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They Came From the Trees #2
They Came to the Island: The Shift
Fifteen-year-old Sheldon Hickory is a hero to his friends and is in love–but an alien intelligence also infects him, and it’s only a matter of time before his mind fully transforms.
As a traitor to the human resistance, Sheldon attempts to abandon his simple farm life and newfound friends to fit in with this new alien movement. Proving to be more powerful than most of the infected, Sheldon is soon given important leadership roles–deciding if new human recruits are strong and healthy or simply executed. But Sheldon can’t help but be human. Moreover, he can’t help but yearn for connections. When the resistance grows stronger, Sheldon is forced to bring a team of alien intellects to fight–but as he wavers with his new developing mind, the movement goes sideways. And the unthinkable happens.
As a traitor to the human resistance, Sheldon attempts to abandon his simple farm life and newfound friends to fit in with this new alien movement. Proving to be more powerful than most of the infected, Sheldon is soon given important leadership roles–deciding if new human recruits are strong and healthy or simply executed. But Sheldon can’t help but be human. Moreover, he can’t help but yearn for connections. When the resistance grows stronger, Sheldon is forced to bring a team of alien intellects to fight–but as he wavers with his new developing mind, the movement goes sideways. And the unthinkable happens.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 12, 2022
15 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
About the author
Christopher Francis
42 books136 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 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 21, 2023
I loved the way the author ended this story. We have an alien invasion. We have a young boy named Sheldon who fights them with a band of other survivors only to find out he himself is merging with the aliens as he was infected. But not everything is as Rennick, the leader of the area's aliens, would wish it to be. How do you stay human when your brain has an alien trying to merge with you? In this story we are introduced to new characters. The fighting between the two sides heat up. We see perspectives change. For me the greatest thing was watching the human spirit and the message that we need to embrace our differences.
The story line is great. The descriptions are so well done that I felt I was actually watching a movie. Although the setting is in Canada, where I have never been, it felt like it could be any place in the world. This author is definitely a master of his craft and I highly recommend this book.
The story line is great. The descriptions are so well done that I felt I was actually watching a movie. Although the setting is in Canada, where I have never been, it felt like it could be any place in the world. This author is definitely a master of his craft and I highly recommend this book.
June 17, 2023
Received as an audio review copy from Story Origin, this is an honest review. Narrated passionately by Ray Shah, They Came to the Island: The Shift as one heck of a grand sequel as things continue to be altered by the aliens that invaded Earth; for Sheldon Hickory he finds himself in a precarious position as his body continues to mutate from the aliens, leaving him unsure if he's more like the Intellects ( as the aliens call themselves ) or even truly human anymore. Caught between honoring his commitment to serving the leader of his Zone or joining a fiery resistance of brave humans trying to take their lives back. Packed with shocking twists and moral gray questions that will leave you breathless, especially toward Sheldon from the very Leader teaching him how to utilize his blossoming skills on this altered world. A brilliant, harrowing time.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
May 1, 2023
Review of eBook
As Sheldon reflects on the initial coming of the aliens, when they healed all illnesses, he recalls the subsequent flood of rodent-like creatures that overwhelmed the town. It took less than one day for them to murder the corrupt and the weak and to infect the strong and the healthy.
Evaluating the changes within himself, Sheldon seeks a new beginning.
But at what cost? What will Sheldon become as he merges with this alien parasite? And what does the island with no trees hold for him?
=========
Second in the author’s Young Adult series, the alien invasion continues with its focus on teenagers as the main characters. As the resistance mounts between the alien invaders and the young people, readers are sure to empathize with the relatable teens.
As readers might expect, there is a great deal of conflict in this unfolding dystopian tale. However, not all the contentiousness is between humans and aliens. Sheldon wars within himself as the alien parasite relentlessly works to merge with him.
Although the alien parasite within him has not yet completed the merge, it seems that Sheldon easily accepts his fate, apparently believing that the aliens will bring good to the Earth and its people. But readers may find themselves uncomfortable with how easily Sheldon has accepted the alien invasion and the merging.
There is, due to the nature of the unfolding narrative, a great deal of violence in the telling of this tale, but the denouement is sure to surprise readers who will, after this unexpected revelation, find it difficult to wait for the next installment of this compelling series.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book from StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
As Sheldon reflects on the initial coming of the aliens, when they healed all illnesses, he recalls the subsequent flood of rodent-like creatures that overwhelmed the town. It took less than one day for them to murder the corrupt and the weak and to infect the strong and the healthy.
Evaluating the changes within himself, Sheldon seeks a new beginning.
But at what cost? What will Sheldon become as he merges with this alien parasite? And what does the island with no trees hold for him?
=========
Second in the author’s Young Adult series, the alien invasion continues with its focus on teenagers as the main characters. As the resistance mounts between the alien invaders and the young people, readers are sure to empathize with the relatable teens.
As readers might expect, there is a great deal of conflict in this unfolding dystopian tale. However, not all the contentiousness is between humans and aliens. Sheldon wars within himself as the alien parasite relentlessly works to merge with him.
Although the alien parasite within him has not yet completed the merge, it seems that Sheldon easily accepts his fate, apparently believing that the aliens will bring good to the Earth and its people. But readers may find themselves uncomfortable with how easily Sheldon has accepted the alien invasion and the merging.
There is, due to the nature of the unfolding narrative, a great deal of violence in the telling of this tale, but the denouement is sure to surprise readers who will, after this unexpected revelation, find it difficult to wait for the next installment of this compelling series.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book from StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
September 2, 2024
They Came to the Island: The Shift picks up the tension beautifully from the first installment in the series. I loved how the story deepens the exploration of the island's mysteries while expanding on the characters we grew attached to. The stakes are higher in this sequel, and I found myself completely engrossed in the unfolding drama and revelations. Francis does an excellent job of blending tension with worldbuilding, keeping the atmosphere intense and immersive. There were moments where the pacing felt a bit rushed, and some character arcs didn't get the resolution I hoped for.
Nonetheless, this installment kept me on my toes and left me eager for the next chapter in this intriguing saga.
Nonetheless, this installment kept me on my toes and left me eager for the next chapter in this intriguing saga.
May 7, 2024
❤️🛸😰Excellent sequel!
Young Sheldon Hickory remembered how that winter the aliens had laid millions of eggs on and in the trees.
Once hatched, the creatures infested everything.
Now Sheldon felt like he was changing...
Was he going to mutate?...
============
A volume 2 brimming with action and danger and which tells the incredible continuation of the adventures and survival of young Sheldon.
The main character is very moving.
The plot of the story is hyper mysterious and the outcome is completely unpredictable.
I highly recommend this excellent children's science fiction dystopia!
I can't wait to read more.
Young Sheldon Hickory remembered how that winter the aliens had laid millions of eggs on and in the trees.
Once hatched, the creatures infested everything.
Now Sheldon felt like he was changing...
Was he going to mutate?...
============
A volume 2 brimming with action and danger and which tells the incredible continuation of the adventures and survival of young Sheldon.
The main character is very moving.
The plot of the story is hyper mysterious and the outcome is completely unpredictable.
I highly recommend this excellent children's science fiction dystopia!
I can't wait to read more.
June 7, 2023
Audiobook: I liked book 2 of the "They Came From The Trees" series even more than the first one. The action grabbed my attention from the opening paragraphs until the very end. Once the audiobook started, I had to listen until the end. I was entertained by the characters. I appreciated the twists and turns. I was saddened by some of the events. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. Ray Shah's narration was fine, and he kept my attention with his performance. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.
February 13, 2024
What an amazing series.
The author Christopher Francis does it once again.
A beautiful continuation to the book “ They came from the trees “
I can write a full page if not longer as a review for this book or the series in a whole, but instead all I’ll say is that this is one amazing series with the biggest twist ever.
Ray Shah narrated this book perfectly !!!
My absolute recommendations !!!
Oded Ostfeld.
The author Christopher Francis does it once again.
A beautiful continuation to the book “ They came from the trees “
I can write a full page if not longer as a review for this book or the series in a whole, but instead all I’ll say is that this is one amazing series with the biggest twist ever.
Ray Shah narrated this book perfectly !!!
My absolute recommendations !!!
Oded Ostfeld.
March 13, 2024
A great continuation to They came from the Trees. Although Sheldon has been merged with an Alien, his human side still comes to the fore. I like the main characters and the thought processes of each one. Rennick ruthlessly follows the code of the red book, while Sheldon's merging is not always in line with the plan. Plenty of action and twists with food for thought. I enjoyed reading how the story unfolds and look forward to reading book 3. Highly recommended. I received a copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 26, 2024
A great continuation to They came from the Trees. Although Sheldon has been merged with an Alien, his human side still comes to the fore. I like the main characters and the thought processes of each one. Rennick ruthlessly follows the code of the red book, while Sheldon's merging is not always in line with the plan. Plenty of action and twists with food for thought. I enjoyed reading how the story unfolds and look forward to reading book 3. Highly recommended. I received a copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 12, 2023
Christopher has created an excellent follow up in this series. Engaging and with sufficient twists to keep you entertained. Although the novel focuses mostly on Sheldon and his experiences there are multiple characters that enhance the world he has created. Looking forward to the final part of the trilogy.
January 7, 2024
This series is so good. It's different than other post apocalyptic stories. Aliens come to earth, heal everyone who's sick, then start killing the weak & merging with the strong.
Even though Sheldon is an intellect (he's been merged with an alien), isn't he still the good guy? Well, maybe. Maybe not. You'll have to read this and make your own decisions.
Even though Sheldon is an intellect (he's been merged with an alien), isn't he still the good guy? Well, maybe. Maybe not. You'll have to read this and make your own decisions.
May 1, 2023
This was a very enjoyable read! A good continuation of the storyline, with twists & turns & a balanced level of excitement through out the book! I liked the ideas, characters & overall energy of the story, a good & different look at alien invasion & environmental responsibility! A good fun read!
September 12, 2023
Really good continuation of the story. Lots of inner conflict for the main character the action is non stop. Would recommend reading
March 20, 2024
Excellent follow-up from the first book. Action packed and suspenseful.series. Would make an outstanding TV series! Looking forward to the next in the series!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews