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Free Trader #2
The Free Trader of Planet Vii
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.
- GenresScience FictionFantasy
304 pages, Paperback
Published March 4, 2016
189 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
About the author
Craig Martelle
304 books7,855 followersVisit Craig's web page, craigmartelle.com for the latest posts and updates or find him on Facebook, Author Craig Martelle. Send an email to craig@craigmartelle.com to join his mailing list for the latest on new releases, information on old releases, and anything related to his books.
I see my other lives, a career in the Marines, those damn hand-written tests in law school, a business consultant, as if they're stories from a book. I see my books as if I lived there, as if I were friends with the characters. All things we remember are behind us, only those we imagine lie before.
I'm not sure which place I prefer, but I don't have to choose. They live together in my mind. My books have some award nominations, they have bestseller tags across multiple countries. I write about justice, honor, and loyalty because that's what I care about. My stories are mostly set within worlds that haven't been, but could be. We have to be ready for when those times come.
No matter where I went, I always had a book with me. Thanks to 21st Century technology, I now have hundreds of books loaded on my phone and always with me. This breakthrough allows me to binge read my favorites. How many books would I have read on deployments had I not had to have a physical book with me? I paced myself so I wouldn't finish too quickly.
We aren't encumbered like that now. I love the works of Robert Heinlein, Anne McCaffrey, JRR Tolkien, Robert E. Howard, and so many more. I have been compared to Andre Norton and that is humbling - she was an incredible author with a huge list of novels to her credit. With every new book, I aspire to live up to those that you, the readers, have compared me to.
Through a bizarre series of events, I ended up in Fairbanks, Alaska. I never expected to retire to a place where golf courses are only open for four months out of the year. But that's the way it is. It is off the beaten path. My wife and I get to watch the northern lights from our driveway. Our dog has lots of room to run. And temperatures reach fifty below zero. We have from three and a half hours of daylight in the winter to twenty-four hours in the summer.
It's all part of the give and take of life. If we didn't have those extremes, then everyone would live in the sub-arctic.
I see my other lives, a career in the Marines, those damn hand-written tests in law school, a business consultant, as if they're stories from a book. I see my books as if I lived there, as if I were friends with the characters. All things we remember are behind us, only those we imagine lie before.
I'm not sure which place I prefer, but I don't have to choose. They live together in my mind. My books have some award nominations, they have bestseller tags across multiple countries. I write about justice, honor, and loyalty because that's what I care about. My stories are mostly set within worlds that haven't been, but could be. We have to be ready for when those times come.
No matter where I went, I always had a book with me. Thanks to 21st Century technology, I now have hundreds of books loaded on my phone and always with me. This breakthrough allows me to binge read my favorites. How many books would I have read on deployments had I not had to have a physical book with me? I paced myself so I wouldn't finish too quickly.
We aren't encumbered like that now. I love the works of Robert Heinlein, Anne McCaffrey, JRR Tolkien, Robert E. Howard, and so many more. I have been compared to Andre Norton and that is humbling - she was an incredible author with a huge list of novels to her credit. With every new book, I aspire to live up to those that you, the readers, have compared me to.
Through a bizarre series of events, I ended up in Fairbanks, Alaska. I never expected to retire to a place where golf courses are only open for four months out of the year. But that's the way it is. It is off the beaten path. My wife and I get to watch the northern lights from our driveway. Our dog has lots of room to run. And temperatures reach fifty below zero. We have from three and a half hours of daylight in the winter to twenty-four hours in the summer.
It's all part of the give and take of life. If we didn't have those extremes, then everyone would live in the sub-arctic.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
November 24, 2016
Free Trader Braden, his girl Micah, and their three genetically-engineered animal companions continue their adventures on the world of Cygnus VII. Braden and Micah uncover more of the mysteries of the planet's past as well as further secrets of The Ancients and their Old Tech. However, a new mutant threat faces the heroes and endangers the salvation to the planet's people offered by the unearthed Old Tech. The story flows well from the first volume and builds a realistic universe in the tradition of post-apocalyptic science fiction such as Gamma World and Metamorphosis Alpha.
January 10, 2022
I've just finished this book two of the Free Trader series, and have to admit that I loved this story.
I've really warmed up to the various characters who accompany Braden and Micah, and am very impatient to read on, to see how they cope with both parenthood, and the ongoing war of the Amazonian people.
The style of these books, with really short chapters, and the, sometimes, abrupt manner of writing, are really all that prevents me from giving the stories five star reviews, but these things don't prevent me from thoroughly enjoying their adventures, either.
As someone who grew up reading Anne McCaffrey, with her telepathic dragons - and cats - plus many of her co-authors' various telepathic people, whether human, animal, or alien, I've always been a sucker for any story involving any of them, so this series is ticking all the right boxes for me.
Sometimes, I find the problems, and their solutions, within these stories a little simplistic, but not to the extent that it makes the stories suffer any, so I feel that this newly discovered author of mine, Craig Martelle, will definitely be a stayer on my bookshelves from now on.
It also helps that most of the books I've bought by him, are ebooks, so won't take up valuable space on my actual bookshelves - which is a bonus, of course - and encourages me even more to keep on buying his works.
So, the next book for me to read, is book three of this series: The Adventure on RV Traveler.
I've really warmed up to the various characters who accompany Braden and Micah, and am very impatient to read on, to see how they cope with both parenthood, and the ongoing war of the Amazonian people.
The style of these books, with really short chapters, and the, sometimes, abrupt manner of writing, are really all that prevents me from giving the stories five star reviews, but these things don't prevent me from thoroughly enjoying their adventures, either.
As someone who grew up reading Anne McCaffrey, with her telepathic dragons - and cats - plus many of her co-authors' various telepathic people, whether human, animal, or alien, I've always been a sucker for any story involving any of them, so this series is ticking all the right boxes for me.
Sometimes, I find the problems, and their solutions, within these stories a little simplistic, but not to the extent that it makes the stories suffer any, so I feel that this newly discovered author of mine, Craig Martelle, will definitely be a stayer on my bookshelves from now on.
It also helps that most of the books I've bought by him, are ebooks, so won't take up valuable space on my actual bookshelves - which is a bonus, of course - and encourages me even more to keep on buying his works.
So, the next book for me to read, is book three of this series: The Adventure on RV Traveler.
July 9, 2025
Braden is Free Trader of the Planet VII
Along with his partner Micah and his animal companions they establish trade routes among the inhabitants of Vii. First to join and constant presence with Braden and Micah is the feline Golden Warrior, the Prince Axial De'Atesh of the Stone Cliffs Hillcats or G-War as he was known to the Companions. Aadi is another constant companion, First Master of the Tortoise Consortium, his large tortoid form gently floating through the air with his big shell or towed by the huge Aurochs named Brandt. Brandt's huge horns stretched many feet to either side of his big bovine head. G-War found his favorite riding position atop Aadi's head. Next in their crew is the Hawkoid, Skirill. Skirill maintains his overwatch of the Companions flying high above them. Last of their group is the 11 year old Bronwyn. Bronwyn can speak to and understand and talk to all of the Companion races.
As Braden and Companions set trade routes around the settlements of Vii, they find many new trading partners but also some enemies including a flock of birds, shaped like Ravens with batlike wings, they fill the sky with murderous intent. A pack of doglike creatures attack and molest the traders and travellers while meeting groups of lizard men, some friendly, some not. Braden and Micah work carefully to collect trading goods and partners. This is a good read!
Along with his partner Micah and his animal companions they establish trade routes among the inhabitants of Vii. First to join and constant presence with Braden and Micah is the feline Golden Warrior, the Prince Axial De'Atesh of the Stone Cliffs Hillcats or G-War as he was known to the Companions. Aadi is another constant companion, First Master of the Tortoise Consortium, his large tortoid form gently floating through the air with his big shell or towed by the huge Aurochs named Brandt. Brandt's huge horns stretched many feet to either side of his big bovine head. G-War found his favorite riding position atop Aadi's head. Next in their crew is the Hawkoid, Skirill. Skirill maintains his overwatch of the Companions flying high above them. Last of their group is the 11 year old Bronwyn. Bronwyn can speak to and understand and talk to all of the Companion races.
As Braden and Companions set trade routes around the settlements of Vii, they find many new trading partners but also some enemies including a flock of birds, shaped like Ravens with batlike wings, they fill the sky with murderous intent. A pack of doglike creatures attack and molest the traders and travellers while meeting groups of lizard men, some friendly, some not. Braden and Micah work carefully to collect trading goods and partners. This is a good read!
October 1, 2017
VERY GOOD SERIES
This is a very good continuation of book one . Braden and Micah, and their mutant friends, realise they are not just seeking fame and fortune, but have become the leaders to bridge the humans and muties of the southern area. The old tech has it uses, but they are aware of power and responsibility it requires to use it to help and not enslave. Thank you for keeping the excitement up in this book, Danny and Debbie Scott.
This is a very good continuation of book one . Braden and Micah, and their mutant friends, realise they are not just seeking fame and fortune, but have become the leaders to bridge the humans and muties of the southern area. The old tech has it uses, but they are aware of power and responsibility it requires to use it to help and not enslave. Thank you for keeping the excitement up in this book, Danny and Debbie Scott.
May 15, 2020
Well written adventure. Andre Norton would approve
The inter mingling of races. The believable characters. The vivid world building. These qualities all lead to and enjoyable and satisfying read. Just what I was looking for. This author did not disappoint. I look forward to exploring his other works as well.
The inter mingling of races. The believable characters. The vivid world building. These qualities all lead to and enjoyable and satisfying read. Just what I was looking for. This author did not disappoint. I look forward to exploring his other works as well.
September 16, 2022
Read this
If you haven't read the Free Trader series you really should. Craig Martelle creates marvelous worlds that lets your imagination run free. His characters are unique, diverse and in a constant state of change. All of this leads to books that are compelling and great fun to read. Enjoy!
If you haven't read the Free Trader series you really should. Craig Martelle creates marvelous worlds that lets your imagination run free. His characters are unique, diverse and in a constant state of change. All of this leads to books that are compelling and great fun to read. Enjoy!
November 6, 2024
Wow, another great chapter!
The details and the character personalities were excellent. The story continues to develop as the MCs grow into their roles. There are setbacks but also great strides forward toward their goals. Life goes on regardless and challenges continue to crop up. Definitely another good read.
The details and the character personalities were excellent. The story continues to develop as the MCs grow into their roles. There are setbacks but also great strides forward toward their goals. Life goes on regardless and challenges continue to crop up. Definitely another good read.
November 11, 2019
Started these books because I am a cat lover. Though I wasn't sure what to think at first I am hooked. They are funny, entertaining and flow nicely. The chapters are short making it easy token your place and the story moves along nicely. Seven more books to go.
November 6, 2017
great story
great sequel to the first
I do wish that amazon was not forcing me to write more just so I can leave rating
great sequel to the first
I do wish that amazon was not forcing me to write more just so I can leave rating
April 5, 2019
Free trader Cygnus Vii
Such an interesting way of introducing simpler people to a socially just way of life with open minds to different beings.
Such an interesting way of introducing simpler people to a socially just way of life with open minds to different beings.
October 29, 2019
I love this series! Please do yourself a kindness and read it as soon as you can. I’m on my way to book 3, hurray!
Read via Kindle Unlimited
Read via Kindle Unlimited
Read
February 16, 20202/10: Managed half the book, tempted to read more but just couldn't get there.
March 17, 2021
The companions journey continues as they make both allies and enemies in their quest to bring free trade to everyone.this book is highlighted by a momentous event in the lives of braden and Micah.
June 2, 2022
A little repetitive at times with all the trading routes, but enough to keep my interest.
November 17, 2022
awesome series
This story is not to be missed you’ll get everything laughter, tears , joy, sadness and every other emotion these books are wonderful
This story is not to be missed you’ll get everything laughter, tears , joy, sadness and every other emotion these books are wonderful
February 10, 2024
Epic fantasy adventure
How does one man rebuild a free society? With a lot of help from good friends! Engaging characters, including many non-humans. Enjoy!
How does one man rebuild a free society? With a lot of help from good friends! Engaging characters, including many non-humans. Enjoy!
August 4, 2024
It's ok, 2.5 so rounded up to 3. I'll give one more a go.
December 2, 2024
RECOMMENDED
June 21, 2018
Braden and Micah, bring trade and alliances to small towns in the south along with elevated animals as their companions. (DNA manipulation has upraised to sentience a cat, a hawk, a tortoise among others.) The 2nd in the Free Trader series. It is an interesting story of people rebuilding a destroyed civilization which they don't realize in depth until they find the old tech sanctuary. Since the original settlers from Earth went to war and destroyed themselves using tech, how much knowledge is helpful and how much will simply lead to more war?
To some extent this series reminds me of The Dragonriders of Pern, but for whatever reason the characters don't pull me in the way Anne McCaffrey's Dragonriders did. I don't consider either to be fantasy as some reviews here state this to be.
To some extent this series reminds me of The Dragonriders of Pern, but for whatever reason the characters don't pull me in the way Anne McCaffrey's Dragonriders did. I don't consider either to be fantasy as some reviews here state this to be.
February 27, 2017
I almost found this book to be unreadable. The first was not terrific but enjoyable. Not so for book 2. I will not read any more of them
Read
March 13, 2016The second in a multi-volume series on the human-colonized planet of Cygnus VII, or Vii as they call it.
The Free Trader and his companions decide that trading Old Tech would lead to another terrible war. Instead, they work to keep it out of the hands of an increasing number of belligerents. They continue to expand the trade routes in the south to include both mutants and humans, but friction grows. Braden and his companions go to war against a mutant menace that threatens to wipe out all life in the south. With Old Tech in hand, a rough plan in mind, and the companions at his side, they engage the enemy.
The Free Trader and his companions decide that trading Old Tech would lead to another terrible war. Instead, they work to keep it out of the hands of an increasing number of belligerents. They continue to expand the trade routes in the south to include both mutants and humans, but friction grows. Braden and his companions go to war against a mutant menace that threatens to wipe out all life in the south. With Old Tech in hand, a rough plan in mind, and the companions at his side, they engage the enemy.
September 18, 2016
Wonderful story
This book was so good. Braden and his companions fight against tyranny and evil to make humans more civilized. Braden definitely has a vision and he wants to pass it on to everyone he meets. I love the characters and the storyline. I can't wait to get my hands on the third book in the series.
This book was so good. Braden and his companions fight against tyranny and evil to make humans more civilized. Braden definitely has a vision and he wants to pass it on to everyone he meets. I love the characters and the storyline. I can't wait to get my hands on the third book in the series.
May 17, 2020
Totally enjoyable
I'm now totally invested in this series and looking forward to the next adventure. A nice adventure story with enjoyable characters.
I'm now totally invested in this series and looking forward to the next adventure. A nice adventure story with enjoyable characters.
August 10, 2016
Great book
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews