Relic

By: Alan Dean Foster

Narrated by: Marc Thompson

The last known human searches the galaxy for companionship in a brilliant standalone novel from the legendary author of the Pip & Flinx series.

“A provocative read.”—The Washington Post

Once Homo sapiens reigned supreme, spreading from star system to star system in an empire that encountered no alien life and thus knew no enemy . . . save itself. As had happened many times before, the basest, most primal human instincts rose up, only this time armed with the advanced scientific knowledge to create a genetically engineered smart virus that quickly wiped out humanity to the last man.

That man is Ruslan, the sole known surviving human being in the universe. Rescued from the charnel house of his home planet by the Myssari—an intelligent alien race—Ruslan spends his days as something of a cross between a research subject and a zoo attraction. Though the Myssari are determined to resurrect the human race, using Ruslan’s genetic material, all he wants for himself and his species is oblivion. But then the Myssari make Ruslan an extraordinary offer: In exchange for his cooperation, they will do everything in their considerable power to find the lost home world of his species—an all-but-mythical place called Earth—and, perhaps, another living human.

Thus begins an epic journey of adventure, danger, heartbreak, and hope, as Ruslan sets out in search of a place that may no longer exist—drawn by the slimmest yet most enduring hope.

Praise for Relic

“Relic is a thrilling and thoughtful epic. With Alan Dean Foster’s trademark invention in both the psychology and physiology of his aliens, he also enriches the narrative with their complex cultures. The plot spans galaxies!”—Hugo and Nebula Award–winning author Greg Bear

“The stunning plot of Foster’s stand-alone novel will intrigue readers for not only the ‘last man in the universe’ trope but also the well-developed alien species. A true first contact novel on many different levels.”—Library Journal

“Foster’s sympathetic novel successfully surveys human frailty, the tendency not to learn from history, and an enduring capacity for adaptation and emotional attachment.”—Publishers Weekly

“Foster’s high-concept novel is a gripping tale of serenity amid sorrow.”—World Magazine

Critic reviews

“A provocative read.”—The Washington Post

“Relic is a thrilling and thoughtful epic. With Alan Dean Foster’s trademark invention in both the psychology and physiology of his aliens, he also enriches the narrative with their complex cultures. The plot spans galaxies!”—Hugo and Nebula Award–winning author Greg Bear

“The stunning plot of Foster’s stand-alone novel will intrigue readers for not only the ‘last man in the universe’ trope but also the well-developed alien species. A true first contact novel on many different levels.”—Library Journal

“Foster’s sympathetic novel successfully surveys human frailty, the tendency not to learn from history, and an enduring capacity for adaptation and emotional attachment.”—Publishers Weekly

“Foster’s high-concept novel is a gripping tale of serenity amid sorrow.”—World Magazine

“[Relic] is nuanced, with a surprise lurking behind every shadow, making it impossible to put down.”—BookPage

not his best work

I have enjoyed several ADF books over the years. He does a great job with aliens and other worlds. I was saddened that this story didn't live up to the standard of his previous work. I found the main character, Ruslan, to be fairly unlikable, and that tainted the story for me.
The narrator was also problematic because the variance in volume levels made it hard to pick a listening volume. I liked the accents used, but too often I missed words when they were pronounced quietly. Very hard to listen to in the car.

Narrator detracts slightly from otherwise great experience.

Mr Thompson has a tendency in this book to read everything with the same breathless wonder, whether he’s describing an entirely new planet, or a kitchen sink. If the narrator does not seem vested in the story, neither will the listener.

Great book but wanted more

great sci fi book, but they never fully covered the creation and cause of the virus (if i missed it, they dont refer to it again).I got through it very quickl and the book kept me interested. if you like this genre with characters that aren't making obviously bad decisions, this is it.

Could easily be made into a movie, but it would be short. could not give 5 stars overall due to the non mention cause of the virus, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I would recommend Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir based on the similarities, but that book is a much better book.

A good listen

This story was a pleasant change of pace from my usual genre. Good voiceover, great vocal distinction among the different characters, well acted, and a surprise ending ... did not see it coming.

A slow Sci-fi

While the concept is interesting this is a slow going story.

The pace is leisurely, with few major events/plot points. Major conflicts don’t happen and the minor conflicts leave the reader underwhelmed and unsatisfied. All I kept thinking was “Wouldn’t it be great is something happened!”

If you’re a fan of action oriented sci-fi, I’d recommend something else.