Have you ever wondered what the world would be like if something created by the government escaped? What if it was
a virus, a virus so deadly it killed incredibly fast? So fast that a cure was out of the question. What would you do?
Journey with me to find out how the twins, Shyanne and Drayco, handle the outcome of just such a virus, and how the
world around them seems to have fallen back in time to an era before technology, an era where the sword rules.
The twins become separated shortly after the deaths stop. Over time, they begin looking for one another when the
longing for family fills them. After they find each other, they learn that someone else is looking for them, as well. 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, but 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
getting 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.
a virus, a virus so deadly it killed incredibly fast? So fast that a cure was out of the question. What would you do?
Journey with me to find out how the twins, Shyanne and Drayco, handle the outcome of just such a virus, and how the
world around them seems to have fallen back in time to an era before technology, an era where the sword rules.
The twins become separated shortly after the deaths stop. Over time, they begin looking for one another when the
longing for family fills them. After they find each other, they learn that someone else is looking for them, as well. 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, but 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
getting 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.
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
| 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
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.
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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