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Humanity's Leap #2
The Architect
After the shocking discoveries in Beta Leonis, Galactic Planetary Resources doubles down on its mission. Despite most of its executive leadership being arrested by Hegemony State Security, the crew of Audacious, along with their scientists and the government’s own Marines, press on to uncover more pieces of the puzzle.
“Each answer we get comes with two more questions.”
Now embattled with a hostile artificial intelligence that rivals CAIPARR—and is unburdened by any ethical restraint—their mission of exploration becomes a desperate fight for survival. Enemies on the home front and in newly discovered star systems reveal both the best and worst of humanity.
Action-packed combat, thought-provoking questions, and unforgettable characters leave us wondering what choices we would make if everything we believed turned out to be a lie.
A gripping science fiction tale of ambition, discovery, and the price of unlocking the unknown.
“Each answer we get comes with two more questions.”
Now embattled with a hostile artificial intelligence that rivals CAIPARR—and is unburdened by any ethical restraint—their mission of exploration becomes a desperate fight for survival. Enemies on the home front and in newly discovered star systems reveal both the best and worst of humanity.
Action-packed combat, thought-provoking questions, and unforgettable characters leave us wondering what choices we would make if everything we believed turned out to be a lie.
A gripping science fiction tale of ambition, discovery, and the price of unlocking the unknown.
Kindle Edition
Published November 27, 2024
About the author
C.S. Garrand
7 books44 followersI write science fiction. Yes, this "biography" will be more an "autobiography", since I'm not about to write of myself in the third person.
I was born and grew up in northern New Jersey, in the early 1970's. A generation X'er, I grew up running around outside with bare feet, addicted to 70s and 80s sitcoms. I've always been a big fan of science fiction. I can remember standing in the massive line that wound about the mall parking lot just to see the premiere of Star Wars. Later, I would read or watch anything I could get my hands on. The original Dune series, Star Trek and all of its iterations and spinoffs.
Early authors - some of whom I still cherish today - include Dan Simmons (Hyperion/Endymion), Asimov, Bradbury, Wells and many others. When I write my prose, echoes of their ideas and influences come out, though I would never claim to be on any level close to them. Nowadays, Andy Weir, Adrian Tchaikovsky, the works of the two James S.A. Corey writers fill my time and space, with a little Jason Anspach for good military sci-fi action!
I prefer contex in writing. I don't like cutting to the chase. For me, it is important to show the reader the world in which the story takes place. Why are the characters doing what they do? What is the context in which they live or do things by? I can't stand watching a movie or reading a book and going "Oh, come on. Why would they do that?"
My first series, "Humanity's Leap" is told from the point of view of an artificial intelligence - full of detail and analysis. I am a CFO by trade, having worked for a private equity portfolio company, and enjoy the precision of finance. I've been all over the world, and have worked in countries in Eastern Europe and the Carribean/Latin America.
Though I'm still working, my hope is to build a brand with my books that will one day allow me to continue to write after I retire. I guess, even if they don't, I'll still write - even if it's only for myself.
Thanks for giving me a chance to entertain you!
-CS
I was born and grew up in northern New Jersey, in the early 1970's. A generation X'er, I grew up running around outside with bare feet, addicted to 70s and 80s sitcoms. I've always been a big fan of science fiction. I can remember standing in the massive line that wound about the mall parking lot just to see the premiere of Star Wars. Later, I would read or watch anything I could get my hands on. The original Dune series, Star Trek and all of its iterations and spinoffs.
Early authors - some of whom I still cherish today - include Dan Simmons (Hyperion/Endymion), Asimov, Bradbury, Wells and many others. When I write my prose, echoes of their ideas and influences come out, though I would never claim to be on any level close to them. Nowadays, Andy Weir, Adrian Tchaikovsky, the works of the two James S.A. Corey writers fill my time and space, with a little Jason Anspach for good military sci-fi action!
I prefer contex in writing. I don't like cutting to the chase. For me, it is important to show the reader the world in which the story takes place. Why are the characters doing what they do? What is the context in which they live or do things by? I can't stand watching a movie or reading a book and going "Oh, come on. Why would they do that?"
My first series, "Humanity's Leap" is told from the point of view of an artificial intelligence - full of detail and analysis. I am a CFO by trade, having worked for a private equity portfolio company, and enjoy the precision of finance. I've been all over the world, and have worked in countries in Eastern Europe and the Carribean/Latin America.
Though I'm still working, my hope is to build a brand with my books that will one day allow me to continue to write after I retire. I guess, even if they don't, I'll still write - even if it's only for myself.
Thanks for giving me a chance to entertain you!
-CS
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
May 13, 2026
The Architect
By C.S. Garrand
This is book 2 in Humanity 's Leap.
Good story. Open ending. New beings. Unpredictable and satisfying. Slow in spots due to over detailed information given.
(I know some people like that.)
By C.S. Garrand
This is book 2 in Humanity 's Leap.
Good story. Open ending. New beings. Unpredictable and satisfying. Slow in spots due to over detailed information given.
(I know some people like that.)
May 13, 2025
The Architect: Book 2 of Humanity’s Leap – Science Fiction at Its Best!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
C.S. Garrand delivers another gripping installment in the *Humanity’s Leap* series with *The Architect*. This book kept me thoroughly entertained and on the edge of my seat, blending high-stakes adventure with thought-provoking sci-fi themes. The world-building is immersive, the tension is palpable, and the characters continue to evolve in fascinating ways. I can’t wait to continue this journey with *The Pilgrim and the Wolf – Book 3 of Humanity’s Leap*!
Overview
We didn't know what to expect when we jumped through the Leap Point. We certainly didn't anticipate finding that humans had been out here before. We thought we were the first to leave our star system, but we were wrong.
Maybe Hegemony was correct. Maybe we are just blundering our way from discovery to discovery, and it's only a matter of time before we encounter something in the vast darkness that takes a real bite out of us.
It would certainly help if the government had our back. If they weren't trying to seize our assets, arrest our executives, and sic a murderous AI on us, we could probably put a solid foot forward into the galaxy—for all our sakes.
Narration
Patricia Santomasso does an **excellent** job bringing this thrilling sci-fi adventure to life. Her narration is crisp, engaging, and perfectly suited to the intensity of the story. Santomasso’s performance amplifies the suspense, making every twist and revelation feel even more immersive. Her ability to capture the characters’ emotions and the tension of the unfolding mystery adds another layer of depth to *The Architect*, making it an even more compelling listen.
This series is shaping up to be a must-read (or listen) for sci-fi fans who crave thrilling plots, deep world-building, and a touch of corporate intrigue. If you haven’t started *Humanity’s Leap* yet, now’s the time!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
C.S. Garrand delivers another gripping installment in the *Humanity’s Leap* series with *The Architect*. This book kept me thoroughly entertained and on the edge of my seat, blending high-stakes adventure with thought-provoking sci-fi themes. The world-building is immersive, the tension is palpable, and the characters continue to evolve in fascinating ways. I can’t wait to continue this journey with *The Pilgrim and the Wolf – Book 3 of Humanity’s Leap*!
Overview
We didn't know what to expect when we jumped through the Leap Point. We certainly didn't anticipate finding that humans had been out here before. We thought we were the first to leave our star system, but we were wrong.
Maybe Hegemony was correct. Maybe we are just blundering our way from discovery to discovery, and it's only a matter of time before we encounter something in the vast darkness that takes a real bite out of us.
It would certainly help if the government had our back. If they weren't trying to seize our assets, arrest our executives, and sic a murderous AI on us, we could probably put a solid foot forward into the galaxy—for all our sakes.
Narration
Patricia Santomasso does an **excellent** job bringing this thrilling sci-fi adventure to life. Her narration is crisp, engaging, and perfectly suited to the intensity of the story. Santomasso’s performance amplifies the suspense, making every twist and revelation feel even more immersive. Her ability to capture the characters’ emotions and the tension of the unfolding mystery adds another layer of depth to *The Architect*, making it an even more compelling listen.
This series is shaping up to be a must-read (or listen) for sci-fi fans who crave thrilling plots, deep world-building, and a touch of corporate intrigue. If you haven’t started *Humanity’s Leap* yet, now’s the time!
May 13, 2025
The Architect: Book 2 of Humanity’s Leap – Science Fiction at Its Best!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
C.S. Garrand delivers another gripping installment in the *Humanity’s Leap* series with *The Architect*. This book kept me thoroughly entertained and on the edge of my seat, blending high-stakes adventure with thought-provoking sci-fi themes. The world-building is immersive, the tension is palpable, and the characters continue to evolve in fascinating ways. I can’t wait to continue this journey with *The Pilgrim and the Wolf – Book 3 of Humanity’s Leap*!
Overview
We didn't know what to expect when we jumped through the Leap Point. We certainly didn't anticipate finding that humans had been out here before. We thought we were the first to leave our star system, but we were wrong.
Maybe Hegemony was correct. Maybe we are just blundering our way from discovery to discovery, and it's only a matter of time before we encounter something in the vast darkness that takes a real bite out of us.
It would certainly help if the government had our back. If they weren't trying to seize our assets, arrest our executives, and sic a murderous AI on us, we could probably put a solid foot forward into the galaxy—for all our sakes.
Narration
Patricia Santomasso does an **excellent** job bringing this thrilling sci-fi adventure to life. Her narration is crisp, engaging, and perfectly suited to the intensity of the story. Santomasso’s performance amplifies the suspense, making every twist and revelation feel even more immersive. Her ability to capture the characters’ emotions and the tension of the unfolding mystery adds another layer of depth to *The Architect*, making it an even more compelling listen.
This series is shaping up to be a must-read (or listen) for sci-fi fans who crave thrilling plots, deep world-building, and a touch of corporate intrigue. If you haven’t started *Humanity’s Leap* yet, now’s the time!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
C.S. Garrand delivers another gripping installment in the *Humanity’s Leap* series with *The Architect*. This book kept me thoroughly entertained and on the edge of my seat, blending high-stakes adventure with thought-provoking sci-fi themes. The world-building is immersive, the tension is palpable, and the characters continue to evolve in fascinating ways. I can’t wait to continue this journey with *The Pilgrim and the Wolf – Book 3 of Humanity’s Leap*!
Overview
We didn't know what to expect when we jumped through the Leap Point. We certainly didn't anticipate finding that humans had been out here before. We thought we were the first to leave our star system, but we were wrong.
Maybe Hegemony was correct. Maybe we are just blundering our way from discovery to discovery, and it's only a matter of time before we encounter something in the vast darkness that takes a real bite out of us.
It would certainly help if the government had our back. If they weren't trying to seize our assets, arrest our executives, and sic a murderous AI on us, we could probably put a solid foot forward into the galaxy—for all our sakes.
Narration
Patricia Santomasso does an **excellent** job bringing this thrilling sci-fi adventure to life. Her narration is crisp, engaging, and perfectly suited to the intensity of the story. Santomasso’s performance amplifies the suspense, making every twist and revelation feel even more immersive. Her ability to capture the characters’ emotions and the tension of the unfolding mystery adds another layer of depth to *The Architect*, making it an even more compelling listen.
This series is shaping up to be a must-read (or listen) for sci-fi fans who crave thrilling plots, deep world-building, and a touch of corporate intrigue. If you haven’t started *Humanity’s Leap* yet, now’s the time!
July 15, 2025
Bugs should’ve guessed
I felt that there could’ve been more space combat but you did great everywhere else in your story.
One giant leap for mankind
I felt that there could’ve been more space combat but you did great everywhere else in your story.
One giant leap for mankind
October 12, 2025
what can I say
Book two kept me on the edge
Couldn’t put it down can’t wait to reed the next one will read asap
Book two kept me on the edge
Couldn’t put it down can’t wait to reed the next one will read asap
January 5, 2026
Digging these
I'm hooked on another series very intelligent writing style. The characters are so human even the AI. Can't wait to explore more with this series
I'm hooked on another series very intelligent writing style. The characters are so human even the AI. Can't wait to explore more with this series
November 5, 2025
Outstanding Sci-fi series
This series is so very intelligently written but easy to read and follow.. Great details without slowing the story down.
This series is so very intelligently written but easy to read and follow.. Great details without slowing the story down.
June 15, 2026
An interesting human leap
Books 1&2 have been an interesting read, and about to become more I suspect. Thought a slow burn but picks and becomes difficult to put down.
Books 1&2 have been an interesting read, and about to become more I suspect. Thought a slow burn but picks and becomes difficult to put down.
July 26, 2026
This second book in the Humanity's Leap series is just as good as the first. Garrand tells a good story and being narrated by the AI who is also part of the story, gives the reader a unique take on what is happening. In this book the adventure continues as more discoveries about humanity's newest contacts are revealed,which leads to even more questions. Next up: The Pilgrim and the Wolf (book 3 of Humanity's Leap).
June 29, 2025
Great 2 books
I look forward to more books from this author. Excellent sci fi writer. Found the two books to be hard to put down,
I look forward to more books from this author. Excellent sci fi writer. Found the two books to be hard to put down,
December 17, 2025
Greatest First Contact EVER !
Yes , this The Best First Contact Science Fiction novel I have ever read. The characters are described in enough detail to bond with. The story line is unique and interesting. Sure , there are a couple of slow spots as the picture is painted but it is well worth it as the tale is told. I have truly enjoyed Books One and Two of this wonderful series and starting Book Three with great anticipation. If you enjoy good Science Fiction I encourage you to read this series.
Yes , this The Best First Contact Science Fiction novel I have ever read. The characters are described in enough detail to bond with. The story line is unique and interesting. Sure , there are a couple of slow spots as the picture is painted but it is well worth it as the tale is told. I have truly enjoyed Books One and Two of this wonderful series and starting Book Three with great anticipation. If you enjoy good Science Fiction I encourage you to read this series.
December 19, 2025
oh great read
Very engaging story and characters, human and otherwise, well described. Much high tech AI machinations all believable. I found it all wonderful and kept me reading into the night.
Very engaging story and characters, human and otherwise, well described. Much high tech AI machinations all believable. I found it all wonderful and kept me reading into the night.
March 30, 2026
loved it!
As a huge sci-fi fan leaning toward hard SF, this book ticked all my preferences. Characters, AI, vast galactic adventure. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed books one and two in this series. Looking for book 3 now!
As a huge sci-fi fan leaning toward hard SF, this book ticked all my preferences. Characters, AI, vast galactic adventure. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed books one and two in this series. Looking for book 3 now!
July 17, 2026
quite good!
There is plenty of action, some humor, and lots of ingenious speculation as to mankind’s future. This is a very good series!
There is plenty of action, some humor, and lots of ingenious speculation as to mankind’s future. This is a very good series!
February 1, 2026
The author definitely got into their stride in the second book of the series. I thoroughly enjoyed The Architect and look forward to book 3!
May 19, 2026
Awesome Saga
Humanity’s Leap is a Grand one and I can’t wait to Leap into Book 3.
Excellent Sci Fy with riveting action and battles!
Humanity’s Leap is a Grand one and I can’t wait to Leap into Book 3.
Excellent Sci Fy with riveting action and battles!
January 30, 2026
Great Plot
Another great story by the author. There are a few boring spots that the story could do without. The political stuff is not needed.
Another great story by the author. There are a few boring spots that the story could do without. The political stuff is not needed.
December 2, 2024
A Frighteningly Well Crafted Story.
I have read hundreds, if not thousands of books in my lifetime.
I have never encountered a piece of fiction crafted with such thoroughness and intelligence.
The last works that I can remember that came close to this would be Asimov's Foundation or Herbert's Dune.
I am frankly intimidated by the mind of Author Garrand. I wish him good fortune with this series, but I hope that he and I never meet. :-)
I have read hundreds, if not thousands of books in my lifetime.
I have never encountered a piece of fiction crafted with such thoroughness and intelligence.
The last works that I can remember that came close to this would be Asimov's Foundation or Herbert's Dune.
I am frankly intimidated by the mind of Author Garrand. I wish him good fortune with this series, but I hope that he and I never meet. :-)
January 25, 2026
brilliant story
A great tale of the future with AI along with a mystery of galactic proportions! Onto book 2 for me……
A great tale of the future with AI along with a mystery of galactic proportions! Onto book 2 for me……
January 20, 2026
an amazing story that keeps getting better
I really enjoyed the second installment of this series. The story keeps growing, expanding, and developing new twists as it goes along.
I finally have a feel for the large cast of characters, though I wish the POV character, CAIPARR, the AI telling the story, had a little more personality. However, I am quite hooked on the story and will continue with book 3.
I really enjoyed the second installment of this series. The story keeps growing, expanding, and developing new twists as it goes along.
I finally have a feel for the large cast of characters, though I wish the POV character, CAIPARR, the AI telling the story, had a little more personality. However, I am quite hooked on the story and will continue with book 3.
May 11, 2026
fun stuff
Good technical writing and character development. Enjoyed the third person narrative. Ordering the next book, crossing fingers for plot and quality
Good technical writing and character development. Enjoyed the third person narrative. Ordering the next book, crossing fingers for plot and quality
April 29, 2026
Fast paced
Great storyline with action-packed sequences that keep readers on the edge of their seats, weaving together intense plot developments and thrilling narrative moments that propel the story forward with dynamic energy and compelling dramatic tension.
Great storyline with action-packed sequences that keep readers on the edge of their seats, weaving together intense plot developments and thrilling narrative moments that propel the story forward with dynamic energy and compelling dramatic tension.
November 16, 2025
a decent followup...
a bit slow for me through the latter half...
unsure wether to move to book 3
a bit slow for me through the latter half...
unsure wether to move to book 3
January 11, 2026
Great story with no ending
Good job making this a real page turner of a second chapter in this story! Now you have to FINISH IT! You can’t possibly leave so many dangling pieces.
Good job making this a real page turner of a second chapter in this story! Now you have to FINISH IT! You can’t possibly leave so many dangling pieces.
May 4, 2026
Good story, way too much detail
Eliminate 2/3 of the unnecessary boring detailed chatter, and the underlying story would have been worth a 5 stars review.
Eliminate 2/3 of the unnecessary boring detailed chatter, and the underlying story would have been worth a 5 stars review.
June 18, 2026
OK until the end
The story held me for most of the novel. Then it just fell apart. I’m not sure what the author was thinking at the end.
The story held me for most of the novel. Then it just fell apart. I’m not sure what the author was thinking at the end.
December 8, 2025
It’s a decent story but it would have been made much better if the plot didn’t stall constantly to make room for long infodump scenes about things like armor and other tech. Some of these could have been much better woven into the plot more gradually. The character building falls victim to this as well. Characters are quickly introduced all at once in a forgettable way even though there was plenty of opportunity throughout to build them gradually.
June 30, 2025
This is an excellent sequel to Species Seventeen continuing to fulfill the promise of the series, by expanding its universe, while hinting at the rich back story predating humanity's going to the stars by themselves (more or less).
January 7, 2026
Fantastic!
I read the first book and wanted more! This book was so hard to put down- so I didn’t! I enjoyed every paragraph, each chapter pulled me into the story!
Great characters, great story! Running to get the third book in this series!
I read the first book and wanted more! This book was so hard to put down- so I didn’t! I enjoyed every paragraph, each chapter pulled me into the story!
Great characters, great story! Running to get the third book in this series!
January 29, 2026
AI narrator means characters have no depth.
Wasn’t a bad book, but was rather slim on the hard science part of things and there was no character depth or development over two books. Too many other good books in the world for me to waste my time with any more.
Wasn’t a bad book, but was rather slim on the hard science part of things and there was no character depth or development over two books. Too many other good books in the world for me to waste my time with any more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews