They Came from the Trees: The Merge

They Came From the Trees #1

by Christopher Francis

The invaders need the mentally strong and the physically able—the rest of the human population are simply landfill. Who are these creatures and what are their intentions?
Sheldon, a fifteen-year-old high school dropout, has no interest in finding out—at least not yet. Instead, he fights for his life as these ruthless aliens take over the little town of Hidden Trail.
Sheldon takes refuge in an abandoned school with a beautiful girl named Cara and a couple of kids who happen to have profound ideas about the motives of the alien invasion.
The group is soon picked up by some edgy teenagers who are preparing to escape to the water. However, when Cara goes missing, Sheldon deviates from the plans and
discovers more about the rapidly evolving aliens and their horrifying yet curious vision. The lovestruck teen soon questions the morality of the human spirit, and wonders what it might be like to submit to the utopian idealisms of this new alien race.

Genres: Science Fiction

Unknown Binding

About the author

Born in Brisbane, Australia, Christopher was accepted at age 19 into Sheridan College’s Animation program before earning a degree in Sociology from McMaster University.

He then enjoyed a two-year adventure overseas working with children, before completing his Bachelor of Education degree at York University. He is now teaching junior and intermediate level students in Burlington, Ontario.

Through Christopher’s experience working with children, he found writing and illustrating to be one of his passions. Currently working on a middle grade series, he recently completed and illustrated the first three books. He has also created seven other children’s picture books and illustrated children’s novels for independent authors.

Reviews

[Bianca Ellerkamp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wich side would you choose? Would you give in on the Intellects or would you stay put with your friends and family?
Difficult questions to answer and everyday it becomes more complicated.
They came from the trees is a marvelous book which contains everything a book needs; love, struggle, emotions, tears and even sympathy.
The plot is well build up and contains a lot of twists. Till the end it is uncertain how the story will develop.
The characters are very well written. It was no problem at all to empathize with each one of them, even with the "wrong" ones.
As soon as you open the book you are drawn into the story and it is difficult to put the book down. Even after reading the last letters the story continues in your head.
They came from the trees is perfect for making a movie out if it.
Congratulations Christoffer Francis, you have made a new fan!

[Garth Mailman · Rating 4 out of 5]

They Came from the Trees
Christopher Francis

I realize some of the Harry Potter books were 700 pages but this one is quite long. Nevertheless the material is aimed at an older age-group than some.

Sheldon has reached that point in growing up that he realizes his parents aren’t perfect. Circumstances have forced him to grow up prematurely.

The story is one of alien invasion and as the book begins Sheldon is fleeing the monsters with two neighbour children in a truck driven by his father.

Proving that an author writes what he knows the street they are on is Francis St.

Another book I just started involves a rapidly spreading toxic fungus.

In a world where we wonder if Covid was a biological agent deliberately released as a form of warfare this book seems almost prescient.

[Brandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was well written and had a huge depth. The characters were great. At the beginning we see Sheldon and learn a little about his life on the farm with his father. Its explained that the earth is fresh from an alien invasion that left the world a better place or so it would seem. All the sickness and injuries were were healed as the aliens left. Now months later we see then returning. Seemingly born and coming out of the forest. The world is destroyed as we know it and the aliens keep growing killing and taking people. Sheldon helps lead people to safety after being hurt and is now fighting for their lives. We see the trouble and trials this group faces and the struggle to survive.

[Margaret Hamnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reminded me of the way the walking dead was at the beginning when it was good except with aliens.
The subject matter of this book is not usually what I go for but the way this was written I couldn’t put it down. I was constantly surprised at the authors’ ability for ending characters lives in a game of throneesk way and with the same kind of body count.
Whilst there was a lot of gore and violence there was also a lot of heartbreaking, sweet moments and the ending was just perfect. You could sort of see it coming but it still punches you in the face.
All round greatness.

[Travis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This YA book is extremely interesting and well written! aliens have invaded earth and need humans who meet a specific set of criteria- the rest are viewed as useless. I was invested in the plot and characters almost immediately and really felt like i was right there with them! there are good morals hidden throughout the novel and although it is quite long (0ver 500 pages!) I was done within a few days because I just could not put it down!

I received a free copy in exchange for a review

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really well written YA end of the world with aliens adventure! I did really enjoy this story, a first time reading this writers work! Great ideas, good moral values & characters! I will look for more by this writer & do recommend to anyone that likes this genre!

[Dschaper54 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book!! I could not put it down. No
My usual genre to read but I’m glad I did.

[L. Weiss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of They Came from the Trees by Christopher Frances

This entertaining and thought-provoking YA novel is set in a rural area near a small town. Those of us who are familiar with the geography is bound to recognize the area but the setting could be any rural area and any small town. On the surface, this is a dystopian tale where most of the principal characters range in age from fifteen to nearly twenty. We the reader are taken along on a wild ride as they try to escape the clutches of an alien life form. The aliens want to take over the human race by merging with human hosts. One might say it is a dystopia from the human perspective in conflict with the aliens, the Intellects, who want to set up a utopia based on their unique philosophy of perfection.

The story within the story is revealed as Chris Francis delves into deeper levels of human relationships as his principal characters struggle to survive the onslaught of a life form that sees itself as a master race and humans as inferior. His characters must confront their own strengths and weaknesses in the context of survival. They have to decide who to trust in this brave new world and how to avoid being merged with the Intellects. The characters confront their weaknesses and capitalize on their strengths. They have to deal with the loss of family and friends who were eliminated because they didn’t measure up to Intellects’ criteria for the perfect host to merge with. The protagonist, Sheldon, has to deal with perplexing and conflicting feelings of love, learn to be a leader, and decide whether to seek a safe haven or become one with the aliens as his mother and one of his two loves has. Sheldon is conflicted about many things including accepting his father for who he is not what he has done.

I enjoyed reading They Came from the Trees for its main storyline as well as its underlying complexity. I like the way the characters are forced to grow up fast. This book should cause a reader to consider who counts in society and is worth preserving according to the Intellects, versus how a rag-tag bunch of adolescents thrown together by circumstance considers the same issues in their efforts to survive.

Review by L. A. Weiss, author of Through a Lens of Emptiness and Girl with the Rose Tattoo

[Sandra Stiles · Rating 5 out of 5]

We have a great young adult novel with characters from one of the author's previous books. Margaret, Bailey and Sheldon have returned from, "That Thing in the Sky" which was about an invasion where aliens healed a lot of people on earth. They healed Margaret's mother of her cancer and Sheldon's father of his blindness. In this book the aliens are back, but they aren't like the ones before. We have aliens who decide who is worthy to live and who should die. They want to merge with the healthy humans to create a "perfect" world. For everyone who has ever read dystopian/utopian books such as, "The Giver", we know there is always a flaw in those types of worlds. Sheldon, Bailey, and Margaret join up with a group of other teens who are doing their best to survive. They face some tough life changing situations and have to make some tough questions. I like that Mr. Francis didn't water this down as far as the fight scenes with the aliens. It truly was like watching a movie. I must continue with the next book, "They came to the Island." This is really a must read for everyone who likes Science Fiction.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.

I couldn't put this down. The story quickly grabbed my attention from the beginning and just kept going.

Some (alien) creatures healed everyone of all of their ailments. One man had his vision restored, another person cured of diabetes. But suddenly, the creatures attacked and murdered humans; however, some they'd leave alone. No one knows why.

Sheldon and his dad were on their farm when it happened. They rescued a few neighbors while trying to figure out what was going on while they escaped. But then, their truck was attacked and Sheldon lost consciousness; he and his dad got separated.

The story is very well told. The only odd thing I found was that the aliens didn't like swearing for some reason. Swear words are just words and it's people who decided that some are naughty. As an earthling, I find the concept odd. So why would aliens care? It was just one small oddity in a sea of wonderfully told story, but I thought I'd mention it just because it felt so out of place.

[Kirstyn (readwithkirstyn) · Rating 4 out of 5]

"They Came from the Trees" is a thrilling alien invasion novel that delivers an enjoyable and engaging experience from the very start. The author skillfully navigates the genre with a seamless blend of excitement and humor, keeping readers hooked throughout. The pacing is masterfully executed, creating a sense of urgency and anticipation that propels the narrative forward. The characters are authentically crafted, adding depth to the story and allowing readers to connect with their experiences. Overall, this novel is a delightful and well-executed take on the alien invasion theme, offering a perfect balance of suspense, humor, and authenticity.

[Lori Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received as an audio review copy from Story Origin, this an honest review. Narrated by Cotton Andrade, delivers an exceptional performance as They Came From The Trees is one heck of a hauntingly stark thrilling ride. From the moment bizarre aliens came while absolutely frightening the aliens were helpful by healing those damaged by disease or injury. Then everything everything changes for Sheldon, his father and how neighborhood kids when these kind being become ruthless hunters by slaughtering anyone within reach... or capturing others for some unknown reason. In the race to survive means putting trust into strangers while desperately trying to find out what these sentient creatures want. Mesmerizing intense, poignant and characters driven... definitely worth your time.

Highly recommended.

[PAR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me start out with an over abundant amount of language in any novel or I guess human setting. This novel was over inundated with it, far beyond what I hear in this age group. Ok that off my chest. I found this book to be well-written, the characters are fully fleshed out and very understandable. The story begins with an alien invasion, which the citizens feel to be good as all sickness and poverty are healed, but later the aliens return to attempt to destroy the earth as we watch a young man and his friends try to save the world. This is an action packed novel which I thnk is fairly well written for the YA group. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[deidra · Rating 4 out of 5]

They Came From The Trees by Christopher Francis is a young adult dystopian science fiction tale about what happens when aliens arrive on Earth. on their first trip, they heal the sick and the dying. surely the aliens' motives are pure if they would do something so wonderful for the people of Earth? right? but then, their next actions are not so noble. A full-scale invasion takes place and you either adapt/convert/0r you die.
the action is fast-paced and pretty consistent throughout the book and even though this is a young adult novel, the violence isn't really softened for the teen market. it's a good story and the ending left me haunted, curling it over and over in my mind.
to sum up:
highly recommended
41/2 stars out of 5

[Tahnia Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fifteen-year-old Sheldon and his dad live on a farm. His mom left his dad and went to live in the city. When the aliens attacked and killed Mr. Bryer in front of them and two neighborhood children, they all pile into the family pickup and head out, looking for any other neighbors to pick up. The only person they found was Mrs. Bryer. The group camped out that night. The next day, the children were separated from the adults and learned to fend for themselves. This great story is about parasitic aliens and their plan to make Earth a better planet. Yeah, right! Highly recommended.

I received an advance review copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Christinaraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was a wild ride as have aliens that are killing everyone but a few, infecting some and no one knows why. This story is told from Sheldon's point of view as the aliens appear ad people start dying and he must do what he can to survive. Lots of trouble, danger, death, surprises twists and characters that are coll, odd, wild and scary. Sheldon really learns about himself and others in this story as secrets are revealed along the way. Part apocalyptic part mystery and all about survival. A wild ride that drew me in.

[Nightwing Whitehead · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best YA books I have ever read. It was full of believable characters, only some of which were lovable, and the actions were very realistic. Even the monsters had their good and bad versions. And the ending! It was obvious, but still unexpected.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid YA sci-fi tale. The plot moves along at a good pace, and I stayed mostly engaged. A fun story.

Thanks very much for the free copy for review!!

[Jerry Walch · Rating 5 out of 5]

They Came from the Trees: The Merge is one of the best, if not the best Sci-Fi/Horror books I have read in years. It reminded me of the 1956 Sci-Fi classic film, The Invasion of the Body Snatchers, and, perhaps, its 1976 remake. I can’t say anything about the remake because I’ve never seen the remake. I was thirteen the year The Invasion of the Body Snatchers hit the big silver screen. They Came from the Trees: The Merge is based on the same trope of an alien invader taking over human minds and bodies, but Christopher Francis gives the story a more sophisticated 21st-century twist.

They Came from the Trees: The Merge was written for YA, young adult readers. Somehow, I missed that before downloading this awesome book and adding it to my TBR stack and I’m glad I misread it because, as a rule, I don’t read YA books. I would have missed discovering an exciting read and I would have missed discovering a fabulous new author, Christopher Francis. I don’t read YA because they remind me too much of those old Hardy Boys stories I learned to hate as a kid. Not enough blood and guts for an old adrenaline jockey like me. Christopher has changed how I look at the YA genre. Well, at least I will be reading the rest of this series.

No book is perfect, and They Came from the Trees: The Merge does fall short where weapons and shooting are concerned, mainly where the terminology used is concerned. For example, guns have muzzles, not nozzles. With revolvers, bullets or rounds are loaded into the cylinder, not in the barrel. Also, with a few rare exceptions revolvers do not have safeties. Also, the 6-bore shotgun is an obsolete/antique weapon, and it would have been better if the author had chosen to go with a 10, 12, 16, or 20GA shotgun. Those errors jumped out and bit me because I’m a gunsmith and a gun collector, but setting those errors aside, I loved this story an am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of eBook

Sheldon Hickory, busy helping his father, Winston, sees the bus drop off Margaret and Bailey, both fifth-graders. Strangely, they stood unmoving, staring at something. What were they watching?

Sheldon has an idea, and when he looks, he sees the rodent-like creature and believes it to be one of the “things” from the past winter. The past February had brought the aliens . . . more than a million of them . . . to Earth. When the “Explorers” returned to space after their short visit, they left Earth’s people a gift.

They healed millions of sick and dying folks.

But this Explorer pounces up and kills Tom Bryer, Sheldon’s neighbor.

And then hundreds swarmed across the field . . . and, this time, they may not be so friendly.

=========

First in the author’s Young Adult series, this story offers readers an intriguing alien invasion trope. With the young adult reader as the targeted audience, the main characters are teenagers. Well-developed, realistic characters populate the narrative, making it easy for the reader to empathize with them.

The unfolding dystopian tale gives readers a hefty dose of young love accompanied by fear and heartbreak. Conflict, apprehension, and tension all work together as the plot twists and turns, keeping the reader engaged in the telling of the tale.

Complex and thought-provoking, readers will find much to appreciate here. Although the denouement is sure to be what readers expect, readers should plan to continue the story with the next book in the series.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book from StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[eiei · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a thrilling experience that captured my attention from the start. Francis does an excellent job of blending action with compelling emotional moments that kept me engaged throughout the story. The protagonist, Sheldon Hickory, is a relatable character who grapples with typical teenage dilemmas, entwined with the extraordinary challenge of an alien invasion, making the stakes feel both personal and monumental. I appreciated the strong character development, especially how the relationships between Sheldon and his friends evolved under the pressure of survival.

However, while the plot twists were generally surprising and well-crafted, at times they felt a bit predictable, following common tropes of the alien invasion genre. Also, the pacing occasionally felt uneven, where I found some chapters could have benefited from tighter editing to maintain the momentum. Despite these minor setbacks, the vivid descriptions and gripping scenes felt cinematic, almost as if I were watching a movie unfold before me.

Overall, tis is a captivating ya novel that offers a blend of excitement and heart, making it a worthwhile read for fans of sci-fi.

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a strange book. This is alien invasion like you've never seen! It's downright terrifying. What if the aliens came & suddenly, everyone you knew changed and became the aliens?
I love the first person narrative; it lends this almost surreal quality to the telling of Sheldon's story. I also think it makes the story that much scarier. 'Seeing' what he goes through and how he & his friends react to their situation was a great choice by the author. And while I'd like to know more about the aliens, like where they came from (surely they weren't in the trees since forever?) and why they are on Earth, the mystery of it all is exactly how it would happen in real life. Especially if you were a teenager - no one tells them anything important!
I recommend this book if you like invasion stories with a whole lot of heart and some very quirky teens just trying to survive.

[Andrew Shortall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an interesting read featuring a number of "coming of age" characters in an apocalyptic setting. While the story primarily revolves around Sheldon Hickory, it was nice to see the other characters were fairly well developed and likeable. I won't give spoilers but I will say there's plenty of action that keeps this fairly long book going.

What I didn't like was that there were a number of errors that stood out to me including several misuses of "your" and "you're" and some wrongly used words. It's possible the copy I received was an earlier draft so I haven't docked any stars for this review. It was just stuff that surprised me in a book of otherwise good quality writing.

I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion and review.

[Sentinelle23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤❤❤A VERY BIG CRUSH!

May 2016:

Near the farm, 15-year-old Sheldon watched the two girls who had come home from school and had stopped while pointing at something in the distance.

They looked at the sky? the forest ?
Something had moved....

------------------

Here is an incredible children's reading-adventure that takes the reader on an extraordinary encounter with aliens.

The plot is very mysterious, action-packed, with hyper-endearing characters!

I recommend this incredible children's book, read in one go, super entertaining!

A total and absolute "must-read" for fans of the genre.
I will read the sequel❤

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook: I was entertained by this story, but as a mature reader I could appreciate that it was written for a younger audience by the occasional recaps of events that were happening and the young protagonist's angst. I admired the author's creative writing, and it seemed that because of his style of writing the characters' actions and emotions seemed more realistic. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. Cotton Andrade's narration was good, but in some of the longer narrative passages, his voice developed a more mechanical regularity of tone and inflection. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.

[odedo1 Audio book worm. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The moral of this story.




The author Christopher Francis used a real fungus which take over the brain of cold blooded insects while using antibiotics to keep them alive, doing this to move around and pollinate.
Taking this real biology mixing with an amazing imagination of alien invasion a beautiful story created by the author.


Excellent book.




Narration by Cotton Andrade is done beautifully for each of the characters in this creation.


Without a doubt,
my full recommendations !!!




Oded Ostfeld.

[Cat B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an excellent read this was. The story takes you immediately and just keeps on. Very well written, engaging characters and a situation that has you on pins and needles. I know it was aimed at YA readers but I would have devoured this at 12. Im way beyond that now and I loved it. Terrific terrific story telling here.
I received a free reader's copy of this book and voluntarily leaving a review.

[Raeleane · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story is very good. I didn’t expect the ending. The story felt a little Red Dawn meets Invasion of the body snatches. But in a good way. The characters growth and sudden changes kept me turning pages. And the world building with all it's twists and turns kept me glued to the story. I recommend giving this book a read. Do I want to read the next book? You bet!

[irv Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very strange book at times.

You are taken on journey that deals with aliens wanting to take over the Earth , they want to try control everyone . But things get real strange for the people that are there , this is wear the author keeps you wondering what is going on. He did a good job with the book , wanting more.

[Laurie Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not sure what I expected, but I was pleasantly surprised with how engaging this novel was. It has some well-defined characters, a twisty and well tabulated plot, and a powerful message. Well recommended for any age group who like a good sci-fi tale.