book I think gave a good introductory insight into the Saga of the Seven Suns universe. Very insightful but enough with the pictures and short dialogue to show promise for the rest of the series.
August 13, 2015
I'm not sure what Anderson was trying to do with this prequel graphic novel. I am intrigued enough to dig into the first novel, though.
Dying Earth, Generation Ships, Alien Contact, a dozen new Earth colonies, each with a story to tell.
Dying Earth, Generation Ships, Alien Contact, a dozen new Earth colonies, each with a story to tell.
October 21, 2016
I read this novella after I finished The Saga of Seven Sun's
I am so glad that I did, the foreshadowing speaks volumes and show some of the Why? I'm hooked on Kevin Anderson and am so glad has created many stories for me to fill my mind with
I am so glad that I did, the foreshadowing speaks volumes and show some of the Why? I'm hooked on Kevin Anderson and am so glad has created many stories for me to fill my mind with
September 24, 2022
This didn't really have much of a plot? It was more like a series of sketches or character studies describing different colony efforts in brief. They were interesting, but it made for an odd read having read nothing else in the series. It did not make me want to start the series.
February 22, 2008
Best Sci Fi Series Ever.
March 9, 2009
Good old Space Opera - Suspense, love, politics, struggles and treachery.
August 25, 2009
read the comic version of this book and i`m not impressed
December 26, 2009
True sci-fi ala Star Trek, etc. about humans searching space for life and then meeting an alien race more sophisticated than us. Hilarity ensues. Part 1.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews