Relic Tech

Crax War Chronicles, Book 1

By: Terry W. Ervin II

Narrated by: James Conlan

The Silicate War has been over for 15 years, and the tension among the dominant galactic races is growing. Many fear that the Umblegarri, the ancient alien race that ushered humanity into the interstellar galactic community during the Silicate War, have been targeted for conquest by the Crax and their allies.

It's no longer speculation. The invasion is underway and Kra finds himself strapped to a hospital bed, critically injured and surrounded by hostile corporate lawyers, high-ranking military and intelligence officials, ambitious members of the criminal justice apparatus, and an Umbelgarri diplomat. All are demanding answers or their pound of flesh.

Krakista Keesay, a Class-4 Security Specialist, doesn't have the answers they demand. Why did he sabotage a top-secret research facility? What was he doing on a quarantined planet? Why did he set up the civil transport Kalavar for destruction? Is that all? Not even close.

Kra turns to his only option: Allow his brain to be hooked up to an experimental device so that he might prove his innocence. Or lose his mind.

©2013 Gryphonwood Press (P)2014 Gryphonwood Press

Really Enjoyed the story .

One of the better fiction books I have enjoyed this year. I look forward to book two of the series. ..

Krakista Keesay is a great character.

Terry W Ervin II II really does a fine job laying out the technology and the surroundings in which he places his characters. but more enjoyable to me, is the fact that Krakista Keesay really tickles the grumpy old man inside of me. While he is not particularly unpleasant to be around, most people find him so after a short while simply because he doesn't put up with any BS. He has a bit of a hot temper when people speak down to him, but he's earned every right to be defensive about his position, perhaps in spite of his current station.

James Conlan does a wonderful job voicing the characters and working in just the right amount of audio processing to really sell the story that Terry has crafted. Five stars all around, much love. Dueling Ogres Podcast.

well worth it

this book has a terrible description but it is amazing its original and has depth its the perfect length and the narrator was also good well worth the credit.

Louis L'Amore of the 23rd century

Would you listen to Relic Tech again? Why?

No because I never listen, read, or watch a audio, book, or movie twice. But I thoroughly enjoyed this story.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Kra Kessay a character grounded in old world morals and survival techniques who survives in a future world of technology

Which character – as performed by James Conlan – was your favorite?

I did think Mr. Conlan's voice was a bit too formal in some action parts of the story. Hence only a four star rating.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Difficult to do with any audio book. I listen in my car while traveling

Any additional comments?

I read another review that panned Relic Tech rather badly. In my opinion the reviewer was completely wrong. The story concept of a warrior armed with only a shotgun and pistol against future laser and energy pulse weapons is a brilliant concept. It gives the listener something to be grounded in. Lets face it, inner galactic wars is not a realism many of us can believe in so the entertainment aspect is what we're left with. The other reviewer stated the concept was unbelievable. As if inner galactic wars is believable. I read and listen to stories to be entertained. This story is entertaining. Mr. Ervin's ability to weave a tale is extraordinary.In a make believe world he made totally unbelievable characters come to life.

Pretty original for a relic!

I first read Terry Ervin II's book Outpost, and it blew me away. The story had the tone, the characterization, the plot, and the pacing that really appealled to me. So, I knew that I couldn't let anything else by the man slip past me. So, I got Relic Tech just from the singular reading of his fantasy/Gamelit novel. Man, am I glad that I did!

Ervin's writing style is very appealing, it is easy to listen to, is intelligent, and has fantastic pace to it. The story is sensible and fun and sucks you right in. This is one of those stories that iwould say I couldn't put it down if it was in print, as it was I had a hard time to stop listening when I had to. I am so glad that this is just a 'Book One" in a series as I would have called for more if it weren't. I almost had to laugh because the story is so frenetic that you feel out of breath in some spots, and I really believe that Ervin deliberately provided a few breathing spaces for the listener to rest in before cranking things up to 11 again.

I'm not sure if it has a western hero , an Indiana Jones (movies 1 & 3), or James Bond type feel for the main character, but it really doesn't matter because you can very clearly see that the MC is pretty cool and exciting. Ervin has a way of captivating his listeners and maintaining their attention. I love his writing style. Amazingly, it holds your focus for almost 24 straight hours.

Conlan does a really good job narrating; although I have to admit that there were a few points that he seemed to be talking really fast, like he was sped up. It worked really well in the fight scenes, but it did kind of throw me off when we hits a slow down point. It wasn't enough for me to deduct any stars but I do think you, as a listener, ought to know about it. Regardless, he handles the story quite well, and I had no real complaints.

This is a fun story, and I have very clearly discovered a new writer for me to follow. You should really look into all of Ervin's writings, as I know I will. Even though I did receive a promo code for this review it in no way influenced my considerations of the material, and in fact, inspired me to be more honest. Getting a code generally makes me harsher as a reviewer as I am more often concerned what someone like Me will decide based on my review.

If this review helped, please press the YES below. Thank you immensely!!!