The Pilgrim and the Wolf

Humanity's Leap, Book 3

By: C.S. Garrand

Narrated by: Patricia Santomasso

Book Three of Humanity’s Leap.

The node is now unlocked, and Irina Orlova has vanished.
With the failed coup on Hegemony put down and Audacious three star systems away, Earth must now come together in order to look beyond its solar system to the greater galaxy. Captain Rohit Mishra, together with Staff Sergeant Dixon and Second Squad, accompany their new allies, the Lomolai, in a mission to find out what happened to Orlova. When they learn where she's gone, it strains credulity.

What happens when a subset of Earth's population from times of antiquity is removed from our past, placed in a new star system, given advanced technology and allowed to develop on its own for thousands of years? Species One created project worlds for this purpose, but humans on Earth never conceived that they were the ones late to the party, and that humanity had already taken root elsewhere.

Now, equipped with advanced tech from the Workshop and a sentient artificial consciousness, the historical past collides with a future no one could have imagined.

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

Voices Among the Stars: Garrand’s Saga and Santomasso’s Performance

C. S. Garrand’s The Pilgrim and the Wolf, Book 3 of the Humanity’s Leap series, deepens the saga with a bold mix of military science fiction and cultural speculation. Following the failed coup on Hegemony, Captain Rohit Mishra and his squad join the alien Lomolai to uncover the fate of Irina Orlova. Garrand pushes the narrative into uncharted territory, imagining what happens when an ancient human population is transplanted to a distant star system, given advanced technology, and allowed to evolve independently for millennia.

This premise allows Garrand to explore themes of identity, survival, and cultural divergence. The novel balances tense squad‑level action with philosophical questions about what it means to be human when history itself has been rewritten. The clash between old and new civilizations is painted with both grandeur and grit, making the stakes feel cosmic yet personal.

What truly elevates the audiobook is Patricia Santomasso’s narration. Her performance brings clarity to Garrand’s intricate world‑building and emotional resonance to the characters. She captures the urgency of battle scenes, the wonder of alien landscapes, and the quiet moments of reflection with equal skill. Santomasso makes the story not only entertaining but also easy to follow, ensuring listeners remain immersed from start to finish.

Can’t wait for the next!

I love that this is narrated mostly from an AI (Ac?) point of view. I hope one day AI will be more like the one in this story. Also the ending of this story omg that’s all I gotta say!

Excellent character development and interaction.

Wonderful listen, and innovated plot line. Santomasso does a great job of giving personality to the AI. Looking forward to book 4!

A good time

really enjoy the story and the performance. having the AI be the narrator is a fun difference. I also like that the characters aren't stupid. there are no mustache twirling villains who are bad just as a story convenience. overall it's a fun space Opera

Fantastic series!

If you’re a fan of Space operas this series is a must read. The pace is quick but the dedication to character development & world building is refreshing. Garrand has a must read series here for fans of Expanse or the Bobiverse. Can’t wait for the 4th book which is coming out soon.