• Ruins in Gold Foiled Hardback image that includes merch (Notebook and pen, 4 stickers in Ruins theme, gold foil bookmark, and a signed bookplate.
  • Ruins in gold foiled hardback
  • Reading Experience: Space Opera Anthology 6" x 9" Gold foiled hardback Signed by M.G. Herron 400 Pages All merch included
  • RUINS Tropes: Xenoarchaeology Space Exploration Precursor Civilizations Ancient Aliens and Artifacts Cosmic Horror First Contact
  • Shipping and delivery: Ships worldwide via USPS Allow 5-10 business days for fulfillment Buying as a gift? Email us your date
  • Gold foiled bookmark in Ruins' theme
  • Notebook and field pen in Ruins theme
  • Tote bag in Ruins' theme
  • 4 Stickers in Ruins' theme
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Ruins: A Space Opera Anthology (Signed Hardback Bundle)

Ruins: A Space Opera Anthology (Signed Hardback Bundle)

$249.99
$249.99
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Format:Ruins Book Box
E-book
Paperback
Signed Hardback
Ruins Book Box
  • 6” x 9” hardback in gold foil + themed merch
  • Sprayed edges, custom endpapers, deluxe interior
  • Signed by the author and editor, M.G. Herron

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Every ruin tells a story.

Across the vast expanse of space and time lie the remnants of civilizations that reached for the stars—and vanished.

Silent cities carved into asteroids. Derelict megastructures drifting between galaxies. Temples buried beneath the red sands of dead worlds.

This book contains 13 bold tales of humanity’s encounters with these cosmic ruins. Think Indiana Jones meets Arthur C. Clarke.

Follow determined xenoarchaeologists as they reconstruct the fall of an ancient alien civilization, or track seasoned salvage crews discovering terrible truths in abandoned waystations.

These stories capture the thrill of discovery while grappling with the humbling reality of our place in the cosmos.

Includes the following short stories:

  • “Blood Halo” by M.G. Herron
  • “Captain Thurgood and the Chamber of Whispers” by Benjamin Wallace
  • “Perihelion” by Robert Appleton
  • “Harbor” by Luke Mitchell [Novella]
  • “Curios: A Nexus Mystery” by Ginger Booth
  • “The Cathedral of the Unfinished God” by Pierino Gattei
  • “What the Walls Remember” by Peter J. Foote
  • “Sunrise” by James Pyles
  • “Hole Cards” by Michael LaVoice
  • “The City of Glass” by Jeannette Bedard
  • “The Organ in the Ice” by D. C. Wynters
  • “Ascension to Extinction” by Dawn Ross
  • “Zero Sum Salvage” by Keyla Damaer
Exclusive Hardback Bundle Details
Dimensions 6 x 9 inches (152 x 228 mm)
Total page count 400 pages
Shipping estimate 5-8 business days

Read a sample

I stood on the top plank of scaffolding and craned my neck back to gaze at the magnificent capstone glittering above me.

Atop the pyramid, slowly spinning, the pointed red monument shone a blood-bright crimson in the red sun of Gatthi. Rotating in the wind, it stood a meter tall, etched on four faces with pictograms depicting a mythological battle between good and evil.

Not for the first time on this survey, I was overcome with awe. The pyramid—an intriguing structure made of airy stone latticework—was not even the main attraction. This glowing marvel at its peak had, for decades, captivated the interplanetary community of xenoarchaeologists.

A dozen such pyramids dotted this region of jungle, each shrouded in mystery. They must have been incredibly expensive to construct. Who had built them? Were the capstones merely decorative, or did they serve a greater purpose?

I opened my mouth to ask the middle-aged tribesman beside me what he thought, but cries and groans erupted from the workers below. They shouted and pointed to the east, across the canyon, where swirling dust from an imminent storm whipped the horizon into a frenzy.

“Misu, come down!” Rishi shouted from the ground.

Misu, their word for Sir, literally meant “magnificent capstone” in the local tongue. It was the same word they used for the capstones’ sparkling crystal material, which resembled diamond but had a slightly different molecular structure. Initial tests indicated it was even harder than diamond.

Misu were worth billions on the black market. The natives believed the capstones possessed magical power to ward off evil spirits, endowing those who touched them with spiritual protection. Some scientists theorized the material could be excellent conductors for starship engines, but thus far no new deposits had been found, here or on other worlds.

As for the capstones that did exist, most had been stolen from the other pyramids on this small, windy planet. Only this one remained: the last capstone, the object I had traveled between star systems to investigate.

Located in the most remote and inhospitable region, where a thick rainforest met the edge of a sudden and enormous crevasse, I had been invited by the Gatthi natives to study this last capstone—its story, craftsmanship, and most of all, its purpose.

Though they guarded it fiercely, the people of Gatthi feared this one, too, would soon be stolen. They wished to document it in detail before it vanished. They’d asked me to create a comprehensive scientific archive.

Receiving their invitation had been the highlight of my career.

But it seemed I would not be able to complete my survey today. I looked down into the vast, shadowed mouth of the crevasse over which our pyramid rose. Not even at this time of day, with the sun directly overhead, could one see the canyon’s shrouded floor. The locals said that the river of the dead flowed through its depths. Somewhere down there, almost directly below this pyramid, lay the frozen entrance to the underworld itself.

Carvings on the capstone depicted Hell’s entrance like the corolla of a black lotus. Why a black lotus? In their mythology, the flower symbolically related to the dark haboob—the violent dust storm bearing down on us.

“Come down from there, please, Misu Dane!” Rishi called, cupping his hands to be heard over the whistling winds. Rishi had been my guide since I’d arrived. “Haboob comes. We must take shelter!”

I ground my teeth. We were so close to reaching the capstone. Just a few more levels of scaffolding, and I’d be close enough for a better look.

I held my hand out to the middle-aged, bearded tribesman working next to me. He passed me a clamp. I secured a carbon fiber rod, then screwed it to another rod, creating an X-brace to stabilize this shelf. We shook it to test its strength. It felt solid.

“Raise the plank,” I said. Fen signaled two fellows on the level below us. They passed up a large wooden plank. We secured it overhead, then attached it to the X-braces on either side.

The natives climbed these latticework pyramids barefoot and thought this was an extravagant way to approach my survey, but I wanted the scaffolding for space to work and to avoid being tightly harnessed while up here.

Climbing onto the new plank, I stood and tested my footing. Reaching up on my tiptoes, I could just brush the edge of the red capstone. It whooshed as it rotated, seeming to speed up as the storm approached.

“Ouch!” I hissed through my teeth.

Blood oozed from the tip of my finger. I put it in my mouth and tasted copper. I must have cut it on the edge of the capstone as the corner swung past. I barely felt the slice, only the stinging pain afterward.

“So sharp! Look how the material fits perfectly on top of the base—is that a metal frame holding it in place? There’s barely a hair’s breadth between them. How did they do that?”

I glanced down at Fen, who smiled and shrugged. He spoke Galactic Standard but rarely offered his opinion.

“That’s odd,” I said. “There’s some kind of clear resin or wax laid over the seam between the metal base and the capstone.”

Maybe it was animal excrement or silicate residue left by the haboob. My finger continued to bleed heavily. So much for protective powers! I pulled a bandage from the emergency kit on my belt and wrapped it around the wound.

“Misu, please!” Rishi shouted again from below. He and the other workers had already packed the ydrams and were strapping the last of the saddlebags onto the bulky creatures. “We must hurry!”

I hefted the next rod and glanced at Fen. A polite smile was fixed on his round face, but he danced from foot to foot, nervously glancing between the storm and the spinning capstone. I sighed and stowed the rod in my pack. “Yes, okay. Fine! We’re coming down.”

“Many thanks, Misu Dane! Many thanks to you, sir!”

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Customer Reviews

The story was riveting, great combination of sky jocks and science fiction. The characters were diverse and well depicted. I look forward to reading more.

Avidreader N. 5/5

Starfighter Down by M.G. Herron is excellent Sci-Fi, action-packed, and spell-binding reading. Basically, it’s a human vs. alien plot involving the evacuation of a colony of humans from a planet-size moon, but it’s also a search and rescue mission for a downed Star Fighter pilot, his actions and efforts to survive, and his interactions with a religious group of colonists who choose not to evacuate. Characters are well-developed and the narrative is so detailed as to become “visual” to the reader. It has a “happy ending” and creates a desire to read the next book in the series. I think you’ll enjoy it as I did.

R. A. 5/5

Well this series has a life of its own. Great storytelling. Interesting characters. Camaraderie with life itself. Very well done.

Jjdrymiller 5/5

What a fantastic book! Aliens, scary aliens at that, and humans fighting them, but using ancient artifacts and brilliant modern starfighters. I loved the flying scenes, and found there were sufficient twists and turns, interspersed with enough action to keep this adrenaline junkie satisfied!The characters are great, and have developed well during the three main books, with a general feeling of satisfaction when things are concluded.But, oh, I shall certainly miss Hedgebot. Perhaps Hedgebot should get a series of her own? Please, nice author??

Dragonsmama 5/5

Ahhh, so satisfying! I love every page! The end was definitely unexpected! The dialog is crisp and goes well with each character.There’s so much excellent tension in this book and the character growth is great. We had some revelations that we’ve been waiting on for a while now. And of course, I love miss Hedgebot! :)

Maureen H. 5/5

Full of action and adventure. Precise in theoretical science. Character development is excellent. You feel like you're with them.This series was the best reason to spend money I've ever had. I cannot begin to imagine what it took to create this series. But I'd like to try.

Ken J. 5/5

There is so much more to Starfighter Down than than battles in space. Though there’s plenty of that! There’s mystery, grief, lost love, the partnership of a cohesive team and the bravery on planet and off. And there’s a time for growing up that essential step. A fantastic read!

Kay M. 5/5

Customer photo review of Relics of the Ancients: Exclusive Audiobook Bundle

I went thru the audio books in succession. Pretty good plots and action. I listen to audiobooks while drive and shop. This series was excellent.

Anthony J. 4/5 Verified

Customer photo review of Relics of the Ancients: Exclusive Audiobook Bundle

Great read

Barry W. 5/5 Verified

Customer photo review of Relics of the Ancients: Exclusive Audiobook Bundle

Having read and enjoyed the ebooks. I decided to purchase the Audiobooks as I prefer to listen to something more engaging than music in the gym. The mp3s are good quality and I am enjoying listening. Steve

Steve R. 5/5 Verified

Customer photo review of Relics of the Ancients: Exclusive Audiobook Bundle

I love Science Fiction. This read has a nice balance between character development and battle sequences. I’m more in favour of getting to know the characters and environment. It was a great listen as I’m using the audio version. Thank you. MA Taylor

Mary-anne T. 5/5 Verified

Customer photo review of Relics of the Ancients: Exclusive E-book Bundle

I have read the whole series and enjoyed them.

Steve R. 5/5

There were a few spelling errors that should have been picked up in the review phase but I enjoyed the story line and it flowed well from start to end. Keep up the good work.

Richard C. 5/5 Verified

Loved all the books, read straight through. Can't wait for the next ones .

Mr I. 5/5 Verified

Mostly through book 2 and I’m enjoying it.

Daniel P. 5/5 Verified

Excellent very entertaining

David G. 5/5 Verified

Easy transaction Great book so far

Keith H. 5/5 Verified

No bad no bad at all

Kevin M. 4/5 Verified

A great tale, good character development Sad for it to conclude

Tony S. 5/5 Verified

Loved the book

John R. 5/5 Verified

A good read but a bit stretched in places, by which I mean some parts “do go on a bit” without adding much to the story. Having said that I still went the distance and overall enjoyed the yarn. A few nice surprises here and there which I won’t spoil. 80% delighted.

Nicholas C. 4/5 Verified

A really enjoyable read, there were no what I call "lags or gaps" in the story, it held my interest throughout, made me look forward to the next page, and made me a little sad when it ended.

Francis C. 5/5 Verified

Good read! Great cast and story development!

Bob M. 4/5 Verified

.

Arwel P. 5/5 Verified

Awesome

Wayne O. 5/5 Verified

Only 4* As I was keeping these books for an extended hospital visit? That’s cancelled But if previous books are anything to go by then I will enjoy.

Neill P. 4/5 Verified

Great read could have filled the Starfighter books out a bit more but still great stories.

Barry W. 5/5 Verified

Good read

James B. 4/5 Verified

Interesting plot twists

Albertus W. 4/5 Verified

These were bought as a gift.

Catherine D. 5/5 Verified

I like a good read so far these are excellent

Andrew R. 4/5 Verified

Have kept this bundle for my hospital trip. So until, i,m admitted don,t want to start reading!!!!!! Needless to say I know i,ll enjoy !!!!!!!

Neill P. 4/5 Verified

Great fun read. I like the plot and character development which makes for an unputdownable story.

Mandi W. 4/5 Verified

Prompt delivery of books

Malcolm H. 5/5 Verified

Awesome story

Mark B. 5/5 Verified

Very enjoyable so far

Kym T. 5/5 Verified

Good story.

Timothy F. 4/5 Verified

I enjoyed the read, however, it was difficult maintaining focus on the fourth through sixth books. The bad guys were defeated,, story was pretty much over at the end of the third book.

Joseph T. 4/5 Verified

Really enjoying the books.

Tudor S. 5/5 Verified

I enjoyed reading the 4 relics of the ancients books, and will probably pick up more titles from M.G. Herron (at least, once my to be read pile gets a bit smaller)

Maxwell G. 5/5 Verified

Frequently asked questions

  • Why buy here at MGHerron.com?

    Selling directly to readers is the best way for M.G. Herron to keep a greater share of the revenue. You can also find his books on other retailers.

  • How do I get the signed hardbacks?

    These glossy 6 x 9" hardbacks with dust jackets are held in limited stock, signed by the author, and lovingly hand-packaged with stickers and bookmarks. Estimated delivery is 5-8 business days in the United States. (International deliveries will vary.)

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Relics of the Ancients

All 6 books in recommended reading order.

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