Marten

by Katie Cross

His life has never been his own.

Marten has served his Network since the day he left home to become a Guardian. Not only did he train other Guardians as a Captain, fall in love with Mildred Graeme, and help subvert a tyrant, but he put the Network needs before his own every day as an Ambassador.

In ways no one would ever learn.

Until the day came that he could spill all his secrets.
Despite years of his quiet burden, and the relentless torture of what he couldn't have from afar Marten held strong. When the time comes to reveal his hidden life, he does.

The love that he'd harbored for so many years is finally unleashed.

MARTEN is the eleventh novella in the Network Saga. This heart wrenching novella will sweep you through the years of Marten's life in a dramatic behind-the-scenes peek into the Ambassador we all love so much.

Genres: Fantasy

Unknown Binding

First published November 4, 2022

About the author

My world revolves around my husband (who is a major hottie), my precious kids, my Vizsla’s who act like children, and the mountains.

I wear hiking boots instead of heels when I need to feel powerful, and on a bad day, I love a weightlifting workout. Actually, I love it on a good day.

I don’t eat bread because my thyroid doesn’t like it, although there are days I miss it. Especially ciabatta. Sweet potatoes are kind of my thing. Cookies too.

I write because I never stopped.

Author of The Network Series, The Dragonmaster Trilogy, and The Coffee Shop Series.

Email me at kcrosswriting@gmail.com

Reviews

[Bright Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marten is a key person found throughout the Network books. But do you really know who he is? Delve into this endearing book to learn about this dedicated man who has served The Central Network for many, many years.

[Andy Gonzalez De M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished this incredible journey of Marten’s life… we met him in Mildred’s resistance, and we have seen him through all the Network series and saga, and some of the Novellas, but this intimate look into some of his most cherished memories… has been such a joy to read. Marten is a character that teaches through example that choosing the right thing is not always popular or what makes us happy in the now, but no good deed goes unrewarded… one must find a balance, keep doing the right thing, choices are not always easy, but they are not always hard either…. Thank you Katie J Cross for a lovely read, and for the life lessons you let Marten teach us…

[Diane Ottobre · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was great to get to know more about this incredible man. He’s a compassionate and caring man that is full of integrity as well. There is nothing he wouldn’t for the people and network he loves. He gives his all to everything he does. He is the person that is always there for you. He’s the one that you go to for support or for his advice which is always wise, reliable, and sensible. This book lets you know all of the pain, sacrifices and love that made up his life. You won’t regret getting to know his life.

[Laila Savolainen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartfelt telling of Marten.
Reading Marten felt like i was finally getting to sit down with that strong, unassuming foundational character of Alkarra. I loved hearing about life through his eyes, feels and heart. And what a pleasure to travel back in time to where it all began for so many of my favourites. This is a great companion to the series and the collection of Alkarra stories.

[Loni · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book hits close to home for me. So at times I found it difficult to read. My heart hurt a lot for all of the characters involved in this story. And if I’m being honest, I don’t know how Mildred lived her life not knowing anything about Derek. Multiple times I wanted to scream at the book and for Marten to just tell Mildred and for them to save their child. But, alas that was not the story here. This book has heartache and grief and pain and through that I felt time lost. I was happy for Martin in the end, but also sad for the years that could have been.

[Kim Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

We have loved this man since Mildred’s Resistance, and his story makes you love him even more. This book tells of his deep love for Mildred and for the son he couldn’t raise. This story tugs at your heartstrings, you will love this last book in the Network Saga. Thanks Katie for listening to Jane.