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.

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.

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.

Relics of Andromeda by Jonathan Michael Erickson is an intriguing fantasy with powerful hints of science fiction, a tale with a setting 500 years in the future. It has been 70 years since the colonists of Andromeda discovered the relics and Anka has heard so much about the power of these relics. They enabled humans to bend space and time. The relics also brought great misery and destroyed humanity as it once was. Now, Anka has found one of these relics and she sets out across the desert with a group of friends to deliver it to one of her ancestors. As they travel towards the faraway city, the power of the relic begins to manifest. Can Anka handle it and brace herself enough for it not to control her mind? Will they succeed in bringing the alien technology to safety?

Jonathan Michael Erickson is a great storyteller and readers will enjoy the intriguing world he creates for them to navigate. The setting is a world in the far distant future, and even though it has little that resembles our world, the author makes readers feel like they belong. The characters are exciting, starting with the protagonist, Anka. Although she has her unique abilities, her contact with the relic will affect her life in ways she never imagined and it is interesting to follow the role played by her friends in the story. The conflict is strong and it feeds on the friction between the supernatural and the physical. Mostly internal, the conflict is well handled and it influences character development in powerful ways. Relics of Andromeda is deftly written, balanced, and hugely entertaining.