Let us take a look at New York City in this post apocalyptic novel, The Artful by Wilbert Stanton.
A 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.
The Artful by Wilbert Stanton
(Shadows of The City #1)
Publisher: Curiosity Quills Press
Publication: May 27, 2014
Genre: Young Adult, Post Apocalyptic
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.
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.
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