Ash of Empire (Book one of the Federation Rising Saga)

Humanity’s first starship, the Odyssey, sets out on what should have been a training mission — but instead, it stumbles upon a cosmic rift and an alien intelligence woven into its systems. The crew learns they have awakened a legacy left behind by the mysterious Architects, long-vanished builders of interstellar gates. But their awakening has consequences: ancient Hunters — predators of civilizations — are drawn to the signal.

Defying orders to return home, Commander Roy Howard leads the Odyssey to the derelict alien station Erebus, once home to the Orison Collective. There, the crew undergoes trials that bond their Mecka suits to the Forge — a living technology that chooses them as heirs. The awakening of Erebus also draws hostile attention from the Reptar Dominion, led by the warlord Kharzek, sparking a brutal first battle. Though victorious, the crew realizes they’ve ignited a larger war.

Back in Sol, Erebus is brought into Mars orbit, sparking fierce debate within the Earth Federation. Some see it as humanity’s salvation; others fear it as an uncontrollable alien weapon. Amid the political storm, Admiral Lucien Thorne emerges as a powerful ally, pushing for unity and strength. With his backing, the Federation begins forging a new fleet: the Vanguard dreadnought, the stealth vessel Whisper of Ice, and the hybrid ship Resolute, born partly from Erebus itself.

But the Dominion is not the only threat. The Hunters stir, drawn to Sol’s new defenses. When a distress call lures the fleet to Alpha Centauri, the Odyssey discovers the Xai’Therin, survivors of a civilization nearly wiped out by the Hunters. Fighting side by side, humanity and the Xai’Therin forge a hard-won alliance. The Xai’Therin are granted sanctuary on Europa, weaving their crystalline technology into Sol’s defenses, even as traitors and saboteurs threaten from within.

The book ends with humanity transformed: no longer explorers, but warriors. The Forge Fleet rises, the Sol Shield burns bright, and for the first time, Sol is defended by more than hope. Yet the galaxy now watches. The Dominion hungers for vengeance. The Hunters are closing in. And humanity must stand — or be consumed.