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Joshua's Tree Trilogy #1
Joshua's Tree
When a skateboarding accident hurls 17-year-old Joshua Tyler into a dismal future overrun by flesh-eating mutants, he taps into the strength and courage hidden within him and manages to stay alive, only to discover his horrifying relationship to the scientific genius who brought all life on Earth to the brink of annihilation.
Aided by Nadia, a beautiful warrior student who believes he may be the prophesized savior sent to rescue her people, Josh learns to fight for survival. Terrified by the constant threat of a violent death, Josh wants nothing more than to get back to his own life. But the longer he survives in this strange place, the more he learns about its creation. Charged with the job of assassinating the enemy’s leader, Josh begins to uncover his connection to the army of cannibalistic monsters—a nightmarish truth that could prevent him from ever finding his way home.
Aided by Nadia, a beautiful warrior student who believes he may be the prophesized savior sent to rescue her people, Josh learns to fight for survival. Terrified by the constant threat of a violent death, Josh wants nothing more than to get back to his own life. But the longer he survives in this strange place, the more he learns about its creation. Charged with the job of assassinating the enemy’s leader, Josh begins to uncover his connection to the army of cannibalistic monsters—a nightmarish truth that could prevent him from ever finding his way home.
- GenresTime TravelYoung Adult
277 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 20, 2012
4 people are currently reading
269 people want to read
About the author
N.W. Harris
10 books222 followersBorn at the end of the Vietnam war and raised on a horse farm near small town north Georgia, his imagination evolved under the swaying pines surrounding his family’s log home. On summer days that were too hot, winter days that were too cold, and every night into the wee morning hours, he read books.
In addition to writing, he has been a submarine sailor, nurse, and business owner. His studies have included biology, anthropology, and medicine at UCSB and SUNY Buffalo. He is an active member of SCBWI and lives in sunny southern California with his beautiful wife and two perfect children. He writes like he reads, constantly.
In addition to writing, he has been a submarine sailor, nurse, and business owner. His studies have included biology, anthropology, and medicine at UCSB and SUNY Buffalo. He is an active member of SCBWI and lives in sunny southern California with his beautiful wife and two perfect children. He writes like he reads, constantly.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 2, 2013
I'm a senior citizen, not the type of person this book is meant to entertain. I'm also guilty of not reading many books, and the last on my list would be a science fiction type mystery novel. However, since my son is the author I thought I might as well read his book. Well, I got into it, and could hardly take a break. I'm looking forward to the second book of the trilogy. I give the book five stars because it takes great reading entertainment to keep me engaged in a book.
November 5, 2013
A Wild Ride through a Future Earth!
Joshua’s Tree, N. W. Harris’ first novel, is a great romp, containing a fantastic kick ass heroine and an unlikely hero who is transported to the future. It is set in a strange landscape, with terrifying cannibalistic creatures and it contains intervention from on high and non-stop adventure. There is also a budding romance and a plot that involves both personal growth and self-sacrifice.
In Joshua’s Tree, after a fall from his skateboard, seventeen year old Joshua wakes up naked in a strange and frightening world, where he is attacked and kidnapped by menacing creatures. Before the creatures can reveal their evil intent, he is rescued by a sword wielding female warrior, Nadia, astride a strange beast. Nadia, whose village and family have been destroyed by the sweepers, the terrifying creatures that have Joshua in their clutches, is convinced that Joshua is the saviourof her world, as foreseen in a prophecy. Joshua has no option but to accompany her on a bizarre and dangerous journey, where he learns that to return to his own world he must find the strength within himself to overcome his fears and avenge Nadia’s people by executing The Father, the creator of the canniabalistic sweepers who threaten the lives of all on this world.
Nadia is a character that I sometimes long to be in my imagination – a strong, self-controlled and skilled warrior, who takes no c*** from anyone and does not hesitate to go in for the kill with her sword and dagger, a figure which brought to my mind a younger version of Xena, the warrior princess or Lara Croft! She does have her vulnerabilities however, and these are revealed as the novel progresses. By contrast Josh is an unlikely hero, more of a thinker, not a natural warrior and he has zero confidence when it comes to girls, especially those as attractive as Nadia. He is grateful to Nadia for being his protector in this strange world and for helping him to adjust to the life of a warrior, but he resents being reliant on her. Although desperate to go home, he sometimes feels that he has a connection to the world and has growing feelings for Nadia. I loved how Josh grew in stature physically and mentally throughout, becoming if not yet an equal to Nadia in terms of her fighting skills at least complementing her with his skill at strategy.
Much of the novel focuses on the hero and heroine, their growing relationship and the transformation of Joshua from 21 century teenager into a warrior worthy to fulfil a prophecy. Although Nadia is attracted to Josh, she wants to keep him at a distance so that they do not become distracted from their quest as so much is at stake. Josh is initially both attracted to her strange beauty and resentful of her – she is part of the alien world that is keeping him from going home and she seems superior to him in every way, a true warrior, whereas he sees himself as puny and weak. There are many misunderstandings between them as the plot develops and leads Joshua to his destiny, as they struggle with their feelings for each other. There is also blood and gore a plenty, with innards and brains being spilt and limbs torn apart. The plot contains many twists and turns, with a cliff hanger at the end, which I am so wanting to know how it can possibly be resolved in future instalments! Will Joshua return home if he survives? Will he want to? Will he have a choice? And what of Nadia and the other characters and the future of this world as it hangs in the balance?
The author clearly has a strong imagination to create such a diverse future world, where some creatures are genetically engineered, similar, but so different from our own. It is a world of extreme landscapes, which blends futuristic technology with elements of past cultures on Earth. The novel is very much a coming of age story as well as a romance, but it is also more than this, addressing issues of personal growth and destiny for Josh (and Nadia too) as they are both subjected to a series of increasingly more terrifying tests of endurance and sanity, which allows them to grow and develop, but which puts a stain on their relationship. For me the novel has an almost mystical quality and the strongly drawn and well rounded characters also represented some major archetypes: Josh is the unlikely hero/saviour; Nadia the warrior; The Father, the evil creator/scientist, and there is even the wise man/spirit guide, the Sensei, who appears sporadically throughout.
Joshua’s Tree is a fantastic, read, which will keep you glued to the text until you have reached the end. I strongly recommend it to fans of sci-fi/fantasy adventure, who like some romance in their tale, with a thought provoking and action packed plot.
Reviewed by Tina Williams
I received this book for free from Story Cartel in exchange for my unbiased review.
Joshua’s Tree, N. W. Harris’ first novel, is a great romp, containing a fantastic kick ass heroine and an unlikely hero who is transported to the future. It is set in a strange landscape, with terrifying cannibalistic creatures and it contains intervention from on high and non-stop adventure. There is also a budding romance and a plot that involves both personal growth and self-sacrifice.
In Joshua’s Tree, after a fall from his skateboard, seventeen year old Joshua wakes up naked in a strange and frightening world, where he is attacked and kidnapped by menacing creatures. Before the creatures can reveal their evil intent, he is rescued by a sword wielding female warrior, Nadia, astride a strange beast. Nadia, whose village and family have been destroyed by the sweepers, the terrifying creatures that have Joshua in their clutches, is convinced that Joshua is the saviourof her world, as foreseen in a prophecy. Joshua has no option but to accompany her on a bizarre and dangerous journey, where he learns that to return to his own world he must find the strength within himself to overcome his fears and avenge Nadia’s people by executing The Father, the creator of the canniabalistic sweepers who threaten the lives of all on this world.
Nadia is a character that I sometimes long to be in my imagination – a strong, self-controlled and skilled warrior, who takes no c*** from anyone and does not hesitate to go in for the kill with her sword and dagger, a figure which brought to my mind a younger version of Xena, the warrior princess or Lara Croft! She does have her vulnerabilities however, and these are revealed as the novel progresses. By contrast Josh is an unlikely hero, more of a thinker, not a natural warrior and he has zero confidence when it comes to girls, especially those as attractive as Nadia. He is grateful to Nadia for being his protector in this strange world and for helping him to adjust to the life of a warrior, but he resents being reliant on her. Although desperate to go home, he sometimes feels that he has a connection to the world and has growing feelings for Nadia. I loved how Josh grew in stature physically and mentally throughout, becoming if not yet an equal to Nadia in terms of her fighting skills at least complementing her with his skill at strategy.
Much of the novel focuses on the hero and heroine, their growing relationship and the transformation of Joshua from 21 century teenager into a warrior worthy to fulfil a prophecy. Although Nadia is attracted to Josh, she wants to keep him at a distance so that they do not become distracted from their quest as so much is at stake. Josh is initially both attracted to her strange beauty and resentful of her – she is part of the alien world that is keeping him from going home and she seems superior to him in every way, a true warrior, whereas he sees himself as puny and weak. There are many misunderstandings between them as the plot develops and leads Joshua to his destiny, as they struggle with their feelings for each other. There is also blood and gore a plenty, with innards and brains being spilt and limbs torn apart. The plot contains many twists and turns, with a cliff hanger at the end, which I am so wanting to know how it can possibly be resolved in future instalments! Will Joshua return home if he survives? Will he want to? Will he have a choice? And what of Nadia and the other characters and the future of this world as it hangs in the balance?
The author clearly has a strong imagination to create such a diverse future world, where some creatures are genetically engineered, similar, but so different from our own. It is a world of extreme landscapes, which blends futuristic technology with elements of past cultures on Earth. The novel is very much a coming of age story as well as a romance, but it is also more than this, addressing issues of personal growth and destiny for Josh (and Nadia too) as they are both subjected to a series of increasingly more terrifying tests of endurance and sanity, which allows them to grow and develop, but which puts a stain on their relationship. For me the novel has an almost mystical quality and the strongly drawn and well rounded characters also represented some major archetypes: Josh is the unlikely hero/saviour; Nadia the warrior; The Father, the evil creator/scientist, and there is even the wise man/spirit guide, the Sensei, who appears sporadically throughout.
Joshua’s Tree is a fantastic, read, which will keep you glued to the text until you have reached the end. I strongly recommend it to fans of sci-fi/fantasy adventure, who like some romance in their tale, with a thought provoking and action packed plot.
Reviewed by Tina Williams
I received this book for free from Story Cartel in exchange for my unbiased review.
February 19, 2014
Strap yourself in and sit tight, we’re going to travel to future Earth in the amazing YA tale, Joshua’sTree by N. W. Harris that will allow your inner hero to be a part of saving the world. Time travel, adventure, and the survival of those who live in the future rest on the shoulders of plain, regular, chess playing, seventeen-year-old Joshua. Rudely sent into a world where technological miracles, powerful beasts, and a lone warrior girl co-exist amid a lifestyle reminiscent of the days of long ago, Joshua arrives and is at the mercy of huge beasts called sweepers, with grotesquely huge bodies and faces. He is saved by Nadia, who believes he is the savior whose arrival has been foretold through an ancient prophecy and she is the lone warrior who must protect him at all costs. As this disciplined and controlled warrior and the geeky kid from the past form a tenuous bond and break their language barrier, they set off on an incredible journey to conquer a powerful entity called the Father. Along the way they fight monstrous snakes, sand storms and hideous cannibalistic beasts who challenge them along the way. Battered and bruised, alone in strange land, there is a spark of young romance igniting that both Nadia and Joshua fight to keep under control. Will the prophecy be fulfilled? Will Joshua be able to go back to his own time? Will Nadia’s world become safe?
N. W. Harris’ first book of this YA and younger YA fantasy trilogy promises future epic reading to follow! Two strong characters, both fabulous role models for young readers, adventure, larger than life threats that are overcome, Joshua’s Tree is magnetic, one of those books that will draw even a reluctant reader into the world of books and imagination. N. W. Harris has built a world where every step, every smell and sound felt like I was right there. Which wonderful descriptions that flow throughout, every animal, no matter how different played across the screen of my mind. Joshua is a brilliant, if unlikely hero who has “come into himself” in a huge way. Nadia is a force to be reckoned with, but each of them never quite fit in among their peers. Thanks to N. W. Harris, the imaginations of readers old or young are allowed to fly free with the possibilities to do great things!
I received a copy from the author in exchange for my honest review! Honestly, this a one of those gems that should be read and shared!
Series: Joshua's Tree Trilogy, Book 1
Publication Date: June 26, 2013
Publisher: MuseItUp Publishing
Genre: YA Fantasy/Adventure
Number of Pages: 277
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
N. W. Harris’ first book of this YA and younger YA fantasy trilogy promises future epic reading to follow! Two strong characters, both fabulous role models for young readers, adventure, larger than life threats that are overcome, Joshua’s Tree is magnetic, one of those books that will draw even a reluctant reader into the world of books and imagination. N. W. Harris has built a world where every step, every smell and sound felt like I was right there. Which wonderful descriptions that flow throughout, every animal, no matter how different played across the screen of my mind. Joshua is a brilliant, if unlikely hero who has “come into himself” in a huge way. Nadia is a force to be reckoned with, but each of them never quite fit in among their peers. Thanks to N. W. Harris, the imaginations of readers old or young are allowed to fly free with the possibilities to do great things!
I received a copy from the author in exchange for my honest review! Honestly, this a one of those gems that should be read and shared!
Series: Joshua's Tree Trilogy, Book 1
Publication Date: June 26, 2013
Publisher: MuseItUp Publishing
Genre: YA Fantasy/Adventure
Number of Pages: 277
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
July 10, 2013
Neil Harris' Joshua's Tree is an intense, fast-moving novel that will entertain teens, and particularly males, as it is similar to Rick Riordan's stories, filled with monsters, mystery, and unrequited love. Harris is particularly good at writing fight scenes, engaging the strong female genetically modified character Nadia. There is never a dull moment. I was left hanging at the end, disappointed, until I realized it was only the first in a trilogy, the second to be released this December. I for sure will be buying all three to finally have the mystery solved.
August 5, 2013
It was super...cannot wait for the next edition to the trilogy.
September 18, 2013
Most teens don’t celebrate their seventeenth birthday by having a skate boarding accident that sends them to a strange forest in a future time. Oh, and being stalked by eight-foot-tall creatures that smell like road kill isn’t exactly the sort of gift Joshua had in mind either.
In JOSHUA’S TREE, Author N. W. Harris’ debut YA Novel, Joshua Tyler finds himself not only in the future but in a fight for his life against sweepers, that kill their victims and then eat them. The author’s description of these creatures assure the reader you don’t want to meet one. Nadia, a brave and strong warrior whose village has been destroyed by the sweepers, saves Josh from the creatures. She believes he was sent to save the world, and her job is to protect him so he can fulfill his destiny and kill the Father, the creator.
The relationship between Josh and Nadia is rocky at the beginning, but as they face one danger after another in their quest to find the Father and destroy him, they know they must depend on each other to survive. The story contains plenty of action and fighting for adventure lovers. I wouldn’t recommend the book for readers under fourteen because of the violent scenes. Romance lovers will root for Josh and Nadia to realize that they’re perfect for one another, even though the teens would likely disagree, most of the time, anyhow. There are a few occasions … Well, I’ll let you read the book to see how their relationship develops.
JOSHUA’S TREE will keep you reading to see what trouble the teens get into next. There’s never a dull moment. The author keeps the characters and the reader guessing as to who to trust and who are the bad guys. An enjoyable story with more to come in the next book in the series. So pick up a copy for your eReader and take a journey to the future with Joshua and Nadia.
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In JOSHUA’S TREE, Author N. W. Harris’ debut YA Novel, Joshua Tyler finds himself not only in the future but in a fight for his life against sweepers, that kill their victims and then eat them. The author’s description of these creatures assure the reader you don’t want to meet one. Nadia, a brave and strong warrior whose village has been destroyed by the sweepers, saves Josh from the creatures. She believes he was sent to save the world, and her job is to protect him so he can fulfill his destiny and kill the Father, the creator.
The relationship between Josh and Nadia is rocky at the beginning, but as they face one danger after another in their quest to find the Father and destroy him, they know they must depend on each other to survive. The story contains plenty of action and fighting for adventure lovers. I wouldn’t recommend the book for readers under fourteen because of the violent scenes. Romance lovers will root for Josh and Nadia to realize that they’re perfect for one another, even though the teens would likely disagree, most of the time, anyhow. There are a few occasions … Well, I’ll let you read the book to see how their relationship develops.
JOSHUA’S TREE will keep you reading to see what trouble the teens get into next. There’s never a dull moment. The author keeps the characters and the reader guessing as to who to trust and who are the bad guys. An enjoyable story with more to come in the next book in the series. So pick up a copy for your eReader and take a journey to the future with Joshua and Nadia.
###
January 13, 2014
Yay for a nice science fiction! This takes a bit of a dystopian turn (Josh finds himself transported into Earth's future, where 'naturally' born creatures are almost extinct), adds a little bit of ancient cultural beliefs (Ra) and mixes it up well with a great adventure.
The story immediately starts by throwing the reader into the future world with a brutal raid on a small village. Josh is found unconcious by a warrior girl, who has the unexplanable drive to protect him, although she's never seen anything like him before. Unlike the blurb, it takes a bit to figure out how Josh got to where he was (actually, the specifics are never explained) and we learn to get to know him through his own eyes and the eyes of Nadia, his protector.
This is a journey story, going from one exciting predicament to the other. Although I found the inner-thoughts a little much at times (but I'm known to have a short attention span in that area), the suspense was terrific and the fight scenes simply a lot of fun. There is a great line-up of creatures, which left me on the edge of my seat. I loved the fantastical ideas and the wide range of scenes and situations. Definitely something to keep one turning the pages.
The ending was a bit sudden, but considering this is the first book in a trilogy, it does leave with the sense to read more. (Although I personally like stories with nice, firm ends.) I can't wait to read the next one and will be recommending this to my 16 year old son.
The story immediately starts by throwing the reader into the future world with a brutal raid on a small village. Josh is found unconcious by a warrior girl, who has the unexplanable drive to protect him, although she's never seen anything like him before. Unlike the blurb, it takes a bit to figure out how Josh got to where he was (actually, the specifics are never explained) and we learn to get to know him through his own eyes and the eyes of Nadia, his protector.
This is a journey story, going from one exciting predicament to the other. Although I found the inner-thoughts a little much at times (but I'm known to have a short attention span in that area), the suspense was terrific and the fight scenes simply a lot of fun. There is a great line-up of creatures, which left me on the edge of my seat. I loved the fantastical ideas and the wide range of scenes and situations. Definitely something to keep one turning the pages.
The ending was a bit sudden, but considering this is the first book in a trilogy, it does leave with the sense to read more. (Although I personally like stories with nice, firm ends.) I can't wait to read the next one and will be recommending this to my 16 year old son.
August 1, 2013
This was a thoroughly enjoyable read. I really looked forward to coming back to it each time at the end of each day of my holiday. The two main characters are really convincing and the chemistry between them is excellent. Of the two I liked Nadia best but then I love feisty girl characters. Each chapter ends on a cliffhanger and switching the point of view between chapters means that you always have to wait for the resolution.
I have to say I did see the ending coming but, like many books or movies about real events where you know the ending, that didn't lessen the suspense. Some of the genetically modified creatures or characters that featured in the book were more convincing than others but the sweepers were genuinely scary, as was the creature that seemed to be able to infect the characters with negative thoughts, like the dementers in Harry Potter.
Definitely four out of five and I'll definitley be catching up with the sequels.
I have to say I did see the ending coming but, like many books or movies about real events where you know the ending, that didn't lessen the suspense. Some of the genetically modified creatures or characters that featured in the book were more convincing than others but the sweepers were genuinely scary, as was the creature that seemed to be able to infect the characters with negative thoughts, like the dementers in Harry Potter.
Definitely four out of five and I'll definitley be catching up with the sequels.
July 26, 2013
Joshua’s Tree had a unique and compelling plot. Joshua wakes up in an unfamiliar place and is immediately in a harrowing situation when some creatures he’s never seen before capture him. I like that we are in the dark as long as Joshua about ‘where’ he is.
Nadia is a strong female character. I enjoyed how mixed up the typical gender roles were, too. The quest was exciting and we saw both our main characters grow. I always enjoy when a story is set in a more technologically advanced society living a more primitive lifestyle. I did figure out the exciting reveal long before it was revealed, which made the ending anti-climactic, but I look forward to the next book in the series because Joshua has a very big decision to make and that I haven’t figured out yet, because there truly are a number of ways he could go. I’m most definitely intrigued.
Nadia is a strong female character. I enjoyed how mixed up the typical gender roles were, too. The quest was exciting and we saw both our main characters grow. I always enjoy when a story is set in a more technologically advanced society living a more primitive lifestyle. I did figure out the exciting reveal long before it was revealed, which made the ending anti-climactic, but I look forward to the next book in the series because Joshua has a very big decision to make and that I haven’t figured out yet, because there truly are a number of ways he could go. I’m most definitely intrigued.
September 4, 2013
I couldn't put this book down, so I had stayed up late. I had to finish it, it had me from page one. It was worth the read and staying up late.
This is not the normal type of book I normally read but I am hooked. This had so much excitement and had me wondering what the next page was waiting for me to read about Joshua and Nadia. Wondering if he will ever get back home to the world he knew, not the one he was in. I highly recommend this book for anyone seeking adventure read, this will give you a thrilling ride from start to finish... I was blown away at the end.
I will be looking out for more from this author. Has a creative way of writing to make it seem real in your mind as you are reading it.
I was given a copy of this eBook for an honest review.
Thank You N.W. Harris for letting me read your book to review.
This is not the normal type of book I normally read but I am hooked. This had so much excitement and had me wondering what the next page was waiting for me to read about Joshua and Nadia. Wondering if he will ever get back home to the world he knew, not the one he was in. I highly recommend this book for anyone seeking adventure read, this will give you a thrilling ride from start to finish... I was blown away at the end.
I will be looking out for more from this author. Has a creative way of writing to make it seem real in your mind as you are reading it.
I was given a copy of this eBook for an honest review.
Thank You N.W. Harris for letting me read your book to review.
August 1, 2013
Joshua's Tree sets right off with its amazing tale. The reader is as surprised as Josh with the new surroundings, he finds himself in. As he stumbles to adjust to the new environment, the reader joins him on every step. Josh's journey to manhood is described in a realistic way, making him a well-rounded character. To complement his task, he is rescued and joined by Nadia, a strong female character.
The fast paced story keeps you hanging on each page and the shocking twist at the end keeps you screaming for more.
The fast paced story keeps you hanging on each page and the shocking twist at the end keeps you screaming for more.
March 24, 2014
Skate-boarder, Joshua, is plunged into a dangerous new world. It is Earth, but a future Earth. Nadia, a young female warrior who has lost her family, saves Josh from flesh-eating monsters. We watch Josh turn from an insecure weakling into an in-love warrior.
I wasn’t aware this is book one of a series until I read other reviews. I was delighted to see that as the ending leaves many questions. It is hard to put this book down once you begin so beware.
I wasn’t aware this is book one of a series until I read other reviews. I was delighted to see that as the ending leaves many questions. It is hard to put this book down once you begin so beware.
July 8, 2013
This book has engaging characters, descriptive details, and an original plot. You get pulled into a rich imaginative world, which makes it hard to put the book down and will leave you waiting in anticipation for the next book of the trilogy.
August 1, 2013
This a great book that gets right in to the thick of things right at the beginning of the book. It's a book of adventure and even romance leaving you begging for the next book in the series! I expect and look forward to many great things from this author.
August 1, 2013
An amazing book filled with nonstop action and romance. I loved every moment. Can't wait for the next one!!
August 3, 2013
Great story!!!! Lot's of action, fun, must read!!!
April 7, 2014
Time-travel with a difference. Loved this book. Have already started the next in the series. Wonder how the hero is going to get out of his situation.
October 22, 2014
A fantastical adventure through an exciting and scary future world, yet the characters are believable and very likable. It's great to read a story from the male perspective.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews