Cloud Hands

The Disclosure Files #1

by Nancy J. Nelson

Who do you wish to be? Who does humanity wish to be? This is a question that needs to be answered now.

Vicki Heywood, a grieving diplomat shattered by the loss of her sister, accepts a summer job watching over the teenage children of her former professor. Assisted by Jessica, Brad, and James, she soon discovers a web of secrets involving alien contact, hidden medical cures, secret government tech, a covert organization of the world’s elites, and a global awakening that could change what it means to be human.

CLOUD HANDS is a genre-defying sci-fi drama about the hidden architecture of power, the spiritual cost of technology, and the possibility of human evolution through the power of our own consciousness and undiscovered potential.

Genres: Science Fiction

327 pages, Paperback

Published October 28, 2025

About the author

Nancy Nelson writes science fiction in the Disclosure Files universe.

Reviews

[Country Mama · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cloud Hands by Nancy J. Nelson is a sci-fi thriller about humanity and Vicki who is
a diplomat who just lost her sister, Beth to cancer. She gets a job offer from her former professor to watch over his children. His college age and high school age children, which Vicki finds weird. The characters are interesting and well written. The kids of Brad and Jessica are beyond their years and they teach Vicki a lot about herself and also her abilities. We find out a lot going on with medical cures in this one and how it is possible that the 'higher ups' in society could be hiding medical cures that they have from the common people like myself. I do believe that could be true or could have the propensity to be a true thing in reality. I liked the character of Melly and what we find out about Beth also. That was an interesting twist in the book. I hope there is another book so we can see where Vicki continues with her story, but we shall see.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun book to read! An interesting concept I haven’t seen before, so it was nice to read. It’s mostly plot-driven, so if that’s you’re thing, it’s perfect! However, the characters are still loveable and we do see some character growth in Vicki.
There were moments when the POV would shift making it a little confusing at times, but it didn’t distract from the story too much. I do agree with another reviewer that there were some moments that felt like it had been said/mentioned before, but as someone plotting/writing their own book, I've had those moments myself—another round of developmental/line editing may have been helpful.
Perfect setup for the series/sequel, so I’m excited to see where the story goes after that crazy ending!

[Therearenobadbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aliens and conspiracy? Yes! A mystery that goes from mundane nanny activity to global event. Has a lot of interesting concepts scifi, and characters as well. In this one, aliens have a goal, and it's not just the usual alien first contact story. This is a fun read in 2025 with the 3I Atlas passing by us.

[David Pospisil · Rating 3 out of 5]

Uneven pace and repetitive dialogue
Interesting concept and characters
I liked that it had a satisfying ending, which is unusual for book 1 of a series.
I probably won’t be back for more unless I knew that Vicki would continue to be the MC

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
A very thought provoking, fascinating read with great characters.
Interesting quotes before each chapter opens ones eyes to other possibilities.
Would enjoy reading a second book.

[Timothy · Rating 3 out of 5]

To come