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The Cartographer #1
The Cartographer
While exploring a cave in a remote section of Carlsbad, New Mexico with his friend Sam, 16-year-old Nathan Chambers stumbles upon a stranger from another planet. Surprised by the encounter, the stranger abducts Nathan and sets forth a chain of events that will forever change the balance of the universe.
An ancient war will be renewed, threatening to tear at the very fabric of the universe. Nathan has a special talent, one that can help unlock an ancient artifact and prevent the war before it threatens the very things he holds dear. Will mankind be pushed to the brink of extinction once again?
An ancient war will be renewed, threatening to tear at the very fabric of the universe. Nathan has a special talent, one that can help unlock an ancient artifact and prevent the war before it threatens the very things he holds dear. Will mankind be pushed to the brink of extinction once again?
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 20, 2014
178 people are currently reading
202 people want to read
About the author
Craig Gaydas
18 books12 followersI have dabbled among many professions. I was everything from a private investigator/security professional to a supply chain professional with a Fortune 500 company. I have always used my creativity in different ways from tabletop gaming, to online gaming, to writing fan fiction. I only recently started writing novels, starting with my debut fantasy adventure- The Guardian Chronicles.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 23, 2014
I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
The Cartographer is a fast-paced YA science fiction adventure. It combines space opera with young and nerdy protagonist from the real world. Bizarre aliens, robots and sudden plot twists keep the reader entertained as the plot unfolds.
First the positive:
I am really not in the target group of this novel, but nonetheless found the basic premise and the plot very entertaining. I could relate to the nerdy teen protagonist that tries to find his way in those bizarre circumstances. For a while I waited for some romance between him and his bodyguard but perhaps I will see it in the next part of the series.
Did I mention this is not an individual novel? It ends in a cliffhanger and the story is to be continued in the next installment. It's both good and bad: no satisfaction of a clear ending but there is more to come for people who like this.
And then the negative:
I am a science buff and found it quite difficult to go through the clear errors in the science and background of this world. Granted this genre often throws basic scientific principles over the shoulder (say for example Star Wars) but usually when this is done, the world around the story is completely fantastic one. This one had a realistic protagonist, who picks up nerd references and mentions an iPad. In this light I found it weird that dinosaurs existed only few hundred thousand years ago or to the fact that a solar system is referenced as a galaxy. The errors are numerous and most of them could have been fixed without ruining the underlying story.
For someone who is not hampered by the science, the book is a joyride of plot twists, aliens and spacefights. Especially the latter part of the book felt oddly addictive.
This book would have gotten four or five stars out of five if the backstory and the world would be in par with the plot but it is an entertaining piece of fiction as it is.
The Cartographer is a fast-paced YA science fiction adventure. It combines space opera with young and nerdy protagonist from the real world. Bizarre aliens, robots and sudden plot twists keep the reader entertained as the plot unfolds.
First the positive:
I am really not in the target group of this novel, but nonetheless found the basic premise and the plot very entertaining. I could relate to the nerdy teen protagonist that tries to find his way in those bizarre circumstances. For a while I waited for some romance between him and his bodyguard but perhaps I will see it in the next part of the series.
Did I mention this is not an individual novel? It ends in a cliffhanger and the story is to be continued in the next installment. It's both good and bad: no satisfaction of a clear ending but there is more to come for people who like this.
And then the negative:
I am a science buff and found it quite difficult to go through the clear errors in the science and background of this world. Granted this genre often throws basic scientific principles over the shoulder (say for example Star Wars) but usually when this is done, the world around the story is completely fantastic one. This one had a realistic protagonist, who picks up nerd references and mentions an iPad. In this light I found it weird that dinosaurs existed only few hundred thousand years ago or to the fact that a solar system is referenced as a galaxy. The errors are numerous and most of them could have been fixed without ruining the underlying story.
For someone who is not hampered by the science, the book is a joyride of plot twists, aliens and spacefights. Especially the latter part of the book felt oddly addictive.
This book would have gotten four or five stars out of five if the backstory and the world would be in par with the plot but it is an entertaining piece of fiction as it is.
October 25, 2025
I did not know this was a book for young adults when I started reading it. My rating is based on if I was reading this as a 14/15 year old. It’s entertaining and a fun read.
March 30, 2014
I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I am not the target audience for The Cartographer. It features a teenaged hero and reads, primarily, like a Young Adult novel. More, it is a science fiction tale and I read little science fiction. But it is an adventure - and I love adventures. Treasure Island has always been one of my favorite books. The Cartographer has a setup much like Treasure Island, a young man forced into a long journey of epic proportions (here, in space instead of on the high seas), making allies and enemies along the way, fighting battles and facing fears he never dreamed of and, in the end, meeting the climax as a much more mature fellow.
Well, everything but that last bit. Everything up to 'in the end'. You see, The Cartographer doesn't feature a climax. It introduces a galaxy of fun and interesting characters, a lot of jeopardy and explosive action, and an intriguing plot line. That's what I enjoyed about the novel. What I didn't enjoy was the young hero, Nathan Chambers, who cries too much, whines too much, and swears too much. And he's a bad influence on his shipmates because after a while the aliens are swearing like longshoremen too. But there is something about the character I want to like. I hope he matures between now and the sequel.
That's the other thing... ** SPOILER ALERT ** There will be a sequel. There must be because the author left the novel in a cliff hanger. There was no climax to this story for the young man to show any gained maturity. That's not a complaint, merely a fact. (And it's not the first time it's happened; film-goers know The Empire Strikes Back did the same thing.) So Nathan will return. I'm glad for that because the upcoming story promises to tell the part of the plot I was really looking forward to. When he does, I hope he's more mature, I hope he swears less, and I hope someone orders him to stop saying, OK.
The Cartographer is not Treasure Island. When I read Treasure Island, I want to be Jim, I want to sail the seven seas, I want to fight pirates! The Cartographer did not make me want to be Nathan or travel through space. But I did enjoy watching him do it. The book engaged me enough that I look forward to the sequel in hopes that a more mature Nathan recruits me to not only read about him but to sail with him to the stars on a great adventure, fighting villainous aliens!
I am not the target audience for The Cartographer. It features a teenaged hero and reads, primarily, like a Young Adult novel. More, it is a science fiction tale and I read little science fiction. But it is an adventure - and I love adventures. Treasure Island has always been one of my favorite books. The Cartographer has a setup much like Treasure Island, a young man forced into a long journey of epic proportions (here, in space instead of on the high seas), making allies and enemies along the way, fighting battles and facing fears he never dreamed of and, in the end, meeting the climax as a much more mature fellow.
Well, everything but that last bit. Everything up to 'in the end'. You see, The Cartographer doesn't feature a climax. It introduces a galaxy of fun and interesting characters, a lot of jeopardy and explosive action, and an intriguing plot line. That's what I enjoyed about the novel. What I didn't enjoy was the young hero, Nathan Chambers, who cries too much, whines too much, and swears too much. And he's a bad influence on his shipmates because after a while the aliens are swearing like longshoremen too. But there is something about the character I want to like. I hope he matures between now and the sequel.
That's the other thing... ** SPOILER ALERT ** There will be a sequel. There must be because the author left the novel in a cliff hanger. There was no climax to this story for the young man to show any gained maturity. That's not a complaint, merely a fact. (And it's not the first time it's happened; film-goers know The Empire Strikes Back did the same thing.) So Nathan will return. I'm glad for that because the upcoming story promises to tell the part of the plot I was really looking forward to. When he does, I hope he's more mature, I hope he swears less, and I hope someone orders him to stop saying, OK.
The Cartographer is not Treasure Island. When I read Treasure Island, I want to be Jim, I want to sail the seven seas, I want to fight pirates! The Cartographer did not make me want to be Nathan or travel through space. But I did enjoy watching him do it. The book engaged me enough that I look forward to the sequel in hopes that a more mature Nathan recruits me to not only read about him but to sail with him to the stars on a great adventure, fighting villainous aliens!
September 6, 2016
Science Fiction Adventure for All Ages
During the summer, high school student Nathan Chambers chooses spelunking and advanced summer classes over video games, mall haunting, and movies. When he and his friend Sam decide to break through a collapsed area in a Carlsbad, New Mexico cave, Nathan hopes to find fame, glory, and treasure. When he hears what he thinks is another spelunker trying snatch victory from his hammer, Nathan rushes in headlong.
Nathan describes the creature in the cave:
"It was as if a mad scientist took an octopus and placed it on a human body, in some insane experiment to create an aquatic version of Frankenstein. The creature stood over eight feet tall and the three tentacles sat in a way that made it appear as if the creature had some kind of crazy beard. He continued to fidget with the TV screen, unaware of my presence. The hands working the machinery were human-like, but with three fingers on its hands. The skin of the creature, illuminated by the large spotlight in the center of the room, was a denim-blue color like someone with poor blood circulation."
The creature severs Nathan's rope, his only link to safety and the outside world. The teen's life changes forever.
Using details and excellent characterizations, Mr. Gaydas expertly suspends our disbelief and allows us into the world he has created. Throughout his adventures, Nathan meets "creatures" with thoughts and feelings, an entity with an allergy to humans, a version of an intergalactic bureaucracy (Max Weber would be excited beyond belief), and stumbles onto a computer program which changes his outlook on life. He also learns enemies can be friends, things aren't always as they appear, and "alien" is a relative concept, even on earth.
While the book targets young people, readers of all ages will enjoy this wonderful science fiction adventure.
During the summer, high school student Nathan Chambers chooses spelunking and advanced summer classes over video games, mall haunting, and movies. When he and his friend Sam decide to break through a collapsed area in a Carlsbad, New Mexico cave, Nathan hopes to find fame, glory, and treasure. When he hears what he thinks is another spelunker trying snatch victory from his hammer, Nathan rushes in headlong.
Nathan describes the creature in the cave:
"It was as if a mad scientist took an octopus and placed it on a human body, in some insane experiment to create an aquatic version of Frankenstein. The creature stood over eight feet tall and the three tentacles sat in a way that made it appear as if the creature had some kind of crazy beard. He continued to fidget with the TV screen, unaware of my presence. The hands working the machinery were human-like, but with three fingers on its hands. The skin of the creature, illuminated by the large spotlight in the center of the room, was a denim-blue color like someone with poor blood circulation."
The creature severs Nathan's rope, his only link to safety and the outside world. The teen's life changes forever.
Using details and excellent characterizations, Mr. Gaydas expertly suspends our disbelief and allows us into the world he has created. Throughout his adventures, Nathan meets "creatures" with thoughts and feelings, an entity with an allergy to humans, a version of an intergalactic bureaucracy (Max Weber would be excited beyond belief), and stumbles onto a computer program which changes his outlook on life. He also learns enemies can be friends, things aren't always as they appear, and "alien" is a relative concept, even on earth.
While the book targets young people, readers of all ages will enjoy this wonderful science fiction adventure.
July 17, 2014
After I read the preview for this book, I was pretty interested in reading this story.
So basically what happens is two teens are cave exploring in Carlsbad, New Mexico. Sixteen year old Nathan, stumbles into a wormhole and is recruited by a mishmash cast of alien characters to help save the universe. First of all...great makings for a movie! The storyline takes off right away so no waiting around waiting for the writer to get to the point. I don't want to give too much of the story away, but it was funny, exciting adventure that was well thought out and well written. As a reader, I was engaged for the entire story, and I daresay that I am hoping for a book two!
As a parent who reads everything before I I let my child check it out. I would say that there is some light language in this book but is not used excessively, mostly the main character uses the phrase "Jesus Christ!" a few times and aside from the occasional damn, there was a son of a bitch in there. It was right along the lines of most of the other young adult books I have read. I think this would be a great book for boys who aren't really into reading. Nathan is relate able and the other characters are very likable and funny at times.
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
So basically what happens is two teens are cave exploring in Carlsbad, New Mexico. Sixteen year old Nathan, stumbles into a wormhole and is recruited by a mishmash cast of alien characters to help save the universe. First of all...great makings for a movie! The storyline takes off right away so no waiting around waiting for the writer to get to the point. I don't want to give too much of the story away, but it was funny, exciting adventure that was well thought out and well written. As a reader, I was engaged for the entire story, and I daresay that I am hoping for a book two!
As a parent who reads everything before I I let my child check it out. I would say that there is some light language in this book but is not used excessively, mostly the main character uses the phrase "Jesus Christ!" a few times and aside from the occasional damn, there was a son of a bitch in there. It was right along the lines of most of the other young adult books I have read. I think this would be a great book for boys who aren't really into reading. Nathan is relate able and the other characters are very likable and funny at times.
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
April 8, 2014
Received complimentary copy for honest review.
Believability is one of the most important factors in a story regardless of plot or genre and the story does that for me. . Nathan seems like a typical teenager thrust into this new unfolding world he now inhabits. The story is imaginative with good ideas. The book ends as for me how the first in a series should, with a cliffhangar. I always find with second books that I'm more at ease with characters from the first so I look forward to the next.
Believability is one of the most important factors in a story regardless of plot or genre and the story does that for me. . Nathan seems like a typical teenager thrust into this new unfolding world he now inhabits. The story is imaginative with good ideas. The book ends as for me how the first in a series should, with a cliffhangar. I always find with second books that I'm more at ease with characters from the first so I look forward to the next.
February 16, 2014
I better have read this...I helped WRITE it. Check the forward.
June 1, 2018
Needs editing.
This is a fun story. It is a bit predictable and formulaic, following well established tropes, but a fine enough tale to entertain. The copy editing needs work. There are numerous missing words, some small words, some more significant. I do not know if the author used vocal dictation, since that is often the case for this issue, in which case the punctuation was excited very well and the small words that were omitted was just a tiny portion of the work involved. Either way it should be corrected. There's not much more that a copy editor could've done for this work. An Editor could have marked some sections as being repetitive or in need of more energy or that the timing was off.
All in all not a bad pulp sci-fi youth book, I have already purchased the next two books in the series and will certainly read them. So far there is nothing to make me think that this story would have a long shelf life. It doesn't commit many sins to condemn its longevity ( too many pop references, too limited in vocabulary, or the like) rather it's a matter of just failing to rise above others in the genre.
This is a fun story. It is a bit predictable and formulaic, following well established tropes, but a fine enough tale to entertain. The copy editing needs work. There are numerous missing words, some small words, some more significant. I do not know if the author used vocal dictation, since that is often the case for this issue, in which case the punctuation was excited very well and the small words that were omitted was just a tiny portion of the work involved. Either way it should be corrected. There's not much more that a copy editor could've done for this work. An Editor could have marked some sections as being repetitive or in need of more energy or that the timing was off.
All in all not a bad pulp sci-fi youth book, I have already purchased the next two books in the series and will certainly read them. So far there is nothing to make me think that this story would have a long shelf life. It doesn't commit many sins to condemn its longevity ( too many pop references, too limited in vocabulary, or the like) rather it's a matter of just failing to rise above others in the genre.
June 2, 2017
Interesting invasion
This book is an interesting way of presenting an alien invasion. The idea behind capturing a young teenager and taking him far out into space and then coming back to earth is unusual. It is a good beginning to a potentially interesting series.
This book is an interesting way of presenting an alien invasion. The idea behind capturing a young teenager and taking him far out into space and then coming back to earth is unusual. It is a good beginning to a potentially interesting series.
October 16, 2025
Simply childish
Realizing that the book is from the viewpoint of a teenager, still think it is more like that of a naive 10-11 year old. The plot is ok, and some characters engaging. Won't be following.
Realizing that the book is from the viewpoint of a teenager, still think it is more like that of a naive 10-11 year old. The plot is ok, and some characters engaging. Won't be following.
September 24, 2025
Yuck a YA predictable novella with a cliffhanger ending.
October 23, 2025
3.5. It was ok. Nothing really wrong but I am not sure I will continue series tho. I don’t feel compelled to know what happens next.
January 16, 2025
A little childish but readable keeps you occupied.
April 11, 2015
One day Nathan goes spelunking with his best friend, Sam, the next he’s being offered a job as the new Cartographer for an Explorer’s League from an intergalactic Consortium. This would be any teenage boy’s dream, to travel the galaxies like Captain Kirk, discovering new planets and life-forms. But reality sets in, and now Nathan finds himself at the center of a conspiracy and the only Human able to save the planet Earth.
There are plenty of unique alien creatures, all of which are well-detailed and very believable, and the storyline is intriguing and full of action and adventure. I really enjoyed the story and am interested to see where book two goes. My only complaint is that everyone is either, roaring or bellowing.
If you like space faring tales and young adult books; you’ll enjoy this action-packed adventure. I give it my 5 feathers.
There are plenty of unique alien creatures, all of which are well-detailed and very believable, and the storyline is intriguing and full of action and adventure. I really enjoyed the story and am interested to see where book two goes. My only complaint is that everyone is either, roaring or bellowing.
If you like space faring tales and young adult books; you’ll enjoy this action-packed adventure. I give it my 5 feathers.
June 3, 2022
Ok book just have to see where it's going
Fast paced book at moments, main character a little better build up also a bit better background story. Feels sort of scattered plus it feels like if the author isn't feeling it with a character they die pretty fast. Interesting angle and perspective just needs a bit better build up. Hope the second book is better.
Fast paced book at moments, main character a little better build up also a bit better background story. Feels sort of scattered plus it feels like if the author isn't feeling it with a character they die pretty fast. Interesting angle and perspective just needs a bit better build up. Hope the second book is better.
March 5, 2016
GREAT BOOK!
The characters and the storyline were interesting and one that made you think it might be possible. What is out there, and are we just one of many different species in the universe.
The characters and the storyline were interesting and one that made you think it might be possible. What is out there, and are we just one of many different species in the universe.
March 21, 2014
I think the book was great, but you should take my opinion with a grain of salt....
August 17, 2015
It's okay....
It read like an after school special. Written for a younger audience. I expected it to be a little more along the adult line.
It read like an after school special. Written for a younger audience. I expected it to be a little more along the adult line.
April 21, 2017
An intergalactic war story with a twist.
I enjoyed the heros, villains, and aliens. I loved the idea of the map. An intergalactic war story with a twist.
I enjoyed the heros, villains, and aliens. I loved the idea of the map. An intergalactic war story with a twist.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews