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Eyes of Iris
"Eyes of Iris will take readers on a mind-blowing rollercoaster of a ride...as unpredictable as it's captivating...dark and twisted yet thoroughly entertaining...Science fiction fans will love this book!"
Pikasho Deka, Readers' Favorite
What did Iris see? Was it an accurate vision of the future or merely a drug-induced hallucination?
Iris, a twenty-year-old genius, stumbles into the ER after participating in an Ayahuasca ceremony, claiming to have traveled to the future. Dr. Kairos—the hospital psychiatrist on call that day—surreptitiously hits record on his iPhone as she begins recounting her time-travel tale.
Iris’s vivid descriptions of Earth circa 2300, its bizarre inhabitants, and her harrowing escape are far more detailed and imaginative than any delusional story Dr. Kairos has ever encountered. By the end of the interview, he believes he’s captured one of the most important delusional accounts ever told. But little does he know, her story—and his role within it—may, in the end, alter the fate of humanity.
Inspired by H.G. Wells’s The Time Machine, Eyes of Iris challenges our perceptions of reality and explores humanity's complex relationships with technology, our collective future, and each other.
Praise for Eyes of Iris
Pikasho Deka, Readers' Favorite:
"Eyes of Iris will take readers on a mind-blowing rollercoaster of a ride. You don't know what to expect from this book as each page takes the story in unforeseen directions with surprising revelations. Joshua A.H. Harris infuses a healthy dose of thrills, mystery, and intrigue into a plot that is as unpredictable as it's captivating. The author builds on a promising premise to deliver a cautionary science-fiction tale that is dark and twisted yet thoroughly entertaining. You don't want to put the book down without finishing it. The characters have deep intellectual conversations that offer some thought-provoking insights into the fate of humanity. Artiste's calculating persona is the perfect foil to Iris' willpower and indomitable spirit. I also liked Dr. Kairos's character. Science fiction fans will love this book!"
D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review:
“Joshua A.H. Harris’s attention to exquisite psychological, social, and constructive plot details defies the usual time-travel tale…
“Fans of time-travel literature well know the usually-predictable ways in which an encounter with the future plays out. Not here. Harris casts characters, decisions, and outcomes based on this future knowledge in a different light that combines reflective moments with interactive action that keeps readers on their toes…
“Libraries will find Eyes of Iris especially notable for its reflective journey. It can be highly recommended to book club reading groups interested in debates about past and present life intersections, and how knowledge of the future could transform the present. Packed with the unexpected, Eyes of Iris is as thought-provoking as it is engagingly fresh.”
Kirkus Reviews:
“Its vision of the future is an unusual one that’s both plausible and horrifying, and readers will certainly find it unforgettable. The work features some stunning worldbuilding along the way, and readers will feel as misplaced, and as entranced, as Iris does in her vision…
“An often thrilling tale of an unpredictable future.”
Diana Coyle, Feathered Quill Reviews:
“Eyes of Iris by Joshua A. H. Harris will have readers wondering what will happen to both Dr. Kairos and Iris, as well as all of humanity, right until the very last page is turned.”
Pikasho Deka, Readers' Favorite
What did Iris see? Was it an accurate vision of the future or merely a drug-induced hallucination?
Iris, a twenty-year-old genius, stumbles into the ER after participating in an Ayahuasca ceremony, claiming to have traveled to the future. Dr. Kairos—the hospital psychiatrist on call that day—surreptitiously hits record on his iPhone as she begins recounting her time-travel tale.
Iris’s vivid descriptions of Earth circa 2300, its bizarre inhabitants, and her harrowing escape are far more detailed and imaginative than any delusional story Dr. Kairos has ever encountered. By the end of the interview, he believes he’s captured one of the most important delusional accounts ever told. But little does he know, her story—and his role within it—may, in the end, alter the fate of humanity.
Inspired by H.G. Wells’s The Time Machine, Eyes of Iris challenges our perceptions of reality and explores humanity's complex relationships with technology, our collective future, and each other.
Praise for Eyes of Iris
Pikasho Deka, Readers' Favorite:
"Eyes of Iris will take readers on a mind-blowing rollercoaster of a ride. You don't know what to expect from this book as each page takes the story in unforeseen directions with surprising revelations. Joshua A.H. Harris infuses a healthy dose of thrills, mystery, and intrigue into a plot that is as unpredictable as it's captivating. The author builds on a promising premise to deliver a cautionary science-fiction tale that is dark and twisted yet thoroughly entertaining. You don't want to put the book down without finishing it. The characters have deep intellectual conversations that offer some thought-provoking insights into the fate of humanity. Artiste's calculating persona is the perfect foil to Iris' willpower and indomitable spirit. I also liked Dr. Kairos's character. Science fiction fans will love this book!"
D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review:
“Joshua A.H. Harris’s attention to exquisite psychological, social, and constructive plot details defies the usual time-travel tale…
“Fans of time-travel literature well know the usually-predictable ways in which an encounter with the future plays out. Not here. Harris casts characters, decisions, and outcomes based on this future knowledge in a different light that combines reflective moments with interactive action that keeps readers on their toes…
“Libraries will find Eyes of Iris especially notable for its reflective journey. It can be highly recommended to book club reading groups interested in debates about past and present life intersections, and how knowledge of the future could transform the present. Packed with the unexpected, Eyes of Iris is as thought-provoking as it is engagingly fresh.”
Kirkus Reviews:
“Its vision of the future is an unusual one that’s both plausible and horrifying, and readers will certainly find it unforgettable. The work features some stunning worldbuilding along the way, and readers will feel as misplaced, and as entranced, as Iris does in her vision…
“An often thrilling tale of an unpredictable future.”
Diana Coyle, Feathered Quill Reviews:
“Eyes of Iris by Joshua A. H. Harris will have readers wondering what will happen to both Dr. Kairos and Iris, as well as all of humanity, right until the very last page is turned.”
- GenresScience Fiction
248 pages, Paperback
Published March 25, 2025
11 people are currently reading
1852 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 6, 2025
Simply put, I love this book. I have read it 6 times and can't get enough. The story twists and turns in ways that I didn't expect and constantly leaves me wanting more Iris! I can't recommend this book enough. It is a fabulous story and a real page turner. Bravo Josh Harris! You did it again.
June 8, 2025
Eyes of Iris is a necessary modern tale. Its frame, literal file structure, and nods to SF stories of past, present, and future gave it a sort of quintessential science fictioness that really rang true/hit home for me.
(I’m trying and maybe failing to not be so artiste about it.)
—
Thanks to Atmosphere press for the e-edition of this novel.
(I’m trying and maybe failing to not be so artiste about it.)
—
Thanks to Atmosphere press for the e-edition of this novel.
May 4, 2025
It’s hard to conceptualize the influences of the artificial on our collective future - but Iris’ eyes can. I was hooked from the beginning, and this book takes turns that help me forget who where i am at any given plot point. I’d recommend Eyes of Iris to anyone looking for something different in the conversation about human/ non-human intelligence (Plus anyone looking for very specific south bay area references).
Thanks for my first ARC!
Thanks for my first ARC!
May 1, 2025
Eyes of Iris is a well-written mindbender trip of a read set in modern times. Or is it? Josh Harris writes of curious, complex ideas with a casual ease that makes the fantastical tale accessible and engaging, and familiar yet alien. It's like a puzzle that leaves the reader trying to assemble all the pieces with clues page by page, entry by entry. Love the twist ending! Quite the landing. Read Eyes of Iris and enjoy the trip.
June 10, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an ARC of this book for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I was reminded of Gulliver's Travels and Slaughterhouse Five a lot when reading this novel. The whole traveller among an unfamiliar people narrative meets the "unstuck in time" narrative was reminiscent of those classics at every turn. Unfortunately, as it is when comparing modern works to classics, the classics usually win out in my book. The material did not feel new enough or intriguing enough to keep me invested.
I did like Iris as a character and found her way of telling her tale interesting, and I enjoyed the description of the virtual reality games she participated in later in the novel. I think the novel had good things to say about the dangers of AI and complacency. Nevertheless, this is not one I think I would read again.
I was reminded of Gulliver's Travels and Slaughterhouse Five a lot when reading this novel. The whole traveller among an unfamiliar people narrative meets the "unstuck in time" narrative was reminiscent of those classics at every turn. Unfortunately, as it is when comparing modern works to classics, the classics usually win out in my book. The material did not feel new enough or intriguing enough to keep me invested.
I did like Iris as a character and found her way of telling her tale interesting, and I enjoyed the description of the virtual reality games she participated in later in the novel. I think the novel had good things to say about the dangers of AI and complacency. Nevertheless, this is not one I think I would read again.
February 26, 2025
When Dr. Ernest Kairos, a seasoned psychiatrist and research professional at Stanford University Medical Center, heads into his morning meeting, he doesn’t realize he will be pulled out for an emergency consult with a twenty-year-old female patient in Eyes of Iris by Joshua A.H. Harris. He’s informed that this patient, who is considered genius level, is being held against her will and needs an emergency consult to determine the next course of action for her.
Heading to evaluate Iris seems like an ordinary cut and dry case, but little does he know that Iris is like none of the patients he’s ever evaluated throughout his psychiatry career. Iris claims that she has time-traveled into the future on Earth circa 2300. Dr. Kairos decides to record his evaluation session on his phone to have a record of her extremely delusional claims. He never thinks that meeting Iris will change his life forever. What happens to Iris after she’s evaluated by the doctor? What ultimately happens to Dr. Kairos after his consult with Iris?
Joshua Harris created his two main characters, Dr. Kairos and Iris, to appear at first like ordinary people. Dr. Kairos had been practicing psychiatry for years and his consult with Iris was just another consult like all the others. That was until Iris reveals that she has time-traveled to Earth circa 2300. He’s certain Iris is suffering from delusions. He treats her and then assumes that his contact with her is over. He never would have thought that this was just the beginning of many complications for him. Both characters were believable enough that the readers felt as if they were ordinary people. It is also impossible to not become emotionally attached to them as the book progresses.
Author Joshua A.H. Harris is an author and former environmental lawyer. After practicing law for ten years, he realized he wanted to spend his time and energy on creative writing.
Quill says: Eyes of Iris by Joshua A. H. Harris will have readers wondering what will happen to both Dr. Kairos and Iris, as well as all of humanity, right until the very last page is turned.
Heading to evaluate Iris seems like an ordinary cut and dry case, but little does he know that Iris is like none of the patients he’s ever evaluated throughout his psychiatry career. Iris claims that she has time-traveled into the future on Earth circa 2300. Dr. Kairos decides to record his evaluation session on his phone to have a record of her extremely delusional claims. He never thinks that meeting Iris will change his life forever. What happens to Iris after she’s evaluated by the doctor? What ultimately happens to Dr. Kairos after his consult with Iris?
Joshua Harris created his two main characters, Dr. Kairos and Iris, to appear at first like ordinary people. Dr. Kairos had been practicing psychiatry for years and his consult with Iris was just another consult like all the others. That was until Iris reveals that she has time-traveled to Earth circa 2300. He’s certain Iris is suffering from delusions. He treats her and then assumes that his contact with her is over. He never would have thought that this was just the beginning of many complications for him. Both characters were believable enough that the readers felt as if they were ordinary people. It is also impossible to not become emotionally attached to them as the book progresses.
Author Joshua A.H. Harris is an author and former environmental lawyer. After practicing law for ten years, he realized he wanted to spend his time and energy on creative writing.
Quill says: Eyes of Iris by Joshua A. H. Harris will have readers wondering what will happen to both Dr. Kairos and Iris, as well as all of humanity, right until the very last page is turned.
August 16, 2025
Interesting, intriguing, and totally mind bending....
Hard core science fiction with a totally riveting and depressing rationale on the future of humanity and our planet. Nor is the view of AI at all reassuring. I found the book fascinating but extremely depressing with no emotional connection to any of the characters.... It is definitely an "experience" but not an enjoyable one. 3 stars because despite everything, I was compelled to finish it....
Hard core science fiction with a totally riveting and depressing rationale on the future of humanity and our planet. Nor is the view of AI at all reassuring. I found the book fascinating but extremely depressing with no emotional connection to any of the characters.... It is definitely an "experience" but not an enjoyable one. 3 stars because despite everything, I was compelled to finish it....
August 23, 2025
When Dr. Ernest Kairos, an experienced psychiatrist and research professional at Stanford University Medical Center, heads into his morning meeting, he doesn’t realize he will be pulled out for an emergency consult with a twenty-year-old female patient. He’s informed that this patient, who is considered genius level, is being held against her will and needs an emergency consult to determine the next course of action for her. Heading to evaluate Iris seems like an ordinary cut and dry case, but little does he know that Iris is like none of the patients he’s ever evaluated throughout his psychiatry career. Iris claims that she has time-traveled into the future on Earth around 2300. Dr. Kairos decides to record his evaluation session on his phone to have a record of her extremely delusional claims. He never thinks that meeting Iris will change his life forever. What happens to Iris after she’s evaluated by the doctor? What ultimately happens to Dr. Kairos after his consult with her?
The author’s speculative fiction is told mainly through transcripts of Kairos’ audio files. Its vision of the future is an unusual one that’s both plausible and horrifying, and whoever reads this will certainly find it unforgettable. The work features some stunning worldbuilding along the way, and I felt as misplaced, and as entranced, as Iris does in her vision. None of the major players in the narrative are particularly likable, as their flaws are always on clear display; however, this has the effect of making them feel all the more genuine—and, ultimately, all the more human. I found this novel fascinating. I hope the author continues writing speculative fiction.
I received this book from the author. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
The author’s speculative fiction is told mainly through transcripts of Kairos’ audio files. Its vision of the future is an unusual one that’s both plausible and horrifying, and whoever reads this will certainly find it unforgettable. The work features some stunning worldbuilding along the way, and I felt as misplaced, and as entranced, as Iris does in her vision. None of the major players in the narrative are particularly likable, as their flaws are always on clear display; however, this has the effect of making them feel all the more genuine—and, ultimately, all the more human. I found this novel fascinating. I hope the author continues writing speculative fiction.
I received this book from the author. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
October 4, 2025
What a strange book - the first half is pretty good, 3.5 to 4 stars if it's your thing, but then it completely devolves.
Almost like content from multiple essays was frankensteined together.
I found it on a list and paid attention bc on the Arthur C Clarke award shortlist. I don't know why it made that - maybe because the warning about the future vibe was deemed prescient to some theme for the year...
But the parts about the (minor spoiler?) Griseos felt immersive, even a bit interesting. The plot device of the doctor story telling felt like an afterthought - maybe even edited in after - conveniently explained that the exposition of the main character to the doctor existed (although didn't add much except to take me out of the story briefly) but not the doctor's response because of 'editing for this presentation.' Felt princess-bride-ish but not in an endearing way.
Totally lost it though (true spoiler) at the devolution into a ready player one cheap copy (maybe meets Wall-E for the lame moralism). I had to skip parts to make it to the end. Never missed anything substantive to the plot. Almost felt like a different author. Lot of small things broke down too - the MC was supposedly a genius but failed to act even slightly intelligently in that part of the story, and the genius part never got reinforced by any action or deduction on their part. Just a cheap excuse for the perfect memory / Artiste-hosting I guess.
First half I was thinking, its a little rough but I'll watch the author as they develop, second half I was just waiting for it to end.
Overall, I would skip.
Almost like content from multiple essays was frankensteined together.
I found it on a list and paid attention bc on the Arthur C Clarke award shortlist. I don't know why it made that - maybe because the warning about the future vibe was deemed prescient to some theme for the year...
But the parts about the (minor spoiler?) Griseos felt immersive, even a bit interesting. The plot device of the doctor story telling felt like an afterthought - maybe even edited in after - conveniently explained that the exposition of the main character to the doctor existed (although didn't add much except to take me out of the story briefly) but not the doctor's response because of 'editing for this presentation.' Felt princess-bride-ish but not in an endearing way.
Totally lost it though (true spoiler) at the devolution into a ready player one cheap copy (maybe meets Wall-E for the lame moralism). I had to skip parts to make it to the end. Never missed anything substantive to the plot. Almost felt like a different author. Lot of small things broke down too - the MC was supposedly a genius but failed to act even slightly intelligently in that part of the story, and the genius part never got reinforced by any action or deduction on their part. Just a cheap excuse for the perfect memory / Artiste-hosting I guess.
First half I was thinking, its a little rough but I'll watch the author as they develop, second half I was just waiting for it to end.
Overall, I would skip.
June 2, 2025
Book Review: Eyes of Iris
Eyes of Iris excavates the fine line between delusional reality and the use of delusion as a safety net from a brutal reality. The protagonist, a brilliant scientist, has survived a troubled childhood marked by loss and neglect. She has coped by tenaciously focusing on tangible achievements, seeking self-esteem through competition, recognition, and respect.
Her existential questions about purpose lead her on an ayahuasca-induced journey into a dystopian future—a world where human greed and technology interlock in a devastating gridlock. Her doctor, Dr. Kairos, a specialist in delusional disorders, also relies on his own delusions to navigate the harsh realities of aging and the human condition.
Harris spares no detail in painting a grim picture of potential destruction, yet ultimately leaves us with hope.
Kairos, the god of good fortune, is known for the lock of hair on his forehead that must be seized when encountered. For his head is otherwise bald, and if the lock is missed, the fortune is lost. This novel is like that lock of hair—an opportunity for readers to seize inspiration and work together for a safer, kinder future.
Pandora’s box, when opened, unleashed destruction, greed, and sickness upon the world. Yet at the bottom of the box, an emerald of hope remained. Eyes of Iris is Harris’s gift of that emerald to us.
Eyes of Iris excavates the fine line between delusional reality and the use of delusion as a safety net from a brutal reality. The protagonist, a brilliant scientist, has survived a troubled childhood marked by loss and neglect. She has coped by tenaciously focusing on tangible achievements, seeking self-esteem through competition, recognition, and respect.
Her existential questions about purpose lead her on an ayahuasca-induced journey into a dystopian future—a world where human greed and technology interlock in a devastating gridlock. Her doctor, Dr. Kairos, a specialist in delusional disorders, also relies on his own delusions to navigate the harsh realities of aging and the human condition.
Harris spares no detail in painting a grim picture of potential destruction, yet ultimately leaves us with hope.
Kairos, the god of good fortune, is known for the lock of hair on his forehead that must be seized when encountered. For his head is otherwise bald, and if the lock is missed, the fortune is lost. This novel is like that lock of hair—an opportunity for readers to seize inspiration and work together for a safer, kinder future.
Pandora’s box, when opened, unleashed destruction, greed, and sickness upon the world. Yet at the bottom of the box, an emerald of hope remained. Eyes of Iris is Harris’s gift of that emerald to us.
November 1, 2025
Garbage in, garbage out. An arrogant young woman, who has been told she is a genius, is admitted to a psych ward after having some pretty outrageous dreams. She dreamt she was a gray cow-like creature who was permitted to experience the upper-class lives of the few remaining humans in the universe. Unfortunately, these humans spent most of their time in headsets that beautify their surroundings, drinking, having sex, and playing war games. This lifestyle is supported by regularly harvesting the brain power and meat of their gray cows. Total debauchery supported by total exploitation. An AI operates in the background to keep everything running smoothly, and the AI, after much trial and error, figures out how to improve humanity.
Totally didn’t work for me. To fix it, you'd have to get rid of the obnoxious main character and her psychiatrist. It was interesting to be inside the heads of the exploited cows, but the rest of the novel was extremely superficial and unbelievable.
Totally didn’t work for me. To fix it, you'd have to get rid of the obnoxious main character and her psychiatrist. It was interesting to be inside the heads of the exploited cows, but the rest of the novel was extremely superficial and unbelievable.
June 15, 2025
This was a thought-provoking read that really makes you pause and think about where technology is taking us—and how much longer our world can survive if humanity doesn’t shift its path. The story pulls you in, but that plot twist at the end? Did not see it coming. A powerful reminder packed into a compelling story. Definitely worth the read!
April 28, 2025
This novel is crazy provocative. Iris is beautifully realized, and the trip she takes us on is not only a page turner but is also rich with insights into our current, and possibly future, culture. I loved the ending.
May 19, 2025
Joshua A.H. Harris has written the novel of our era, a meditation on humanity that explores neuroscience, psychology, meat, and AI in this account of a twenty-year-old genius's journey into an all-too-probable future. H.G. Wells meets Kafka in the Matrix.
October 15, 2025
Fast paced, intriguing, a little weird, and in some parts quite humorous. Has an old-school sci-fi feeling, like an episode of outer limits or quantum leap. I kind of glazed over at the video gaming bit, but the ending was really perfect. 🤌
November 16, 2025
A wild ride...like being on multiple carnival rides simultaneously...only to keep up with yourself. A tribute to the exceedingly creative author's mind. May we all use our encompasses judiciously...and have a Martha Stewart.
April 27, 2025
A super fun read!
August 7, 2025
Who else wanted the origin of Artiste to be the mental health app?
August 19, 2025
👁️👁️👁️👁️👁️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 1, 2025
very unique and interesting!! reminded me of I Who Have Never Known Men at times.
November 19, 2025
I bought it by chance as an audiobook and was very pleasantly surprised. Best lucky find in a long time!
June 17, 2025
4.25 ⭐️
I’ve been trying to come up with a way to describe this book without spoiling everything good about it and I honestly can’t. (But what I can do is recommend it wholeheartedly!)
I love a book that leaves you wondering if what happened to a character was actually real or if you were just tricked by an unreliable narrator, and this book absolutely delivered on that front. It was impossible to put down, and despite the questionable morality and nature of our narrator, I found myself rooting for her.
This book felt at once untethered and rooted in reality, with even the most outlandish and enexpected scenes feeling oddly realistic.
There were a few parts that felt rushed or less fleshed out, but altogether, this was a great book!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
I’ve been trying to come up with a way to describe this book without spoiling everything good about it and I honestly can’t. (But what I can do is recommend it wholeheartedly!)
I love a book that leaves you wondering if what happened to a character was actually real or if you were just tricked by an unreliable narrator, and this book absolutely delivered on that front. It was impossible to put down, and despite the questionable morality and nature of our narrator, I found myself rooting for her.
This book felt at once untethered and rooted in reality, with even the most outlandish and enexpected scenes feeling oddly realistic.
There were a few parts that felt rushed or less fleshed out, but altogether, this was a great book!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
July 21, 2025
Another great story by Mr. Harris! Nuanced character development not only keeps your attention, but also will have you looking inward. Mixing aspects of human emotional development, the trials and tribulations of technology advances, and good ol sci-fi... Eyes of Iris checks all the boxes for a fun read.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews