Product Details
| BN ID: | 2940156230884 |
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| Publisher: | Gold Dragon Books |
| Publication date: | 03/01/2019 |
| Sold by: | Draft2Digital |
| Format: | NOOK Book |
| Sales rank: | 11,298 |
| File size: | 801 KB |
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
Relics of Andromeda
4.8 out of 5
based on
0 ratings.
5 reviews.
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Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Relics of Andromeda is a work of science fiction penned by author Jonathan Michael Erickson, and is the first book in the Song of Ancients series. In this opening to an epic series which covers ancient powers and futuristic worlds, we meet the colonists of Andromeda about 500 years ahead of now. In their recent past, the colonists discovered powerful relics left by the aliens who used to call the planet home, relics which have mind-bending powers, and often leave the user psychologically damaged. Anka is a young woman tasked with the securing of one such relic so it can no longer cause damage, and she and her compatriots embark on a journey to do just that.
The sweeping visuals and solid world-building work of author Jonathan Michael Erickson really serve to settle readers into the reality of Andromeda, even from the first page. Grounded firmly in the realms of human emotion and understanding, the strange powers offered by the alien relics are both intriguing and terrifying, adding thriller and mystery elements to this epic sci-fi adventure. Beyond that, there is the tale of Anka as she grapples with the reality of her task, overcoming obstacles and growing up and learning about herself in the process. Whilst the overall plot builds to a suitable and satisfying climax for any first book in a series, the real treasure of the tale is in its heart and the commonalities among humans, and other beings, that were so relatable. I would highly recommend Relics of Andromeda to sci-fi fans and beyond.
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Reviewed by Dan M. Kalin for Readers' Favorite
Relics of Andromeda begins the story of Anka and her quest to deal with an alien artifact in accordance with the customs of her people. Jonathan Michael Erickson's first installment in the Song of Ancients series is set several hundred years in the future when a cataclysm destroys the man-made pathway between the Andromeda and Milky Way galaxies. Those left in Andromeda have to find a way to exist without the near-term possibility of a return to Earth. The relics of an incredibly advanced ancient race, the Dokaber, are scattered throughout Andromeda and prove perilous when mishandled by humans. Anka's troubles escalate when the agreements between her tribe and the technology-enhanced one are no longer being honored. Somehow, she has to navigate between all interested parties, whose designs range from quarantine, theft, or experimenting on the relics for technological advances. The seemingly sentient relics may have an agenda of their own, however.
Jonathan Michael Erickson does a fine job of kicking this series off with a compelling universe consistently presented throughout. I particularly enjoyed the dynamics of how corrupting absolute power can be, even to the best of friends. There are layers upon layers to the story, and so many moving parts that it can be a challenge to keep it all straight. Much is made clearer with the handy lexicon provided at the end of the book. This installment ends fairly abruptly, without resolution of many major issues, but it has to end somewhere. What is there, however, admirably sets a full stage for the Relics of Andromeda sequel.
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Reviewed by K.J. Simmill for Readers' Favorite
Anka had been raised to fear relics; touching them was taboo. Their power had razed cities, and had destroyed the bridge between worlds. So when one called out to her by name she knew true fear. She was a warrior in her village, brave, quick, and strong, yet the pull was impossible to resist. As is their way, when a person discovers a relic a walk down the Long Road is made to secure the item in Ankharra. With her on this journey is her friend and shaman, Tamreh, and her closest friend, Trevor. Little do they know the journey they are about to undertake is nothing like the one they expected. All is not as it should be, as it has been for the relic carriers before, and this change in tradition breeds distrust that is answered in drastic actions.
In Jonathan Michael Erickson's Relics of Andromeda, time travel, myths, fear, foreboding and danger unite in a tangled web to deliver an intriguing and gripping plot. There is some fun and amazing use of science fiction technology, along with attention to world building, cultures, ideas, and implementations that made this book a real pleasure to read. I enjoyed the struggles of the main characters and their gradual tempering as the plot progresses. You are invested in the characters from the start, which is a feeling that only grows through their hardship, discovery, and betrayal. Jonathan Michael Erickson has created an amazing, deep, and complex world, matching it with characters, structures, history, futures, and a threat every bit as deep. Action, betrayal, heartache, heroics, and daring fill this book to the brim as past, present, and future collide. I can honestly say I am on tenterhooks to find out what happens next.
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Reviewed by Maureen Dangarembizi for Readers' Favorite
Relics Of Andromeda (Song of Ancients Vol. 1) by author Jonathan Michael Erickson is a futuristic sci-fi story set in the far future when mankind has travelled and settled beyond the Milky Way. For the humans who settled in the Andromeda colonies, the relics of the ancients are associated with catastrophic disaster. Anka Aelgon is a warrior but when she finds a relic, she will be tested beyond endurance. Accompanied by her childhood friends, she has to travel for days across the desert wastelands and also protect her mind from the insidious whispers of the relic. When Anka arrives in the city of Ankarra, it is nothing like she expected. The city is dangerous and she learns, to her despair, that even her friends can’t be trusted. War is looming on the horizon and she can turn the tide if only she could trust the relic.
Relics Of Andromeda has all the elements that make this book a good sci-fi story with a little spice added in to make it a unique read. How far can religion evolve given time and exposure to technology and alien races? Jonathan Michael Erickson brings into focus the age-old battle between religion and science. In this book, there are serious consequences for what you believe, either way. The author references the old Earth religious systems and integrates them into his fictional future world so that the characters feel like they are still somehow connected to their home world. I would definitely recommend this action-packed adventure story. The book ends on a cliffhanger that left me wanting to know what happens next to Anka and her friends.
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The next time one of my library patrons asks what the best new Science Fiction is, this is the title I will recommend. Beautiful writing, excellent characterization, gripping action, and thoughtful insights stimulate the imagination and will have them eagerly awaiting the next installment in Erickson's series.
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