Dystopian Shuffle

The Wanderer’s Curse

Featured by dystopianshuffle, posted in Uncategorized

Jennifer Lacewing is a lonely teenager whose father is too important to be around. Surviving in Helix, one of the last bastions to the small human existence on a decaying Earth, she longs to be a peaceful farmer. But things never go as planned. When Jennifer and Collins, her best friend, are forced to join the Wanderers, a small group that can mysteriously survive outside the safety of Helix’s fences, she is devastated.

And something else is amiss. Was it a coincidence that she became a Wanderer at the same time her father has been falsely accused of murder?” In a rush against time, Jennifer must complete her Wanderer training and clear her father’s name…or lose him forever. 9781943050833-ebook Curse 290pg Rework.jpg Available on Amazon.com

You can read the first 4 chapters for free following this link.

Peace – Review

October 17, 2018 by dystopianshuffle, posted in Uncategorized

The Past Due Review

Peace by Gene Wolfe

Published in 1975

Pages: 264

Genre: Fantasy, ghost story, supernatural

“The elm tree planted by Eleanor Bold, the judge’s daughter, fell last night.”

Though this sentence seems imbued with significance, it will ultimately become one lost among thousands in the course of reading Peace, by Gene Wolfe. The story follows the rambling memories of Denny Weer; his thoughts run from one into another as flashbacks and flash forwards meld together, creating a spiderweb of connections in his mind. Life, death, pain, love, loss, the permeability of human memory, and sorrow all get their due time in this twisting tale about a man’s life.

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Journal Entry: Day 100 part 4

October 16, 2018 by dystopianshuffle, posted in Day Zero

Day Part 4

The attack came at dusk. In the fading light the ghouls looked like the humans they used to be. Had I not seen these things earlier today, I would have welcomed them into the camp only to be brought to my demise. How many people had already fallen for that trap? We didn’t have much time to set up a great defense but had to make due with what we had. When the first wave of attackers reached the fire line, they didn’t stand a chance. Everyone was nervous and trigger happy. Then a second wave came with larger numbers. The first wave looked deceivingly human. While each wave after looked more ghastly than the last. They wore skin that barely covered their organs. Cracked bones protruded like spears. These ones didn’t have speed, but had morbid persistence. Again these things were hewn down with relentless firepower. It wasn’t until the later attacks that people started to get hurt. The ghouls just kept coming. Each group worse than the others. The fire line to the far left of us was the first to fall. Running out of ammo, they found the ghouls noticed and focused that area. That is when the heavy weapons came out. Mortars and rockets lit up the forest. Each explosion sending a concussive wave that rattled my body. I crouched barely breathing inside my foxhole. I think I tried to scream and my eyesight blackened. I was in a nightmare I could not wake from. Then as fast as it started it was over. There was a few more shots of gunfire what felt like miles away. Then a cheer that the battle was won. I shifted to find I could not stand, something was pinning me down. I panicked and started to thrash around only to her Lily’s voice whisper it was going to be okay. She wouldn’t let anything hurt her little brother. I relaxed and she got off me. Again I tried to stand but light-headed I nearly passed out. I balanced myself and took a look at my surroundings. Body parts were scattered all around. Small trees cast dimmed shadows around the forest. The fortifications to the left and right of us began calling for medical help and people rushed in. I sat back down and started to cry again. Lily hugged me and joined in. We knew it couldn’t be over. Soon, the final attack came.

The charred must have been driving the ghouls to us. Waiting for us to tend to our wounded to attack. Out from the tree line they emerged. Barely visible as the onslaught of explosives knocking most of the lights out. Standing taller than any men, with cracked blackened skin and long jagged claws hands. They cut down wounded and healer alike, making quick work of them. The screams broke me out of my shell shocked state. It seemed like this was going to be the end. There was just too many of them and too many wounded to fight back. My thoughts went to my family and friends. I had to keep fighting for them. I knew I would get yelled out later for what I did, but it was the only thing I could think of. I got out of my foxhole with the only my laser pistol and trench knife to engage the charred in melee. I don’t have much a of memory of what happened after that, but I woke up in the mess all with Mom and Courtney standing over me tears in their eyes.

Journal Entry: Day 100 part 3

October 11, 2018October 11, 2018 by dystopianshuffle, posted in Day Zero

Day 100 Part 3

Dad filled us in on what happened during the rescue mission while we worked building defenses for the camp. The trouble started a few days before they had reached the Gonzales. They came across other survivors. Dad almost hit them with the beast as they ran out of the forest to try and stop him. Both of them were hurt and needed help. Miller was out of the door first gun drawn. You never know if it is people in need or bandits on the road. It didn’t take Miller long to find out. A small group of those ghouls were close by. Miller open fired on them the instant he saw them and ushered the people inside. From then until they reach the Gonzales location it was skirmish after skirmish with those ghouls. Everyone once in a while a group of the charred would join in the fight. In one of the attacks the radio for the RV was destroyed.

The night they made it to the Gonzales the attacks died down. The Gonzales were all safe in the bunker with other survivors. The reason why the Gonzales did not stayed at this shelter was not because some monster destroyed their van, but something more sinister. A squirrels had chewed through the vans battery cables the frist night there. The same squirrels also chewed up most of the electrical inside the underground bunker some time ago. The Gonzales tried to leave on foot, but were attack by those ghouls forcing them to retreat back to the shelter. This small shelter was stocked with a limited amount of provision, so time was not on their side. Mr. Gonzales managed to get some of the electrical working. Enough to power the small radio they had with them. Thought the range was limited. He Made contact with Dad before the Rvs radio was destroyed. That was as far as Dad told me before the second wave of ghouls made contact with us at the camp.

Journal Entry: Day 100 part 2

October 8, 2018 by dystopianshuffle, posted in Day Zero

Day 100 part 2

The attack happened soon after Fremont arrived. The monsters looked just like people. At first I was excited to see more people alive and joining the rescue party back home. It shocked me when Fremont picked up a rifle and started firing at them. The other guards were in shocked to and tried to stop him thinking he went mad. All the while Fremont yelling that those things are not human anymore and don’t stop firing. There was a large group of them running towards the checkpoint. As they got closer to us you could see what ever made them humans had long gone. The guards holding Fremont noticed this and let him go. Once Fremont and the two guards were clear everyone started firing at the monsters. We kept shooting until a call for ceasefire. 1 of the ghouls still stood. The final attacker was still slowly making its way to us. I got a good look at it and I wish I hadn’t. Its eyes were feverish and wild. There was no blood coming from its many wounds only dark ichor. We watch as it slowly made its way to us. This was indeed a monster from my nightmares made real. Lily picked up the M45 carefully aim for the head and brought it down. The fight was over we had won.

Fremont told us that this was just the first wave and more were on their way. I asked Fremont where my Dad was? He said that Dad was inside the Van that he sent to the mess hall. Dad was holding pressure on a wound Miller received. Fremont excused us to go see him. Lily and I ran the whole way there. Adrenalin still coursing through us. Dad was outside the mess hall and he looked tried. His cloth were covered in dirt and blood. Once he saw us he ran up to meet us. He give us the biggest hug ever. He smelled awful, but at least he was home safe! Lily started to cry and so did I. Dad was back and it seemed like the world was a little safer again. Even though we just fought some new threat Dad was here. There was so many things I wanted to ask him, but they had to wait. Fremont was on the radio saying that every able body was to report to the front gate to start preparing for the next attack. Dad looked tried again. Like he had not rested in months. It was time to prepare for the real battle that was coming.

Journal Entry: Day 100 part 1

October 4, 2018 by dystopianshuffle, posted in Day Zero

Day 100

Courtney spotted the signal flare first. The bright orange glow lingered in the sky for all us to see. Camp security was running around to secure all the entrance to the compound. After an hour there was another flare this time closer to us. Mom had Beth take Brooke into the shelter under the cabin with Will. Even though we could use the the help to defend Will and Beth have not completed the proper training to handle a firearm. The worst thing you can do is give someone a weapon that doesn’t understand the dangers of using it. Barricades were set up around the choke points to limit the amount of things that could get in. The compounds security detail start to pull out the heavier weapons. While this could just be someone in need of help it could also be bandits marking the path to get to us. The medical staff coordinated to setup up a triage center in case of wounded. Mom joined the medical team to help treat the injured. Most people don’t understand that a veterinarian is capable on working on almost all animals humans included. Lily and I had the honor of joining the front gate team.

It was intense as the flares got closers. All the while Lily and I built a fox hole and ran ammo from ours to others fortifications . I had 3 different types of firearms with me. The Barrett M95, a M249 belt fed machine gun, and my side arm the laser pistol. I also had a trench knife with me incase it came down to hand to hand combat. Which I really didn’t want it to come to that. The two guards maning the check point where decked out in combat gear I have never seen before. Both of them looked like they have seen combat. It did not take long for the party responsible for launching those flares to come driving slowly up to the checkpoint. Their vehicle looked like it was in an accident and packed with people. The guards told them to stop and Identify themselves. The Driver compiled and told them Fremont was with them and he wanted to get out of the back passenger side door to talk. Weapon drawn the garud allowed a person to exit the vehicle. Cautiously Fremont exited the vehicle and haggard. Most of his body covered in dirty bandages. He told the guards everything was okay and to let these people inside the camp. Then he said something that didn’t make sense and the guards relaxed. Must have been a secret passcode incase he was a hostage. The people were told to drive to the mess hall to get checked out by the medical staff. There must have been over 20 people crammed inside that van stacked on top of each other. Fremont asked for the radio and told everyone listing what was going, and to be ready for an attack. The charred are coming.

Journal Entry: Day 99

October 2, 2018October 2, 2018 by dystopianshuffle, posted in Day Zero

Day 99

It was late when the alarms when off. Mom did a surprise Emergency Disaster Drill or E.D.D. No one played around this time. I think we set a new all time record for quickest entry into the cabins underground shelter. We beat Mom into the shelter and almost locked her out. The best part was when Will and Lily came out of Lily’s bedroom together. Mom didn’t see that part but the rest sure did. You could see from a mile away that Lily and Will were trying to hide something. After the drill was over we got to go back to bed. Mom was happy with the results. Though she did stop Will as everyone was heading back to their rooms for the night. She wanted to take a closer look at the large purple bruise on his neck. Will told mom that he tripped and hit the door knob during the drill. I covered for Lily and told Mom that is what happened. Pretty sure Mom didn’t believe it. Also to prevent another door knob related injury she took my door away! You know the room Will is supposed to be staying in. This almost puts the debt I owe Lily to even in my books.

Mom is merciless when it comes to sleep. You would think after waking us all up for a E.D.D we would get to sleep in. Nope she just got us up even earlier. The sun wasn’t even up yet why should I! She sent us to the farm to go tend to the animals. Milk the few cows, feed the chickens and clean out the stalls. Yeah she knew where that bruise on Wills neck came from. Mr.Meza came by a little later to tell us another round of those bugs attacked during the night. He chased them down and followed them to their hive by himself. Have to make a note of never getting on this guys bad side. Then Courtney and I went got the task of fixing the chicken coop. While in the tool shed a shadowy figure jumped out at us. Courtney screamed and ran away while it had me dead to rights. Thankfully It was just a ranch cat that was sleeping. We woke it up and it had to take some sort of revenge. The guards on duty had a good laugh about that. It seems like this cat does this to people on a regular basis. Courtney did not think that was funny. The coop was easy to fix and Mom gave Courtney, Beth and I the rest of the day off. Will and Lily on the other hand had a special work detail with Mom inside the Medical station.

Courtney, Beth and I had already started making dinner for everyone when Lily and Will came home. Mom made them watch a old navy film about the horrors of STDs. Lily watched it before, but it was new for Will. He was as white as a ghost and looked like he just got done throwing up his lunch. Yep Mom did know how he got that bruise. Which mean if I ever get the courage to ask Beth out Mom might make me watch that video to. Before everyone went to bed Mom tried to reach Dad on the radio again. He still has not checked in. This is two days in a row. What is going to happen if the rescue party needs to be rescued? Tomorrow is the earliest they should be back from their trip to save the Gonzales. Maybe the radio got busted or they are in stealth mode trying to be as quiet as possible. What I find strange is all the other radio channels are quiet to.

Tears of Heaven

September 28, 2018September 28, 2018 by dystopianshuffle, posted in Book Reviews

Tears of Heaven

by R.A. McCandless

Review by Jacob Pelley

Book Blurb

They obey, or they’ll be destroyed.

Normally, banishing a rogue demon back to Hell wouldn’t be a problem. Del and Marrin have a few centuries of experience. It’s all part of the job description. But when Ahadiel orders them to take down three demons at the once the job goes from bad to worse. The demons, with supernatural powers and their own agenda, have kidnapped children for their own nefarious ends.

With angels breathing down her neck, children to save, and demons gunning for her blood, Del is running out of time.

That’s exactly where she wants to be.

Warning there is a little spoiler ahead

Settings

This book covers two eras of human history from the modern times to the roman. Both are important to the main story. Most of this book takes place in modern day Salt lake city, Utah. When in modern time R.A. McCandless does a great job of making it feel like the times we live in. Then when it is in Roman times it feels accurate to the era. In the book Game of Thrones it goes over a lot of characters stories. After a while there are characters you love to read and others you power through to get back to your favorites. During the beginning in Tears of Heavens I enjoyed the Roman times over the main adventure in the modern time. Every jump back to the past was enjoyable and fun, but over time that changes. I have to hand it to the author on that transition it was well done.

Main Characters

Omedelia bar-Azazel or Del if you don’t want to be slapped is the main character of this story. Del is a “nephilim” the daughter of an angle and human. At the start of this book I hated Del. She is hot headed, mean and a jerk. As the story goes on you start to understand why she is this way. Del will start to grow on you and by the end of the story you will be cheering for her. Del has a partner Marrin and a lot more likeable. Where Del is hot headed Marrin is clam and cool. I believe Marrin is also a nephilim, but the book is a little fuzzy on how that came to be. They balanced each other out nicely.

Recommendation and Ratings

If you are a fan of Urban Fantasy, Modern day Fantasy, Paranormal, Modern day Paranormal, Angels, Dresden files, The Iron Druid or Mercy Thompson this book could be for you. I am a huge fan of the Urban Fantasy genre and this book scratches that itch. This book is part of a series and I already bought the second book. Over all I give this book 4/5. It is not for someone younger than 13. There are some ruff parts writing wise, but that is just me being picky. For me the best parts of the book are in the second half, so stick with it till the end. This book could be a standalone, but leave the door open for more adventures for Del and Marrin. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

If you liked this book review and want to read more just click this link Here.

You can find this book and many more from This Author here.

Journal Entry: Day 98

September 27, 2018 by dystopianshuffle, posted in Day Zero

Day 98

Even with it still running Mom kept us busy. Today in class we went over how to insert an IV again, splinting and human anatomy. Then we cataloged and organized all the medical supplies for the medical station. After that we remade all the first aid kits and placed them in key spots around the camp. On foot in the rain to every corner of the camp. Once all that was done she ran a mock medical code. Mom made us do five full cycle of CPR each. Doing CPR is one of the most intense workouts ever! Why can’t Mom give us a easy task. Good news the dummy made it. Then we spent the rest of the day making bread for everyone in camp. Dad did not check in at night. Mom tried for a good long while to reach him and only got static. From last night’s talk they should have reached the Gonzales today. I hope Dad is safe wherever he is.

Journal Entry: Day 97

September 25, 2018September 25, 2018 by dystopianshuffle, posted in Day Zero

Day 97

There was a giant lighting storm today. Mom finally let us have a day off due to the weather. We got to play board games all day today. Will was able to kill the vampire strahd and the people of Barovia are safe for now. It got scary near the end and Courtney did a great job Dming. Beth is now hooked and wants to play another campaign. I think Will is a little more interested in Lily. Which I don’t like the idea of someone dating my sister. Though since Lily has recovered from being mauled she has been self conscious on her looks. Having someone pine over her has helped her with that a little. I think Will is going to stick with Dnd for a bit to, but only so he can be close to Lily.

Dad called in later that night. They made contact with the Gonzales and are in route to go pick them up. The charred attacked them again last night in numbers. Had it not been for the beasts gun turret they would have not made it. Dad kept cutting in and out because of the storm I think? The Gonzales are hiding out in one of the temp shelters that are along the way to the cabin. Fremont has them all over the place incase people get stuck and can’t make it to the cabin right away. I think I know the one they are at and that one is bug city. I can’t wait for them to finally be back here only a few more days! Now back to bed I am sure Mom is going to give us double chores tomorrow to make up for today.