Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Altered Helix #2

Stranded Coil

Rate this book
For Austria, travelling to the Stranded Coil means she gets to see someone she believed was lost. She’s able to do this because she’s an Altered Helix. But doing so takes her away from her first true love, Josh. Josh is working hard to keep their Haunted House family safe on Earth, but seems to fall in love with Austria more with every second they spend together.

Austria and Josh face a devastating challenge, the mysterious appearance of Mutant Altered Helixes, and an enticingly dangerous answer to their questions.

Impulsive, caring, and full of surprises, this teenage love against the odds is well on its way to breaking even…maybe.

87 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 16, 2020

Loading interface...
Loading interface...

About the author

Stephanie Hansen

15 books405 followers
Agent @MetamorphLitAg | Altered Helix Game 2023 | PenCraft and Global Book Award Winning Author | Mom | deaf | Replaced Parts & Omitted Pieces @FireIceYABooks & @TantorAudio | Ghostly Howls 2023 | IMADJINN FINALIST | Armored Hours 2024

Follow me on BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/steph...

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
27 (57%)
4 stars
14 (29%)
3 stars
4 (8%)
2 stars
2 (4%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Píaras Cíonnaoíth.
Author 124 books164 followers
July 13, 2020
A wonderfully written and richly descriptive novella...

Stranded Coil by Stephanie Hansen is book 2 in the Altered Helix Series. I thought the book was wonderfully written and richly descriptive, with brilliantly drawn settings and characters. The author weaved a well-crafted other world fantasy that will captivate the reader from the start. There’s plenty of imagery in the writing style that makes you feel you are right there in the story, and that’s something I look for in a good book.

The vivid descriptions of the settings, situations, and the people were stunning. The author’s use of genuine dialogue further added to the overall atmosphere of authenticity. The ending has left the door open for at least another book, and it has the potential for making a great series.

It’s one of those books that comes along occasionally that will make you want to read it non-stop until you get to the end. For fantasy fans looking for an interesting, three-dimensional, and stimulating read, this would be a great find. I’m giving nothing further away here. And this, I hope, will only add to the mystery and enjoyment for the reader.

Highly recommended reading for teen and young adult readers.
Profile Image for Larissa Lopes.
Author 3 books46 followers
May 15, 2023
I just finished this one, and I'm already picking up the third book. I love the mystery around this Altered Helix world so much!
Austria and Josh had a lot of challenges in Stranded Coil, trying to keep everybody that they love safe. And I'm literally starting "Paralleled Bond" right now, because I can't wait to know what happens next!
Profile Image for Ivana S..
358 reviews9 followers
July 14, 2020
This is the second book I’m reading from this author and it is as great as the first one. It is a delightful read. “Stranded Coil” is a book written by Stephanie Hansen. It is the second novel in the Altered Helix series. It is an action packed tale full of surprises and twists and turns that make you read as fast as possible so as to know what will happen next.

This book tells the story of Austria and Josh, who are in love, but everything will be complicated when their love is tested after Austria has to travel to find a missing person. Josh has to take care of his haunted house family and mutant altered helixes appeared.

All in all, this was a great novel to read. In fact, the dialogues are very realistic and this makes it easy to be inside the story. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys thriller books. Don’t miss it!
Profile Image for Candra Hodge.
794 reviews6 followers
November 6, 2020
The story continues

The story continues in this novella. Things become even more complicated for everyone in this novella. Austria must make a tough decision.
Profile Image for N.N. Heaven.
Author 6 books2,014 followers
December 7, 2022
Summary –

She traveled the stranded coil in search of her father but at what cost? Austria continues her journey as she tries to navigate her special abilities and her new life as an altered helix. She doesn’t want to leave Josh, but she needs to travel the stranded coil. What she finds there changes her. She reunites with her father but are the consequences too great? Can she and Josh stay true to each other and be a couple even when many obstacles try to come between them?


Narrator’s overall voice –

Carolyn A. Lee’s voice has personality all its own but when it utilizes each character’s inflection, it takes on each character with poise.


Does the narrator fit the characters?

Yes, Carolyn A. Lee fits the characters, especially the teens.


Narrator’s reading style –

Carolyn A. Lee has a reading style that is relaxed, but with plenty of twists and turns to keep the listener’s attention.


Narrator’s impact on reading experience –

Carolyn A. Lee has an innate ability to draw a listener/reader in without any effort. She takes what is one of the most unique stories I’ve ever read and makes it come alive.


Narrator’s pacing –

Her pacing is perfect, blending action, romance, tension, intrigue, and more with no difficulty.


Audiobook flow –

She allows the audiobook to unfold naturally with plenty of dialogue, action, romance, and everyday life.


What makes this audiobook unique –

Carolyn A. Lee and Stephanie Hansen partner up to bring readers/listeners one of the most thrilling yet diverse YA books. The plot is quick which adds to the exhilaration while listening. Her narration brings Stranded Coil to life. I didn’t want it to end.


Would I recommend this audiobook –

YES! Don’t wait. Buy this audiobook right now.


My Rating: 5 stars


Reviewed by: Mrs. N


This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
Profile Image for Conscientious.
484 reviews10 followers
October 26, 2022
Stranded Coil: Altered Helix Novella by Stephanie Hansen is a captivating thriller. This is not just another teenage romance, but the story revolves around two different people who are falling in love with each other, but their paths are very different. Austria gets a chance to meet someone she has believed to be lost but by doing so she needs to let go of Josh who himself is tied with his own personal mission. Battling with challenges and with the mysterious appearance of Mutant Altered Helixes will also put their relationship on brink of losing away. Austria and Josh are yet to discover their fate. I enjoyed the plot as it is combined with an enticing layer of suspense, drama, and lots of twists. The characters are well developed, and they bring the story alive. The author's narration is superb which makes the story more entertaining. A definite recommend for a wonderfully creative thriller.
Profile Image for Chico's Mom.
733 reviews6 followers
October 28, 2022
Great love plot.
Stranded Coil: Altered Helix Novella 2 by Stephanie Hansen is not your ordinary YA romance novel. It
has a hint of sci-fi but majorly focuses on the love aspect of the story. It’s hard enough that one’s partner is in a different state or country, what more if they are from a different world. “Even though they are my friends, people can only understand so much outside the norm." My heart ached when I heard this. Great plot and characters. Great well described characters and scenes. I commend Stephanie for building such a compelling world. The dilemma between choosing one’s love and family is take as old as time but still quite effective. I can’t wait for the next books! Austria is one amazing character! Impressive work.
Profile Image for Celeste.
995 reviews24 followers
October 27, 2022
Stranded Coil is the second book in the series Altered Helix created by Stephanie Hansen. At first look, this novella may look like a classic and basic science fiction book with a little romance. However, as I continue reading, I discovered a captivating world building and well described characters. The plot is intriguing and compelling. There are so many twists and turns that even though readers know the general idea of the book, they have no clue about what is going to happen on every single page. Stranded Coil would be great for anyone that loves reading science fiction, romance, drama, and a little bit of a dark side twist in books.
Profile Image for Alfredo R.
603 reviews8 followers
October 28, 2022
A teenagers novel

“Stranded Coil” is a good romance novel written by author Stephanie Hansen. This novel is meant to be read by teenagers, and I could say it could fit their overwhelming world.

As regards the plot, I felt a lot was happening simultaneously and I could not follow it all. Nonetheless, this was what kept me reading: it felt a little bit like a teenager's daily life.

Though the plot overloaded me a little, I very much like the development of the characters: they are described in detail and I ended up feeling like I knew them, and sometimes, I could predict their actions.

I give this story three stars and I feel teenagers might like it!
Profile Image for Liz.
1,104 reviews20 followers
October 27, 2022
"Stranded Coil" is the second book in The Altered Helix series, written by Stephanie Hansen. In it, we meet Austria, who returns to Stranded Coil, and is reunited with her first love, Josh. Austria thought that she had forgotten him, but she realizes that she still has feelings for him. Josh, in turn, continues to feel things for Austria and it doesn't take long for the spark to light up again.
In my opinion, it is an exciting book for young adults. The plot seemed very fresh and original. The characters are very well described and it is impossible not to fall in love with them. I think the length of the book was good and, without a doubt, I can't wait to read the sequel.
Profile Image for Aparna Preethi.
Author 1 book50 followers
October 27, 2022
Following its fantastic first part, the second installment takes the story further with new twists and turns. The story of Austria and Josh awaits new turmoil. In this story of agony, separation, and romance, the haunted house adds more drama and entertainment. The author has presented teenage romance in an unprecedented light which makes it more interesting. The challenges faced by Josh and Austria bring out the real strength of their character. The way all characters are intricately written outshines throughout the story. I loved the second part more than the first, it is multi-layered and gives more perspective into the story.
871 reviews27 followers
October 25, 2022
Stranded Coil is the second book in the Altered Helix series by Stephanie Hansen. This young adult romance story takes place in a fantasy world and offered me a good pleasant reading. Providing a window into real-world issues, the author’s book expertly weaves fiction, love, suspense, and age-appropriate goals, such as autonomy, friendship, romance, and skillfulness.
Rich in vivid imagery and nail-biting intrigue, readers will surely experience empathy with characters in this fast-paced and catching tale. Through their love story, the main characters Austria and Josh display courage in face of adversity and challenges which makes it very endearing to experience along the chapters.
I will certainly recommend this read.
Profile Image for Marina  Lujan .
648 reviews10 followers
October 25, 2022
"Stranded Coil" is the next installment in the Altered Helix series. I came back to read this book because I truly liked the first one so much.

A must-read for lovers of fantasy fiction, with romance, suspense, and surprises. It was a perfect book. A compelling plot with all the elements you need to stay interested. It features plenty of action and adventure, but it also includes some romance. The novel recounts the tale of Austria and Josh, who fall in love and must face many challenges in their journey.

Do I recommend this book? Yes. Readers who like the fantasy romance genre should check it out. I'm anxious to begin the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Ivan M.
661 reviews17 followers
April 4, 2024
Stranded Coil is the second delivery of the saga, written by Stephanie Hansen. It's a book hard to describe, a romantic novel mixed up in a complicated Sci-Fi world. I bought it without knowing it was a sequel and I felt a bit lost, so I recommend reading them in order.

The narrative follows the story of Austria and Josh, who find themselves overwhelmed between Austria's condition and Josh's family. The relationship is in danger, will love be enough to save it?

Overall, it was a fine read. Teenager love stories are a type of novel very popular these days, but the author gave it a twist that feels refreshing.
Profile Image for Ashley.
122 reviews
June 18, 2020
Stranded Coil had me feeling like I was right there with Austria and the crew. The author does an amazing job describing each scene. The plot of this book had me hooked even more then the first in the series. I look forward to last part to see how the whole story wraps up.

I will admit that YA is not my typical go-to book but I have enjoyed this series so far!
Profile Image for CarlitasFox.
1,108 reviews20 followers
July 18, 2020
An unputdownable great novel!

Luckily, the series called “Altered Helix” has a second part. “Stranded Coil” is another masterwork of Stephanie Hansen. She penned a love and exciting story that is worth reading.

The plot revolves around the teenagers Austria and Josh. They are both in love, but they must take a different path in their lives. Austria decides to travel to Stranded Coil in search of a gone person. Again, this story shows a bit of everything: love, secrets, surprises, danger and suspense.

I found the second part extremely engaging. It is a well-written novel full of suspense. The characters are dynamic and complex at the same time; they are also well-developed. In connection to the plot, you will find that there are lots of turns and twists in their lives that put you on edge of your seat throughout the reading. I really liked it; it is an unputdownable reading! I thoroughly recommend this novella to readers.


Profile Image for Carolina Solano.
149 reviews5 followers
July 20, 2020
Stranded Coil: Altered Helix Novella 2 is the second book presented by Stephanie Hansen. She has had a deep passion for writing from early childhood and demonstrates this in this short novel.
Austria has a different DNA than the rest, and different physiological, intellectual and psychological abilities. Also, she can travel to the Otherworld, this is an extraordinary gift. But this gift becomes her curse when she sets out on a journey to the Otherworld to see someone she believed lost and discovers that she has an important mission to accomplish. This mission could separate her forever from her only love, Josh.
It is a short and pleasant story. It is a very entertaining novel, without secondary plots and with an impeccable narration, which deserves to be highlighted.
The environment is well designed. The main characters are strong and have been reinforced with a series of secondary characters with increasing importance in the novel. There are different approaches contributed by the numerous characters, who build a very complete and well-structured story. It is a great science fiction narrative with an excellent literary load.
I recommend reading this book. After reading Stranded Coil, I decided to read more Stephanie Hansen novels and discovered the author's wonderful and surprising book series.
Profile Image for Brandy Michelle Dull.
Author 1 book53 followers
September 23, 2020
Stranded Coil is a much better book than its predecessor Altered Helix. Where the first book was laking in character development and story Stranded Coil makes up for it with action and adventure.

It continues right where the prior story left over jumping right into the action. We already know who the bad guys are and Stephanie Hansen does a good job of fleshing out the details of the plot so we know more about the main characters special DNA and why its worth killing for. We also find out more back story about her father and what happened to him to explain some of the mystery that surrounds him.
The main love story happening gets much better in the second book as the writer does a better job of showing instead of telling us their feelings for each other.

These improvements to the second book made this portion of the series flow much better and made for a more enjoyable read. I can tell that the author is growing and learning as she goes. This was another quick fast read, but I found I enjoyed it and look forward to reading the conclusion to the series.
Profile Image for Sol Tyty.
1,048 reviews22 followers
July 18, 2020
Stranded Coil is an action-packed teenager love story full of suspense and it is the second book in the Altered Helix Series. Right by looking at the cover we learn this story will be about love and passion, and almost all love stories are full of twists and turns. The ones present in this read would make make readers feel part of the sequences of events.
This book is written through the eyes of Austria and that is why it is written in the first person. The narrative is simple and plenty of dialogues that would help readers understand better how the story unfolds and adds authenticity to the events described. The setting, the characters and the details are depicted in a vivid way.
Each chapter is more exciting than the last one, but if I have to choose one, I would say that the one when Camille disappears is my favourite.
I totally recommend this story which suspense would keep readers glued to the pages until the last minute. Give it a try, you would not regret it!
Profile Image for Mia C..
992 reviews24 followers
July 22, 2020
“Stranded Coil” is the second book in the Altered Helix series, written by Stephanie Hansen. This sequel is as good as its first part and I am eager to continue reading this series. I am already a big fan of Hansen’s writing style and stories.
The author’s writing style is very enjoyable; she managed to balance the telling and showing, which ended up in a very good narrative. It is written in the first person which makes it easy to the reader to empathise with the main character.
Characters are very well described and portrayed. There are many characters and all have been clearly differentiated. The plot is also a good point to mention; it is very well developed throughout the book in a smooth way.
All in all, I will certainly recommend this book and also the complete series.
Profile Image for Aneley Sánchez.
829 reviews22 followers
October 31, 2022
For young adults.

Stephanie Hansen is the author of the Altered Helix, a good series for young adults. In the second book called Stranded Coil, she takes up the stories of Austria and Josh, two incredible and strong characters that we met in the first installment.
I think it is essential to read the previous book to fully understand this one. I always enjoy these types of stories, but it was even better because the author not only wrote a good fictional romantic story but included big real issues like love, misunderstanding and the struggle to improve in life.
It is well written and it was easy for me to empathize with the characters. I really liked it!
9,916 reviews120 followers
July 9, 2020
This is the 1st book I've read written by Stephanie Hansen; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I loved the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
3,909 reviews29 followers
July 2, 2020
The book is a good teen and young adult romance read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Donna (BookDragonGirl).
1,206 reviews10 followers
August 31, 2020
Ahhh...I’m loving this series!!! I just sucked down novella two in the trilogy!! I love how each one is short but packed full of adventure, romance and friendships. The characters are awesome!! With book two I didn’t even put it down, it’s so exciting!! On to the third one!!!
Profile Image for Stacy Jabri.
191 reviews5 followers
October 25, 2022
Stranded Coil is the second book in the Altered Helix series written by Stephanie Hansen.

Hensen continues the story of Austria, an Altered Helix, meaning she has a unique DNA from everyone else, and as a result, she has unusual talents. One such gift allows her access to the Otherworld. She has to go to the Stranded Coil to see a person she thinks is lost; undertaking this rescue mission could be difficult. Austria and her friends are exposed to Mutant Altered Helixes throughout the operation. It is discovered that her companions have altered helixes as well, which might perhaps expose them all to a new threat during the expedition to rescue her friend Jack. Their exploits give them a new perspective on their skills, and it impacts everything for them all.

This book is superb because of human trafficking, organ theft, medical research, visits to heaven, invisibility, and other topics. Reading about Austria and her friends' exploits will probably satisfy readers of this well-written science fiction book. The novel frequently has the feel of fan fiction, although it is based on the fantasy and science fiction subgenres as a whole rather than on a single property. A by-the-numbers detective thriller in a sci-fi scenario is produced as a result of some intriguing ideas being introduced but still needing to be developed in the book.
Profile Image for Alejandro Sureda.
107 reviews3 followers
March 30, 2024
Stranded Coil: Altered Helix Novella 2 brings us a plot focused on the relationship of two teenagers Austria and Josh, which moves comfortably through the areas of science fiction, romance, suspense and mystery. And although the story presents several twists, it is so well structured that not only does one not get lost in reading, but it also generates an addiction to it, to discover how it continues to develop and what its ending will be.
Stephanie Hansen "forces" us to read the previous book and the next, because one falls in love with the characters and wants to know more about them.
If you are looking for a story that has science fiction, romance and mystery, you have found it in Hansen's books.
Profile Image for Agustina Sureda.
606 reviews13 followers
April 6, 2024
This book offers a unique blend of romance, science fiction, and mystery. Stephanie Hansen’s imaginative storytelling and well-drawn characters make it a worthwhile read, the characters, especially Austria and Josh, are well-crafted. Their emotional struggles and growth resonate with me and my past relationships. But what I liked the most about this reading is the mysterious and otherworldly ambiance that Hansen’s descriptive writing brings to life, it made me keep reading and wondering what else was about to happen. Despite the fact that this is a romance novel, the mystery took a big part of the narrative which makes it different, and although I did find the pacing a bit slow and a bit predictable, this was a solid reading!   
Profile Image for Almiria.
513 reviews4 followers
April 3, 2024
Stranded Coil by Stephanie Hansen is a young adult romance and fantasy novel. The protagonist Austria has unique DNA and as a result she can journey to the Stranded Coil to find someone. But will her journey endanger her romance with Josh and everything they have built together?

This novel is the second one in the Altered Helix series and readers who have not read the first book might find that there is a bit much going on. While this book is not remarkably original in terms of YA romance and fantasy fiction, it is nevertheless a decently entertaining read for fans of this genre. I am giving it four stars out of five.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.