Free Trader Books

Following the civil war on the human colonized world of Cygnus VII, humanity and its creations rise again. Free Trader Braden and his mindlinked Hillcat are plying the trade routes of Warren Deep when things start to get hot. Giving events time to be forgotten, Braden gathers engineered (mutant) creatures to him for a trip south of the Great Desert where he hopes to find Old Tech that he can trade for untold riches. The more he learns about the ancients, the more he wants to learn. Along the way, he establishes a new ideal regarding trade and collaboration in the south where trust of strangers is unknown. Braden and his companions, a Hawkoid, a Hillcat, a Tortoid, and a female warrior find that some Old Tech still functions, with the potential to change their world for the better or worse, depending on what they decide.

Braden, Micah, and their animal companions have to decide what to do with the Old Tech from the ancient’s outpost. Can they introduce it back to the world without bringing every fortune hunter after them? Maybe they should expand the trade routes naturally, letting humanity reestablish itself slowly. Mutants, fearing the growing human presence, come after Braden and the others, hoping that they, and not the humans will dominate Planet Vii.

Can the remaining ancients on Cygnus VI be saved? The computer on planet Vii has a plan, but it takes Free Trader Braden and his companions to travel to the long-abandoned Earth colony ship first, establish the computer links and functional systems that the hologram needs for the precise maneuvers necessary to transfer the survivors to the ship, then realignment for final transfer to their new home. Once on board, they find the ship wasn’t completely abandoned. Far from it.

Martelle’s writing has been compared to the works of Andre Norton, David Gemmell, and Larry Niven. Join the fun as a Cat and his human minions fight for peace.The fragile trade route is expanding, until the attacks come. Trade grinds to a halt. People cower in fear, before they run for their lives.The first Lizard Men were called the Overlords, and they have declared war on humanity. Braden, Micah, and the Hillcat are the only ones with the ability to act, so they take the responsibility.They gather the companions for a journey into the rainforest to confront the Overlords, but the ancient Lizard Men are deep within the Amazon, protected by a seemingly endless number of dark forces. "I loved it! The characters are easy to imagine, explained just enough so your mind has something to do to fill in the blanks. The action is smooth and continuous and surprising. I couldn't wait to turn the page to find out what happens next." Goodreads Five-Star Review

Peace in the south. People settling in. Intelligent creatures moving to Vii from the RV Traveler.Soon, meat will be in short supply. Hungry people will fight for what they need. Braden knows that livestock abounds in the north. It’s time to go get some.But free trade in the north has been declared illegal by a new governor.Once there, the livestock can wait. Free Trader Braden cannot tolerate anyone interfering with trade.The Cat, his human minions, and the rest of the companions undertake a new journey where livestock, Hillcats, and the governor’s forces keep everyone jumping from one fire into another.“After the 1st few pages I was hooked with the story. The characters flowed and the story line kept me enthralled. As the book grew so did the new companions. This is a rare book and author who can give a good story telling and keep you wanting more. I highly recommend this book to anyone… Craig Martelle, writes another outstanding book that leaves you wanting more.” Amazon five-star reviewer

An island where experiments on people yield horrific results. An undersea city populated by humans dragged from their beach homes by unrelenting Bots.The Western Ocean, an untapped source of food and power. The freedom of the open seas. When the AI finds an open ocean exploration laboratory, the Free Trader and his companions head to sea in search of the abducted residents of White Beach. The ocean welcomes them into its embrace as nature tries to reclaim its own, but that’s not the worst challenge that the companions face. What creatures lurk beyond the ocean’s waves, patiently waiting for new blood? “Immensely Enjoyable! Fantastic story set in the far future on a distant previously colonised planet that has forgotten its past because of one of humanities favourite past-times, war. Being a big fan of sci-fi and post apocalyptic adventures this author has captured everything I love about these two genres and melded them in a wondrous land full of genetically engineered creatures and old technology forgotten by the majority of the humans on the planet. I'd recommend this book to anyone who likes a good sci-fi adventure.” Evan, Amazon Five-Star review

A Cat and his human minions fight to bring peace to humanity. High technology weapons are stolen! Braden and Micah lead the band deep into the southern frontier as they chase the raiders. • "The characters draw you in, leading to you caring about what happens to them. The whole series is well written." • "This series has you going non-stop." • "This series continues to be a fun & hard to put down... I love how the author uses his main characters to reach new places, new situations & new creatures. It all works perfectly." The Free Trader takes you to a world across the galaxy, where humans are not the only sentient species. After a devastating war, humanity and its creations rise again. The Free Trader finds himself at a crossroads - can he and his Cat help humanity rise again? And the follow-on series... Cygnus Space Opera (set in the Free Trader Universe) Book 1 - Cygnus Rising Book 2 - Cygnus Expanding Book 3 - Cygnus Arrives

The cat is fed up with his human minions. Too much discontent. Too many malcontents. Not enough fresh meat. Drastic changes were in order, and the Golden Warrior decided he was the right Hillcat to make them. Can a single cat rally his people to come to humanity’s rescue and guarantee the peace? The Planet Cygnus VII will not be the same after this epic journey of the sentient races, a test of discovery and friendship. Will friends support each other, even if they don’t understand why? Join the Golden Warrior, Fealona, Braden, and Micah as they travel with friends and family from one end of Vii to the other looking for the answer to the question of who will save humanity from itself. And the follow-on series... Cygnus Space Opera (set in the Free Trader Universe) Book 1 - Cygnus Rising Book 2 - Cygnus Expanding Book 3 - Cygnus Arrives

The ‘cats have brought peace to Cygnus VII, but too much sitting around is making Braden antsy. They decide to go back to the Traveler and see if they can wrest more secrets from the ship of the ancients. When they arrive, they find a new enemy rearing an old head. The fight is on. Braden and the companions will do what they have to do to realize their vision of humanity reaching back toward the stars. Return to the Traveler will be the last of the Free Trader series. But the follow-on series, Cygnus Space Opera is alive and well and will continue to grow. Join the Golden Warrior, Fealona, Braden, and Micah as they travel with friends and family as they search for what matters most.