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Demeter #1
Demeter: Volume 1
Usually being beaten up and hospitalized by the school bully isn't considered to be a great turning point in your life. Fifteen year old Ryder faces some of the common challenges of any young man his age: isolation, sibling rivalry, first love, and bullying. Life takes a sudden change when he is invited, along with his sister and five classmates to spend a year abroad.
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 he gets 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. And now, she and Cynthia have been kidnapped and it's up to Ryder to figure out how to save them before someone kills them all.
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 he gets 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. And now, she and Cynthia have been kidnapped and it's up to Ryder to figure out how to save them before someone kills them all.
- GenresAudiobook
194 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 22, 2014
4 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
Alan Hansen
4 books2 followersAlan “Doc” Hansen is a lifelong fan of science fiction. Growing up in a small town in Utah, he devoured the works of early science fiction masters such as Edgar Rice Burroughs, E. E. “Doc” Smith, and Robert Heinlein. Among contemporary writers, his favorite is Lois McMaster Bujold, whose character-driven storytelling continues to inspire his own writing.
Alan is the author of the five-book Orion’s Spur young adult science fiction series: Demeter, Return to Demeter, Defending Demeter, Haumeah, and Paragon’s Virtue. Many of the characters in the series were inspired by his five children. The series follows a coming-of-age storyline that explores themes such as bullying, courage, friendship, and sacrifice.
His novel Salt of the Earth moves into more adult science fiction territory, centered on the emerging industry of mining in space. The story explores questions such as who has the right to mine extraterrestrial resources, the geopolitical implications of space industry, and the financial challenges of frontier ventures. As with all of his writing, the focus remains on characters and their choices rather than on technical lectures about engineering.
The next book in the series, Sea of Salt was released by the publisher in April, 2026. Meanwhile, Salt of the Earth is being narrated for an audiobook release. A third book in the series, Pandora’s Box, has been completed and is now in editing. He is now working on the fourth book in the series, Viper.
Alan is also the author of Project Lilliput, perhaps his most purely adventurous and fun story to date. Readers have frequently asked for a sequel, leaving him with a difficult choice: continue the Salt of the Earth series or return to the imaginative world of Project Lilliput. Deep thought or pure adventure—sometimes that’s a tough decision.
Alan holds three degrees: a BA in Japanese, an MBA, and a PhD in Higher Education Administration. His career has spanned several fields, beginning as a linguist with the National Security Agency, followed by twenty-five years in business and another twenty years in higher education.
In 2026, Alan and his wife celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Together they have five children and thirteen grandchildren. These days, the grandchildren’s quirks and personalities are beginning to find their way into his stories.
What do I think about AI? I haven't used it in my books, but do use it to polish blog posts and this bio. Check out my website at orionsspur.com or follow me on Facebook. I keep trying to engage in Instagram, but rarely use it.
Alan is the author of the five-book Orion’s Spur young adult science fiction series: Demeter, Return to Demeter, Defending Demeter, Haumeah, and Paragon’s Virtue. Many of the characters in the series were inspired by his five children. The series follows a coming-of-age storyline that explores themes such as bullying, courage, friendship, and sacrifice.
His novel Salt of the Earth moves into more adult science fiction territory, centered on the emerging industry of mining in space. The story explores questions such as who has the right to mine extraterrestrial resources, the geopolitical implications of space industry, and the financial challenges of frontier ventures. As with all of his writing, the focus remains on characters and their choices rather than on technical lectures about engineering.
The next book in the series, Sea of Salt was released by the publisher in April, 2026. Meanwhile, Salt of the Earth is being narrated for an audiobook release. A third book in the series, Pandora’s Box, has been completed and is now in editing. He is now working on the fourth book in the series, Viper.
Alan is also the author of Project Lilliput, perhaps his most purely adventurous and fun story to date. Readers have frequently asked for a sequel, leaving him with a difficult choice: continue the Salt of the Earth series or return to the imaginative world of Project Lilliput. Deep thought or pure adventure—sometimes that’s a tough decision.
Alan holds three degrees: a BA in Japanese, an MBA, and a PhD in Higher Education Administration. His career has spanned several fields, beginning as a linguist with the National Security Agency, followed by twenty-five years in business and another twenty years in higher education.
In 2026, Alan and his wife celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Together they have five children and thirteen grandchildren. These days, the grandchildren’s quirks and personalities are beginning to find their way into his stories.
What do I think about AI? I haven't used it in my books, but do use it to polish blog posts and this bio. Check out my website at orionsspur.com or follow me on Facebook. I keep trying to engage in Instagram, but rarely use it.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 27, 2015
This was a new author for me. A friend lent me the e-book. I really enjoyed the story and the characters. I understand that there are two additional books in the series I'm looking forward to reading. Good story and interesting premises that kept me reading. Especially, after I got halfway through the book I couldn't put it down.
March 20, 2026
I will be reading the series. This is a great book for 5th on up.
September 1, 2015
This is the delightful first book in a series. I love the characters as they evolve and grow through the first four books in the series. I'm still waiting for the final promised book to come out this fall. You'll love Debbie's character as she evolves. It is nice to get an optimistic view of the future rather than the traditional dystopian model that is so popular today. I haven't had this much fun since reading the Bujold series about Miles Vorkosigan :o)
May 17, 2025
Demeter is a thrilling and imaginative YA sci-fi adventure that blends coming-of-age themes with high-stakes interstellar conflict. Alan Hansen delivers a compelling story through the eyes of Ryder, a relatable teen thrust into an extraordinary situation. The book skillfully explores family dynamics, first love, and personal growth, all while navigating a vividly imagined world far from Earth. With its fast-paced plot, engaging characters, and clever use of gaming as a survival tool, Demeter is both heartfelt and action-packed a strong start to what promises to be an exciting series.
July 31, 2025
As a fan of classic space operas, I found Demeter an exciting and fresh spin on teen space adventure. The interstellar setting is imaginative, and Hansen does a solid job merging Earth based teen issues with cosmic consequences. It reminded me of Ender's Game but with more relatable teen emotions and sibling dynamics. The concept of turning gaming into actual life saving scenarios was a highlight.
July 31, 2025
From an educational viewpoint, Demeter delivers excellent themes for young readers responsibility, critical thinking, and emotional growth. Ryder’s development from bullied teen to decisive leader is inspiring. The novel encourages resilience and courage, and I’d easily recommend it as a classroom read for discussing character arcs and science fiction as social commentary.
July 31, 2025
I really liked how Ryder felt real. He’s not perfect he’s awkward, nervous, sometimes unsure but he steps up when it counts. The idea of being accidentally sent across the galaxy sounds terrifying but also kind of cool. I liked how he connected more with Cynthia and how his sister was this wild card the whole time. It felt like a video game but with real stakes.
July 31, 2025
Demeter impressed me with how it handled teen issues bullying, self-worth, family, and growing up all within a fast paced sci-fi adventure. It gave my son something to enjoy while subtly helping him think through challenges he faces at school. The layered storytelling keeps it exciting while still grounded in emotional truths.
July 31, 2025
Alan Hansen successfully intertwines classic narrative structures of the hero’s journey with speculative sci-fi. Ryder’s evolution is well paced and emotionally resonant, especially in the juxtaposition of Earthly teenage awkwardness with the high stakes alien setting. The prose is straightforward but evocative, and the plot delivers tension and empathy in equal measure.
April 30, 2026
A thoughtful and imaginative science fiction novel, Demeter pulls readers in with mystery, strong world-building, and a sense of adventure that keeps growing with every chapter. Alan Hansen creates an intriguing story that blends coming-of-age elements with cosmic discovery in a way that feels both engaging and original.
March 9, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed this title. The narration was first class and coupled with the smooth writing it was very easy to listen to. Great characters and an absorbing plot involving space travel, kidnappings and invasion.
September 29, 2014
I could barely put this book down! The characters are so multifaceted and refreshing added in the plot twists I wanted to see what happened next. When I finished the book I just wanted more (good news the sequel will be out by the end of October 2014). I am currently rereading it and realizing there are many things I missed on my first read through. This is a book I look forward to sharing with everyone I know. Check it out at http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MZFH8R6
September 9, 2015
This was a delightful adventure story with colorful young characters. Thanks for the recommendation. By the time I was halfway through the book I couldn't put it down; and immediately started the second book in the series. I'll post a review when I finish it. The central character, Ryder is well supported by strong secondary characters. I can't wait to see how they evolve.
September 15, 2015
Just finished this today. Interesting premise, well developed. Liked the characters and the plot twists. Great summer read.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews