Joseph Eckert grew up in Northern Wisconsin before heading to the University of Wisconsin-Madison to study history. He later attended the University of Iowa and received a master's in political science. He's been writing speculative fiction since high school and remains most interested in placing believable characters in unbelievable situations. Joseph currently lives in Greater Seattle with his wife, daughter, and grumpy old cat.

Praise for The Traveler:

"If you loved books like The Time Traveler's Wife, then you must read this story. It's equal parts a harrowing time-travel novel and a family drama that will tear at your heart. It's one of my favorite debuts this year. Do not miss it."--James Rollins, #1 New York Times bestseller of A Dragon of Black Glass

"The Traveler is high-concept adventure fiction at its best. It's compelling, full of heart, and contains some scenes of truly haunting beauty. But more than anything this novel is addictive as hell--at every point on Scott Treder's fabulous journey I was desperate to know what happened next!"--Gareth Brown, USA Today bestselling author of The Book of Doors

"Moving and profound ... a story that's heart-rending yet a powerful cry of hope."--Claire North, author of Ithaca

"A bold, ultimately uplifting saga of one man's accelerated journey into an unknowable future and its impact on the young boy who will one day change the world."--Shelf Awareness

"Joseph Eckert has used his enviable imagination to take the reader on a fabulous journey through a multitude of futures, both awesome and horrific, until you reach the ultimate end. Seriously recommended." --Peter F. Hamilton, bestselling author of Pandora's Star

Publisher: Tor Books

Pub date: 2026-06-09

Length: 384 pages