Species Seventeen

Humanity's Leap, Book 1

By: C.S. Garrand

Narrated by: Patricia Santomasso

Humankind has always dreamed of reaching into the stars. What if, when we finally did, we found that it wasn't the first time we'd been there?

Galactic Planetary Resources was all about earnings-per-share. That's what shareholders demand, after all. But this is no longer about profit, even if the board believes we still need to focus on the ROI for the Audacious mission.

The artifact we found on Vesta changed everything. Sure, we were able to patent the new technologies we managed to reverse engineer, and make a hefty sum. But we could never have anticipated where these discoveries would eventually lead. The board of directors still wants to see what we come back with, but those of us on the ship know that there's something far more significant than Hegemony credits out here. And we have to do it right by humanity.

Now, if we could just get the government to see it that way, and get them and their psychotic AI off our back.

©2024 C.S. Garrand Publishing (P)2025 C.S. Garrand Publishing

Sci-fi that draws you in from the start!

Species Seventeen by C.S. Garrand immediately sets a unique tone with the introduction of the AI, CAIPARR, signaling that this isn’t just another run-of-the-mill sci-fi adventure. From the start, the story weaves together corporate and governmental conflicts, technical intrigue, and military operations, all within a futuristic setting that feels both imaginative and plausible.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its well-developed characters, which kept me engaged beyond just the plot. The interplay between politics, technology, and personal struggles adds depth, making the stakes feel real. The world-building is meticulous, immersing the listener in a future where power struggles and scientific discovery collide in unexpected ways.

Narrator Santamossa delivers an excellent performance, providing distinct voices for the characters while maintaining a smooth, engaging narration that’s easy to follow.

The true measure of any audiobook is whether you’re eager to keep listening, and for me, Species Seventeen is a resounding yes. It’s a gripping, well-crafted sci-fi experience that balances action, intelligence, and intrigue—highly recommended for fans of thoughtful yet thrilling speculative fiction.

Great story

As a dedicated sci-fi nerd, I thoroughly enjoyed this listen. It has a compelling and complex story, set in a universe ripe for exploration. I was reminded somewhat of the old Stargate movie, but only vaguely. (If you know, you know). I will say, there are enough moving parts that it requires some attention while you’re listening. I tried multitasking a couple of times only to wind up going back a few minutes each time to catch what I’d missed. Overall, it was a great experience. My only hesitation came at the very beginning when I found the reader’s tone a bit mechanical, but trust me, it makes sense. Without giving anything away, it’s worth your time to a tick with it for a few minutes. Can’t wait to start book two!

Hooked from the beginning

I’ll admit ahead of time that I’ve never been much of a Sci-Fi enthusiast. Nor do I read much.
Upon a recommendation of a friend, and after the book came out on Audible, I began listening during longer drives. Being skeptical that I’d enjoy it, it took a solid chapter for me to get into it,
After getting to know the characters a bit, I found myself getting lost in random thoughts and images of the scenery being laid out by the author. Dreaming of the day when I could be sailing with McMasterson. Being with the team during that moment they meet another species.
I’m unsure how but, Garrand, in his inaugural book, somehow hit it out of the park for me. I’m now looking very forward to when book 2 comes out on Audible.
I’d encourage anyone with even a tiny bit of imagination to give Species Seventeen a try!

Very Enjoyable & already eagerly awaiting book 2

I very much enjoyed this story, told from the POV of an artificial intelligence in a future not quite as far along as The Expanse universe. The novel weaves together a couple of story lines in a mystery/detective type genre. Often stories like these can result in an imbalance where information is withheld too long, or the mystery is so great, that the reader is overloaded with feelings of 'what the hell is going on here?!?!' that can detract from the overall story . However the author's writing and usage of the AI POV allows for deep exposition to keep the plot moving forward and the information to the mystery trickling in.

Similar to book one of the Three Body Problem Trilogy, this book is more about the mystery and world building than it is about character development, unless you count the AI. I look forward to seeing how character building may continue in coming books, but will still enjoy the story if this aspect doesn't change.

The narration is great for the AI narrator, but less so when other characters are speaking. Not bad, but I've recently listened to to Red Rising with TGR and the The Expanse Series with Jerreraon Mays so my expectations are very, very high.

I will absolutely be listening to the second installment when it arrives.

An intriguing prospective on humanity from the AI point of view.

A perfect mix of science, culture and the human element in an evolving story of an AI becoming sentient. Lots of twists and turns and the author does a good job keeping you engaged and wanting more. The AI stuff is creepy, and can totally see it happening.

New tires that need some air

For the first in an operatic series this novel shows promise. The storyline is great and the construct is solid. Most of the elements that make great Science Fiction are included. In my opinion the use of a female narrator is just harsh, not to mention that the voice is supposed to be an artificial intelligence that is a monotone drone is enough to leave the listener drooling. I understand the perspective and I hate to sound sexist, but when selling an audio book, the storyteller is an integral component.
This one could use some help...

Can’t wait for book 2!

This story really grabbed me. The way it’s narrated from the POV of an AI is interesting, and the narrator matches that very well. I can’t wait to see what happens as this story continues!

Well done!

**Book Review: Species Seventeen Book 1 of Humanity’s Leap by C.S. Garrand**

C.S. Garrand's "Species Seventeen," the inaugural book in the "Humanity’s Leap" series, delivers an enthralling blend of science fiction and corporate intrigue. The novel begins with an age-old human ambition: to reach the stars. However, the tale quickly evolves into something far more complex as the discovery on the asteroid Vesta reveals that humanity's leap into space is not the first.

**Plot and Setting:**
Garrand masterfully constructs a universe where Galactic Planetary Resources (GPR) dominates the race for cosmic profits. The company’s Audacious mission begins as a corporate venture, driven by earnings-per-share and ROI. However, everything changes with the unearthing of an ancient artifact on Vesta, setting off a series of events that transcend mere financial gain. The reverse-engineered technologies provide not just wealth, but a deeper understanding of humanity's place in the cosmos.

**Character Development:**
The characters aboard the Audacious are vividly crafted, each grappling with the tension between corporate objectives and a newfound sense of purpose. Their journey is not just about space exploration but about ethical dilemmas, the pursuit of knowledge, and the struggle to prioritize humanity over profits. The narrative offers a compelling look at how individuals adapt to groundbreaking discoveries and the resistance they face from governing bodies and a menacing AI.

**Narration:**
Patricia Santomasso's narration adds another layer of depth to this already gripping story. Her ability to bring characters to life and convey the urgency of their mission enhances the overall experience, making it hard to pause the audiobook.

**World-Building:**
The world-building in "Species Seventeen" is remarkable. Garrand creates a futuristic yet plausible universe, where technological advancements and human ambition intertwine. The detailed descriptions of space travel, extraterrestrial findings, and the corporate machinations of GPR are immersive and well-researched, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.

**Overall Impression:**
"Species Seventeen" is a thrilling start to the "Humanity’s Leap" series. It's a tale of adventure, corporate intrigue, and ethical contemplation that leaves readers eager for the next installment. Highly recommended for fans of science fiction looking for a story that goes beyond typical space exploration narratives.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 out of 5 stars)

Embark on this fascinating journey and see how far humanity can leap. I'm sure "The Architect" will be just as engaging! 🚀📚

We might not be alone

A great start to an interesting take of first contact in a wider universe. Looking forward to the next one in the series.

This book is excellent

New author for me but I must say that i was blown away with how good this was. I appreciate that the author did an excellent job of explaining the proposed science, the characters were believable in how normal people would react and the plot moved in a pace that keep everything engaging. It's frankly one of the best sci-fi books I have listened to in a while, similar writing style to Andy Weir, which is high praise. Can't wait to listen to the second book once it's available.