Relics of Andromeda: Song of Ancients ~ Review

Title: Relics of Andromeda: Volume 1 - Song of Ancients
Author: Jonathan Michael Erickson

Genre: Science Fiction
Themes: Temptation, friendship, politics, technology.
Rating: 5 Stars

Synopsis:

AN EPIC TALE SPANNING CIVILIZATIONS AND CENTURIES 

Anka has believed the stories since childhood: the alien relics bring ruin and madness. Ancient pieces of technology that seem to have minds of their own, the relics interface with human psychology, granting the power to bend space and time—and often inducing psychosis. When the colonists of Andromeda first discovered the relics, long before Anka was born, humanity was plunged into chaos.

Now Anka is carrying a relic in her pack, tasked with securing the object before it can do any harm. She and her companions set out across the desert by foot, marching towards the distant city— even as the relic begins to whisper in her mind...

Review:

Intro:

After a pretty big fiction reading slump, I came across Relics of Andromeda: Song of Ancients, on the Prolific Works website (formerly known as Instafreebie.)

As soon as I read the synopsis, which promised ancient relics and strange civilizations, I was hooked. Book 1 of this series is fast-paced, taking place in the Andromeda Galaxy, on planets D'harma (where humans have now settled) and Shoal (the home planet of a shapeshifting alien race.)

Characters:

The main protagonist, Anka was by far my favourite character. Her strength of will and determination to set things right had me admiring her from the start. I related to her genuine feelings of uncertainty when faced with many profound changes to her life.

Anka's companions, Trevor and Tamreh each brought their own different strengths and flaws to the table. Trevor is a steadfast friend with an endless sense of compassion that burns bright in his soul. Tamreh, on the other hand, was confusing to me. At first, I liked her, a daring shaman, intent to break the rules. However, as the story advanced and she became more reckless, I found myself wishing she would disappear.

Story:

The main story is told through third-person narration, though it centres mainly on Anka's point of view and how she deals with each new obstacle that stands in her way to returning an ancient relic named Osiris.

I liked how the main storyline was combined with brief interludes from other points of view, helping to add depth to Andromeda's history of human population. 

Overall, the story flowed well and drew me in at each turn, delivering action, unconventional relationships and alliances, and plenty of nail-biting tension.

Author: Jonathan Miahcel Erickson

Other Things I Liked:

The author builds up vivid scenes that I could imagine as if I were holidaying in a faraway land and being given a tour. There's a truly beautiful imagination at work here.

I also loved the relics themselves, which seem to possess their own unique consciousness. They were fascinating to read about and I even found myself wanting to protect them from Anka's foes.

It's fascinating to see how one person has imagined humankind might live their lives one day, part of an intimate technological network that spans across galaxies.

Dislikes?

I don't think there was anything I honestly disliked, bat Tamreh's occasional recklessness as it left her friends in dire circumstances.

Favourite Quote?

'It is when you feel most confident in the nature of things that you risk betrayal by harsh, inscrutable reality.'

I think this quote is particularly relevant in modern times, what with the general population being so divided by extremes in political opinion.

Would You Recommend?

I would definitely recommend this book and I can't wait to read the sequel. If you love science fiction, then this book is for you.

I'm rating it 5 stars.

Goodreads: Relics of Andromeda