Armored Hours

Reincarnated Souls #1

by Stephanie Hansen

Cable Girls meets Peaky Blinders meets Titanic

The girls had forged a bond together like iron that could not be broken. Claudia, Kiersten, Lina, and Florian were on the brink of making history with their powerful feminist movement, but then they suddenly disappeared without a trace.

Alexander was a desperate bootlegger who was willing to risk it all to search for them. Not only were they in cahoots with him to help smuggle feminist contraband and forbidden booze, but Claudia had also unknowingly captivated his heart. He vowed to find them at any cost, but little did he know that their disappearance was part of a much bigger and sinister plot from the upper echelons of society.

Set in 1920s Paris of the Plains, Armored Hours is a thrilling tale of love and mystery interwoven with hints of magical realism.

Genres: Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Historical, Fiction, Magical Realism, Romance, Mystery

292 pages, Paperback

Published October 14, 2024

About the author

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...

Reviews

[Keri M · Rating 4 out of 5]

1920’s - Check. Fierce FMC - Check. MMC falls hard and fast- Check. This book checked so many amazing boxes. I loved the setting, I loved how the characters got their time to shine. Historical issues are covered and put in the spotlight to teach a new generation of readers how difficult it used to be for women. I am far from a feminist, but this book puts a spotlight on important issues. Well written and intriguing!!!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review is also available on my blog: Wine Cellar Library

First, I would like to thank the author and Ink Slinger PR for providing me with a free advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I also love the promotional materials I received in the mail: a character art sticker, bookmarks, a replica train ticket, and a thank you letter from the author.

“I felt a surge of pride and admiration for this remarkable woman who had shown me vulnerability just moments ago. Now she stood before me as a mighty force, shining brighter than I’d ever seen her before. She was a true marvel, and I knew without a doubt that she would lead women to victory.” (p. 92)

🧭historical fantasy
🔮magical realism
💖sweet romance
🕵🏻‍♀️mystery
🧙🏼‍♀️witches
🐦‍🔥reincarnation
🗽feminism
🗳️women’s suffrage
📰women’s rights
🥃the Prohibition Era
🌎alternate dimensions
🧏🏻‍♀️deafness representation
👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨soulmates
🗡️protective hero
🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒found family

Blending historical fact with fiction, with a dash of magic and sweet romance

★★★★☆
🌶️

It’s the early 1920s in the Midwest, amidst the Prohibition and the women’s suffrage movement. Bootlegger Alexander has fallen for Claudia, a feminist fighting for women’s rights and smuggling feminist “contraband” such as birth control. When the ship transporting Claudia and her friends vanishes, Alexander and Claudia’s mother, Marie, will stop at nothing to find them.

The concept of reincarnation was my favorite aspect of Armored Hours. Marie and her family have lived many lives, but only Marie has memories of everything she has experienced, both in the past and in the future. The reason behind their reincarnation across multiple lifetimes, as well as that of their pursuer, the “counter” (someone who reincarnates out of a malicious need for vengeance), is fascinating.

Furthermore, the two ships that disappear in Armored Hours–the Carroll A. Deering and the S.S. Hewitt–really disappeared within days of each other off the East Coast of the United States in January 1921, and no one has ever determined the cause or located the second ship. I appreciated this imagining of what may have transpired–it is eerie yet beautifully tragic what happens to the crew in Stephanie Hansen’s story.

The author, Stephanie Hansen, suffers from unilateral deafness, and she incorporated her lived experience into Claudia’s character. Reading about the way that unilateral deafness impacts sound perception was enlightening. My father is also deaf in one ear, but he chooses not to talk about it, so I wasn’t aware of how direction can become confused.

Overall, I enjoyed this story, especially the magic system and the empowerment and boundary-pushing of the female characters. Its themes were especially moving following last week’s presidential election results and the current climate of fear that women’s rights are in danger, so while I had intended to read this ARC before release day, I am really thankful that I read it when I did.

A note for the Kindle readers: This e-book is a print replica, which means that it cannot be read on a Kindle. It can only be read via the Kindle app on another device, such as a phone or tablet.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Magical, historical and strong FMC with a whole cast of strong female supporting characters, this story is great! From multiple POVs, this story is strong with the mysterious and the mystical, and a touch of romance to add some flavor. Our MMC falls hard and fast and our FMC is independent and determined. With bootleggers and activists and a dash of the fantastical, add in the 1920s setting, I thoroughly enjoyed this from start to finish! Definitely a vibe for those who love fantasy and historical fiction.

[Erin Martins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Armored Hours takes place in the Prohibition Era and is a story of resilience and vulnerability. Stephanie Hansen weaves together rich character development and a plot that keeps you engaged from start to finish. This is the perfect book to read if you want to escape. It has a little bit of everything, from romance, fantasy, action, magic, and historical fiction.
Hansen's writing draws you into the characters’ world. I felt like I was right with the characters in the story. I found the story confusing and hard to follow at first, but once it started to flow, I found it a worthwhile read. Overall, Armored Hours left me wanting more and I look forward to the next book. A solid four stars!
Thank you to InkSlinger PR and Stephanie Hansen for the opportunity to read an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Val · Rating 5 out of 5]

armored hours delivers a punchy, action-packed narration with a strong sense of urgency and undercut of deep emotions. set in a world where survival demands resilience, the journey is not just physical but mental, as our main characters have to wrestle with personal demons while also facing external threats.

stephanie hansen's prose is sharp and efficient, mirroring the intensity of the situations her characters find themselves in. each chapter builds on the last with high stakes, pulling you deeper into the conflict. what stands out most is the way the author balances action with quieter moments of introspection, adding layers to the characters.

while the pacing being brisk is a blessing it can also be a curse as it can feel rushed at times, especially when it comes to character development. certain relationships and motivations could have been explored further to give the reader more emotional investment. however, fans of fast-paced, intense adventures will appreciate the straightforward storytelling and the relentless momentum of the plot.

overall, armored hours is a gripping read with enough twists to keep you on edge, especially for those who enjoy stories of personal struggle against overwhelming odds.

[Caitlyn Simmons · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 rounded ⭐️
This book was based in Paris during the prohibition area. It touched on important topics like feminism and women’s rights during those times and was such an insightful read.
There were many things to love about this book-

*One of the characters is hard of hearing and the use of sign language felt like a nice addition.
*The illustrations throughout the book helped bring more context/substance to the book.
*I adored having so many strong female characters all together.
*The relationships and friendships all felt well developed throughout!

I think that the magic realism aspect of it was interesting however, I did find it a tad difficult to follow in the beginning- it wasn’t until about 55% of the way through that I felt I had a full understanding as to the different view points/time lines that were happening.

Overall, I think this book was a good read and I would recommend it🩷

Thank you to the author, Stephanie Hansen, as well as InkSlinger, for my ARC of this book. This is my honest opinion!

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is unlike anything I’ve ever read before. This historical fantasy grabbed my attention when describing itself as a Peaky Blinder meets Titanic. Say less and give me 14 more. It was a quick read that kept my attention throughout. I can’t wait to read more by this author.

Thank you to NetGalley and Stephanie Hansen for the opportunity to read this ARC!

[Nikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Armored Hours by Stephanie Hansen

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spice: 0

Media Type: Kindle

This book nails the 1920s Prohibition vibe, and I loved the focus on feminism and women’s empowerment. The friendships and camaraderie are really well done, too. I loved that one of the characters was partially deaf and included sign language as well. It took me about 30% to get into the story because the setup and the reincarnation aspect were a bit confusing at first. I also felt the characters could’ve been more developed—they sometimes blended together, and I wanted to know them better. Overall, it’s a good read, just a bit rushed in places.

[femmefiction_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

An immersive historical,fantastical experience that had me reeling. Set during the tumultuous 1920s Prohibition era, the story follows Claudia and her friends—Kiersten, Lina, and Florian—who are on the brink of making history with the suffragette movement. But just as they’re poised for greatness, they vanish without a trace.

Alexander, a bootlegger and friend of the girls, embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind their disappearance. He soon realizes it’s part of a sinister plot orchestrated by the elite of society. This book stirred a whirlwind of emotions within me; the characters felt incredibly alive and layered. Each girl brought her own strength, determination, and complexity to the story, making them unforgettable.

The historical accuracy is impeccable, seamlessly woven with elements of fantasy and a touch of romance, which drew me in from the very first page. This captivating tale is a must-read for fans of magical fantasy and historical fiction alike. I can’t recommend it highly enough.

[Morgan Jacques · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love Cable Girls and Peaky Blinders, you will love this book!

I thought this book was so cute and interesting!

Alexander, a bootlegger, met Claudia and instantly fell in love. Claudia and her group of friends created a feminist movement and were about to make history. When Alex and Claudia met, they decided to help one another. When Claudia and her friends went missing, Alex did everything in his power to find them and bring them back safely.

Even though I felt like the romance to this story was in the background, I had so much fun reading this book.

Set in Paris in the Prohibition era, I got a glimpse of what it was really like in that timeframe which I thought was really cool.

I loved all the characters. Alex and Claudia were so amazing together. It warmed my heart to see their reactions when they were reunited together it was so stinking cute.

Claudia and her friends are definitely the strong characters in the book. It was really cool to see so many strong female characters in a book. Doing whatever is necessary to make sure their movement is a success, even if it is really dangerous.

There are some magical elements in this book but it was just the right amount. It was not too little and not too much, and it made sense.

[Aussie · Rating 5 out of 5]

i adore Armored hours so much as its delivered the action packed narration that camee witth a strong sense of urgency and the undercut of deep emotions .

it is set in a world where the survival that demands resilience, the journey it isnt just the physical but also the mental.

the main characters must wrestle with their own personal demmons aswell as facing external threats

i adore how the chapters builds on from the previous chapters as well as pulling you deeper into the conflict .

Stephanie did a brillant job of balancing out the action with alot more quiter moments of instrospection that just adds layers to the characters

this book will keep u on the edge with twists aswell as it will gripped you into the story.

[Rachelle LeBlanc · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love historical fiction. The 1920s are not a time period I have read a lot of books set during. I took a while for me to get into the book but I loved it once I was able to get into the story. The short chapters help move the story along and made it a quick read.

I liked Alex, Claudia, Florian, Lina, and Kiersten. They were strong characters throughout the book. The Marie chapters were weird at first but once I was able to figure out how she fit into the story they made sense.

I think a lot of people with absolutely love Armored Hours.

[Karen Brooks - TheTxLitChic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Armored Hours 

~Stephanie Hansen 

Some hours leave dents in history; others leave scars on the soul. Armored Hours by Stephanie Hansen captures both with striking precision. Set in the roaring yet ruthless twenties - a decade of gin, grit, and growing feminist fire - this story burns with the courage of women who refuse to fade quietly into the background. Hansen doesn’t just transport you to another time; she drags you down alleys thick with smoke, champagne, and secrets, where revolution hums under the sound of jazz and the world as women know it teeters on the edge of change. 

At the center of it all are four friends - Claudia, Kiersten, Lina, and Florian - each bound by the suffragette cause and by the dangers that come with defiance. As they smuggle liquor, challenge men in power, and march toward equality, their paths collide with Alexander, a desperate bootlegger searching for more than just profit. When old-world expectations clash with new-world ideals, alliances blur and survival becomes a currency all its own. The characters’ lives intertwine in a world where hope flickers like candlelight against violence, corruption, and haunting echoes of reincarnated souls hinted through the series’ supernatural thread. 

Where Armored Hours truly shines is in its characters. Hansen writes women who aren’t saints or martyrs - they’re fighters, friends, and occasionally fools, trying to carve their names into a world designed to erase them. Claudia’s quiet resolve, Lina’s fire, Kiersten’s wit, and Florian’s conviction form a tessellation of strength and vulnerability that feels lived in, not performed. Alexander, with his bootleg bravado and growing conscience, adds another layer of tension, grounding the narrative in the messy truth of moral complexity. Every conversation feels like a negotiation - with destiny, with society, with self. 

Hansen details vivid, cinematic atmosphere. There’s jazz smoke in every line, grit beneath the glamour, and an undercurrent of unease that makes the book feel more like a noir-lit fever dream than a straight historical. Her pacing moves like a dance from a speakeasy floor - smooth, hypnotic, and dangerous in the right light. She doesn’t linger on prettiness; she leans into pain, redemption, and resilience, blending feminist defiance with haunting lyricism. 

Armored Hours is bold, evocative, and beautifully defiant - -a reminder that even in the darkest hours, resistance can still shine. It’s historical fiction with a heartbeat, a story that armors itself in courage, friendship, and gritty hope.

I would like to thank Stephanie Hansen for a copy of Armored Hours. As always, all opinions and reviews are of my own volition. I have not been promised any compensation, current or future, by the author or publisher for a fair and honest review.

[Karen Brooks - TheTxLitChic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Armored Hours 

~Stephanie Hansen 

Some hours leave dents in history; others leave scars on the soul. Armored Hours by Stephanie Hansen captures both with striking precision. Set in the roaring yet ruthless twenties - a decade of gin, grit, and growing feminist fire - this story burns with the courage of women who refuse to fade quietly into the background. Hansen doesn’t just transport you to another time; she drags you down alleys thick with smoke, champagne, and secrets, where revolution hums under the sound of jazz and the world as women know it teeters on the edge of change. 

At the center of it all are four friends - Claudia, Kiersten, Lina, and Florian - each bound by the suffragette cause and by the dangers that come with defiance. As they smuggle liquor, challenge men in power, and march toward equality, their paths collide with Alexander, a desperate bootlegger searching for more than just profit. When old-world expectations clash with new-world ideals, alliances blur and survival becomes a currency all its own. The characters’ lives intertwine in a world where hope flickers like candlelight against violence, corruption, and haunting echoes of reincarnated souls hinted through the series’ supernatural thread. 

Where Armored Hours truly shines is in its characters. Hansen writes women who aren’t saints or martyrs - they’re fighters, friends, and occasionally fools, trying to carve their names into a world designed to erase them. Claudia’s quiet resolve, Lina’s fire, Kiersten’s wit, and Florian’s conviction form a tessellation of strength and vulnerability that feels lived in, not performed. Alexander, with his bootleg bravado and growing conscience, adds another layer of tension, grounding the narrative in the messy truth of moral complexity. Every conversation feels like a negotiation - with destiny, with society, with self. 

Hansen details vivid, cinematic atmosphere. There’s jazz smoke in every line, grit beneath the glamour, and an undercurrent of unease that makes the book feel more like a noir-lit fever dream than a straight historical. Her pacing moves like a dance from a speakeasy floor - smooth, hypnotic, and dangerous in the right light. She doesn’t linger on prettiness; she leans into pain, redemption, and resilience, blending feminist defiance with haunting lyricism. 

Armored Hours is bold, evocative, and beautifully defiant - -a reminder that even in the darkest hours, resistance can still shine. It’s historical fiction with a heartbeat, a story that armors itself in courage, friendship, and gritty hope.

I would like to thank Stephanie Hansen for a copy of Armored Hours. As always, all opinions and reviews are of my own volition. I have not been promised any compensation, current or future, by the author or publisher for a fair and honest review.

[Jessica Blackman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the Author for providing this digital ARC copy. The thoughts and opinions of my review are mine alone after reading Armored Hours from start to finish including the Epilogue.

I do have mixed feelings on this one. I enjoyed it but I also didn't at the same time. There were parts of this story where it became confusing and I was a bit lost in the story line. There was also a repeat at the end of chapter 18 of a couple of pages. I almost didn't catch it but skipped to chapter 19 when I realized it. That portion also threw me for a loop.

I was interested in requesting to join the ARC team for the description of the book as I loved Outlander with the time traveling and I enjoy historical fiction although I don't pick it up much so it was a nice switch from what I have been in the mood for here of late. The story was beautiful apart from the minor issues. There were a couple of times I thought this might end up being a 3 star but then the ending with the Epilogue was a nice touch which brought me back to 4 stars for me.

I will say I do recommend this for those who like clean historical fiction with a touch of romance in the mix and if you enjoy time travel, this was different to Outlander which made it a story of its own. As this was an ARC, the mistake at chapter 18 might be fixed now as release date was Oct 15, 2024

[WorkingMomBookshelf Tatiana · Rating 3 out of 5]

It had so much potential with its magical elements—reincarnation, spells, and more—set against the fascinating backdrop of prohibition and the women’s rights movement.

I was genuinely excited to dive into this unique mix. However, the execution left me confused. The story felt rushed, and important elements lacked the depth they deserved. It’s a short novel, but with 50 to 100 more pages, it could have developed the plot and characters much more effectively.

The writing style also added to the confusion. Some chapters were written in first person while others shifted to third person, making it hard to stay grounded in the story. In the end, I struggled to even grasp the core plot.

Sadly, I don’t think I’ll be continuing with the series.

[Ashley Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I rounded this up from 3.5 to 3.75. It's a quick but not easy-to-read book! I had to write notes and keep track of all the characters. The witchy vibes and reincarnation aspects needed to be expanded on, and honestly, the twists and things needed to be described better overall. The romance of the male and female characters as well as the sapphic love was well done. I thought not too much and not too little was needed to move the story. I felt this needed to be about 100 pages longer and more detailed. I would read the second book though.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting blend of historical fiction and fantasy that transported me into the rich, gritty world of the Prohibition era. Stephanie did us good! She brought the intriguing prohibition period to life—evoking a time of speakeasies, bootlegging and rebellion, while seamlessly weaving in elements of magic.

The strong FMCs were the highlight. These women are fierce, intelligent, and refreshingly independent which makes the plot even more interesting. Claudia, Lina, Florian and Kiersten, our brave and strong-willed women, embark on a journey to fight for women’s rights and get transported to a world they never could have imagined. The fantasy elements are beautifully crafted in harmony with the historical setting. The writing is lush and evocative.

Overall, Armored Hours is a spellbinding read that balances history, magic, and strong, unforgettable female characters. Readers will be in for a beautiful, magical treat.

[Unleishd_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the there were a lot of strong female characters and the focus on feminism. Also loved the multiple POVs.

The historical aspect of the story was interesting and something I’d like to read more of. There was romance and time travel which was a nice touch.

I did find it a bit confusing and hard to follow and it wasn’t until about 40% of the way through that I started to understand a bit more. The magical realism needed a bit more exploration.

Overall, a really great book and I’d recommend this to anyone.

[Eileen Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tale about a group of women who were at the forefront of the women's suffrage movement in 1920s Paris, when the group of women disappear it is up to a bootlegger to find them. During his search, he realizes that something sinister is happening in Paris.

[Kenia · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love historical and fantasy reads - add this to your TBR list.

I do wish it was a little longer so a few topics could be explained/disussed more in depth - however it was a good read overall.

[Jamesa Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

The premise alone was something to behold, especially given the era of the setting. I also loved the interactions between characters.

[Eveline Vroonland · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dit boek had veel potentie maar het bracht vooral in het begin veel verwarring met al die personages. Vooral de stukken met het tijdreizen waren verwarrend en begreep ik zelfs op het einde nog niet helemaal. Wel vermakelijk verder, maar het einde voelde wat gehaast.

[* Crissy * crissys_book_addiction · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It has multiple points of view, history, fantasy, and a love story all wrapped up into one. It has all the feels. There are also strong female characters during the prohibition era. This was a fun read and I am anxiously hoping that there is a second book on the way. This would make for a fun series.

[Lisa Villarreal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've never read anything quite like this. At times I was left wondering what I was reading but the overall experience was a good one.

Part historical, part fantasy and it has a lot of intrigue to carry through the book. I felt a little lost at times but I think overall it's an interesting story with a lot of uniqueness while maintaining great character development and historical accuracy.

[Megz Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall I loved this book! I love the mix of historical fiction and fantasy. I love thinking about reincarnation, women's rights, and prohibition. As a firm believer in the paranormal and after life I loved the story line! I also love that this has a witchy feel, and not like a 'Wicked' witchy feel, but the kind of "witches" that were likely burned in Salem.


The book touches greatly on how far women have come today and how many rights we have gained since the 1920's...which really wasn't that long ago! A major focus of this book is injustices and I am all here for it!

One of the things that I didn't quite understand in the book was what a "counter" is...I felt like the author didn't give enough of a definition, especially for something that is mentioned SO often in the book. There were also some words that were highlighted and underlined, I don't know if this was a printing error or if it was something we were supposed to be paying attention to as readers but I couldn't figure out a rhyme or reason for it.

I was left wanting for more character development as well a tad bit of world-building would be nice.

I hope there will be a next book! I will be first in line to read what happens!!!

[Tera · Rating 3 out of 5]

Historical romance with some magical realism? Sign me up! I loved the premise of this story. I actually enjoyed the main characters. And I really loved the historical portion of the story. It’s set during prohibition and Claudia and her friends are fighting for women’s right to vote while her love interest, Alex, is a bootlegger.

All I can say is more! I needed more. And not more as in a book 2. I needed more of this. The magical realism portion of this story is really interesting, but I just felt it needed more exploration. It was also a lot to jump between scenes within the same chapters with no indication.

This was a quick read. It’s listed at about 200 pages, so there was definitely room to add the depth I craved in the story, but I still really enjoyed the story. I definitely am going to read book 2.

[DoleWhipDolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was graciously provided signed by the author and I was so excited to read it because of the beautiful artwork and cover. Upon beginning the novel and seeing it took place partly on the SS Hewitt, I was interested to see that part of this story of the ship going missing is historically accurate. If you are looking for a book about female bonding, and the desire to change the world, this book is just that. There is romance, but the love between friends and sisters is an empowering story for women of all ages. Add a bit of time travel and reincarnation and you have a great combination of fantasy, romance, sisterhood, and action.

[Marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spell, magic, romance, mystery and so much more.

Claudia and her friends go missing and are in danger. Her and her friends helped it so women could vote. And are bringing back with birth control when they go missing.

Alex is hiding his ma and brother from an evil guy who is trying to kill Alex. Alex got Whisky for his friend Anna (Marie’s sister and Claudia’s aunt.)

Alex helps Claudia’s mother to find Claudia and her friends when they go missing. Claudia ends up getting shot. And Anna dies from using magic.

Over all this book was good. I highly recommend if you are into any of the above. The author did really well. I give it a 4 out of 5 stars!(:

[L Becerra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it!

Since I started reading this book, I couldn’t put it down and stop reading it. I think it is amazing how the author develops the story by the development of strong and relevant characters through every page as well as a very intriguing plot full of twists.
This is my first time reading Stephanie Hansen and I’m glad I did it with Armored Hours.
In this story, we can see some relevant themes like romance, sisterhood, fantasy, mystery, action and some other elements that make this book a great bet for the reader.
I am looking forward very excited to read a second book of this amazing story.