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Craig Martelle
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The Free Trader of Warren Deep (Free Trader Series Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Craig Martelle (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 986 ratings
See all formats and editions
A Cat and his human minions fight to bring peace to humanity.

The reviewers had these words: "Engaging characters...fun and interesting...enjoyable and light reading...you won't want to put it down!"

Compared to Andre Norton, the Free Trader series takes you to a colonized world across the galaxy where humans and their sentient creations struggle together to build a better world. Not everyone believes. Some think that being stronger means they can take what they want.

People suffer, until the Free Trader arrives. He only wants to trade, but the takers have other ideas. To get the world he envisions, he has to shape it himself.

Join the Free Trader as he journeys across the world of Vii to build a new and better life for all. With the Hillcat G-War by his side, how will he save the people from themselves?

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  1. Book 1 of 9
    Free Trader Series
  2. Print length
    336 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    February 28, 2016
  5. Reading age
    13 - 18 years
  6. File size
    4.3 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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There are 9 books in this series.
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Free Trader Series Book 1 - Book 9
Bundle price: Kindle price
$13.97
Bundle price: Kindle price
$23.95
Bundle price: Kindle price
$43.91
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Editorial Reviews

From the Author

The Free Trader series is a favorite of mine. I've wanted to write it forever, but didn't have the time until recently. Once I committed to capturing the world of Cygnus VII, the stories took on a life of their own. The characters became more than I imagined. They fought, survived, worked, and fought some more. Much of what they discovered helped them establish a central trade route, which they alone are equipped to defend. This series explores the power of human and animal bonding, equal players in the game of life.

Inspired by James M. Ward's Gamma World (TM) and Metamorphosis Alpha (TM) role playing games and Anne McCaffrey's Dragonriders of Pern(C), the Free Trader series will take the readers on a variety of adventures wrapped around one central theme. Can Braden and his companions ever bring peace to Planet Vii?

From the Inside Flap

Craig Martelle's other books (listed by series)
Terry Henry Walton Chronicles (co-written with Michael Anderle) - a post-apocalyptic paranormal adventure
Gateway to the Universe (co-written with Justin Sloan & Michael Anderle) - this book transitions the characters from the Terry Henry Walton Chronicles to The Bad Company
The Bad Company (co-written with Michael Anderle) - a military science fiction space opera
End Times Alaska (also available in audio) - a Permuted Press publication - a post-apocalyptic survivalist adventure
The Free Trader - a Young Adult Science Fiction Action Adventure
Cygnus Space Opera - A Young Adult Space Opera (set in the Free Trader universe)
Darklanding (co-written with Scott Moon) - a Space Western
Judge, Jury, & Executioner - a space opera adventure legal thriller
Rick Banik - Spy & Terrorism Action Adventure
Become a Successful Indie Author - a non-fiction work
Metamorphosis Alpha - stories from the world's first science fiction RPG
The Expanding Universe - science fiction anthologies
Shadow Vanguard - a Tom Dublin series
Metal Legion (co-written with Caleb Wachter) - a military space operaBattleship Leviathian (co-written with Caleb Wachter) - a military space operaEnd Days (co-written with E.E. Isherwood) - a time-warp post-apocalyptic adventureMystically Engineered (co-written with Valerie Emerson) - Mystics, Dragons, & SpaceshipsMonster Case Files (co-written with Kathryn Hearst) - a young adult cozy mystery series

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01CDFYFE6
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Craig Martelle, Inc; 1st edition (February 28, 2016)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ February 28, 2016
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 4.3 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 336 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 1953062636
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 986 ratings

About the author

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Craig Martelle

Craig Martelle

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Craig is a million-selling author of science fiction (post-apocalyptic, military sci-fi, and space opera), thrillers, and non-fiction.

Craig retired from the Marine Corps after a long career in the military intelligence community, having worked with most of the U.S. Government's three-letter agencies. After a short stint with physical security, Craig went to law school, graduated summa cum laude, and went into business consulting. From intelligence, to the inner workings of company board rooms, to on-the-ground leadership, Craig has seen it firsthand.

His books are an extension of his experience, putting the trials and tribulations of a fast-paced world into your hands. Whether in Science Fiction, Thrillers, Fantasy, or even his Non-Fiction, you'll find consistent themes of justice and doing right by those who are counting on their leaders. Leadership is a service, not a crown to lord over others.

No matter where Craig went, he always had a book with him. Thanks to 21st Century technology, He now has thousands of books at his fingertips and with him wherever he goes. How many books would he have read on deployments had he not had to carry a physical book?

No one is encumbered like that now. Craig loves the works of Robert Heinlein, Anne McCaffrey, Andre Norton, JRR Tolkien, Robert E. Howard, and so many more. He has 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, Craig aspires to live up to those that you, the readers, have compared him to.

Through a bizarre series of events, Craig ended up in Fairbanks, Alaska. He 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. He and his wife get to watch the northern lights from their driveway. Their dog has lots of room to run, just until temperatures reach fifty below zero. They 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 they didn’t have those extremes, then everyone would live in the sub-arctic.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
986 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book enjoyable and entertaining. They appreciate the believable storyline and world-building. The characters are interesting and develop along with the story. Readers praise the writing style as well-written, easy to read, and masterfully imagined. They enjoy the communication between humans and animal companions, and the idea behind animal friendship and making peace. Overall, customers appreciate the author's skills in creating a compelling world.

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EnjoymentStory qualityCharacter developmentWriting styleStartAnimal companionshipAuthor skillsCreativity
79 customers mention "Enjoyment"79 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book. They find it engaging and entertaining, with a refreshing writing style. The chapters are short but interesting, and the book is described as a pleasant surprise.

"...Very entertaining and stayed with me after reading." Read more

"...A worthwhile read. If you like - or liked Norton, you'll like this." Read more

"...Be sure to read it is refreshingly delightful I now am going to start on the remaining 8 books wonderful read. Dan" Read more

"...Fun, interesting, good discussion of issues/morals/decision making ... Pretty good book overall...." Read more

71 customers mention "Story quality"67 positive4 negative

Customers enjoy the book's story quality. They find the story believable and enjoyable. They appreciate the world-building and character development. The plot keeps them hooked with its adventures. Readers mention it's reminiscent of Andre Norton's work.

"Enjoyed this almost cautionary tale and look forward to the rest. Brandon and his companions are well thought out and very believable...." Read more

"...but so far this first book in the series is a delightful setup for the story ahead. A worthwhile read...." Read more

"...There is action aplenty as the small band increases in size toward the end...." Read more

"...The story flows well and keeps the interest up from beginning to end. I finished this book in a day and am about to start #2...." Read more

47 customers mention "Character development"42 positive5 negative

Customers enjoy the book's character development. They find the characters interesting and develop along with the story. The book has a feel like Andre Norton and Robert Heinlein.

"...At times I felt like I was reading Norton. The characters are interesting and the post apocalyptic mutants are much more the protagonists than most..." Read more

"...Just not in space. The character development is wonderful as the reader learns about Braden, the Hillcat - Golden Warrior of the Stone Cliffs, or G-..." Read more

"...Like Andre Norton, the world building is intricate, the characters well done and the dialogue believable...." Read more

"This book has the feel of Andre Norton and Robert Heinlein. Well edited, I did not have to reread a sentence and go back and guess the words...." Read more

33 customers mention "Writing style"33 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's writing style engaging and easy to read. They appreciate the simple writing without scientific jargon. The story is well-crafted and keeps readers hooked with its engaging characters and dialogue. Readers also mention that the book has been proofread, edited, and proofread again before being published.

"...Brandon and his companions are well thought out and very believable. Very entertaining and stayed with me after reading." Read more

"This was different and a quick read. Written almost like a fable. I was drawn in by the main characters positive and naive outlook on the world...." Read more

"...world building is intricate, the characters well done and the dialogue believable...." Read more

"...This volume is well written and was obviously proofread and spellchecked. The characters, both human and animal are well developed. A fun read!" Read more

9 customers mention "Start"9 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's start engaging. They describe it as a good first book in the series, though some feel the world-building is lacking. The idea is good, but some readers felt the story got too far-fetched.

"Book one in this series starts okay, character build up, backgrounds this story covers all initially okay but then there is the rest..." Read more

"...managed to get 25% through and had to give up - unfortunate as the idea was good, but the world building and protagonist were boring - the potential..." Read more

"Not my cup of tea. It started out good then got to far out .I could buy the cat but not the bird." Read more

"Great Start..." Read more

7 customers mention "Animal companionship"7 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the animal companionship in the book. They enjoy the communication between humans and animal companions, the idea behind animal friends, and telepathy between humans and animals. The different kinds of companions, intelligent animals that can mind-speak, and the relationships between mutants and humans are also appreciated.

"I enjoy the idea behind the animal friends and making peace. We could use more of that now but in the mean time defence is critical...." Read more

"The characters were wonderful. The fact that the animals were intelligent and could mind speak was fascinating...." Read more

"I absolutely loved this book. I loved the companions, and their interactions with each other. I very much want to read the rest of this series...." Read more

"...I enjoyed reading about telepathy between humans and animals.Then add in post war where you get to discover what and why it happened...." Read more

7 customers mention "Author skills"7 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the author's world-building skills and storytelling. They find the book engaging and mention it's a rare example of an author who can keep you hooked. The protagonist learns lessons and makes great friends throughout the series.

"...excellent story with characters that continue to grow and learn throughout the series...." Read more

"...He gets knocked down but doesn't stay down. He learns his lessons well and makes great friends along the way...." Read more

"This book is an example of an author who has me scratching me head thinking "WHO comes up with this stuff?"..." Read more

"...As the book grew so did the new companions. This is a rare book and author who can give a good story telling and keep you wanting more...." Read more

7 customers mention "Creativity"7 positive0 negative

Customers find the book creative and interesting. They appreciate the rich characters and unique style reminiscent of The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. Readers describe the story as original and different, like a fable.

"This was different and a quick read. Written almost like a fable. I was drawn in by the main characters positive and naive outlook on the world...." Read more

"...The writing style is crisp, refreshing and eloquent. Truly unique style reminiscent of "The Little Prince" by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry." Read more

"...The story line is riveting and original...." Read more

"...Imaginative, good action, and lots of fun. Highly recommended..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • MaxRyder
    5.0 out of 5 stars Be Careful What You Ask For
    Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Enjoyed this almost cautionary tale and look forward to the rest. Brandon and his companions are well thought out and very believable. Very entertaining and stayed with me after reading.
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  • Senecachile
    4.0 out of 5 stars Andre Norton lives again.
    Reviewed in the United States on October 9, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Today I became 13 again. I read a new Andre Norton book! Just kidding. Free Trader lacks that sense of other worldliness of Norton, but the bones are there. At times I felt like I was reading Norton. The characters are interesting and the post apocalyptic mutants are much more the protagonists than most of the humans the story introduces so far. The colony world where th story takes place is intriguing and the variety of inhabitants plentiful. The hero has it all going his way much too unrealistically, but so far this first book in the series is a delightful setup for the story ahead. A worthwhile read. If you like - or liked Norton, you'll like this.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • Amazon Customer D. M.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Unbelievable
    Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I bought this book probably 5 or 6 years ago and somehow it got lost before I read it i recently found it on Amazon and tried to buy it again and was told i already owned it. I just read book 1 and In doing so found a Jewel. Be sure to read it is refreshingly delightful I now am going to start on the remaining 8 books wonderful read. Dan
    Helpful
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  • Amazon Customer
    3.0 out of 5 stars First book was the best... but...
    Reviewed in the United States on March 7, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    I bought the first in the series and I enjoyed the storyline premise. Post space travel era people living in relative bronze age... learn they can speak telepathically with sentient creatures... and there are a LOT of sentient "mutations" on Cygnus VII to explore and meet. Fun, interesting, good discussion of issues/morals/decision making ... Pretty good book overall. It was at least good enough to convince me to go ahead and buy the remaining books in series for my device.

    However... in book two... it quickly became apparent that the authors best ideas got used up in Book one... as the story line got more and more disjointed, implausible, and ... sorry... hackneyed/ predictable / awkward. <sighs> I should have stopped after the first book. I'm now into book 4 and am close to deleting the rest off of my device as a lost cause.
    10 people found this helpful
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  • PMSteve
    5.0 out of 5 stars Not What I Expected!
    Reviewed in the United States on August 31, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Buying a book by it's cover can lead to disappointment as often as it can lead to an amazing story. Free Trader is in the latter category.

    I expected a space sci-fi adventure, but Free Trader is something completely different. It's the story of a free trader on the world Vii... short for Cygnus VII, as it turns out. The 'Ancients' had a serious falling out 400 years or so ago. When I say serious, I mean atomic war serious.

    The only survivors that remain live in a feudal society similar to Earth in the 1500s or there about. There is little technology beyond iron age skills.

    Free Trader Braden decides to travel across the Great Desert to the southern continent to look for 'Old Tech' to bring back north to trade. He travels with his Hillcat who he is bonded to through a telepathic link. Along the way they meet Skirill, a giant eagle-like beast who can also communicate by telepathy. The adventure begins.

    I very much liked the way this story develops. The chapters are fairly shor but continually interesting and entertaining. There is action aplenty as the small band increases in size toward the end.

    What I assumed was to be a space adventure, turned out to be an adventure all right. Just not in space. The character development is wonderful as the reader learns about Braden, the Hillcat - Golden Warrior of the Stone Cliffs, or G-War for short. Skirill the Hawkoid, Master Aadi, the flying tortoid and Micah, the girl warrior. You'll have to read it to understand just how special this story really is.

    This seems to be a tale for all but the very young, as there is some scenes of raw violence and a bit of sexual innuendo.

    I greatly enjoyed this book and will read the four sequels... unless they get wonky as many sequels do.
    18 people found this helpful
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  • CKing
    4.0 out of 5 stars Unusual Story
    Reviewed in the United States on November 14, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    This was different and a quick read. Written almost like a fable. I was drawn in by the main characters positive and naive outlook on the world. But as the story progressed, it became a little too surreal at times and the journey too rushed. The scenarios faced later in the book were also way too simplistic. Yet having said all that, I did really enjoy the book.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Dianna
    5.0 out of 5 stars This was a intriguing and humorous read I did enjoy the discovery of characters
    Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    The banter of cat and human was very funny it is what I would expect a cat to behave and believe about his human
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  • Ann Engel
    5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting concept
    Reviewed in the United States on August 31, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    When I read reviews, many say they are similar to some author or another but this is one of the few that actually is. Like Andre Norton, the world building is intricate, the characters well done and the dialogue believable. I'm 71 but feel the same excitement reading this as I did Andre Norton's books in my teens. The story flows well and keeps the interest up from beginning to end. I finished this book in a day and am about to start #2. I'm glad I bought the whole set as I'm looking forward to see how this young man grows into adult hood and how he handles his new role in the reuniting of his world.
    3 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Rob Wilson
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
    Reviewed in Canada on August 21, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    This story has a nice fresh approach. Survivors of a war on another planet seek knowledge of the human civilization that settled their planet. Braden and his team of mutant animals seeks to create a better world for everyone. Can’t wait to read more.
    Report
  • Clare O'Beara
    5.0 out of 5 stars Free trader of Warren Deep
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 12, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    This tale is suitable for YA readers but adults who enjoy SF will be fine with it too. A lad who is a free trader, with his pal the telepathic hill cat, decides to cross the wide desert and see if there are better goods to trade on the far side, maybe ancient technology.
    The story is a little slow to start as we get introduced to the situation. As the story progresses, a few more members are added to the little party, and battles occur, and our lad starts using more intelligence on problem solving and easier travel. We gradually discover more about the wide world and who created the odds and ends of tech. This unfolding is nicely done.
    To start I was annoyed every time the cat was called a 'cat but by midway I didn't see it any more. I like the two horses and all the talking (for which read mutant) creatures. I very much enjoyed the spread of environments, but the jungle should have been full of problem insects and wasn't.

    This is the start of a series. I downloaded an ARC on a free Kindle download day. This is an unbiased review.
    Report
  • AA Lee
    4.0 out of 5 stars Like Andre Norton or Alma Boykin
    Reviewed in Canada on August 5, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    The author's writing is easy to understand while not being so simple as to be condescending. His narrative style reminds me of Andre Norton's and Alma Boykin's work. Certainly, the storyline and background calls to mind Norton's 'Mark of the Cat' and Boykins' 'Merchant and Empire' series. This is perfect for a young preteen who is interested in science fiction.
    Report
  • Dan
    4.0 out of 5 stars A good read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 26, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    With a good cast off characters and a interesting setting, it was good to follow the free trader as he expands his territory into the unknown. The history of the planet reveals itself and once again humanity's tenancy to war is revealed. Very enjoyable.
    Report
  • A Carter
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in Canada on October 16, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Loved the story, reminds me of the Andre Norton books
    Report

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