Comments on: Hidden Empire

By: Rebecca

Rebecca — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 10:20:16 +0000

Compared to other novels written by Card, this book seems heavy-handed. Several times, when use of other terms such as “volunteers” or “healthcare workers” would seem more natural, the word “Christian” has been substituted. This is awkward, and breaks apart the story. Rather than supporting christian values (which can be found in characters of both christian and non-christian backgrounds), this novel campaigns for Christians.
I have enjoyed so many of Card’s novels, from the Ender books to the Women of Genesis books. But this is not a book that I will be passing along to others.
And as a Republican with family members that are or have been ministers and deacons, I do ask that other reviewers not automatically assume that this book will appeal to conservative readers. We are capable of critical thought.
Rating: 3 / 5

By: G. E. Williams

G. E. Williams — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 09:03:48 +0000

Although there may be those that will bash OSC for this overtly Christian themed book, there is little else to actually be critical of here. Sure this book is a sequel to “Empire” but that book was the “novelized” form of a video game script. Empire was very good for what it was, but was not up to OSC’s usual standards in my opinion. This new story “Hidden Empire” is everything one could ask for (unless you are overtly anti-religion)in a novel.

The book has exciting action, tender moments and wonderful philosophy. The book also has some scary and in my opinion warranted and timely political warnings. For those that felt “Empire” was a “Right Wing diatribe”, it should be clear here, that although OSC is a devoutly Christian man, and a somewhat conservative in many viewpoints, he is far from the hard core “Right. He is just a man who has values and holds to them, and thinks they are reasonable, and therefore others ought to as well. Don’t we all feel the same way about our values?

I think Hidden Empire works as a stand alone novel, but you may want to read “Empire” as well if you haven’t already, just remember why that book was written in the first place. The most important thing to read in that book is the afterward, which can be found on OSC’s website hatrackriver.

So here’s the deal,

“Hidden Empire” is a very worthwhile read almost anyone should enjoy.

4 ½ *

Rating: 5 / 5

By: Nickolas X. P. Sharps

Nickolas X. P. Sharps — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 07:56:29 +0000

I regret to say I was highly disappointed in this novel. I read Empire and enjoyed it quite thoroughly. I even bought Shadow Complex on XBL and played through it several times. I have been waiting eagerly for Hidden Empire to come out for months now. Hidden Empire starts off well enough, moving away from America and the second civil war which ended pretty cleanly all things considered. There is a plague in Africa and so Cole and his commando buddies from the first book are send over by President Torrent to keep the violence to a minimum. Torrent institutes a quarantine and takes his first steps on the path to paving an American Empire. My favorite parts of the book are the beginnings of each chapter which have a brief quote by President Torrent. These quotes show a lot about Torrent and I found myself thinking, this is the kind of guy America needs. Of course at the back of my mind I had to keep reminding myself that a President should never be trusted half as much as the loyalty Torrent seemed to get. Back to that in a bit. Hidden Empire takes on a Christian overtone that Card does nothing to disguise. I have nothing wrong with this being a Christian myself, but sometimes it feels like this concept was too developed while other things were left under-cooked. The conversations between Cecily Malich and her children are entertaining and lighten the novel’s dark atmosphere, it’s good to see some humanity from the characters. Cole and the members of his team are all pretty two-dimensional. The action is rather flat which surprised me after reading the first book and playing Shadow Complex. When the conspiracy surrounding Torrent popped up it caught my attention but unfortunately these moments did little to tide me over for the rest of the story. My biggest problem with the book is the ending. I don’t want to ruin it for anybody so I’ll just say the ending sucks. I hope there is a third book to redeem this franchise (shouldn’t the first book have been called Hidden Empire and this one been called Empire?).
Rating: 2 / 5

By: S. Kimberly

S. Kimberly — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 07:37:03 +0000

I find myself increasingly confused and conflicted at the biased views that seem to have seeped into all of Orson Scott Card’s writings.

On the one hand, this book is a great piece of fiction, with engaging characters, thought provoking situations, and well paced narration.

On the other hand, it’s a Neo-Christian, liberal bashing, pro right-wing piece of propaganda that may as well have been published as an op-ed piece in the Rhino Times.

So, as I’ve said, I’m conflicted. . . Would I recommend this book? Maybe, with a caveat depending on who I was recommending it to.

If you’re a Republican, a Christian, a Fox News fan, or just someone who likes to embrace stereotypes

By: Tim Lasiuta

Tim Lasiuta — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 04:39:18 +0000

Orson Scott Card is a master of the techno thriller genre. Empire was marvelous, now Hidden Empire explores the theme deeper, and with president Averell Torrent firmly in control of the United States, who he is and what he has planned begins to unfold.

With an African virus running rampant through the continent, Torrent exercises executive control and redraws Africa. Advisor to the president, Cecily, comes into conflict with Torrent when her son expresses an interest in helping plague victims against presidential orders. Cole, Torrents’ special ops advisor, also comes into conflict with his boss when his intentions become known.

This book is packed with political intrigue, cool gadgetry, philosophy, and adventure. It crosses lines that few dare move to, and is crisply written and plotted.

My big question is, what comes next? How can Card top himself?

Rating: 4 / 5