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Demeter #2
Return to Demeter
After surviving two kidnappings the year before Ryder and his friends think they are done with Demeter. But when a mysterious illness starts manifesting in Ryder's little sister Debbie the team knows they have to find a way to return to Demeter before its to late. But not all is safe the mysterious planners of the nefarious plots last year are still unknown and the group must survive more attempts on their lives. Will they survive another adventure on Demeter?
218 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 15, 2014
3 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 - 7 of 7 reviews
February 6, 2015
I really enjoyed the first book in the series and looked forward to reading the second book. I was quickly wrapped up in the characters and their first challenge. In the first book, Barry Hales is a class bully that sets the story in motion. He returns in quite a different role in the second book. Debbie, as always is a great character that made me laugh out loud on more than one occasion. Light but fun reading. Once I started I couldn't put it down. I've just started the third book in the series and I suspect I'll finish it by tomorrow.
August 2, 2025
Return to Demeter delivers everything I crave in young adult science fiction space travel, mystery illnesses, and high stakes conspiracies. Hansen ramps up the tension with an illness that pushes Ryder and crew back into the thick of interstellar danger. The return to Demeter isn't just geographical it's emotional, as characters confront lingering traumas and threats. A worthy sequel that deepens the lore and expands the universe.
August 2, 2025
Ryder’s return to Demeter isn’t just another adventure’s personal. Watching him race against time to save his sister adds emotional urgency that hits hard. The group dynamics, loyalty, and the lurking threats kept me flipping pages. A great blend of suspense and heart.
August 2, 2025
As a parent looking for books my teen will want to read, this was a win. No unnecessary romance, no filler, just clean, fast-paced storytelling with high stakes and moral clarity. Ryder and his friends show courage and grit. Bonus, I enjoyed it too.
August 2, 2025
This book hits the sweet spot for middle and high school readers with accessible language, fast pacing, and themes of resilience, teamwork, and sibling loyalty. Perfect for students who like sci-fi but don’t want to slog through overly complex world building. Highly recommend for school libraries.
August 2, 2025
I’m not a hardcore sci-fi reader, but this was easy to get into. It reads like a space thriller with young protagonists and just enough mystery to keep me guessing. Didn’t feel lost even though I hadn’t read Book I (though now I want to). Surprisingly enjoyable.
December 30, 2014
This is the second book in the Demeter series. Ryder and his friends, and sister return. Not only do they return, but they drag Ryder's former nemesis along with them. Characters evolve and Debbie in particular feels the story with humor and delight.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews