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
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.
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.
~Excerpt~
Inside was the Great Hall. Yellow
light danced across the walls, lit candles decorated the expanse of the immense
chapel. Beautifully pillars held up a ceiling that was arched so high, it was
hard to make out the paintings that adorned it. Most of the sculptures and art
work were fading. Yet still it all seemed impressive, majestic, a tomb that
preserved time as best as it could. Rows of pews lined the left and right side,
all leading toward a dais, where a crooked cross hung low, illuminated by the
light of a candle chandelier.
Most noticeable were the two
recliners that faced the pews and rows of praying Angels, heads held low in a
placating manner. On the recliners sat the two figures I would have to sway.
The two children who walked this same path so many years ago were now older,
and seemingly bored. Adam leaned heavily in his chair, leg draped over the arm
rest. Eve leaned in close on her knees, staring at me with a hunger that turned
my blood to ice.
He was pale as porcelain, just as
delicate. His hair was braided in long dreads threaded with different colored
yarn. He was topless except for the bullet proof vest he wore, dented from failed
attempts at his life. He casually sighed, cleaning lint from his finely pressed
slacks.
Her red hair was cut short and
tussled like she just woke up, glitter shining around her wide, dark eyes. Her
lips glowed a glossy ruby red. She wore no protection, just a simple white
dress, and it, too, was finely cared for. The contrast between the two was
striking. She had an air of innocence about her, meanwhile he clearly tried to
hide an edge. He caught my eye and sat up, frowning.
“Eyes to the floor,” David nudged
me. “Sorry, forgot to tell you the etiquette. Don’t be rude.”
“Sorry.” I looked down. The tiled
floors were beautifully shined. I
would like to see her face again. She was breathtaking; there was something
enchanting about her. Like a fairy from the stories we were told as children…
magical, yet dangerous.
“Praise be the Son of Adam and
Daughter of Eve!” David and Michael both said. There was silence, another nudge
from David.
“Oh,” I said. “Praise be the Son
of Adam and Daughter of Eve.”
“Who is this?” Adam asked
pompously. Had I not known, I would have assumed he was a Tower Baby. “Most
importantly, why do you bring him before us?”
“He seems delicious.” Eve sounded
sweet, just as I imagined.
Adam took a deep breath. “Really,
Eve? Can you not?”
“What?” Eve leaned forward,
eyeing me up and down. “Look at him… he’s perfect.”
“Can you let me work without
interrupting for once?” Adam pleaded. “And maybe, use your inside voice?”
“My inside voice is the voice of
God; my outside voice is the voice of my heart,” she said.
“And back to David.” Adam held up
a hand to silence Eve. “Who is this?”
“We found him on patrol. He’s
traveled a long way to meet you. He seeks salvation. Verge of death, he was,
when we found him.”
~Goodreads~
~Purchase~
~AUTHOR BIO~
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.
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.
~Author links~
~Giveaways~
Blitz-wide giveaway
Open INTL - Ends June 17th:
A signed copy of The Artful
Giveaway
One (1) ebook copy of The Artful
Open Internationally
eBook will be sent by the Author via email - not the tour host.
eBook will be sent by the Author via email - not the tour host.
The Artful sounds so good!
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