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

Outstanding sci fi adventure!

Exciting adventure of discovery in space! I loved the way the story and characters developed. This book blends science fiction, tech and human nature together to create an action packed adventure filled with plot twists. The narrator’s voice was perfect for the variety of characters. Once I started I was so drawn in I didn’t want to stop until the end. Truly a great read - I mean listen!

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! 🚀📚

Excellent character development and progression

I’m a big fan for detailed character development, and this book was right up my alley. The right balance of action and drama, thought provoking interaction and the hypothetical. Can really see something like this taking place, and all told by an AI. Narrator was outstanding.

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.