The Joshua Files

THE JOSHUA FILES by MG Harris
 One boy, one deadly prophecy, one heart-stopping adventure…

A new adventure series title from Scholastic Children’s Books, for readers aged 10+.

When his archaeologist father goes missing after an aircrash in Mexico, Josh suspects alien abduction. But after he discovers his father was murdered, Josh is caught up in a race to find the legendary Ix Codex - a lost book of the ancient Maya containing a prophecy about the end of the world…

For a sneaky peek, visit the official Joshua Files Website.

Reviews of The Joshua Files - Invisible City

“A splendid adventure story of UFOs, ancient Mayan documents and a lost city. The hero is eminently likeable, there is a splendid only-you-can-save-the-World denouement and you’ll come away with a degree of esoteric knowledge about ancient Central America as well.” Louisa Young, Mail on Sunday

“A gripping survival story begins. Without his friends, miles from a computer, Josh braves snakes and spiders before arriving at a labyrinthine hidden city, a boy’s fantasy of pyramids, caves and tunnels.  Josh’s quest for a long-lost Mayan text giving the key to salvation is bound up with his personal destiny in an unexpected way. But he is also, like all 13-year-olds, uncertain of what the future will bring. Harris cleverly captures this pivotal period.” Carole Mansur, The Daily Telegraph

“MG Harris proves she has a deft touch and a real skill for writing heartstopping adventure in her code-cracking debut The Joshua Files: Invisible City. After finding a secret manuscript hidden in the back of a photograph frame, Josh is propelled into a high-speed chase across Mexico. Harris has paced this fast-moving adventure with expertise, breaking up the action with Josh’s blog entries and ensuring that a very real story of grief and depression of a mother driven to the brink of insanity after the loss of her husband is threaded through the book to give balance and authenticity.” Vanessa Curtis, Glasgow Herald

“It’s hot off the press and hot to look at with its bright orange plastic cover…it really grabs your attention. *****” The Cool Zone, Sunday Express

“A fast-paced, first-person thriller. Her book’s Mexico setting is richly evoked, and its historical and conspiracy elements are convincingly delineated.” James Lovegrove, Financial Times

“Thrilling adventure as an ancient civilization is awakened by one boy. Desperate to find out what has happened to his dad after he goes missing, Josh gets caught up in a race to find the legendary lost book of the ancient Mayas. Can he do it? And will he survive?” Julia Eccleshare, Guardian Children’s Books Editor on lovereading4kids.co.uk

“Conspiracy and intrigue, complemented by non-stop action and excellent characterisation make this an exciting debut. Think Young Bond/CHERUB levels of potential. Plus the cover is really cool.”  Publishing News

“Joshua Files: The Invisible City by MG Harris is another book that will attract attention – the ground-breaking and retina-scorching jacket is remarkable, and the content is fabulous too.  Josh is obsessed with UFOs, and when his archaeologist father goes missing in Mexico, he suspects alien abduction. Fast-paced and exciting, this is one for fans of Alex Rider and Young Bond.” The Bookseller

“I highly recommend this book for any competent reader but especially for those reluctant boys - they will be captivated by the exhilarating journey of a James Bond/Indiana Jones type storyline. Josh faces death, kidnap, thrills and spills and a touch of teen angst and I believe even the most hesitant readers will find his journey thrilling. This is a complex puzzle and the pace is unrelenting; I defy anyone to find a static page.” Eve Harvey, WriteAway

Invisible City is the first book of a new series title. The sequel will be published by Scholastic in March 2009.

Read the press release about ‘The Joshua Files’ being signed to the publishers, Scholastic Children’s Books, UK.