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The Pilgrim and the Wolf: Book 3 of Humanity's Leap
Book Three of
Humanity’s Leap
.
The node is now unlocked, and Irina Orlova has vanished.
With the failed coup on Hegemony put down and Audacious three star systems away, Earth must now come together in order to look beyond its solar system to the greater galaxy. Captain Rohit Mishra, together with Staff Sergeant Dixon and Second Squad, accompany their new allies, the Lomolai, in a mission to find out what happened to Orlova. When they learn where she's gone, it strains credulity.
What happens when a subset of Earth's population from times of antiquity is removed from our past, placed in a new star system, given advanced technology and allowed to develop on its own for thousands of years? Species One created project worlds for this purpose, but humans on Earth never conceived that they were the ones late to the party, and that humanity had already taken root elsewhere.
Now, equipped with advanced tech from the Workshop and a sentient artificial consciousness, the historical past collides with a future no one could have imagined.
The node is now unlocked, and Irina Orlova has vanished.
With the failed coup on Hegemony put down and Audacious three star systems away, Earth must now come together in order to look beyond its solar system to the greater galaxy. Captain Rohit Mishra, together with Staff Sergeant Dixon and Second Squad, accompany their new allies, the Lomolai, in a mission to find out what happened to Orlova. When they learn where she's gone, it strains credulity.
What happens when a subset of Earth's population from times of antiquity is removed from our past, placed in a new star system, given advanced technology and allowed to develop on its own for thousands of years? Species One created project worlds for this purpose, but humans on Earth never conceived that they were the ones late to the party, and that humanity had already taken root elsewhere.
Now, equipped with advanced tech from the Workshop and a sentient artificial consciousness, the historical past collides with a future no one could have imagined.
508 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 26, 2025
178 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
About the author
C.S. Garrand
4 books27 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 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 14, 2025
The third book of this wonderful series brings in new characters, locations, species and polities while revealing only a little about the deeper secrets of the universe. Most notably the existence of Pilgrims, beings who have extra genetic markers that allow them to interact directly with the spiritual aspect of the universe, what humans (species 17) call asymmetrical space or the Lomolai (species 11 and closest allies of humanity under the aegis of The Creators or Species 1 - though of course modern Earth humans didn't know that until the events of book 1) call, Al'swafiu. In humans, these markers are denoted QE (quantum entagled) DNA and the one Pilgrim of our storyline whom everyone seeks for various reasons, is quite surprised when she discovers she has such.
As in the first two books, the multiple storylines are narrated by CAIPARR's various instances who are present in a form or another, though as before we get various scenes through visions, dreams and prophecies which CAIPARR witnesses too, either as a direct recipient or as part of a human's consciousness.
The book is full of energy and inventiveness- even ramped up compared to the first two volumes - though there is tragedy too and characters die on occasion.
The general storyline of this novel is brought to a satisfactory tbc conclusion and even various side storylines ("Martin Greenwood", the integration of GPR with the Hegemony etc) are advanced but in the last four pages the author takes a gamble and ends on a literal cliffhanger out of nowhere so to speak - the book's last page has a helpful The End sparing one's astonishment at trying to turn to the next page and find there is none for now. While this gamble makes the promised fourth book a huge asap, at least on the first reading it gave me mixed feelings though hopefully we won't have to wait too much for the story continuation.
Overall, an excellent book - would rank it as top sf of 2025 to date - in a great innovative sf series and a fairly self-contained installment up to page 504/508. Highly recommended, and the sequel a huge drop everything else and read on publication.
As in the first two books, the multiple storylines are narrated by CAIPARR's various instances who are present in a form or another, though as before we get various scenes through visions, dreams and prophecies which CAIPARR witnesses too, either as a direct recipient or as part of a human's consciousness.
The book is full of energy and inventiveness- even ramped up compared to the first two volumes - though there is tragedy too and characters die on occasion.
The general storyline of this novel is brought to a satisfactory tbc conclusion and even various side storylines ("Martin Greenwood", the integration of GPR with the Hegemony etc) are advanced but in the last four pages the author takes a gamble and ends on a literal cliffhanger out of nowhere so to speak - the book's last page has a helpful The End sparing one's astonishment at trying to turn to the next page and find there is none for now. While this gamble makes the promised fourth book a huge asap, at least on the first reading it gave me mixed feelings though hopefully we won't have to wait too much for the story continuation.
Overall, an excellent book - would rank it as top sf of 2025 to date - in a great innovative sf series and a fairly self-contained installment up to page 504/508. Highly recommended, and the sequel a huge drop everything else and read on publication.
August 1, 2025
helpful and long
You really got to work on advertising your series I only saw you release book 3 because my kindle has a list that shows next books in series I’m reading.
To better advertise you could join book groups on Reddit/Facebook and post about your stuff. Also start a YouTube channel to blog about how your writing is going.
You really got to work on advertising your series I only saw you release book 3 because my kindle has a list that shows next books in series I’m reading.
To better advertise you could join book groups on Reddit/Facebook and post about your stuff. Also start a YouTube channel to blog about how your writing is going.
July 30, 2025
The Pilgrim and the Wolf (Humanity’s Leap #3) by C.S. Garrand
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ancient humans, hidden stars, and one impossible mission. Garrand’s universe just got wilder!
CS Garrand has done it again! The Pilgrim and the Wolf is another pulse-pounding installment in one of my all-time favorite series — a sweeping space opera with the heart of The Expanse and the originality to stand firmly on its own. If you’ve been waiting for a sci-fi saga that juggles interstellar diplomacy, ancient human echoes, and big philosophical questions, this one’s got your launch codes.
Overview:
The node is unlocked. Irina Orlova has disappeared.
With Earth reeling from a failed coup and its flagship Audacious stationed three star systems away, Captain Rohit Mishra and Second Squad join forces with their alien allies, the Lomolai, in pursuit of answers — answers that lead to revelations defying logic and history.
As the crew uncovers a shocking truth — that humanity may not have originated solely on Earth, but flourished elsewhere, seeded by Species One — Garrand invites us to imagine a breakaway civilization equipped with technologies Earth scientists can barely fathom. Ancient humans, isolated for millennia, now re-emerging into the galactic fold.
Armed with Workshop tech and a sentient AI companion, our protagonists face a collision of past and future that reshapes everything we thought we knew about the cosmos — and ourselves.
Final thoughts:
C.S. Garrand masterfully blends military sci-fi grit with sweeping metaphysical wonder. The characters continue to grow in depth and nuance, the stakes are raised without losing emotional intimacy, and the worldbuilding is breathtaking. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough, and now I’m counting them down to Book 4.
Happy reading 🚀🪐🐺📚
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ancient humans, hidden stars, and one impossible mission. Garrand’s universe just got wilder!
CS Garrand has done it again! The Pilgrim and the Wolf is another pulse-pounding installment in one of my all-time favorite series — a sweeping space opera with the heart of The Expanse and the originality to stand firmly on its own. If you’ve been waiting for a sci-fi saga that juggles interstellar diplomacy, ancient human echoes, and big philosophical questions, this one’s got your launch codes.
Overview:
The node is unlocked. Irina Orlova has disappeared.
With Earth reeling from a failed coup and its flagship Audacious stationed three star systems away, Captain Rohit Mishra and Second Squad join forces with their alien allies, the Lomolai, in pursuit of answers — answers that lead to revelations defying logic and history.
As the crew uncovers a shocking truth — that humanity may not have originated solely on Earth, but flourished elsewhere, seeded by Species One — Garrand invites us to imagine a breakaway civilization equipped with technologies Earth scientists can barely fathom. Ancient humans, isolated for millennia, now re-emerging into the galactic fold.
Armed with Workshop tech and a sentient AI companion, our protagonists face a collision of past and future that reshapes everything we thought we knew about the cosmos — and ourselves.
Final thoughts:
C.S. Garrand masterfully blends military sci-fi grit with sweeping metaphysical wonder. The characters continue to grow in depth and nuance, the stakes are raised without losing emotional intimacy, and the worldbuilding is breathtaking. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough, and now I’m counting them down to Book 4.
Happy reading 🚀🪐🐺📚
December 7, 2025
An amazing book!
The author has such a way with descriptions! I actually can see what he is describing!
I burned through the whole series, and cant wait for the next one.
The author has such a way with descriptions! I actually can see what he is describing!
I burned through the whole series, and cant wait for the next one.
January 6, 2026
great read
Great story, good characterization, enough so you understand the characters, i love the sci-fi edge. Definitely recommended, couldn’t put it down.
Great story, good characterization, enough so you understand the characters, i love the sci-fi edge. Definitely recommended, couldn’t put it down.
November 7, 2025
Humanity’s Leap
I enjoyed these 3 books very much. Great characters and plot. Finding both Greek and Roman civilizations was unexpected for me. Good ending cliffhanger. Overall 3 great reads.
I enjoyed these 3 books very much. Great characters and plot. Finding both Greek and Roman civilizations was unexpected for me. Good ending cliffhanger. Overall 3 great reads.
November 7, 2025
another epic read
This series just keeps getting better and better. Hope the author keeps it going! Would be sad if he did not.
This series just keeps getting better and better. Hope the author keeps it going! Would be sad if he did not.
January 10, 2026
A series and book to rival any space tech opera
Interesting and original. A page turner. I wish there were more volumes available in this series. This was a new author for me and I enjoyed this introduction!
Interesting and original. A page turner. I wish there were more volumes available in this series. This was a new author for me and I enjoyed this introduction!
February 24, 2026
it’s all Greek to me
I’m continuing to enjoy this Humanity’s Leap series. Although just as I thought the story was going to wrap up nicely, Mr Garrund pulled out a cliffhanger, much to my chagrin. And ended it in the middle of an…oops, almost dropped a spoiler. I guess the series is not a trilogy. Hmm. Anyway, this book picks up the story with GPR scientist, Irina Orlova, finding herself in a very strange place. The people who find/rescue her are humans, speak an Ancient Greek dialect, and have the same polytheistic beliefs, yet have advanced technology. Following the discoveries of the previous stories, it isn’t hard to deduce that these people were moved to this star system from Earth thousands of years ago by Species One.
Meanwhile, CAIPARR, the GPR team, and UEH resources are trying to figure out what happened to Ms. Orlova and where she is.
Overall, well written, though I noticed a few more small errors creeping in (wrong/missing words, repeated sentence) but still very few. Some very complex scenarios with the ground and space battles, and enemies and friendlies changing roles multiple times. Still irked about the surprise cliffhanger…
I’m continuing to enjoy this Humanity’s Leap series. Although just as I thought the story was going to wrap up nicely, Mr Garrund pulled out a cliffhanger, much to my chagrin. And ended it in the middle of an…oops, almost dropped a spoiler. I guess the series is not a trilogy. Hmm. Anyway, this book picks up the story with GPR scientist, Irina Orlova, finding herself in a very strange place. The people who find/rescue her are humans, speak an Ancient Greek dialect, and have the same polytheistic beliefs, yet have advanced technology. Following the discoveries of the previous stories, it isn’t hard to deduce that these people were moved to this star system from Earth thousands of years ago by Species One.
Meanwhile, CAIPARR, the GPR team, and UEH resources are trying to figure out what happened to Ms. Orlova and where she is.
Overall, well written, though I noticed a few more small errors creeping in (wrong/missing words, repeated sentence) but still very few. Some very complex scenarios with the ground and space battles, and enemies and friendlies changing roles multiple times. Still irked about the surprise cliffhanger…
January 1, 2026
Brilliant series!
Several interesting themes and excellent development of both plot and characters. I especially like the lens of an AI as the lead character. Brilliant approach and well executed. Congratulations!
Several interesting themes and excellent development of both plot and characters. I especially like the lens of an AI as the lead character. Brilliant approach and well executed. Congratulations!
February 28, 2026
Enjoyable
The plot and pacing of this book was good but the military protocol and technical descriptions of future weapons and their provenance got a bit tiresome
The plot and pacing of this book was good but the military protocol and technical descriptions of future weapons and their provenance got a bit tiresome
February 2, 2026
Continued excellence in this series
Another great read from Mr Garrand and looking forward to continuing to read the series. Will be downloading to read very shortly.
Another great read from Mr Garrand and looking forward to continuing to read the series. Will be downloading to read very shortly.
February 2, 2026
Another strong installment in a well done series
Great story telling. The worlds and characters Garrand creates are fascinating. A great read. Can’t wait for the next book
Great story telling. The worlds and characters Garrand creates are fascinating. A great read. Can’t wait for the next book
January 14, 2026
Great story with no end.
Now I’m totally confused. The first of this three book series was a bit awkward in its building of characters, but the story began to bloom near the end. Book two was very good and surprised me with its great pace, intrigue, not action. Book three was the best yet, but ends with no ending. What’s up with that!?!
By the way, the grammar never gets any better. Starts poorly and continues throughout, though it never really detracts from the story line. This mystifies me as there are so many ways this could be corrected.
One other thing; why do seemingly all budding authors think that vulgar language is necessary for their stories? Wouldn’t it be better to reshape today’s language problems, than to simply regurgitate them?
Now I’m totally confused. The first of this three book series was a bit awkward in its building of characters, but the story began to bloom near the end. Book two was very good and surprised me with its great pace, intrigue, not action. Book three was the best yet, but ends with no ending. What’s up with that!?!
By the way, the grammar never gets any better. Starts poorly and continues throughout, though it never really detracts from the story line. This mystifies me as there are so many ways this could be corrected.
One other thing; why do seemingly all budding authors think that vulgar language is necessary for their stories? Wouldn’t it be better to reshape today’s language problems, than to simply regurgitate them?
November 16, 2025
Riveting
The genius of this plot has had me madly reading for days. I can't put it down. My one frustration is the significant amount of military jargon and acronyms. There are many characters introduced in a fast manner which is also hard to keep up with. That being said it is one of the best and most riveting sci fy books I have read.
The genius of this plot has had me madly reading for days. I can't put it down. My one frustration is the significant amount of military jargon and acronyms. There are many characters introduced in a fast manner which is also hard to keep up with. That being said it is one of the best and most riveting sci fy books I have read.
March 11, 2026
Wow!
I enjoyed this book, but there is a lot going on and a lot of characters. I often had trouble keeping track of everything.
The “Humantity’s Leap” universe is huge and there could be no end to the books if the author wanted to keep writing them.
I particularly love the way the people interact with the very powerful and helpful AI.
I enjoyed this book, but there is a lot going on and a lot of characters. I often had trouble keeping track of everything.
The “Humantity’s Leap” universe is huge and there could be no end to the books if the author wanted to keep writing them.
I particularly love the way the people interact with the very powerful and helpful AI.
March 17, 2026
Great Third Book
To be honest, I was a bit let down by the previous two books. I considered moving on, but thought I’d give the third a shot. Sure glad I did. The third is by far the best in the series. The story reads fast and moves fast. It’s about the story now, with great characters. Glad I read it!
To be honest, I was a bit let down by the previous two books. I considered moving on, but thought I’d give the third a shot. Sure glad I did. The third is by far the best in the series. The story reads fast and moves fast. It’s about the story now, with great characters. Glad I read it!
March 20, 2026
very good story telling!
A really good story should like a river. You never know what’s around the next bend; never knowing if it’s rapids or an unbelievable view. Very Entertaining.
A really good story should like a river. You never know what’s around the next bend; never knowing if it’s rapids or an unbelievable view. Very Entertaining.
August 28, 2025
Ok I am hooked...
When is the next one coming out. I can't wait. I am an old retired sailor and love these types of books
When is the next one coming out. I can't wait. I am an old retired sailor and love these types of books
Read
October 2, 2025DNF It got boring and predictable.
February 21, 2026
Good Plot
I could do with less or the Greek and Roman parts. There are enough main characters already. Characters that are interesting.
I could do with less or the Greek and Roman parts. There are enough main characters already. Characters that are interesting.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews