The Garden

The Unauthorized Biography of Adam & Eve

Fiction - Historical - Event/Era
541 Pages
Reviewed on 10/06/2024
Buy on Amazon

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Author Biography

I grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada. During the hot summer days of my youth, I cut my teeth on science fiction novels and comic books. Authors like Edgar Rice Burroughs, Arthur C. Clarke, and Ray Bradbury were but a few writers who shaped my formative years. Burroughs’ influence with his John Carter of Mars series was the inspiration for The 5 Moons of Tiiana. My Las Vegas connection as a Blackjack and Craps dealer also inspired another novel called NanoVision. I began my writing career while attending the University of Nevada, where I co-wrote a musical before moving on to screenplays and novels. My creative nature also extends to gaming apps, though my true love is creating stories for people to read and enjoy.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Leonard Smuts for Readers' Favorite

The history of humankind remains shrouded in mystery, with conflicting views held by religion and science. The biblical account is at odds with Darwin’s theory of evolution, but neither explanation seems satisfying. This raises the question as to whether the two accounts are mutually exclusive. Who were Adam and Eve, where did they originate, and what was their mission? In The Garden: The Unauthorized Biography of Adam and Eve, Paul T Harry has presented an exciting alternative that seeks to bridge the gap. The tale begins with a couple being selected on the highly advanced planet Mirra to undertake a rescue mission that aims to bring evolution to those who inhabit planet Terran, which we now call Earth. Terran had succumbed to dark forces after a rebellion led by the evil Mikatta. It was left in the hands of a few immortal custodians pending the appointment of new rulers in the form of Adam and Eve. They received intensive training before being deployed to the Garden of Eden on Terran to educate and uplift the primitive and diverse tribes. They were to receive a mixed welcome.

It is against this background that Adam and Eve begin to fulfill their task by engaging the opposing factions. They encounter a variety of role players based both on the biblical account and the author’s creativity. They conform to familiar archetypes, but as most have been assigned new names, a list is provided to provide context to readers. There are some intriguing maps as well. As progress is made, the dark forces plan to overthrow the new regime, using divisions among the tribes to sow disharmony. The familiar themes of good versus evil, the quest for power, ego, and human frailty are all too apparent. Ethnic divisions also feature. There is love, betrayal, redemption, the fall from grace, and finally hope for the future. The Garden was written as speculation, but will certainly succeed in generating interest. It is both entertaining and thought-provoking, taking readers back some 40,000 years to when it all began. There is some erotic content that is central to the storyline. The writing is imaginative and enthralling. Paul T Harry spins a spellbinding yarn of intervention in Earth’s evolution by off-planet sources, a possibility that is being increasingly debated. It chronicles the triumphs and tragedies of developing civilizations and will leave readers wondering if some of it might just be true. It is highly recommended.

K.C. Finn

The Garden: The Unauthorized Biography of Adam and Eve by PT Harry is a historical fiction novel that reimagines the story of Adam and Eve. Set over 40,000 years ago, the book explores their lives beyond the biblical account, weaving a tale of love, betrayal, murder, and redemption. Harry delves into the mystery of this iconic couple, aiming to provide answers to humanity's origins while challenging traditional narratives. Through this vivid and emotional story, readers are invited to rethink the legacy of Adam and Eve, examining their humanity and the profound impact they had on shaping human history. Harry brings remarkable depth to the story of Adam and Eve with a confident and immersive narrative style, transforming biblical figures into relatable, three-dimensional characters with complex emotions and motives that modern readers can understand and empathize with.

I was drawn in by PT Harry's imaginative reconstruction of events, from well-imagined scenery and early human life of 40,000 years ago to the physical sensations of a life that beautifully blends both the idealism of nature and the toughness of survival together. A compelling exploration of love, betrayal, and salvation is told naturally through dialogue and action, creating an emotional journey that engages readers on both an intellectual and personal level, whilst also making them think about the moral messages behind the Bible’s famous formative tale. By challenging traditional watered-down narratives of modern preaching, PT Harry encourages readers to question long-held beliefs about human origins, inspiring them to reflect on their identity and origins as humans. Overall, The Garden is a highly engaging and thought-provoking novel that anyone with an interest in theology is sure to enjoy.

Romuald Dzemo

The plot of The Garden: The Unauthorized Biography of Adam and Eve by PT Harry begins with Adam and Eve's selection as "Planetary Progressers" to enlighten and cultivate a primitive world known as Terran, providing a striking twist on the original tale. None of the races have been able to grow to their full potential — intellectually and spiritually — because of Mikatta’s betrayal. Now, Adam and Eve are chosen to perpetuate a new gene of humanoid humanity capable of raising superior beings. They are depicted as not only the world's first humans but as unwilling deities charged with shaping human destiny, struggling against the influence of the rebellious figure, Mikatta. The narrative arc is filled with trials that test their connection and moral compass, leading them through complex, intertwining paths of ideology, biology, and survival.

PT Harry’s The Garden offers an imaginative retelling of the Genesis narrative, exploring the lives of its iconic characters—Adam and Eve. Set against a backdrop that merges elements of science fiction and biblical lore, the narrative unfolds through multifaceted character development, an expansive and detailed setting, and an immersive plot. The characters of Adam and Eve are portrayed with unique perspectives and humanity. Adam is a scientist and an explorer, while Eve embodies the role of a healer and nurturer, displaying intellect and perseverance throughout their adventures. These attributes challenge the traditional patriarchal readings of the original biblical story, plunging readers into their emotional and moral dilemmas. Interactions with secondary characters, from ethereal beings like Jhira to tribal leaders on Earth, flesh out the stakes of their mission as leaders tasked with guiding humanity. The setting of The Garden offers contrasting landscapes of Terran, embodying both harmony and chaos. The lush, vibrant depiction of Eden contrasts sharply with the violence of Terran's native tribes, illustrating the dichotomy between a utopian paradise and a world rife with conflict. PT Harry's tale is refreshing, thought-provoking, and utterly entertaining.

Carol Thompson

The Garden: The Unauthorized Biography of Adam and Eve by PT Harry is an ambitious and imaginative retelling of the story of humanity's first couple. Set within a sci-fi framework, the novel merges religious myth with speculative fiction, offering a fresh take on an ancient narrative. The story begins by exploring the lives of Adam and Eve, but with a twist—this isn't the Eden we've grown up hearing about. Instead, Harry creates a universe filled with otherworldly beings, advanced technology, and a complex political backdrop.

The book shines in its world-building, painting vivid scenes of a distant universe where Adam and Eve’s mission is not just about the fall of man but about guiding an entire civilization. There’s a blend of spiritual reflection and hard science fiction, which will appeal to readers who enjoy the intersection of theology and speculative storytelling. In addition to the compelling character development, Harry offers a fresh exploration of timeless themes such as free will, morality, and the consequences of choice. By weaving these elements into a grand narrative of cosmic significance, the novel encourages readers to reflect on the nature of humanity’s origins and the larger forces that shape our destiny. The interplay between science and religion and the tension between predestination and personal agency adds intellectual depth to the story, making it a philosophical journey. This blend of action, introspection, and rich world-building makes The Garden an engaging read for those seeking a unique take on familiar mythology and diving deeply into metaphysical questions.

Essien Asian

Millions of people are familiar with the biblical account of the origins of the first man and woman and the events that transpired in the Garden of Eden. There have been subtle alterations in recent times, and some new findings have given credence to the possibility that parents have raised several generations of children on bedtime stories laced with more than their fair share of unanswered questions. In The Garden: The Unauthorized Biography of Adam & Eve, PT Harry reimagines this weathered tale of love and betrayal between Adam and Eve in a new light.

PT Harry takes the classic tale we all know and gives it new meaning by inserting a posse of new characters with impressive depth across the board. This provides the narrative with remarkable plausibility. Harry's choice of seemingly alien origin stories for Adam and Eve, while acknowledging the presence of other beings on the planet before their appearance, takes the scientific perspective of an intriguing narrative and marries it with the religion in a way that will appeal to the purists in both genres. The pace is sedate, making it easier to follow the activities each faction engages in with a better understanding of how they all fit into the narrative. Harry's focus on the power play among the tribes in the build-up to the great sin comes to life courtesy of the deep dialogues that permeate the novel. He expands on each character's thought process candidly, creating the perfect environment for readers to conclude whether the catastrophe was as avoidable as we all believe. The Garden is one of the best books I have read in quite a while.