Sci Fi Pulse Reviews: 'Gene Roddenberry’s Andromeda: Destruction of Illusions'
Source Sci Fi Pulse
18 February 2003

By Jacqueline Bundy

Title: Gene Roddenberry’s Andromeda: Destruction of Illusions
Author: Keith R.A. DeCandido
Publication Date: February 2003
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 076530483X

Fans of Gene Roddenberry’s Andromeda are sure to be pleased with this first novel based on the popular Science Fiction television series. Author Keith R.A. DeCandido has crafted a well written and compelling story in the new hardcover novel Gene Roddenberry’s Andromeda: Destruction of Illusions. Penning the first novel in a series can be difficult but Mr. DeCandido has risen magnificently to the challenge presenting for the readers enjoyment a tale that has action, adventure, humor and spot on characterizations.

Destruction of Illusions is a prequel, taking the reader through the story of how Beka Valentine and the crew of the Eureka Maru and Tyr Anasazi and his band of mercenaries came to find themselves part of the bold salvage operation of the Andromeda Ascendant in “Under the Night”, Andromeda’s pilot episode. Fittingly Destruction of Illusions begins and ends with the recovery of the Andromeda Ascendant.

As the reader follows the crew of the Maru through the events and adventures that lead them to Dylan, the hardships and realities of their life eking out a living in the former Commonwealth are vividly presented. We also get to learn what drove Tyr to do what he has done in his pursuit of restoring the Kodiak Pride to glory. Along the way there is a daring breakout, a liberal sprinkling of Nietzschean politics, a dangerous and dramatic museum heist, the appearance of several familiar faces and most importantly, great character development. Oh yes, and Dylan and Roomie are in it as well.

DeCandido adroitly fleshes out the back-stories established onscreen for the characters in a tight well-paced plot. In the style of the show each chapter begins with a pertinent quotation. Since he has only been mentioned twice in the series, one character we finally get learn more about is Vexpag, Trance’s forerunner on the Maru. He even gains a given name in the novel. But the character that I found myself seeing in a new light was Rev Bem. His importance to Beka and his unique personality shines through better in the pages of Destruction of Illusions that it has onscreen. Each and every character and event in Destruction of Illusions is keenly and skillfully portrayed allowing the reader to loss themselves in the story right up until you turn the last page.

Gene Roddenberry’s Andromeda: Destruction of Illusions is on sale now both in both hardback and eBook editions.