Step into the thrilling world of Free Trader, where a young trader and his telepathic Hillcat roam a post-apocalyptic planet, weaving tales of adventure, unity, and hope! Craig Martelle’s Free Trader series is a science fiction gem set on Cygnus VII, a human-colonized world scarred by civil war. With its blend of exploration, ethical dilemmas, and interspecies camaraderie, this saga captivates readers who crave a fresh take on rebuilding civilization.
At its core, the series follows Free Trader Braden, a curious and principled hero, and his mindlinked Hillcat, G-War, as they navigate a fractured world. Their journey is less about spaceships and more about rediscovering humanity’s potential through trade, trust, and teamwork. Perfect for fans of Andre Norton or Anne McCaffrey, Free Trader offers a heartfelt, action-packed escape.
How Free Trader Began
Craig Martelle, a retired Marine Corps veteran with a background in law and business consulting, crafted Free Trader from his love for science fiction and storytelling. Inspired by role-playing games like Gamma World and McCaffrey’s Dragonriders of Pern, Martelle envisioned a world where humans and intelligent animals forge bonds to heal a broken society. The first book, The Free Trader of Warren Deep, hit shelves in 2016, launching a series that blends his real-world insights on leadership and justice with imaginative world-building.
The Heart of Free Trader
The series kicks off with The Free Trader of Warren Deep, where Braden and G-War venture across Cygnus VII’s deserts, seeking trade routes and ancient technology. In The Free Trader of Planet Vii, Braden and his partner Micah unite southern communities, grappling with the power of rediscovered ‘Old Tech.’ Free the North! sees them challenging a tyrannical governor to restore free trade, while Battle for the Amazon pits their growing band against oppressive overlords in a lush, dangerous jungle.
Free Trader shines through its themes of social justice, ethical technology use, and interspecies cooperation. Martelle’s crisp, fable-like prose evokes a sense of wonder, with characters evolving through moral choices and alliances with mutants and sentient creatures like Wolfoids. The setting—a planet of scattered settlements haunted by the ‘Ancients’—feels both alien and familiar, blending sci-fi with fantasy vibes reminiscent of The Little Prince. Readers praise the vivid world-building and Braden’s naive yet inspiring optimism, though some note the later books’ occasional rush in pacing.
Why Free Trader Resonates
Free Trader’s appeal lies in its hopeful vision of rebuilding through trade and trust, a refreshing counterpoint to dystopian gloom. Fans compare its character-driven storytelling to Andre Norton’s classics, celebrating its accessibility for teens and adults alike. Martelle’s focus on leadership as service, drawn from his military experience, adds depth, making Braden a relatable hero for those who value doing right by others. Though not a household name, the series has a loyal following, with readers hooked on its originality and emotional stakes.
- First Published: 2016
- Number of Books: 9
- Genres: Science Fiction, Action Adventure, Young Adult
Ready to roam Cygnus VII with Braden and G-War? Grab The Free Trader of Warren Deep and dive into a sci-fi adventure where trade sparks hope and heroes rise!