Showing posts with label Stephanie Hansen. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Stephanie Hansen. Show all posts

Thursday, June 29, 2023

Today's read... Omitted Pieces by Stephanie Hansen

Two days ago, I posted a review for the first book in the Transformed Nexus duology, Replacement Parts.  Today, I'm actually posting about the 2nd! Not only does that mean I read the entire duology (rare for me), but I also did so within a week...which borders on a miracle. Anyway, this is a science fiction series, which shoots off into space, high-tech, high-stakes, and so much more. It's been pretty unique and fun so far, so let's see how this second book finishes the tale off.

 
Omitted Pieces book cover

OMITTED PIECES
Transformed Nexus #2
by Stephanie Hansen
YA Science Fiction




 



 

By 2164, the new Sierra is on a new planet with a new problem. The mad scientist Cromwell has kidnapped her mother and set up shop on planet Scepter. In order to save her, Sierra will need to make new friends in this place of glowing leaves and a floating capital.

Back on Vortex, Al's shut down the old facility but will he be able to make it to Scepter? What about those who made it to Earth? Can they all work together or are they closer to danger than they realize?

The amazing conclusion to the Replaced Parts duology, Omitted Pieces, explores new territory and old with dangerous compassion.
Links:
- Goodreads
- Bookbub
- Amazon
- Amazon Paperback
- Audible
- B&N
- Kobo
- Google Play
- Apple
- Scribd
- Overdrive
- Tantor
- All buy links

You can read an excerpt from Omitted Pieces here


MY TIDBITS

Very original twists make this a hard read to predict and one to keep the reader on the edge of their seat until the very last page.

Sierra is no longer herself, but she's not complaining since she should be dead. Dealing with a new body isn't her top problem as she's already on a new mission to save her mother...and that on a planet she knows basically nothing about. But she's not the only one facing the impossible. Al might have shut down the facility, but that's only the first step in the battle. Both as well as their friends have a long and very dangerous path ahead of them if they want to save life as they know it.

This book does take off where the first one ended - so it's not a stand-alone. The beginning already holds a very unique take on Sierra, and she finds herself in the middle of a new problem with very new circumstances. To say that there is always something happening in these pages is an understatement. The plot is well-woven and allows the intrigue and secrets to take the reader down unexpected paths. Action and tension abound, and not only for Sierra as this one is told from multiple points of view.

And there's heart. Sierra and isn't only determined to, now, save her mother, but she needs to find her friends. A building romance adds warm moments, and humor also marks dialogue and interactions at just the right time. Add original characters with unique personalities, and it's a read to enjoy.

First book in this series:
Replaced Parts book cover

You can read an excerpt from Replaced Parts (Transformed Nexus #1) here

Links:
- Goodreads
- Bookbub
- Amazon
- All buy links

Stephanie Hansen author picture
About the Author:
Stephanie Hansen is a PenCraft Award Winning Author. Her short story, Break Time, and poetry has been featured in Mind's Eye literary magazine. The Kansas Writers Association published her short story, Existing Forces, appointing her as a noted author. She has held a deep passion for writing since early childhood, but a brush with death caused her to allow it to grow. She's part of an SCBWI critique group in Lawrence, KS and two local book clubs. She attends many writers' conferences including the Writing Day Workshops, New York Pitch, Penned Con, New Letters, All Write Now, Show Me Writers Master Class, BEA, and Nebraska Writers Guild conference as well as Book Fairs and Comic-Cons. She is a member of the deaf and hard of hearing community. https://www.authorstephaniehansen.com/

Author links:
- Website
- Facebook
- Twitter
- Instagram
- Pinterest
- TikTok
- Goodreads
- Amazon

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Saturday, June 24, 2023

Today's read... Replaced Parts by Stephanie Hansen

 Today's read is the first in a two-part post for a science fiction series, which caught my attention, since it swings in a more traditional sci-fi direction. It's been awhile since I've read a series based on galactic adventures between planets, various life forms, and high-tech travel. So, I'm hoping this one will be pretty fun and exciting.

It's time to put on those space uniforms and jet out into the galaxies and beyond!


Replaced Parts book cover

REPLACED PARTS
Transformed Nexus #1
by Stephanie Hansen
YA Science Fiction





 

In the year 2163 a corrupt World Government controls everything on our planet and beyond.

Sixteen year-old Sierra has been so caught up in her own world of saving animal test subjects and her father’s disappearance, she hasn’t paid much attention. When she finally finds his location, she and her friend set off on a covert interplanetary mission to rescue him, she begins to see the corruption first hand.

Discovering that her father has been on the front lines secretly trying to save human test subjects inspires her to join a revolution. But she is afraid of the collateral damage of hurting the people she loves. Will she find the strength to make a deal with the mad scientist Cromwell to save not just her friends and family but everyone?

Links:
- Goodreads
- Bookbub
- Amazon
- Amazon Paperback
- Audible
- B&N
- Kobo
- Google Play
- Apple
- Scribd
- Overdrive
- All buy links

You can read an excerpt from Replaced Parts here


MY TIDBITS

Snuggling up between a sci-fi adventure, dystopian tones, and thriller intrigue, this read embraces the imagination while putting the reader on the edge of their seat more than a few times.

Sierra is full-throttle into her science experiments, which will hopefully help her along to her chosen career, but when she stumbles across a message from her missing father, her life takes a drastic turn. Determined to find him, she uses her talents in high-tech to manipulate her identity, sneaks out without her mother's knowledge, and heads off planet, where she hopes to find more clues. Not only has she never been away from her home, but what she discovers outside her known bubble is more than she ever expected. When she does find her father, she realizes her life, thanks to the government, has been a lie. Now, that she knows how awful things truly are, she's more than ready to fight for what's right.

At only around 230 pages, this is a short, scifi read, and considering how packed with action it is, it's a very quick one, too.  The first pages nose-dive right into Sierra's world. It's extremely futuristic, and the author takes the time to reveal Sierra's everyday life and surroundings before heading off into space. It reminded me a little bit of the high-tech fun found in the 1960's cartoon series, The Jetsons...but obviously, on a more serious note. This world-building with all of its details continues through the entire read and creates a true scifi realm with even the belonging jargon found in the characters' dialogue and thoughts. It creates a rich world.

The plot holds just as much thought. Sierra's surrounded with secrets and intrigue, and she has a lot to dig through to discover the truth. Not only is she battling against the lies of the government, but family and friendships add to the mix. It creates depth, adds heart, and still lets the action flow. There's never a dull moment as surprises always await and new challenges appear. None of it is too extreme, either, keeping the read in the solid young adult range. 

As the first book in the series, it lays all the groundwork and more. I did find the concentration on the high-tech descriptions a little much, at times, and had to pause once or twice due to beginning confusion, but all in all, it was a fun read, and I am looking forward to seeing where book two takes Sierra next.



Stephanie Hansen author picture
And here she is...

Stephanie Hansen is a PenCraft Award Winning Author. Her short story, Break Time, and poetry has been featured in Mind's Eye literary magazine. The Kansas Writers Association published her short story, Existing Forces, appointing her as a noted author. She has held a deep passion for writing since early childhood, but a brush with death caused her to allow it to grow. She's part of an SCBWI critique group in Lawrence, KS and two local book clubs. She attends many writers' conferences including the Writing Day Workshops, New York Pitch, Penned Con, New Letters, All Write Now, Show Me Writers Master Class, BEA, and Nebraska Writers Guild conference as well as Book Fairs and Comic-Cons. She is a member of the deaf and hard of hearing community. https://www.authorstephaniehansen.com/

Author links:
- Website
- Facebook
- Twitter
- Instagram
- Pinterest
- TikTok
- Goodreads
- Amazon

Lola's Blog Tours graphic