Fiction-Science Fiction/Adventure
Whimsical Publications,
LLC/paperback, 308 pages
April 2007
$14.95
ISBN-13: 978-0-9787738-1-6
A Journey of Twins Novel, Book One
Whimsical Publications,
LLC/paperback, 308 pages
April 2007
$14.95
ISBN-13: 978-0-9787738-1-6
A Journey of Twins Novel, Book One
After a virus is accidentally released on an unsuspecting world,
After the death of their parents and a large percentage of the planet's population,
After the twins—Shyanne and Drayco—survive, only to watch all technological For the other, it is a living
nightmare.
The Boss wants Shyanne badly. Why...they don't know. But they're going to find out. With their animal
companion, a genetically altered mountain lion named Drizzle, the twins embark on a cross-country journey.
They encounter many obstacles along the way. The worst is a mercenary named Ruben. He will stop at
nothing to accomplish what he is paid to do, even if it involves killing his own men.
Unfortunately, he succeeds in capturing Shyanne.
Now Drayco must survive his biggest challenge, a challenge filled with pain and suffering, if he is to help his
sister survive the Boss.
After the death of their parents and a large percentage of the planet's population,
After the twins—Shyanne and Drayco—survive, only to watch all technological For the other, it is a living
nightmare.
The Boss wants Shyanne badly. Why...they don't know. But they're going to find out. With their animal
companion, a genetically altered mountain lion named Drizzle, the twins embark on a cross-country journey.
They encounter many obstacles along the way. The worst is a mercenary named Ruben. He will stop at
nothing to accomplish what he is paid to do, even if it involves killing his own men.
Unfortunately, he succeeds in capturing Shyanne.
Now Drayco must survive his biggest challenge, a challenge filled with pain and suffering, if he is to help his
sister survive the Boss.
| Excerpt for After |
Comment/review = As I read the book I could hardly believe that this "world" was located in my friend's mind.
Being a fan of the genre I felt "qualified" to give my opinion whenever. I have to say that they were mostly
positive. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. As I am getting ready for an "extended vacation", I can only hope
that Janet has another book ready for me.
–Michele
Comment/review = I give Janet props for writing a book with such a theme behind it. Most post apocalyptic
world stories sometimes aren't as good as you'd expect them to be. Maybe it's because of the way that the
world as we know it came to an end, or not. I loved the virus that she created, and the way it affected those
who managed to survive through it. The characters she created were wonderful, and I felt connected to
them. I felt their pain, their fear, and their suffering. It was wonderfully written, and I can't wait for a sequel to
come out, because she left it open for one.
–Mousey "Mouse" (Port St John, Fl. USA)
Comment/review = As an avid reader, I enjoy watching a story play in my minds eye while I read. While
reading After, I not only felt the emotions of the characters come through in a truly palpable sense, I also felt
my emotions mingling with them, making the story a more personal experience. At the end of After, I not only
felt satisfied but I also wanted more so I could continue my relationship with the characters. I look forward to
seeing where Janet will take me next.
–Rick Byrd, Titusville, Florida
Comment/review = I love the book. I just couldn't put it down. I hope to read ur new one when ur done with it
and I'll be the first one to buy it too.
–Chris
Comment/review = This was actually a very cool read!!!
–Mike M.
Comment/review = A look into the future of a world gone wrong. A dangerous part of our history that could
become a reality. Explore this world with a brother and sister that have everything and nothing in common.
But in all the darkness of the events that led to this new world, some things are desirable, "Humecat"
–Gordon
Being a fan of the genre I felt "qualified" to give my opinion whenever. I have to say that they were mostly
positive. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. As I am getting ready for an "extended vacation", I can only hope
that Janet has another book ready for me.
–Michele
Comment/review = I give Janet props for writing a book with such a theme behind it. Most post apocalyptic
world stories sometimes aren't as good as you'd expect them to be. Maybe it's because of the way that the
world as we know it came to an end, or not. I loved the virus that she created, and the way it affected those
who managed to survive through it. The characters she created were wonderful, and I felt connected to
them. I felt their pain, their fear, and their suffering. It was wonderfully written, and I can't wait for a sequel to
come out, because she left it open for one.
–Mousey "Mouse" (Port St John, Fl. USA)
Comment/review = As an avid reader, I enjoy watching a story play in my minds eye while I read. While
reading After, I not only felt the emotions of the characters come through in a truly palpable sense, I also felt
my emotions mingling with them, making the story a more personal experience. At the end of After, I not only
felt satisfied but I also wanted more so I could continue my relationship with the characters. I look forward to
seeing where Janet will take me next.
–Rick Byrd, Titusville, Florida
Comment/review = I love the book. I just couldn't put it down. I hope to read ur new one when ur done with it
and I'll be the first one to buy it too.
–Chris
Comment/review = This was actually a very cool read!!!
–Mike M.
Comment/review = A look into the future of a world gone wrong. A dangerous part of our history that could
become a reality. Explore this world with a brother and sister that have everything and nothing in common.
But in all the darkness of the events that led to this new world, some things are desirable, "Humecat"
–Gordon
| Orders over $25 qualify for free shipping. |
It took the trio six long days to cross the vast open plains. In that time, they saw no other living being except
for some birds flying high in the sky. A few glided lazily on the air currents while others accompanied the
riders in shifts, as if giving them an escort. None flew close enough to replenish the dwindling food supplies.
The big animals seen at the beginning of the journey had long since gone. It appeared as if the trio and the
flying escorts above were the only living things left on the planet.
Very little conversation transpired throughout most of the travel. Drayco tried on several occasions to get
his sister to talk. She refused to say more than a few words, which was just as well since he wasn’t in the
mood to talk either. Joseph chatted on those occasions he was spoken to, but he also remained silent.
Shyanne avoided the fair-haired man for most of the journey, keeping Drayco between them, or riding
ahead. On those occasions where they were forced together, like when they camped for the night, she kept
mostly to herself. Drayco felt the steadily worsening effects of needing blood increase when the plains
finally surrendered its hold on the world to the trees growing visible on the horizon. He had been feeling the
weakness and ache for the last two days, but said nothing to the pair riding with him. They could not
resolve the issue. Moreover, he had not wanted to weigh them down with any more worries than they
already had.
“Finally!” Shyanne yelled when she sighted the trees. Her mood picked up substantially, as did Joseph’s.
Drayco wanted to share in their excitement. His body hurt too much to let him.
The waterskins hung limp from the saddles with only a few drops remaining. Because of the shortage, the
horses had been rationed along with the people on them. Some kind of water must have been close
because they picked up speed as the scent of the badly needed moisture reached their nostrils.
Joseph and Shyanne could barely keep their animals from breaking away. They grinned, winked at each
other, and finally gave in, letting the animals run.
Drayco smiled as he watched the others bridge the gap between the open field and the trees ahead. With a
slight prod, Bravaro leapt to follow. A few feet into the run, however, Drayco was hit with an intense pain in
his abdominal region. It forced him to double over and grasp a handful of mane to stay in the saddle. Sweat
broke out on his forehead; it ran into his eyes, causing them to sting, adding more insult to an already
abused body. He grimaced as another wave more intense than the first hit him. This time, he wasn’t able to
stay in the saddle.
Bravaro was running at a brisk pace when Drayco’s grip finally gave way. He fell sideways off the horse and
hit the ground, hard. His right shoulder dislocated with the impact, and the back of his head bounced a
couple of times while he rolled like a broken rag doll on the grassy plain. He vaguely noticed the new pains
due to the other pain still holding him in a vice grip, refusing to give up its hold. When he finally stopped
rolling, he was face down on the ground. His right shoulder was at an awkward angle and he couldn’t catch
his breath.
* * * *
Shyanne made it to the edge of the woods and pulled Jack around, halting his mad dash across the open
area. A wide smile covered her face; it was the first one in many days. Joseph pulled his horse up beside
her, laughing. “You should see yourself. It’s hilarious the way your hair is sticking out. It makes you look like
a giant sunflower.”
Shyanne laughed. “You should see yourself, mister.” Pushing her hair down, she glanced back to see how
her brother fared. Her face changed in an instant. Where joy and pleasure had glowed over every inch of
her, fear and dread replaced it.
“Drayco!”
She was looking over Joseph’s shoulder in the direction they had just come. He turned in the saddle and
saw Bravaro running their way, riderless. A dark patch lay sprawled on the ground in the distance, half
buried by the waving sea of greens and yellows. His smile faded as quickly as hers had. Shyanne spurred
Jack toward her brother’s still form. Joseph jerked his horse around and kicked it in the sides. At first, the
animal fought, its thirst strong, but the will of the man on its back was stronger.
In seconds, they raced back to where Drayco lay.
for some birds flying high in the sky. A few glided lazily on the air currents while others accompanied the
riders in shifts, as if giving them an escort. None flew close enough to replenish the dwindling food supplies.
The big animals seen at the beginning of the journey had long since gone. It appeared as if the trio and the
flying escorts above were the only living things left on the planet.
Very little conversation transpired throughout most of the travel. Drayco tried on several occasions to get
his sister to talk. She refused to say more than a few words, which was just as well since he wasn’t in the
mood to talk either. Joseph chatted on those occasions he was spoken to, but he also remained silent.
Shyanne avoided the fair-haired man for most of the journey, keeping Drayco between them, or riding
ahead. On those occasions where they were forced together, like when they camped for the night, she kept
mostly to herself. Drayco felt the steadily worsening effects of needing blood increase when the plains
finally surrendered its hold on the world to the trees growing visible on the horizon. He had been feeling the
weakness and ache for the last two days, but said nothing to the pair riding with him. They could not
resolve the issue. Moreover, he had not wanted to weigh them down with any more worries than they
already had.
“Finally!” Shyanne yelled when she sighted the trees. Her mood picked up substantially, as did Joseph’s.
Drayco wanted to share in their excitement. His body hurt too much to let him.
The waterskins hung limp from the saddles with only a few drops remaining. Because of the shortage, the
horses had been rationed along with the people on them. Some kind of water must have been close
because they picked up speed as the scent of the badly needed moisture reached their nostrils.
Joseph and Shyanne could barely keep their animals from breaking away. They grinned, winked at each
other, and finally gave in, letting the animals run.
Drayco smiled as he watched the others bridge the gap between the open field and the trees ahead. With a
slight prod, Bravaro leapt to follow. A few feet into the run, however, Drayco was hit with an intense pain in
his abdominal region. It forced him to double over and grasp a handful of mane to stay in the saddle. Sweat
broke out on his forehead; it ran into his eyes, causing them to sting, adding more insult to an already
abused body. He grimaced as another wave more intense than the first hit him. This time, he wasn’t able to
stay in the saddle.
Bravaro was running at a brisk pace when Drayco’s grip finally gave way. He fell sideways off the horse and
hit the ground, hard. His right shoulder dislocated with the impact, and the back of his head bounced a
couple of times while he rolled like a broken rag doll on the grassy plain. He vaguely noticed the new pains
due to the other pain still holding him in a vice grip, refusing to give up its hold. When he finally stopped
rolling, he was face down on the ground. His right shoulder was at an awkward angle and he couldn’t catch
his breath.
* * * *
Shyanne made it to the edge of the woods and pulled Jack around, halting his mad dash across the open
area. A wide smile covered her face; it was the first one in many days. Joseph pulled his horse up beside
her, laughing. “You should see yourself. It’s hilarious the way your hair is sticking out. It makes you look like
a giant sunflower.”
Shyanne laughed. “You should see yourself, mister.” Pushing her hair down, she glanced back to see how
her brother fared. Her face changed in an instant. Where joy and pleasure had glowed over every inch of
her, fear and dread replaced it.
“Drayco!”
She was looking over Joseph’s shoulder in the direction they had just come. He turned in the saddle and
saw Bravaro running their way, riderless. A dark patch lay sprawled on the ground in the distance, half
buried by the waving sea of greens and yellows. His smile faded as quickly as hers had. Shyanne spurred
Jack toward her brother’s still form. Joseph jerked his horse around and kicked it in the sides. At first, the
animal fought, its thirst strong, but the will of the man on its back was stronger.
In seconds, they raced back to where Drayco lay.
Reviews for After
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| Whimsical Publications, LLC |
| "Creating worlds one chapter at a time." |
| Janet Durbin |