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They Came for Utopia: The Dawn: ~ A YA Apocalyptic Adventure
Ten years after the alien attacks forever altered the world, Area Thirty-Two, a resilient community, faces a desperate need for resources.
As a key member of the Reclaimers, Sheldon supports a mission into the heart of Burlington, now taken over by nature, wild animals, and something else—
Raiders—genetically altered and controlled by a ruthless mastermind.
When a savage ambush fractures the team, Sheldon is forced to battle his inner demons, rally the survivors, and uncover the deceptions within their group to challenge the puppet-master’s twisted vision of utopia.
In a world where every decision can mean life or death, "They Came for The Dawn" is a gripping tale of survival, trust, love, personal struggles, and the unbreakable human spirit.
As a key member of the Reclaimers, Sheldon supports a mission into the heart of Burlington, now taken over by nature, wild animals, and something else—
Raiders—genetically altered and controlled by a ruthless mastermind.
When a savage ambush fractures the team, Sheldon is forced to battle his inner demons, rally the survivors, and uncover the deceptions within their group to challenge the puppet-master’s twisted vision of utopia.
In a world where every decision can mean life or death, "They Came for The Dawn" is a gripping tale of survival, trust, love, personal struggles, and the unbreakable human spirit.
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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 - 10 of 10 reviews
July 2, 2024
I did really enjoy this YA dystopian story, a great continuation of the storyline! I do like the characters & the ideas in this series, always something a little different which is great! Some angst, but overall a really enjoyable read!
July 6, 2024
Review of eBook
Underground Area Thirty-Two has a serious problem: the activated carbon filter stage of the air filtration system is on its last legs, forcing a scavenging run to the surface in a desperate search for activated carbon pellets or granules. It’s a dangerous mission since the drones have detected Raider activity. Their mission is to head for the old water treatment plant on the surface and hope to find the needed carbon there.
Sheldon Hickory joins Lena of the North and Marcos Ryan Porter in the search. But there’s a new danger: Queen Ant, a woman responsible for mass killings at the northern camps, a woman whose mutations are far more than the usual mutations they've seen since the alien invasion. She’s determined to take over and rule everything.
Can they find the desperately-needed carbon? Or will the Raiders interfere in their search?
Could their surface activity put them in danger from the Queen Ant?
=========
The fifth book in the author’s “They Came from the Trees” series, this book continues the themes of survival, of family, of life that has been a strong thread throughout the earlier books. And, although there is enough background to read this book as a standalone, readers will have a better understanding of the events that have transpired if they read the earlier books.
Well-defined, believable characters populate this young adult dystopian tale; again, the telling of the tale revolves around Sheldon Hickory. Throughout the earlier stories, the alien invasion and its aftermath have been a continuing theme. This look at the alien invasion continues; here readers explore the results of the merger and learn how lives have changed as a result of the invasion.
Readers will find themselves pulled into the telling of this tension-filed, suspenseful tale from the outset. The plot is both intriguing and thought-provoking; the unfolding narrative is action-packed and compelling. Readers will find much to appreciate in this unputdownable tale.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book from StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Underground Area Thirty-Two has a serious problem: the activated carbon filter stage of the air filtration system is on its last legs, forcing a scavenging run to the surface in a desperate search for activated carbon pellets or granules. It’s a dangerous mission since the drones have detected Raider activity. Their mission is to head for the old water treatment plant on the surface and hope to find the needed carbon there.
Sheldon Hickory joins Lena of the North and Marcos Ryan Porter in the search. But there’s a new danger: Queen Ant, a woman responsible for mass killings at the northern camps, a woman whose mutations are far more than the usual mutations they've seen since the alien invasion. She’s determined to take over and rule everything.
Can they find the desperately-needed carbon? Or will the Raiders interfere in their search?
Could their surface activity put them in danger from the Queen Ant?
=========
The fifth book in the author’s “They Came from the Trees” series, this book continues the themes of survival, of family, of life that has been a strong thread throughout the earlier books. And, although there is enough background to read this book as a standalone, readers will have a better understanding of the events that have transpired if they read the earlier books.
Well-defined, believable characters populate this young adult dystopian tale; again, the telling of the tale revolves around Sheldon Hickory. Throughout the earlier stories, the alien invasion and its aftermath have been a continuing theme. This look at the alien invasion continues; here readers explore the results of the merger and learn how lives have changed as a result of the invasion.
Readers will find themselves pulled into the telling of this tension-filed, suspenseful tale from the outset. The plot is both intriguing and thought-provoking; the unfolding narrative is action-packed and compelling. Readers will find much to appreciate in this unputdownable tale.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book from StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
June 30, 2024
This book will be published July 1st. I received a copy from StoryOrigin to facilitate my review.
The opinions expressed here are my own.
This series has come a long way. We start the series with aliens invading the earth. The main character, Sheldon Hickory is infected and must fight to remain human. Jump ahead to this final book and we have another infected person called the Queen. She is taking people like Sheldon and those who are pure humans and trying to infect them to follow her rules alone. We have gone from a setting of a normal earth at the beginning of the series, to a world ravaged by war and destruction. Area 32 is trying to rebuild life on earth, underground. They are hoping they will one day be able to live above ground. In this book Sheldon is married with a baby on the way. His humanity is grounded in that relationship.
We take a journey with him and his colleagues as they look for carbon for the air filters in Area 32. From there the tension and danger just keeps going up. You read a bit and wonder who will survive and how. Then you have that temporary relief only to find the danger more intense. It pulls you along and a quick pace. This is another book I read in one sitting, because I couldn't put it down.
Once again we have themes of survival, family, forgiveness, cherishing life. The story leaves the reader feeling that whether in that world or our own, we can count on the good in humanity to provide us with hope. I have loved all of this author's books. I look forward to seeing what he comes up with next. Who knows, maybe one day we will see this series in the movies. I would definitely buy tickets.
The opinions expressed here are my own.
This series has come a long way. We start the series with aliens invading the earth. The main character, Sheldon Hickory is infected and must fight to remain human. Jump ahead to this final book and we have another infected person called the Queen. She is taking people like Sheldon and those who are pure humans and trying to infect them to follow her rules alone. We have gone from a setting of a normal earth at the beginning of the series, to a world ravaged by war and destruction. Area 32 is trying to rebuild life on earth, underground. They are hoping they will one day be able to live above ground. In this book Sheldon is married with a baby on the way. His humanity is grounded in that relationship.
We take a journey with him and his colleagues as they look for carbon for the air filters in Area 32. From there the tension and danger just keeps going up. You read a bit and wonder who will survive and how. Then you have that temporary relief only to find the danger more intense. It pulls you along and a quick pace. This is another book I read in one sitting, because I couldn't put it down.
Once again we have themes of survival, family, forgiveness, cherishing life. The story leaves the reader feeling that whether in that world or our own, we can count on the good in humanity to provide us with hope. I have loved all of this author's books. I look forward to seeing what he comes up with next. Who knows, maybe one day we will see this series in the movies. I would definitely buy tickets.
July 4, 2024
❤️🤗A big crush !
2026:
Standing on the landing of Area Thirty-Two, Sheldon Hickory observed his surroundings and immersed himself in a deep feeling of reality and truth...
Immersed in his thoughts, he did not hear Lena approaching...
÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷
A big crush for this surprising volume 5, exceptional in my eyes in the many events and emotions that compose it!
So many surprises and unexpected things: I loved it! This volume is my second favorite in the series, after volume 1.
The twist at the end surprised me, I didn't see it coming. What a shame that the series is over...
I highly recommend !
2026:
Standing on the landing of Area Thirty-Two, Sheldon Hickory observed his surroundings and immersed himself in a deep feeling of reality and truth...
Immersed in his thoughts, he did not hear Lena approaching...
÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷
A big crush for this surprising volume 5, exceptional in my eyes in the many events and emotions that compose it!
So many surprises and unexpected things: I loved it! This volume is my second favorite in the series, after volume 1.
The twist at the end surprised me, I didn't see it coming. What a shame that the series is over...
I highly recommend !
January 29, 2025
Audiobook: I was mesmerized by this story. Once the audiobook started, I was so involved in the story that I had to listen until the end. I thought Sheldon was a fascinating character who I have followed throughout the series. I appreciated the twists and the almost non-stop action. There were some scenes that I found a little disturbing due to some of the characters' actions. I liked that this story was thought-provoking. I was entertained by Charles Morton's narration, and his performance kept my attention. I was given a copy of the audiobook. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which reflected my honest opinions regarding this audiobook.
July 1, 2024
An ending you will never see coming! Following Sheldon's journey from alien invasion to the end has been incredible. The way these characters grow and change is amazing. The are so real! The world building is phenomenal - you can just see it all as if you're standing there.
I can not recommend this series enough. It's exciting, scary, hopeful, and full of love. Everything about it is incredible and it's going to stick with me for a long, long time.
I can not recommend this series enough. It's exciting, scary, hopeful, and full of love. Everything about it is incredible and it's going to stick with me for a long, long time.
June 30, 2024
The storyline continues and has been excellent throughout. Each book progresses to a different level of survival each time. Learning to adapt and live with the consequences of various actions has been difficult, but Sheldon, once again, comes into his own. Highly recommended. I received an ARC copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 27, 2024
Lots of the unforeseen in this episode. Multiple twists and some startling revelations. Very engaging as Sheldon continues to find himself.
July 10, 2024
Absolutely loving this series! What a journey it has been reading these. This has become one of my favorite series! Great characters and amazing world building. Love it!
January 4, 2025
I enjoyed the continuation of this series. There is lots of action and mystery that kept me turning pages.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews