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They Came From the Trees #4
They Came from the Shadows: The Truth
Caught between survival and the search for truth, Sheldon fights to reclaim his humanity in the face of alien deception.
For ten years, Sheldon Hickory believed the alien intellect’s initial visit was friendly—one where the idealism behind their global encounter was a step toward Earth’s salvation.
Yet, the second wave’s brutality shattered this ideal. Sheldon believed it was a virus that mutated their species and split their vision in two. This dichotomy allowed Sheldon to reconcile the horror with the hope, to see the violence as an unfortunate byproduct of a noble aim gone awry.
However, Sheldon Hickory’s nights are now haunted by vivid dreams, unearthing the truth behind the first wave.
Through the shadows of his memories, he begins to piece together the actual The thing in the sky, the attacks in the woods, the monsters in the trees, the vanishing of his friends, murder, betrayal, and the eroding horror left inside Sheldon’s heart.
With Orillia by his side, Sheldon reflects on survival and identity during those harrowing two days during the winter of 2016 in the dark, snow-laden forest of Hidden Trail.
For ten years, Sheldon Hickory believed the alien intellect’s initial visit was friendly—one where the idealism behind their global encounter was a step toward Earth’s salvation.
Yet, the second wave’s brutality shattered this ideal. Sheldon believed it was a virus that mutated their species and split their vision in two. This dichotomy allowed Sheldon to reconcile the horror with the hope, to see the violence as an unfortunate byproduct of a noble aim gone awry.
However, Sheldon Hickory’s nights are now haunted by vivid dreams, unearthing the truth behind the first wave.
Through the shadows of his memories, he begins to piece together the actual The thing in the sky, the attacks in the woods, the monsters in the trees, the vanishing of his friends, murder, betrayal, and the eroding horror left inside Sheldon’s heart.
With Orillia by his side, Sheldon reflects on survival and identity during those harrowing two days during the winter of 2016 in the dark, snow-laden forest of Hidden Trail.
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About the author
Christopher Francis
41 books134 followersBorn 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
February 29, 2024
This is a really great read! A few questions answered from the previous books, which is great, some background information, great ideas, good energy, I really like the main character & their outlook on the world & the situation they find themselves in. A really good read for this YA genre! I do recommend!
September 16, 2024
They Came from the Shadows: The Truth, the fourth installment in Christopher Francis' They Came from the Trees series, delivers a satisfying conclusion to the series. Picking up where The Healing left off, this book plunges us back into the heart of the mystery surrounding the children's origins and their connection to the enigmatic trees. Francis masterfully weaves together the threads of the previous books, providing answers to long-held questions while still maintaining a sense of wonder and intrigue.
The narrative is packed with action, suspense, and emotional depth as they face their ultimate challenge. I was particularly impressed with the way Francis ties together the various storylines, offering closure for each character while still leaving room for future possibilities. The final confrontation is both thrilling and poignant, showcasing the characters' growth and their unwavering determination.
However, while the overall plot is satisfying, some of the resolutions felt a bit rushed, leaving me wanting a bit more exploration of certain characters' fates. Additionally, the ending, while hopeful, left a few lingering questions that I wish had been addressed more fully.
Overall, They Came from the Shadows: The Truth is a fitting conclusion to the They Came from the Trees series. It delivers a thrilling and emotionally resonant story that will leave fans satisfied. While it has a few minor flaws, the book successfully ties together the various threads of the narrative, offering closure and a sense of hope for the future.
The narrative is packed with action, suspense, and emotional depth as they face their ultimate challenge. I was particularly impressed with the way Francis ties together the various storylines, offering closure for each character while still leaving room for future possibilities. The final confrontation is both thrilling and poignant, showcasing the characters' growth and their unwavering determination.
However, while the overall plot is satisfying, some of the resolutions felt a bit rushed, leaving me wanting a bit more exploration of certain characters' fates. Additionally, the ending, while hopeful, left a few lingering questions that I wish had been addressed more fully.
Overall, They Came from the Shadows: The Truth is a fitting conclusion to the They Came from the Trees series. It delivers a thrilling and emotionally resonant story that will leave fans satisfied. While it has a few minor flaws, the book successfully ties together the various threads of the narrative, offering closure and a sense of hope for the future.
March 1, 2024
Review of eBook
Underground Area Thirty-Two seems comfortable and safe, the result of all that has happened since the aliens arrived some ten years ago. Aliens everyone believed were friendly.
But were they?
Witness to their arrival, Sheldon Hickory finds himself haunted by nightmares of the events surrounding their arrival. Where did they come from?
And what did they want?
=========
Book four in the series chronicling the arrival of the aliens serves as a prequel to the author’s young adult dystopian series, revealing the truth of the alien invasion. As Sheldon ponders the events surrounding the invasion, readers will find themselves empathizing with his fears and concerns. Told from Sheldon’s point of view, the reader will learn the events surrounding the alien arrival.
Readers familiar with the series will recognize the main characters, all of whom are well-drawn, believable, and realistic. Compelling and thought-provoking, the plot centers around the recounting of the beginning of the story; readers are sure to find themselves pulled into the telling of the tale as Sheldon resolutely searches for his friends.
Tense and suspenseful, the narrative also provides a perhaps-unexpected denouement that readers are sure to find satisfactory.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book from StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Underground Area Thirty-Two seems comfortable and safe, the result of all that has happened since the aliens arrived some ten years ago. Aliens everyone believed were friendly.
But were they?
Witness to their arrival, Sheldon Hickory finds himself haunted by nightmares of the events surrounding their arrival. Where did they come from?
And what did they want?
=========
Book four in the series chronicling the arrival of the aliens serves as a prequel to the author’s young adult dystopian series, revealing the truth of the alien invasion. As Sheldon ponders the events surrounding the invasion, readers will find themselves empathizing with his fears and concerns. Told from Sheldon’s point of view, the reader will learn the events surrounding the alien arrival.
Readers familiar with the series will recognize the main characters, all of whom are well-drawn, believable, and realistic. Compelling and thought-provoking, the plot centers around the recounting of the beginning of the story; readers are sure to find themselves pulled into the telling of the tale as Sheldon resolutely searches for his friends.
Tense and suspenseful, the narrative also provides a perhaps-unexpected denouement that readers are sure to find satisfactory.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book from StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
June 14, 2024
Unlike a lot of prequels, this one serves two purposes. For those who have read the first book in the series, you will understand the characters better. We open once again with the alien's first visit. We are shown a glimpse of what happened before the second wave came. We still see the same bubbly, smart, and talkative Margaret, her best friend Bailey and Sheldon who has always been their protector. This book not only tells us what happened with the first wave of aliens, but what happened after. We learn about area thirty-two and how those who were infected are now surviving and where they are today. We learn so much, yet at the same time this book is written in a manner that the author could continue the story. Consider it a flashback in time with benefits. The benefits of learning something we didn't in the first book. Like all of this author's other books, it draws you in and holds you, forcing you to continue reading until the last page. But that isn't all it does. It leaves you craving more. So I say, we all beg the author to add more to this story. I would love to see this series made into a movie. I believe it would be a blockbuster. Well done Christopher Francis.
I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
August 31, 2024
Audiobook: I was amazed at the development of thought portrayed by Sheldon in this story. I liked that Sheldon wasn't content with just accepting the words of the alien race and that he was driven to find the truth behind their actions on Earth. I liked that this book detailed a more in-depth clarification of all that was happening when the alien race first came here. I am looking forward to the next book in this series. I thought Charles Morton's narration was fine, and his performance was easy to follow, although there were noticeably long pauses between chapters. I was given a copy of the audiobook. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which included my honest opinions regarding this story.
March 15, 2024
The final book in the series. Sheldon feels the need to record everything that happened, from the first wave of friendly aliens who healed the sick, to the final wave, where they infiltrated human minds and tried to change the world. Sheldon sums up their agenda and is finding it hard to forgive himself for initially believing in their new order. He continues to help rebuild a new world where aliens and humans live and work together, hoping to find peace, happiness and acceptance of what he has become. The whole series has been a great read and I've thoroughly enjoyed it. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 26, 2024
The final book in the series. Sheldon feels the need to record everything that happened, from the first wave of friendly aliens who healed the sick, to the final wave, where they infiltrated human minds and tried to change the world. Sheldon sums up their agenda and is finding it hard to forgive himself for initially believing in their new order. He continues to help rebuild a new world where aliens and humans live and work together, hoping to find peace, happiness and acceptance of what he has become. The whole series has been a great read and I've thoroughly enjoyed it. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 6, 2024
In *They Came from the Shadows: The Truth*, Christopher Francis masterfully blends suspense and revelation, crafting a gripping prequel that's as thought-provoking as it is thrilling. Charles Morton’s narration breathes life into this tale, capturing the tension and emotion perfectly. A must-listen for those who crave a fresh twist on alien encounters and the dark truths that lurk beneath the surface!
April 2, 2024
This book details what happened when They Came From The Trees. It is just as freaky and dark as one could have hoped to expect from Francis's first contact series. Sure, it answered some questions, but still managed to leave a great opening for more! I loved this series and this book ties it all up nicely.
February 26, 2024
This episode really sums up what occured prior to the start of the trilogy.
It makes an interesting read, as much of the background becomes much clearer.
Sheldon's point of view throughout, though you will recognise many of the other characters.
Comfortably read in a single session.
It makes an interesting read, as much of the background becomes much clearer.
Sheldon's point of view throughout, though you will recognise many of the other characters.
Comfortably read in a single session.
April 27, 2025
💜🌳🍃🕷Captivating!
Ten years had passed since young Sheldon's arrival at Area 32, the last refuge for human survivors of the alien attack.
Sheldon remembered the secrets of his incredible past...
It all started in the winter of 2016...
===============
The reader plunges back into the events of February 2016 and the consequences that directly followed.
Reading is easy, captivating, full of action and unexpected events.
This made me want to quickly read the two volumes of the series that I missed.
A series to absolutely discover!
💜🌳🍃🕷
###################################
💜🌳🍃🕷Captivant !
Dix ans avaient passé depuis l’arrivée du jeune Sheldon à l’Area 32, le dernier refuge pour les humains rescapés de l’attaque d’aliens.
Sheldon se remémorait les secrets de son incroyable passé...
Tout avait commencé aucours de l’hiver 2016...
===========
Le lecteur replonge dans les événements de février 2016 et les conséquences qui en suivirent directement.
La lecture est facile, captivante, pleine d’action et d’imprévus.
Celà m’a donné envie de lire rapidement les deux tomes de la série quime manque.
Une série à découvrir absolument !
💜🌳🍃🕷
Ten years had passed since young Sheldon's arrival at Area 32, the last refuge for human survivors of the alien attack.
Sheldon remembered the secrets of his incredible past...
It all started in the winter of 2016...
===============
The reader plunges back into the events of February 2016 and the consequences that directly followed.
Reading is easy, captivating, full of action and unexpected events.
This made me want to quickly read the two volumes of the series that I missed.
A series to absolutely discover!
💜🌳🍃🕷
###################################
💜🌳🍃🕷Captivant !
Dix ans avaient passé depuis l’arrivée du jeune Sheldon à l’Area 32, le dernier refuge pour les humains rescapés de l’attaque d’aliens.
Sheldon se remémorait les secrets de son incroyable passé...
Tout avait commencé aucours de l’hiver 2016...
===========
Le lecteur replonge dans les événements de février 2016 et les conséquences qui en suivirent directement.
La lecture est facile, captivante, pleine d’action et d’imprévus.
Celà m’a donné envie de lire rapidement les deux tomes de la série quime manque.
Une série à découvrir absolument !
💜🌳🍃🕷
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews