The Artful by Wilbert Stanton
(Shadows of the City #1)
Published by: Curiosity Quills Press
Publication date: May 27th 2014
Genres: Post-Apocalyptic, Young Adult
Synopsis: New York City, 2025: Everything is changed. The city that never sleeps
is now a land of death and decay. A rampant virus has taken over and
the survivors have become carriers, quarantined from the rest of the
world.
Twist and Dodger grew up in the streets, the sewers and
underground tunnels – their playground. They aren’t heroes. They just
like attention; and stealing meds from the rich and giving them to the
poor is their golden ticket.
On their latest raid, they
unknowingly steal a cure that puts them square between the ailing
Emperor of Manhattan and the war hungry Governor of Brooklyn and forces
them on a quest into the darkest shadows of their putrefying world.
Guide to the City
New York City 2025 isn’t the place of glitz and glam that it
used to be. The city that never sleeps is pretty much the city that never
breaths. No more tourists blocking up Times Square, taking pictures of God
knows what. No longer are the trains filled with both late passengers and
uncomfortable smells. There’s no more hustle and bustle… there’s rarely a
bustle. But most noticeable is the silence, the silence that fill the city
streets is quite unsettling. That being said, if you, dear reader should still
choose to visit New York City, here is a handy guide of things to avoid and
sites to see… before you die of sickness, or scavenger attack.
Grand Central: Grand Central was once a busy station where
people came in and out of the city. Travelling on business or pleasure, it didn’t
matter, this was a mecca of diversity and you could see it all here; people
from all walks of life as they travelled about their day. Now, Grand Central is
a shanty town made up of people who were lucky enough to find its safe
dwellings. Only accessible from the subway stations and treacherous tunnels of
the underground, it offers a great sense of security. It is also said to be
where the Gutter Punks make their home.
Central Park: What was once a beautiful park situated in the
center of the city is now a wild land. Over grown with unkempt vegetation and
reckless abandonment the park is not what it once was. It is overrun by the
ferocious beasts that were once confined to cages of the Central Park Zoo, but
now prowl the shadows looking for a human feast. The park is also the home of
the Runts, a group of feral children who live like a pack of wolves. Their
alpha, a boy named Peter, is said to be a child prodigy who protects his cubs,
not with strength but intellect.
Union Square: It was
where all the artistic people hung out. Skaters, artists, people competing in
games of chess while street entertainers played instruments behind their hungry
tip jars. Now it is home to The Tribe, modern day hippies, who flock to the
flag of their leader Red, a woman who can wield a sword as easily as a smile.
The Tribe spends their days passed out in drunken heaps while their nights are
filled with paryting, music and storytelling. They are a fun bunch but when the
call to war is upon them they will easily pick up arms and protect their own.
The Cathedral of Eden: The vast cathedral takes up a number
of city blocks; the place of worship is now host to the Sons of Adam, a
religious cult that follows their leaders Adam and Eve with a sick ferocity.
Followers of the faith are known as Angels, mostly reformed criminals seeking
salvation during the end of times. This is a place one must steer clear at all
costs. If you are not quickly indoctrinated and seen as a follower, your death
will not be pleasant.
Beyond the Brooklyn Bridge: There are many rumors as to what
waits in Brooklyn. Lord Chrysler rules the borough with an iron fist. The well-to-do
live at its center but to get there you must first pass through savage lands
run by Skinlickers, heavily pierced and tattooed men and women who relish the
taste of human flesh. If you should be so lucky to make it past them, you’ll
have to deal with the Slavers who make sport of catching errant men, women and
children to sell into slavery or for unwilling contestants in the Barclay Center
arena. Once you have made it past them, what waits is a land of beauty and
wealth. A land not seen by many who live outside of Brooklyn.
These are only some of the places that await you in New York
City. Tread lightly though, because there is danger around every corner. And if
you should be so lucky, perhaps you might run into the Gutter Punks. These
modern day Robin Hoods who steal from the rich and give to the poor are wise
cracking, quick witted and brave boys, who are making a difference. Know their
names well, because their names will one day go down in history.
About the Author
Wilbert Stanton was born and raised in New York City. From an early age,
Wilbert decided he would either write books or take over the
world; everything else was just a precursor to his end game.
Along
the way, he has studied Psychology, English, and Computer Science. He’s
held jobs in a wide range of fields and met people from all walks
of life. Wilbert is constantly learning and growing as a person, in
order to solidify his dreams.
In the end world domination was a bit tedious, so he decided to focus on writing books.
Giveaway
Rhonda Helms started writing several years ago. She has a Master's
degree in English and a Bachelor's degree in Creative Writing. She also
edits for Carina Press (an imprint of Harlequin Publishing) and
freelance edits.
