Cygnus Books

From space they came, to space they returned, better than before. The people of the Cygnus system were determined to find other life, maybe even return to Earth as they explored the known galaxy. Humanity would not be denied.And they had the company of the intelligent species humans created centuries past, who evolved and became equals, partners in the journey to a better place. They were all the people of Cygnus VII.From the ashes of their past, Cygnus was rising.The motto of the Space Exploration Service was “the ship is life, save the ship.” And the crew had done that, repeatedly, even though it cost lives. Everyone on board the Cygnus-12 volunteered for the Space Exploration Service because they believed that the risk was worth it. For all humanity, they went to space, to find what was out there, return with knowledge to improve their civilization. And if they could return with word that Earth was there, alive and well, then that would make every death that much more meaningful. Cygnus Rising is the first book in a Space Opera series based within the Free Trader universe. Here's what some of the first reviewers had to say:“It's an enjoyable space opera … fast-moving and with an interesting group dynamic.”“Old-fashioned space opera. Good guys, bad guys and only a bit of romance to add to the characters.”“This is a great "start point" for people who do not read the original books. Taken from the start of your MC coming into Boot Camp and flowing through all the fun and team building games played there. This will help others to see the characters in their strengths and weaknesses as individuals. I enjoyed that the other characters had a chance to shine too.”“Readability... very smooth with good transitions from scene to scene. Build-up was gradual and the philosophy of the parent planet's drive to explore seemed very natural. Failures were also points of learning for the society and the blending of the different cross-species into a cohesive group seemed a natural progression of development.”“It has all of the elements a good story should have. The characters are well developed, plot line is smooth and progresses consistently and logically. The action is fast paced and the interpersonal relationships believable. Conflict, fear, and the rest of the human emotions are represented.”“The worldview was terrific. Well detailed with enough exploration of a possible future for Vii. I kind of got lost on some of the ship stuff, but that's just me. I could understand it, but really isn't why I read space opera books. Lots of other neat techy stuff going on too.”“I also have to tell you one of things I truly enjoyed about this story was it wasn't a typical HEA ending - lessons learned were very painful. Pollyanna was on the ship and died. I did feel that they took off with stars in their eyes and a not very realistic attitude about what kind of dire circumstances, other than ship disasters they could face. They came back much wiser than when they left. Bravo - well done”

Space is a dangerous place, but human-populated worlds are the most dangerous of all.The ship is life! Save the ship.The Cygnus-12 crew did just that, losing a quarter of their number repelling boarders. They returned home with news that they'd found an outpost of humanity, hostile, like Cygnus VII used to be.Cain is challenged with building a small military unit to protect the deep space explorers. With the AI's help, he determines that Earth's Marines would fill the role best. Five millennia had passed since such a unit last existed, so Cain learns from old Marine Corps manuals and videos like the Sands of Iwo Jima, The DI, and The Siege of Firebase Gloria. With only that to go on, he recruits from a number of species to flesh out the ranks.The Hillcats decide that their role is critical in the overall success of the Cygnus Marines, and they invite themselves along for the ride.When the ship returns to Concordia, will the Marines and the cats be enough to help them?If you like Raymond Weil's Slaver Wars or Daniel Arenson's Earthrise series, then Cygnus will be your next favorite Space Opera read.

Snarky Hillcats and the Cygnus Marines on a harrowing mission to earth…what could go wrong? What do others have to say about the Cygnus Space Opera?•“Most authors can't make an animal character believable. This one does. Craig Martelle has a great imagination and can put it down on paper for you to enjoy also, just like the great writers of the golden age. His writing is very reminiscent of their work.” Amazon five-star reviewer•“…you will see the flavor of Sci-fi, Fantasy, and with enough sarcasm and humor to keep you highly entertained!”•“A character driven book, but with a stable plot as well.”•“I enjoyed reading it very much. There is a lot of humor as well as action. I look forward to the next book in the series.”From space they came to space they returned, different, driven. Humanity would not be denied.The crew takes the Cygnus-12 deeper into the universe, hopping from one colonized planet to the next on their way to Earth. The stark reality of what they find keeps them fighting for their lives and the survival of all humankind.

Earth wasn’t what the people of Cygnus VII expected. The people of Earth needed help. An abandoned planet, thriving, but they didn’t know it. Someone has to show them the way. The children of Earth want to return, and they intend to make a difference. Can they? Will they make it past the alien bots and anything else that might stand in their way? Cain, Ellie, the Hillcats, and other intelligent animal species lead the way to their future past. The crew vows to return to Earth in the Olive Branch , and this time, they have no intention of returning to Cygnus VII. Will they make Earth their new home or die trying. Read it today.