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

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!

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.

story is really good

I liked the whole thing, very Stargate. lotta cool tech and stuff with AI. the whole single world government was an interesting take

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!

Good first contact

Good first contact story mainly thru AI POV which is genius. Mass Effect vibes.