What do you think?
Rate this book
The Transmuter's Daughter
The Transmuter’s Daughter is a near-future science fiction thriller. Morgan Djai’s company’s been bought out, he’s been laid off, his wife wants a divorce, and his brilliant but estranged brother has just been murdered. As Morgan tries to assume his duties as guardian for his brother’s teenage children he’s confronted with the mystery of why his brother died carrying a $10,000 chunk of platinum in the pocket of his jeans.
Morgan’s fifteen year old niece is striking in appearance but hostile in attitude. His nephew’s pleasant but defers all questions about the platinum to his sister.
It slowly becomes evident that Morgan’s brother made the platinum. He was killed by people who wanted his secret. His niece knows how the platinum was created but doesn’t want to tell Morgan.
The people who killed his brother still want the platinum…
Damn…
Morgan’s fifteen year old niece is striking in appearance but hostile in attitude. His nephew’s pleasant but defers all questions about the platinum to his sister.
It slowly becomes evident that Morgan’s brother made the platinum. He was killed by people who wanted his secret. His niece knows how the platinum was created but doesn’t want to tell Morgan.
The people who killed his brother still want the platinum…
Damn…
- GenresScience Fiction
282 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 30, 2018
245 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
About the author
Laurence E. Dahners
62 books676 followersI was born on the island of Cyprus where my dad was employed as a mining engineer. We moved to the Philippines (more mining) when I was three and then to Arizona when I was 9. I went to med school at the University of Arizona and did a residency in Orthopaedics at the University of Kansas. I taught Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill until I retired in 2017.
I've always loved science fiction and it's been great fun getting to write some. I also like music and have a little home recording studio. You can read more, listen to some music and look at some of my art, at http://laury.dahners.com/ if you like.
If you want to contact me, or be put on my email list to be notified when new books come out, just email me at ldahners@gmail.com
Laury Dahners
I've always loved science fiction and it's been great fun getting to write some. I also like music and have a little home recording studio. You can read more, listen to some music and look at some of my art, at http://laury.dahners.com/ if you like.
If you want to contact me, or be put on my email list to be notified when new books come out, just email me at ldahners@gmail.com
Laury Dahners
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
March 16, 2026
I am one of Laurence Dahners biggest fans. I love everything he writes and appreciate the way he brings hard science to explain even the most far out concepts. This was a good story and could have been so enjoyable. But, I listened to it on Audible expecting it to be captivating like his other audio books. Unfortunately, it was read by an AI narrator that was completely emotionless. I am not an AI hater and have become used to the AI narrators so many authors are using right now. However, an AI with flat affect is neither enjoyable or acceptable. This story is 5 stars but the narrator is a 0. With a better narrator I would give it a 5.
July 4, 2018
Readers delight. Magic in words. Laurence Dahners is a true master. Several of his series are among my most favorites in any genre, so I ran to grab The Transmuter's Daughter as soon as I had the opportunity to do so. Boy am I ever happy I did so. This book has his trademark mix of great fictional science (here it’s his tale on quantum tunneling), great adventure and neat characters. Really just perfect. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises - the book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, it is easy to highly recommend. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book in this series.
July 4, 2018
Readers delight. Magic in words. Laurence Dahners is a true master. Several of his series are among my most favorites in any genre, so I ran to grab The Transmuter's Daughter as soon as I had the opportunity to do so. Boy am I ever happy I did so. This book has his trademark mix of great fictional science (here it’s his tale on quantum tunneling), great adventure and neat characters. Really just perfect. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises - the book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, it is easy to highly recommend. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book in this series.
July 6, 2018
Kiri Djai was another outstanding girl power character like Elle Donsaii. She overcame every obstacle with her sharp wit and determination. I modeled my own character, Jennifer, in Brilliant after Elle. I wish I could write dialog as well. Dahners' villains are incredibly evil and insanely persistent.
As usual, the author put a hook at the end leaving me on the edge of my seat waiting for the next Kiri Djai novel.
As usual, the author put a hook at the end leaving me on the edge of my seat waiting for the next Kiri Djai novel.
April 10, 2024
Pretty good!
July 9, 2024
In his standalone novel The Transmuter’s Daughter, Laurence Dahners shows us how something out of the realm of alchemy might be possible without breaking too many physical laws. The what-if premise asks if it might be possible to add subatomic particles to one metal that convert it into a heavier, more valuable element. The plot blends a murder mystery, corporate skullduggery, a feel-good found family story, and a smidgeon of teen romance. It begins when a brilliant software engineer suffers a series of family disasters. His estranged brother is murdered, leaving him to raise two teenage children in addition to his own adopted sun. Corporate crooks are cheating him out of the profits he hoped to make from his startup company. He also has to solve the murder and figure out the physics experiments his brother was working on when he died.
August 19, 2018
The Transmuter's Daughter (Kindle Edition) by Laurence E. Dahners
Not so musch SciFi as rather fiction that has some science in it. But do not let that put you off from reading it, it really is a nice story. Our hero, Morgan has the worst day of his life, and everything just goes to shit. The company he founded screws him out of a LOT of money, his fornicating wife throws him out of the home, and oh yeah his estranged brother is dead.
A very rough start on this path, but Morgon is resilient if nothing else. Oh, and he really is a good guy. He builds relationships with his son, and his niece and nephew, and ends up doing a lot of good along the way. A nice tale and a happy ending.
Not so musch SciFi as rather fiction that has some science in it. But do not let that put you off from reading it, it really is a nice story. Our hero, Morgan has the worst day of his life, and everything just goes to shit. The company he founded screws him out of a LOT of money, his fornicating wife throws him out of the home, and oh yeah his estranged brother is dead.
A very rough start on this path, but Morgon is resilient if nothing else. Oh, and he really is a good guy. He builds relationships with his son, and his niece and nephew, and ends up doing a lot of good along the way. A nice tale and a happy ending.
January 8, 2024
don't miss this book!
It's a fantastic story and that it all develops out of a discovered adultery in progress discovered sdjltry in ptogressand potential divorce makes i th my minf, even more xpectacular. mskes,tomymindevenbetter! Thes storieslook ones that Laurence Dzhners continues to come up with---have triedtheBonesetterbooks(again,most excellent!)on me up with have all captured my imaginationDahners; I'm about to restart the Phyllis family xtoriedagsin.II just wish he'd outputs compendium for hi books I'd LOBR TO ADD THOSDE TO MY LIBRARY!!!
It's a fantastic story and that it all develops out of a discovered adultery in progress discovered sdjltry in ptogressand potential divorce makes i th my minf, even more xpectacular. mskes,tomymindevenbetter! Thes storieslook ones that Laurence Dzhners continues to come up with---have triedtheBonesetterbooks(again,most excellent!)on me up with have all captured my imaginationDahners; I'm about to restart the Phyllis family xtoriedagsin.II just wish he'd outputs compendium for hi books I'd LOBR TO ADD THOSDE TO MY LIBRARY!!!
October 1, 2018
Possibly his best one yet
I truly love Mr Dahners writing and have been working my way through his entire back list. I've loved every one. His brand of optimistic science fiction particularly appeals to me. But in this one the characters have center stage over the science. And his characters are fully fleshed out individuals that one would like to know personally. So I'm thinking that this one stands out even in the crowd of all of Laurence Dahners book. Wonderful read!
I truly love Mr Dahners writing and have been working my way through his entire back list. I've loved every one. His brand of optimistic science fiction particularly appeals to me. But in this one the characters have center stage over the science. And his characters are fully fleshed out individuals that one would like to know personally. So I'm thinking that this one stands out even in the crowd of all of Laurence Dahners book. Wonderful read!
September 2, 2019
Enjoyable as always
I hesitated buying this one because the main character the story was told through wasn't the brilliant young person in the story. I've never read a Laurence Dahners story i didn't love though so had to try it. The main character was brilliant in his own right and the young person was not so annoying as some reviews led me to believe. I've read and love all of his books!
I hesitated buying this one because the main character the story was told through wasn't the brilliant young person in the story. I've never read a Laurence Dahners story i didn't love though so had to try it. The main character was brilliant in his own right and the young person was not so annoying as some reviews led me to believe. I've read and love all of his books!
December 10, 2022
Good book characters and theory
I always enjoy reading both entertaining and learning Laurence Dahners books. Neat how he takes science and science theory and creates characters and situations around it to be an entertaining story / book. In some cases creates a how series out of several science theories. Definitely recommend any other books by the author if you found this enjoyable. I assume there will be a second book which I will definitely purchase.
I always enjoy reading both entertaining and learning Laurence Dahners books. Neat how he takes science and science theory and creates characters and situations around it to be an entertaining story / book. In some cases creates a how series out of several science theories. Definitely recommend any other books by the author if you found this enjoyable. I assume there will be a second book which I will definitely purchase.
December 6, 2023
I love Dahners' books,very imaginative with great characters and intriguing plots. One complaint I do have is that he tends to end all stories too quickly, usually in the last 10 pages and he doesn't always satisfactorily close out the sub-plots. I felt he left me hanging again waiting for the next book. Nevertheless he is my favorite author especially for any series he writes. This book is definitely worth reading.
July 5, 2018
There’s some science you know now
I enjoy this author’s writing not for the deep emotional characters, but for the science in his fiction. Quantum tunneling and alpha particles. Whoa.
That being said, a touch more development of the female characters would have been nice. Having one of the ‘good guys’ be less than a genius would also add a bit.
I buy all his stuff.
I enjoy this author’s writing not for the deep emotional characters, but for the science in his fiction. Quantum tunneling and alpha particles. Whoa.
That being said, a touch more development of the female characters would have been nice. Having one of the ‘good guys’ be less than a genius would also add a bit.
I buy all his stuff.
July 16, 2018
Excellent reading as always. Love to see some of these side stories join with the main character of the ser. Recommend this author to every one.ies. David Schlosser
Excellent addition to the series. Need to join some of these characters. With the main female of the series. David Schlosser
Excellent addition to the series. Need to join some of these characters. With the main female of the series. David Schlosser
April 8, 2019
Transmutation
A very good read with lots of elements mixed in just the right proportions. Tragedy, danger and violence in the dark side, a remarkable family coming together, genius, physics and love on the bright side, all mixed in the alchemist's cauldron to create a great story. Thank you Laurence, I'll be reading your future efforts for certain!
A very good read with lots of elements mixed in just the right proportions. Tragedy, danger and violence in the dark side, a remarkable family coming together, genius, physics and love on the bright side, all mixed in the alchemist's cauldron to create a great story. Thank you Laurence, I'll be reading your future efforts for certain!
May 1, 2019
Rushed
It was just ok. Not as good as his other works. The entire story felt rushed and like it was missing supporting details that would have enriched the story. The story has an ending in that the family isn’t in any danger anymore but everything else is left up to our imagination.
It was just ok. Not as good as his other works. The entire story felt rushed and like it was missing supporting details that would have enriched the story. The story has an ending in that the family isn’t in any danger anymore but everything else is left up to our imagination.
October 5, 2021
Don't Publish the Theory
Publish the theory and everyone will be making gold and platinum. It would be worthless. As a matter of fact, after the patent expires gold and platinum values would plummet. Heck, even knowing its possible. Anyway it's just a fun story. It does have a lot of real-life in it but this family pulled together. Fun read. Hope you like it.
Publish the theory and everyone will be making gold and platinum. It would be worthless. As a matter of fact, after the patent expires gold and platinum values would plummet. Heck, even knowing its possible. Anyway it's just a fun story. It does have a lot of real-life in it but this family pulled together. Fun read. Hope you like it.
October 7, 2022
looking forward to an on-going series.
Like one of Mr Dahners other series based on Donsaii this one also seems to offer the reader the opportunity to escape to the future! I look forward to enjoying this one as much as I have enjoyed the Donsaii books. Please keep them coming Mr Dahners.
Like one of Mr Dahners other series based on Donsaii this one also seems to offer the reader the opportunity to escape to the future! I look forward to enjoying this one as much as I have enjoyed the Donsaii books. Please keep them coming Mr Dahners.
August 23, 2023
Always learn Science
It is a great stand alone story. (Mr Dahners usually writes series- for which I hope he will write follow up books and make a serious out of this one!)
I'd rate this book PG. Mild language, some violence.
I recommend this book, and most books by Laurence Dahners.
(Read with Kindle Unlimited subscription and listened to using Alexa Android app.)
It is a great stand alone story. (Mr Dahners usually writes series- for which I hope he will write follow up books and make a serious out of this one!)
I'd rate this book PG. Mild language, some violence.
I recommend this book, and most books by Laurence Dahners.
(Read with Kindle Unlimited subscription and listened to using Alexa Android app.)
June 30, 2018
Another great what if? story by Dahners.
I didn't like one of the main characters at first, but the story sucked me in and I read it in one sitting. As always, the science in Dahners books make me want to learn more about that particular subject.
I didn't like one of the main characters at first, but the story sucked me in and I read it in one sitting. As always, the science in Dahners books make me want to learn more about that particular subject.
July 11, 2018
Great new story line.
Loved the story. Looks like a beginning of a new series of books from Doc Dahners. All the characters have solid stories that can be continued with interest. I look forward to the next installment. Please hurry!
Loved the story. Looks like a beginning of a new series of books from Doc Dahners. All the characters have solid stories that can be continued with interest. I look forward to the next installment. Please hurry!
July 15, 2018
A great writer
To the author.. thank you! I enjoy your works of imagination please write so much more. Kiri is a good toon (gamer here) Morgan I like hes cool and smart. The ideas you come up with are so.... delicious to think on! Keep it coming more pages please.
To the author.. thank you! I enjoy your works of imagination please write so much more. Kiri is a good toon (gamer here) Morgan I like hes cool and smart. The ideas you come up with are so.... delicious to think on! Keep it coming more pages please.
August 10, 2018
Another hit
Laurence Dahners is one of my favorite authors and one of the few that I'll buy not under KU. However I have just 4 star to a 5star book because it felt like themes like is other books. Felt a lot like Vaz series. I hope next book is Vaz, Healers, or quicken.
Laurence Dahners is one of my favorite authors and one of the few that I'll buy not under KU. However I have just 4 star to a 5star book because it felt like themes like is other books. Felt a lot like Vaz series. I hope next book is Vaz, Healers, or quicken.
October 31, 2018
You will like it!
Anyone who can delicately weave good science, mystery, and domestic issues into a gripping story like this one easily deserves five gold stars. I highly recommend this for Sci Fi readers!
Anyone who can delicately weave good science, mystery, and domestic issues into a gripping story like this one easily deserves five gold stars. I highly recommend this for Sci Fi readers!
March 30, 2019
Great blend of plausible science fiction and enoigh plot for enjoyable reading.
It's hard to find entertainment these days. I would wrap up a few idea threads though. Maybe he plans a sequel.
It's hard to find entertainment these days. I would wrap up a few idea threads though. Maybe he plans a sequel.
December 18, 2020
Good story!
Tried it again and was able to finish it this time. Good characters, decent action and plot. I'm going to have to read all that the author has done because, so far, it's all been good.
Tried it again and was able to finish it this time. Good characters, decent action and plot. I'm going to have to read all that the author has done because, so far, it's all been good.
June 23, 2021
Another GEM of a story
Ok... Maybe more of an isotope!
Still, a very enjoyable read. Characters and situations. Right now there is no followup, but I'm hoping that there will be sometime in the future.
Ok... Maybe more of an isotope!
Still, a very enjoyable read. Characters and situations. Right now there is no followup, but I'm hoping that there will be sometime in the future.
March 31, 2024
Brilliant and enjoyable story!!!!!
Congratulations to Lawrence Dahners for this amazing series. It’s hard to find such an interesting and exciting author who not only writes intelligently but also provides top rated plots, characters and excitement in the stories.
Congratulations to Lawrence Dahners for this amazing series. It’s hard to find such an interesting and exciting author who not only writes intelligently but also provides top rated plots, characters and excitement in the stories.
October 28, 2024
great characters, great story, great book.
Dr. Dahners has a very good good novel here. You’ll love Morgan and Kirk and all the other characters. The story is well developed and you will want the next book.
Dr. Dahners has a very good good novel here. You’ll love Morgan and Kirk and all the other characters. The story is well developed and you will want the next book.
November 20, 2024
Like every book he’s written
I hesitated to read this book because I love his series so much, reading several of them multiple times, like “comfort food.” But like all his books, the characters were relatable and easy to care about and the story fascinating.
Enjoy.
I hesitated to read this book because I love his series so much, reading several of them multiple times, like “comfort food.” But like all his books, the characters were relatable and easy to care about and the story fascinating.
Enjoy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews