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Talion #0.5
The Trial of Joe Harlan Junior
What would you do if the law failed you?
The college Halloween party was supposed to be a night of fun, dress up and laughter, but for Kristy Wise, it quickly became a night of horror.
Read the story. Witness the testimony.
Is everything that comes after justified?
YOU decide.
THE TRIAL OF JOE HARLAN JUNIOR IS THE PREQUEL NOVELLA TO J.K. FRANKO'S SHOCKING THRILLER, EYE FOR EYE
The college Halloween party was supposed to be a night of fun, dress up and laughter, but for Kristy Wise, it quickly became a night of horror.
Read the story. Witness the testimony.
Is everything that comes after justified?
YOU decide.
THE TRIAL OF JOE HARLAN JUNIOR IS THE PREQUEL NOVELLA TO J.K. FRANKO'S SHOCKING THRILLER, EYE FOR EYE
101 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2023
44 people are currently reading
10014 people want to read
About the author
J.K. Franko
10 books3,868 followersI grew up in Texas in the seventies, and although I really wanted to go into writing and film from an early age, my parents (Cuban-American) were NOT on board.
They believed there were only three acceptable career paths for a male child: doctor, lawyer, and architect.
After a disastrous first year of college pre-Med (too much fun, not enough study), I ended up getting a BA in philosophy (not acceptable), then I went to law school (salvaging the family name).
In law school, I was lucky enough to be selected for law journal and my articles have been cited by courts and recognized on the National Law Journal’s “Worth Reading” list – which for law is like a top review in the New York Times (pretty cool).
After ten years as a trial lawyer, I decided that law and family life weren’t compatible. So, I went back to school for an MBA, and later pursued a PhD, crossing the line from well-educated to over-educated around the turn of the century.
With these credentials, I was able to leave law for corporate America, where I got to spend long stints working in Europe and Asia.
It was my wife who pushed me to write novels. And, after thousands of hours writing, and seven or eight literary miscarriages over the course of eighteen years, I am now a published fiction author!
We live all in South Florida (for now) with our six (yes - 6) dogs and one cat.
I love boating, running, and chocolate.
They believed there were only three acceptable career paths for a male child: doctor, lawyer, and architect.
After a disastrous first year of college pre-Med (too much fun, not enough study), I ended up getting a BA in philosophy (not acceptable), then I went to law school (salvaging the family name).
In law school, I was lucky enough to be selected for law journal and my articles have been cited by courts and recognized on the National Law Journal’s “Worth Reading” list – which for law is like a top review in the New York Times (pretty cool).
After ten years as a trial lawyer, I decided that law and family life weren’t compatible. So, I went back to school for an MBA, and later pursued a PhD, crossing the line from well-educated to over-educated around the turn of the century.
With these credentials, I was able to leave law for corporate America, where I got to spend long stints working in Europe and Asia.
It was my wife who pushed me to write novels. And, after thousands of hours writing, and seven or eight literary miscarriages over the course of eighteen years, I am now a published fiction author!
We live all in South Florida (for now) with our six (yes - 6) dogs and one cat.
I love boating, running, and chocolate.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
October 12, 2019
I'd like to start off by saying that I think the marketing for this novella, and the series to follow, has been brilliantly done. The book more than lives up to the hype. The trial report is clear and concise, in keeping with real procedure in a court of law. Franko's writing engages the reader from the first page and accurately conveys the frustration (and often devastation) caused by the judicial system. I flew through it and found the subject matter intriguing and current. I can't wait to read the Talion series now!
August 27, 2023
I am a huge JK Franco fan and have read all the eye for an eye books so needless to say I am very immersed in these crazy characters this narrative and the outcome… But in the trial of Joe Harlan Junior we get to see the beginning. We get to see what really happened to Christy and the way the book reads your almost like a juror at Joe’s trial and can determine for yourself if you think he is guilty or not guilty. Out of all the books Amazon recommends to me I cannot believe they didn’t recommend this one so good it took me no time to read but pack such a powerful punch I totally love this book. Please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
September 21, 2023
I’ve not long since finished reading this novel, and let’s just say I really felt like I was in that courtroom, watching the trial of Joe Harlan Junior.
Franko does an excellent job capturing the tension and unpredictability of the courtroom. The character of Joe Harlan stirred a mix of sympathy and frustration from me, which I think was the main aim of Franko when creating the character.
As with his previous works, the writing style was consistent, clear and concise. Franko also has a tendency to dive deep into the area moral dilemma in his novels (which is one of the reasons I love them). The description of legal procedures felt very well-researched, so it did feel authentic.
All in all, The Trial of Joe Harlan Junior is a compelling read for those intrigued by legal dramas and morality.
Franko does an excellent job capturing the tension and unpredictability of the courtroom. The character of Joe Harlan stirred a mix of sympathy and frustration from me, which I think was the main aim of Franko when creating the character.
As with his previous works, the writing style was consistent, clear and concise. Franko also has a tendency to dive deep into the area moral dilemma in his novels (which is one of the reasons I love them). The description of legal procedures felt very well-researched, so it did feel authentic.
All in all, The Trial of Joe Harlan Junior is a compelling read for those intrigued by legal dramas and morality.
October 21, 2019
This is the prequel to Eye for Eye which has already been released. I have not read that but it is now on my TBR after reading this book. Not sure the order matters. Only time will tell...
This book details the trial of one Joe Harlan Jnr, accused of a most heinous crime. We follow what happened through a trial report which basically puts both sides and that of a witness on display. There is also some multimedia that you can follow but I can't comment on that as it was not available to me when I read the book.
As a book on its own, it isn't quite as substantial a read as I would have liked but, in the context of the universe in which it belongs, it gives plenty of background to what I imagine is more of a read. In it we meet Joe and Kristy and find out what happened. I say what happened, well, obviously there's Joe's version and Kristy's version. And then there's a trial. And then there's a verdict. And I assume that Eye for Eye deals with the aftermath...
All in all, a taster of things to come and also an introduction to a new author whose writing and delivery style I really clicked with. Hopefully I can squeeze Eye for Eye in soon.
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
This book details the trial of one Joe Harlan Jnr, accused of a most heinous crime. We follow what happened through a trial report which basically puts both sides and that of a witness on display. There is also some multimedia that you can follow but I can't comment on that as it was not available to me when I read the book.
As a book on its own, it isn't quite as substantial a read as I would have liked but, in the context of the universe in which it belongs, it gives plenty of background to what I imagine is more of a read. In it we meet Joe and Kristy and find out what happened. I say what happened, well, obviously there's Joe's version and Kristy's version. And then there's a trial. And then there's a verdict. And I assume that Eye for Eye deals with the aftermath...
All in all, a taster of things to come and also an introduction to a new author whose writing and delivery style I really clicked with. Hopefully I can squeeze Eye for Eye in soon.
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
November 17, 2020
This is how and when it all began. The outcome of this case set everything in motion that caused upstanding individuals to take justice, and revenge, into their own hands and become murderers.
This was a quick read. The majority was the transcript of the court proceedings and the outcome. I did feel that I was in that jury box but I'm still not sure what my verdict would have been. But then I might not have seen the silent, instantaneous reaction that the defendant gave to the victim. Would that have changed my decision?
See all reviews of the Trilogy on my blog: http://cmashlovestoread.com/2020/11/2...
This was a quick read. The majority was the transcript of the court proceedings and the outcome. I did feel that I was in that jury box but I'm still not sure what my verdict would have been. But then I might not have seen the silent, instantaneous reaction that the defendant gave to the victim. Would that have changed my decision?
See all reviews of the Trilogy on my blog: http://cmashlovestoread.com/2020/11/2...
September 25, 2023
JK Franko's The Trial of Joe Harlan Junior is an intriguing and quite short prequel that introduces us to what seems to be an appealing series (the Talion series). The prequel sets the stage well for what is to come. The writing is crisp, descriptive, and pulls you in. It's largely written in the style of a trial transcript. It's a super quick read that introduces the crime, the jury judgment, and the major players. It's an engrossing narrative that will have you eager to read the whole series. Recommended.
September 28, 2023
If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times. I loveeeee scripts. This book, being an adaption of the play, is so cool to me. It’s a short read, one you can get through in an hour or two, and very clearly comes from a core of the visual medium it was born from. There’s even an interactive “live performance” of the trial and transcripts that make up the bulk of this book.
This story opens with Kristy essentially panicking about going to Joe’s trial. Franko kind of hides what the trial is for until we actually see the trial (or transcripts), even if it’s not too terribly hard to figure it out. After the verdict falls, we see a bit of the fallout. Ultimately, this story explores the complexity of truth, belief, and accusation and how incredibly hard it is to prove a monster is a monster.
I’ve already read the series (it’s been a few years), so I enjoyed coming back to visit the series with Franko.
This story opens with Kristy essentially panicking about going to Joe’s trial. Franko kind of hides what the trial is for until we actually see the trial (or transcripts), even if it’s not too terribly hard to figure it out. After the verdict falls, we see a bit of the fallout. Ultimately, this story explores the complexity of truth, belief, and accusation and how incredibly hard it is to prove a monster is a monster.
I’ve already read the series (it’s been a few years), so I enjoyed coming back to visit the series with Franko.
March 24, 2020
A great prequel to a great series!
I came to this after reading Eye for Eye and loved digging deeper into one of the plots and driving forces of the series. Written primarily as a trial transcript, this very short novela sets up the events of the first book very well. It doesn't much matter if you read this before or after the first book. I highly recommend this series as a whole.
I came to this after reading Eye for Eye and loved digging deeper into one of the plots and driving forces of the series. Written primarily as a trial transcript, this very short novela sets up the events of the first book very well. It doesn't much matter if you read this before or after the first book. I highly recommend this series as a whole.
January 2, 2021
Loved it
Really enjoyed this book and loved the fact you could watch the trial alongside reading the book never saw anything like this before but thought it was an amazing idea and worked brilliantly.
Really enjoyed this book and loved the fact you could watch the trial alongside reading the book never saw anything like this before but thought it was an amazing idea and worked brilliantly.
October 7, 2023
Oh, the courtroom drama! The Trial of Joe Harlan Junior by J K Franko is like peeling layers off an onion of legal conundrums, each layer revealing a new facet to the narrative. The book introduces us to a court scene that feels so real, you'd almost expect a jury summons in your mail. I liked that Franko didn't shy away from presenting the trial transcript style, which, while unconventional, added a layer of authenticity to the unfolding drama.
Now, onto Joe Harlan Junior. The protagonist whose trial we are privy to, is a character that evoked a mixed bag of emotions. I felt that his character was well fleshed out and the courtroom setting was the perfect stage to unravel the complexities of the legal system alongside human emotions. The narrative does a good job of keeping the scales of justice in a precarious balance, leaving you pondering long after you've turned the last page.
Enjoyed a lot of the themes explored in this book, from the meticulous details of the courtroom to the moral dilemmas faced by the characters. It's a brief yet impactful dive into a legal whirlpool. I hope you like it as it's a legal drama that doesn't object to delving deep into the human psyche amidst a courtroom backdrop.
Now, onto Joe Harlan Junior. The protagonist whose trial we are privy to, is a character that evoked a mixed bag of emotions. I felt that his character was well fleshed out and the courtroom setting was the perfect stage to unravel the complexities of the legal system alongside human emotions. The narrative does a good job of keeping the scales of justice in a precarious balance, leaving you pondering long after you've turned the last page.
Enjoyed a lot of the themes explored in this book, from the meticulous details of the courtroom to the moral dilemmas faced by the characters. It's a brief yet impactful dive into a legal whirlpool. I hope you like it as it's a legal drama that doesn't object to delving deep into the human psyche amidst a courtroom backdrop.
Read
October 4, 2023It is a complete set of drama
I am familiar with the writing style of the author, yet he always amazes me with the seamless alignment of drama with emotions.
The title suggests the "plot," and obviously the scenario of courtroom proceedings can be easily predicted. The protagonist, "Joe Harlin," is accused of a crime that would turn his world upside down. Even though he was involved with Kristy Wise in some fishy manner, he was being accused of a crime that he had not committed. His character is very well written and close to reality. You can feel his plight as well as his anger. The courtroom proceedings appear so real; the allegations, cross-examinations, trials, dates, and testimony will keep you hooked. I kept reading to know what happens next, or if not "Joe," then who is the real culprit? This has been a perfect prequel to "Eye for an Eye" by the same author. I was so interested in knowing more that I bought the second part at the very same moment.
I am eagerly waiting for the third part.
I am familiar with the writing style of the author, yet he always amazes me with the seamless alignment of drama with emotions.
The title suggests the "plot," and obviously the scenario of courtroom proceedings can be easily predicted. The protagonist, "Joe Harlin," is accused of a crime that would turn his world upside down. Even though he was involved with Kristy Wise in some fishy manner, he was being accused of a crime that he had not committed. His character is very well written and close to reality. You can feel his plight as well as his anger. The courtroom proceedings appear so real; the allegations, cross-examinations, trials, dates, and testimony will keep you hooked. I kept reading to know what happens next, or if not "Joe," then who is the real culprit? This has been a perfect prequel to "Eye for an Eye" by the same author. I was so interested in knowing more that I bought the second part at the very same moment.
I am eagerly waiting for the third part.
September 28, 2023
The Trial of Joe Harlan Junior, is a shorter read but full of explosive twists. Hold on to your seat, type of thing, you’re in for a hell of a ride.
For me, the story’s champion is definitely the courtroom proceedings, the atmosphere, the suspense, and the evidence presented. It felt so real. The author quite cleverly blends all the facts into a really deep moral theme, that just felt so human but also not in an over the top kind of way.
Franko’s skill as a writer definitely shone through, with his character development, especially the main protagonist, Joe, he had me rooting for him one minute and wanting to slap him the next! I most definitely could not help but get involved in the roller coaster of emotions that were on display.
It’s a well-written suspenseful thriller with perfect pacing. Not much is as it appears, which if other fans of the mystery, thriller and suspense genre are anything like me, is exactly how they’ll want it.
For me, the story’s champion is definitely the courtroom proceedings, the atmosphere, the suspense, and the evidence presented. It felt so real. The author quite cleverly blends all the facts into a really deep moral theme, that just felt so human but also not in an over the top kind of way.
Franko’s skill as a writer definitely shone through, with his character development, especially the main protagonist, Joe, he had me rooting for him one minute and wanting to slap him the next! I most definitely could not help but get involved in the roller coaster of emotions that were on display.
It’s a well-written suspenseful thriller with perfect pacing. Not much is as it appears, which if other fans of the mystery, thriller and suspense genre are anything like me, is exactly how they’ll want it.
November 2, 2023
I am familiar with the writing style of the author, yet he always amazes me with the seamless alignment of drama with emotions.
The title suggests the "plot," and obviously the scenario of courtroom proceedings can be easily predicted. The protagonist, "Joe Harlin," is accused of a crime that would turn his world upside down. Even though he was involved with Kristy Wise in some fishy manner, he was being accused of a crime that he had not committed. His character is very well written and close to reality. You can feel his plight as well as his anger. The courtroom proceedings appear so real; the allegations, cross-examinations, trials, dates, and testimony will keep you hooked. I kept reading to know what happens next, or if not "Joe," then who is the real culprit? This has been a perfect prequel to "Eye for an Eye" by the same author. I was so interested in knowing more that I bought the second part at the very same moment.
I am eagerly waiting for the third part.
The title suggests the "plot," and obviously the scenario of courtroom proceedings can be easily predicted. The protagonist, "Joe Harlin," is accused of a crime that would turn his world upside down. Even though he was involved with Kristy Wise in some fishy manner, he was being accused of a crime that he had not committed. His character is very well written and close to reality. You can feel his plight as well as his anger. The courtroom proceedings appear so real; the allegations, cross-examinations, trials, dates, and testimony will keep you hooked. I kept reading to know what happens next, or if not "Joe," then who is the real culprit? This has been a perfect prequel to "Eye for an Eye" by the same author. I was so interested in knowing more that I bought the second part at the very same moment.
I am eagerly waiting for the third part.
August 31, 2023
Having read the entire Talion series, I was looking forward to reading this prequel. I was hooked from that start - I have to say, Franko is a master of pulling the reader in from page one. I loved getting to see what happened before the series began, watching the trial unfold as if I was there. This might be a short read, but there’s a lot packed into it. I think my favorite part is this is written in a way that leaves the reader in a position to decide if Joe is guilty, and if everything that transpires in the following series was, in fact, justified. If you’re looking for a thrilling series, then you can’t beat this one, and the prequel is a great way to kick it off, and give you a taste of what’s to come!
April 22, 2020
Pretty quick read that sets up a new series. Majority of it is a court transcript. I am interested to see where it goes from here.
October 19, 2023
I read The Trial of Joe Harlan Junior after I have read the series and it's a fast read! This portion of the Talion series gives more depth to the Joe Harlan Jr. and Christy "allegations" It's emotional and tense as well as very real life feeling. It's a great read and although it's a prequel and helps for the series it's ok to enjoy this after the series has been read too. I love JK Franko's work!
February 16, 2020
The Trial of Joe Harlan Junior by JK Franko is an interesting prequel, introducing us to what promises to be a fascinating series (Talion Series).
It’s written mostly as a trial transcript. It’s very brief, introducing the crime, the jury decision and the main characters. It’s an intriguing story that has me hooked enough to read the first book of the series.
#netgalley #thetrialofjoeharlanjunior #jkfranko #talionpublishing
It’s written mostly as a trial transcript. It’s very brief, introducing the crime, the jury decision and the main characters. It’s an intriguing story that has me hooked enough to read the first book of the series.
#netgalley #thetrialofjoeharlanjunior #jkfranko #talionpublishing
June 15, 2024
When you read this book by itself, it's not as long or deep as I expected. But when you think about it as part of a bigger story, it becomes really important. It gives you important background details about the characters and what's going on. In this book, you meet Joe and Kristy, and they tell their different sides of the story, which keeps things interesting. The excitement builds as the trial goes on, and you really want to know what happens next. I think the next book, "Eye for Eye," will tell us more about what happens after the trial.
What's special about this book is how the author writes and tells the story. It's easy to get into, and you feel like you're right there with the characters. Even though it's a story about a trial, it's not boring at all, and it keeps you interested.
You might like to check out more similar books here.
What's special about this book is how the author writes and tells the story. It's easy to get into, and you feel like you're right there with the characters. Even though it's a story about a trial, it's not boring at all, and it keeps you interested.
You might like to check out more similar books here.
October 14, 2019
Holy crap! What a great prequel. I had already read Eye for Eye when I got The Trial, so I was familiar with the characters—I thought. What a great surprise to find out more about the villain, and understand better the details of his "alleged" crime. Also, loved the insight the story provides into Kristy Wise. I really felt for her, I hope she returns in Books 2 and 3. And the trial itself seemed so realistic, I can't wait to watch the video!
October 15, 2019
Firstly I didn’t knew that this was a prequel. And I didn’t even know about the other book.
So anyways this book was interesting.
I’m curious about the next book. I’m surely going to read the other book.
The authors writing is simple yet interesting.
Note: I received a free e-copy of the book via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. Special thanks to the author and publisher for giving me a chance to read it.
So anyways this book was interesting.
I’m curious about the next book. I’m surely going to read the other book.
The authors writing is simple yet interesting.
Note: I received a free e-copy of the book via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. Special thanks to the author and publisher for giving me a chance to read it.
October 15, 2019
Amazing story. A very quick read, but so very gripping. I read Eye for Eye and this adds more color to the already fascinating characters! Highly recommend!
October 15, 2019
If you love characters with depth, and a foreboding set up, this prequel is fantastic! The trial is sooo realistic! Having seen how the whole trilogy started, I am really excited for read more books in this series!
January 19, 2024
Me hubiese gustado leerlo antes de la trilogía, pero no me di cuenta de que había una precuela. Es un buen “teaser” para promocionar los libros de la trilogía si lo lees antes. Pero al leerlo después, esta historia corta sobre el juicio, no aporta mucho a la trama.
January 2, 2020
A short novella that you'd swear was nonfiction true crime! Instead it's the prequel to a series, If this is the prequel, I can't wait to read the series!!
January 27, 2021
What even is this. Feels like an awkward mess, and the ending story about the dog was highly unnecessary. The excerpt from “Eye For Eye” was definitely more compelling than this novella.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews