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Demeter: Book 1
Who would have thought eight months ago that I would be sitting in a cave a hundred light years from Earth waiting for an alien to kill me?
Fifteen-year-old Ryder faces some of the common challenges of any young man his isolation, sibling rivalry, first love, and bullying. But life takes a sudden change when he is invited, along with his sister and five classmates to spend a year abroad.
They didn’t read the contract. Instead of going to Europe on Earth, Ryder and his friends are conscripted for a year of service in Demeter, an asteroid over a hundred light years from Earth.
The good news is that Ryder gets closer to his classmate Cynthia Flores and to develop his talent at gaming with systems that deal with real life scenarios including saving Demeter itself from invasion. The bad news is that his reckless younger sister has a talent for mischief and disaster. Ryder realizes that his only real problem is figuring out how not to get killed by aliens.
This is a very entertaining read and made me want to read the next in the series. The set up of Demeter itself seems quite well thought out and I like the idea of a whole new planetoid to explore, with adventure around every corner. I also found quite plausible the way that these people could come and go without their friends knowing what is happening, that outside influences help Earth without the general public being aware of it. Suitable for young adults and upwards. Has enough twists and turns to keep you hooked until the end.
Fifteen-year-old Ryder faces some of the common challenges of any young man his isolation, sibling rivalry, first love, and bullying. But life takes a sudden change when he is invited, along with his sister and five classmates to spend a year abroad.
They didn’t read the contract. Instead of going to Europe on Earth, Ryder and his friends are conscripted for a year of service in Demeter, an asteroid over a hundred light years from Earth.
The good news is that Ryder gets closer to his classmate Cynthia Flores and to develop his talent at gaming with systems that deal with real life scenarios including saving Demeter itself from invasion. The bad news is that his reckless younger sister has a talent for mischief and disaster. Ryder realizes that his only real problem is figuring out how not to get killed by aliens.
This is a very entertaining read and made me want to read the next in the series. The set up of Demeter itself seems quite well thought out and I like the idea of a whole new planetoid to explore, with adventure around every corner. I also found quite plausible the way that these people could come and go without their friends knowing what is happening, that outside influences help Earth without the general public being aware of it. Suitable for young adults and upwards. Has enough twists and turns to keep you hooked until the end.
269 pages, Paperback
Published July 9, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
September 21, 2024
I received a copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Demeter is the beginning of an amazing story following the adventures of young William Ryder, known to his friends, and others, simply as Ryder. I loved reading this story that is both fast-paced and entertaining. It is a young adult science fiction romp that begins on Earth, but then becomes a space opera that includes some incredible vistas created by the author. He shares his visions with colorful and detailed descriptions that set a clear picture in the mind's eye. In addition, there are a number of humanoid aliens included that add broader dimensions to this story. The most prominent characters include Ryder's little sister, a girl he crushes on, and a pair of teachers the reader cannot be completely sure what they are about.
I would estimate this book is appropriate for students beginning at the 6th grade level. It is about kids, but this tale isn't just for kids. I found Demeter to be a great, fast read that held my attention very well. If you are a parent reading this and you have a child you might want to get started on reading sci-fi, this would be a good one to hand them right off the bat.
There are a few scenes that I would call cringe-worthy. For instance, Ryder is brutally beaten by a fellow student at a school dance, and his injuries land him in the hospital.
While this is the first book in a series, the story is complete with a solid ending that enticed me to read on. I will revisit Ryder's further adventures at a later date.
Young Ryder contemplates a school dance. He looks forward to perhaps dancing with Cynthia. After a long week of debating the merits of going to the dance, he decides the possible benefits will outweigh the risks and goes. While there, he encounters another student, Barry. After a few caustic exchanges of words, Barry assails Ryder with a storm of blows, putting him in the hospital. Ryder's sister, Debbie and Cynthia save Ryder from even more injury.
As a result, Ryder, Debbie, and Cynthia all move on to another school where they encounter a new teacher and another who was at Ryder's former school. The new school is a strange place, there are promises of an uncommon experience there. One such promise is a planned visit to Europe.
When the day arrives for the trip, the students board a vehicle and are whisked to a place light years from Earthbound Europe! The Europe they arrive at is inside of a huge asteroid and is itself a sort of school for select students.
And that is only the beginning of the adventure!
The principle and point-of-view character is Ryder. He is an intelligent, well-read young man who is identified as one of the school’s "skaters" at his school. He has a quick wit and has a tendency to say what is on his mind before thinking about the consequences, which tends to get him in a little trouble from time to time. Despite that, he is excellent at gathering data and analyzing it to plan actions and solve problems. I like him. He seems like a good kid.
Ryder's sister, Debbie, is a rambunctious, fearless girl who is ready to try anything. She is, perhaps, all too willing to throw caution to the wind and get involved in some risky behavior. To be honest, she is my favorite character in this story. She makes me laugh and scares me all at the same time.
Cynthia is Ryder's love-interest. Her thing is helping people.
All the characters in this tale play important parts and contribute in their own way. And that is my favorite plot point in Demeter. It is the depth of even the most minor characters. Hansen has created a bullpen of personalities that are all individual in their likes, dislikes, philosophical points of view, and how they approach problem solving. They remain consistent with themselves throughout the entire story. Further, they are all real and interesting people. Demeter is a heavily character-driven story, and the world building Hansen does only enhances the activities of the people.
My takeaway from Demeter is to always be open to new learning and new situations. One never knows what will happen when an old, familiar door is closed and a new, unknown one is opened, leading one to an amazing, even life-changing, adventure.
I give my highest recommendations to Demeter Volume 1 for being a superior story crafted with characters a reader can care about, colorful world building, and numerous surprises to spark the imagination. I look forward to the next installment.
Demeter is the beginning of an amazing story following the adventures of young William Ryder, known to his friends, and others, simply as Ryder. I loved reading this story that is both fast-paced and entertaining. It is a young adult science fiction romp that begins on Earth, but then becomes a space opera that includes some incredible vistas created by the author. He shares his visions with colorful and detailed descriptions that set a clear picture in the mind's eye. In addition, there are a number of humanoid aliens included that add broader dimensions to this story. The most prominent characters include Ryder's little sister, a girl he crushes on, and a pair of teachers the reader cannot be completely sure what they are about.
I would estimate this book is appropriate for students beginning at the 6th grade level. It is about kids, but this tale isn't just for kids. I found Demeter to be a great, fast read that held my attention very well. If you are a parent reading this and you have a child you might want to get started on reading sci-fi, this would be a good one to hand them right off the bat.
There are a few scenes that I would call cringe-worthy. For instance, Ryder is brutally beaten by a fellow student at a school dance, and his injuries land him in the hospital.
While this is the first book in a series, the story is complete with a solid ending that enticed me to read on. I will revisit Ryder's further adventures at a later date.
Young Ryder contemplates a school dance. He looks forward to perhaps dancing with Cynthia. After a long week of debating the merits of going to the dance, he decides the possible benefits will outweigh the risks and goes. While there, he encounters another student, Barry. After a few caustic exchanges of words, Barry assails Ryder with a storm of blows, putting him in the hospital. Ryder's sister, Debbie and Cynthia save Ryder from even more injury.
As a result, Ryder, Debbie, and Cynthia all move on to another school where they encounter a new teacher and another who was at Ryder's former school. The new school is a strange place, there are promises of an uncommon experience there. One such promise is a planned visit to Europe.
When the day arrives for the trip, the students board a vehicle and are whisked to a place light years from Earthbound Europe! The Europe they arrive at is inside of a huge asteroid and is itself a sort of school for select students.
And that is only the beginning of the adventure!
The principle and point-of-view character is Ryder. He is an intelligent, well-read young man who is identified as one of the school’s "skaters" at his school. He has a quick wit and has a tendency to say what is on his mind before thinking about the consequences, which tends to get him in a little trouble from time to time. Despite that, he is excellent at gathering data and analyzing it to plan actions and solve problems. I like him. He seems like a good kid.
Ryder's sister, Debbie, is a rambunctious, fearless girl who is ready to try anything. She is, perhaps, all too willing to throw caution to the wind and get involved in some risky behavior. To be honest, she is my favorite character in this story. She makes me laugh and scares me all at the same time.
Cynthia is Ryder's love-interest. Her thing is helping people.
All the characters in this tale play important parts and contribute in their own way. And that is my favorite plot point in Demeter. It is the depth of even the most minor characters. Hansen has created a bullpen of personalities that are all individual in their likes, dislikes, philosophical points of view, and how they approach problem solving. They remain consistent with themselves throughout the entire story. Further, they are all real and interesting people. Demeter is a heavily character-driven story, and the world building Hansen does only enhances the activities of the people.
My takeaway from Demeter is to always be open to new learning and new situations. One never knows what will happen when an old, familiar door is closed and a new, unknown one is opened, leading one to an amazing, even life-changing, adventure.
I give my highest recommendations to Demeter Volume 1 for being a superior story crafted with characters a reader can care about, colorful world building, and numerous surprises to spark the imagination. I look forward to the next installment.
February 25, 2026
The concept of Demeter as a hidden asteroid civilization is impressively developed. The idea that select teens are quietly recruited for off-world service while Earth remains unaware is both imaginative and surprisingly plausible.
The world feels structured and layered, not just a backdrop for action. The systems, the political implications, and the looming alien threat are thoughtfully integrated. Add in authentic teenage dynamics, and you have a story that feels grounded even while set in deep space.
A strong, intelligent start to what promises to be an expansive series.
The world feels structured and layered, not just a backdrop for action. The systems, the political implications, and the looming alien threat are thoughtfully integrated. Add in authentic teenage dynamics, and you have a story that feels grounded even while set in deep space.
A strong, intelligent start to what promises to be an expansive series.
February 25, 2026
What makes Demeter shine is Ryder’s voice. He feels like a real fifteen-year-old awkward, thoughtful, protective of his sister (even when she drives him crazy), and trying to figure out where he fits in.
His growing bond with Cynthia adds emotional depth, while his sister’s chaos injects tension and humor. The balance between coming-of-age themes and alien danger is handled beautifully.
It’s a space adventure, yes but it’s also a story about growth, responsibility, and courage.
His growing bond with Cynthia adds emotional depth, while his sister’s chaos injects tension and humor. The balance between coming-of-age themes and alien danger is handled beautifully.
It’s a space adventure, yes but it’s also a story about growth, responsibility, and courage.
February 25, 2026
This book reads like the first season of a gripping sci-fi series. The pacing is sharp, the stakes steadily rise, and the twists keep you engaged. The alien threat feels real, and the isolation of being so far from Earth adds a subtle layer of psychological tension.
The ending leaves just enough unanswered to make you eager for the next installment.
Perfect for young adults and older readers who love imaginative, high-stakes space adventures.
The ending leaves just enough unanswered to make you eager for the next installment.
Perfect for young adults and older readers who love imaginative, high-stakes space adventures.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews