Orion’s Spur – Demeter Free this weekend
In July we were able to get all five of the Orion’s Spur books published on audible.com. So now, the series is available in e-book, paperback, and audio book formats. This weekend we are providing an opportunity for readers to experience the first book in the series in e-book format for free. Friday through Sunday you can get a free copy at
It is also available for sale in paperback and audiobook from that site. I’ve been told that it’s a great story, although as the first book, a bit slow as it does world building. Let me assure you that the plot thickens and gets much more exciting as it goes on through books 2-5.
In Demeter (book 1) William Joshua Ryder (Ryder), his wild younger sister Debbie, and their friends are kidnapped on a trip to Europe and taken light years from Earth to a planetoid, Demeter where two warring factions have been at war for over 10 millennia. The action and mystery moves forward as we begin to under the cultures and challenges of the peoples of the Orion Spur caught between two much larger arms of the galaxy. But why is someone trying to kill Ryder? And why were they picked to go to Demeter for a year?
What do readers say? “I very much enjoyed this. I have been reading a fair number of coming of age novels lately and this is a good one with several good twists and even a few surprises. I enjoyed the sibling repartee. This is very much worth reading. But darn! I want the sequel NOW.”
“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.”
Books 2 and three are set in Demeter: Return to Demeter and Defending Demeter. We watch not only Ryder, but his sister and their friends and enemies evolved and develop.
“This series continues to get better and better. In this second book of the series more and more of the puzzle pieces are coming together. The plot becomes more intricate and, fair warning, it becomes much harder to put the book down once you begin.”
“Return to Demeter delivers an intense follow-up to the first story. Ryder’s journey is packed with twists as he and his friends return to Demeter to save Debbie. The stakes are higher, and the mysterious illness keeps you turning the pages. The suspense is well-paced, and the danger feels real. The characters grow, especially Ryder, and the new challenges add depth to their relationships. Fans of the first book will love this heart-racing adventure.”
“This was another delightful installment. The intensity and intricacies of the plot continue to build as this series continues. Many of the characters are really coming more and more into their own as they face situations where they have to make decisions that they know will impact not only their own lives, but the lives of many others… and sometimes there simply is not a good choice. Courage. Foolhardiness. Deceit. Sacrifice. Second Chances. Honor. Fair Warning: Each book gets harder and harder to put down.”
Books 4 and 5 develop characters and build new worlds as the plot takes Ryder in one direction and his sister in another. Ryder looks for allies in the Orion Spur in book 4. In book 5 he attempts to end the war between Sagittarius and Perseus arms of the galaxy before his time runs out.
“This volume amps up the stakes for Ryder, both personally and professionally. His relationship with Cynthia feels authentic, especially when he has to meet her father. The mission through the asteroid field with Debbie was a highlight for me – full of tension and great visuals. I also appreciated how unpredictable the pirate negotiations were. If you’ve been following this series, this is another strong installment that builds up the tension for what’s to come.”
“Haumeah, Volume 4 (Demeter) is packed with thrilling space action and complex relationships. I was hooked from the first chapter, with Ryder facing everything from meeting Cynthia’s father to negotiating with pirates in a dangerous asteroid field. Debbie’s flight scenes had me at the edge of my seat! The writing is fast-paced, and the story keeps you guessing. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys space drama with great character moments.”
“[Paragon’s Virtue} is an action-packed finale with a lot of heart. The choices Ryder must make are heavy, and the story raises important questions about sacrifice, leadership, and what it takes to end a war. It’s a smart, emotional, and exciting conclusion to the series that left me satisfied yet wanting more from this universe.”
“[Paragon’s Virtue] brings the series to a stunning conclusion. The intergalactic conflict is massive, and Ryder’s role in trying to bring peace is compelling and full of tension. The book combines epic battles with introspective moments about the costs of war, making it a truly memorable read. Sci-fi fans should not miss this!”
So what is the quid pro quo? Get the e-book for free. If you like it leave a review on Amazon. If you don’t like it… well I’m okay if you don’t leave a review 😊 The nice thing is that all five books are complete and available in whatever format you like to read. You don’t have to wait a year for the next book.