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Aftermath

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Nineteen year old Jaxson Evandore is heir to Evandore Corporation, the largest and most influential pharmaceutical corporation in the world. During the day, Jaxson is an intelligent billionaire’s son studying chemical engineering at University. But when night rolls around, he loses himself to his inner passion, creating illicit pharmaceuticals which he distributes at Seattle’s most sought-after club, the Skyline.

Thirty years ago, in 2043, a deadly pandemic caused by the Human Hemorrhagic Virus (HHV) swept the globe. Had it not been for Evandore Corporation’s lifesaving vaccine, mankind would’ve gone extinct. To this day, the effects of the deadly virus remain; those who’d been infected, yet survived, are plagued by neurological disorders that are passed onto offspring.

When an anonymous informant leaks information to the Pacific Coast News Network declaring that Evandore Corporation's HHV drugs are toxic, Jaxson vows to do everything possible to defend the Evandore name and legacy against libel. As the public’s animosity towards Evandore Corporation grows, Jaxson and his father, the current CEO, find themselves the victims of violent attacks. This leads Jaxson to question the veracity of the allegations surrounding his family.

Jaxson isn’t the only one wanting to dabble in Evandore Corporation’s past. Soon, the young heir is coerced into working with a skilled group of criminals harboring their own agenda for exposing the corporation's nefarious secrets. Jaxson might hold the information they need to unveil the truth even if he doesn’t know he has it. Through an unforeseen turn of events, Jaxson uncovers a web of deceit spun by his family’s company. He must decide whether to risk everything to expose the conspiracy and restore justice to a fractured world.

409 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 2, 2024

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1282 people want to read

About the author

Megan Nagle

5 books426 followers
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Profile Image for Andrei(Drusca).
347 reviews99 followers
September 20, 2024
Let's talk about the book, first of all, it is a book that has an alert rhythm, a page-tuner, and is impossible to put down. The plot is gripping and you want to know more. The worldbuilding is meticulous and almost every page brings new details. The atmosphere of the book gives you the feeling that you forget that you are reading a book. I warmly recommend it
Profile Image for Kim Brooks.
Author 15 books2 followers
November 29, 2024
Aftermath is a riveting tale of conspiracy and redemption in a post pandemic world, where one man's quest for the truth could change the course of history.
This book paints a hauntingly vivid picture of a world grappling with the aftermath of a pandemic. It made me think of what could have been and thankfully did not happen. While I found the pacing a bit slow at the start, it was hard to put down once I got into it.
The main character is compelling, though at times frustrating. It’s clear he’s a product of privilege—a spoiled rich kid thrust into circumstances he’s not equipped to handle. While it’s easy to understand how he gets himself into trouble, I often found myself shaking my head at his choices and wanting to beg him to be truthful. That said, his flaws make him feel real, and I could not help rooting for him. Just when I thought I had everything figured out, the story threw me a curveball that kept me guessing.
The ending, though, was a major sore spot for me. After all the buildup and emotional investment, I was devastated to find myself on a cliffhanger. I understand the appeal of leaving readers wanting more, but I felt like I needed more closure after such an intense journey. It left me frustrated and desperate for answers, which I guess means the story did its job—but still! I’ll definitely be looking out for the next installment, but I’ll admit, I’m hoping it offers a bit more resolution than this one did.
Profile Image for Zee ❄️.
106 reviews8 followers
November 25, 2024
Paints a perfect picture of a dystopian-like not so distant future with AI robots, transparency screens, self driving hover cars, hypersonic jets, ocular implants, identification chips, etc.
The scientific/pharmaceutical stuff was interesting and detailed without making me feel like I was reading a text book. It made me want to get a chemistry set tbh.
I liked the characters.. Jaxson was relatable although a little emotional but he is young. I really liked the best friend, Austin especially.
I related to the strained parental relationship and distracting oneself through work.
But my favorite part was this book played out like a movie in my mind. I could see every scene perfectly in my head and that kept me engaged along with the story. I loved the twists and that ending!! I will definitely be reading the second book when it comes out.

Calling coffee liquid addiction lol☕️
Profile Image for Ja Noir Filine.
42 reviews3 followers
November 6, 2024
Gripping Dystopian Mystery with Futuristic Flair

Aftermath by Megan Nagle is a suspenseful journey through a meticulously crafted, post-pandemic world. Set in 2073, the story plunges readers into a future shaped by the lasting effects of the Human Hemorrhagic Virus (HHV). Jaxson Evandore, the young and conflicted heir to a powerful pharmaceutical empire, navigates the tension between loyalty to his family and the mounting public suspicion surrounding Evandore Corporation’s role in a health crisis that scarred the world.
The novel’s strongest feature is its detailed world-building, which draws readers into a society on the edge of technological and moral upheaval. From high-tech AI with human-like personalities to innovative (and questionable) pharmaceutical inventions, Nagle brings a plausible vision of future life with chilling undertones. Jaxson's development as both a gifted chemical engineering student and a nightlife fixture with a penchant for creating illicit substances adds layers to his character, underscoring the moral ambiguity of the world he inhabits. The societal nuances — like new age prejudices against HHV survivors — add depth to an already tense plot.
At its core, Aftermath is not only a futuristic thriller but also a thought-provoking examination of corporate power, legacy, and personal responsibility. The story’s twists keep the tension alive, though occasional information-heavy sections can slow the pace. Still, with its intense narrative and ethical complexity, Aftermath is a thrilling addition for readers who enjoy sci-fi mysteries set in morally gray worlds.
Profile Image for CJ.
133 reviews9 followers
April 20, 2025
Some chilling possibilities lurking as hidden gems

I’m not a big lover of first-person narrative, but Megan Nagle may be changing my mind. ‘Aftermath’ is a gritty, realistic, but above all, likely sci-fi thriller, and quite topically, opens with an AI speaking. 2073 sounds like a long time from now (for those of us born in the 70s), but in reality, it’s thirty-odd years, and Nagle does a good job of extrapolating our world for her story.

First point to note: one of the central plot devices, the Human Hemorrhagic Virus (HHV) “reared its ugly head three decades ago”, not quite decimating Washington state’s population. Our hero is (Charlie) Jaxson Evandore, a suitably broken and somewhat vulnerable chemical engineer at the crossroads of personal responsibility, corporate legacy and scientific discovery.

Nagle has successfully built a captivating future Earth. Some items are just within our grasp (voice-command AIs with rich human personalities), alcohol inhibitors (not sure about that one), and hover cars (which might be a stretch for thirty years). But it all feels real and in place, which allows the other advances, such as cultural shifts and viral survivor prejudice, to be acceptable. For me, having never been to Seattle, it seems pretty real.

Jaxson is a superb character. A scientific prodigy and heir to a pharmaceutical empire, he’s as maddening as he is relatable. He embodies privilege, recklessness, emotional swings and a desire for the truth. Like all techno-heirs, he has an alter ego, but in ‘Aftermath’, it is as a nightlife rebel. This adds perfect tension to the story: conflict between public-facing corporations and their murky dealings behind closed doors. Jaxon grapples with accusations against his family’s business while unravelling a conspiracy—perfect thriller material. What I really liked was each time I thought I had it all worked out, Nagle hit me with something new (always unexpected). It took me a little time to get going with the story, but when I sat down with a bit of time, I basically didn’t put it down.

This is a timely book, but it is also timeless. It draws on comparable issues—pandemics, corporate accountability, and science almost as an entity—and examines what might happen if today’s trends continue. There are some chilling possibilities lurking as hidden gems within ‘Aftermath’. What Nagle imagined resonated strongly with me, and this was all before the Trump administration took hold. Yet there is still a human core to the storytelling, and for me, Jaxson absolutely nails it as a hero we’re not entirely supposed to like. Even if it is in the first person.
Profile Image for Sam.
49 reviews2 followers
December 21, 2024
Legacy Unraveled

Imagine a world not entirely unlike our own, where the shadow of a pandemic lingers in the collective psyche, shaping society and sparking whispers of conspiracy. This is the backdrop of Aftermath, Megan Nagle’s gripping eco-thriller that thrusts readers into a world where the intersection of family, morality, and science creates a pressure cooker of intrigue. Jaxson Evandore, the young heir to a pharmaceutical empire, embodies this tension. By day, he’s a prodigious chemical engineering student; by night, a clandestine creator of illicit substances—a contradiction as layered as the narrative itself.

Have you ever wondered what truths might lie beneath the surface of corporate altruism? Through Jaxson’s journey, the novel explores this question with precision. As he grapples with allegations that his family’s lifesaving medications might be toxic, the reader is drawn into a whirlwind of moral ambiguity. With startling statistics like the ongoing inheritance of neurological disorders from survivors of the Human Hemorrhagic Virus, Nagle roots her fictional world in chilling plausibility. Each twist in Jaxson’s unraveling of his family’s legacy feels like peeling back the layers of an onion, leaving both him and the audience teary-eyed from revelations.

While the novel contains mature themes, including corporate malfeasance, familial betrayal, and the ethical gray areas of scientific advancement, it does so with careful tact. There is occasional crude language and depictions of violence, but these elements serve to heighten the stakes rather than distract from the narrative.

Aftermath reads like the pulse of the planet—each page a heartbeat, reminding us of the delicate balance between humanity's innovation and the chaos it can unleash. It challenges us to reflect on the consequences of the choices we make, not just for ourselves, but for generations to come.
Author 1 book4 followers
February 13, 2025
Megan Nagle's "Aftermath" is a thought-provoking novel set in a near-future world grappling with the consequences of a devastating pandemic. The story centres around Jaxson Evandore, the heir to Evandore Corporation, a pharmaceutical giant that developed the lifesaving vaccine. While humanity owes its survival to Evandore, the company is now facing accusations of concealing the long-term side effects of the vaccine.
As Jaxson navigates the complexities of his family's legacy and his own identity, he becomes entangled in a web of conspiracy and betrayal. The novel explores themes of wealth, privilege, responsibility, and the search for truth in a world where the lines between right and wrong are blurred.
What works:
• Intriguing premise: The "what if" scenario of a pandemic's long-term effects is both timely and thought-provoking.
• Compelling characters: Jaxson is a complex and relatable protagonist, struggling to reconcile his loyalty to his family with his growing doubts about their actions.
• Fast-paced plot: The story is filled with suspense and twists, keeping readers engaged from beginning to end.
• Thought-provoking themes: "Aftermath" raises important questions about corporate responsibility, social justice, and the price of progress.
What could be improved:
• Predictable plot points: While the overall premise is strong, some of the plot twists feel somewhat predictable.
• Reliance on exposition: At times, the story relies heavily on exposition to convey information, which can slow down the pacing.
Overall:
"Aftermath" is a well-written and engaging novel that will appeal to readers interested in science fiction, thrillers, and contemporary social issues. While it may not be groundbreaking in its originality, the book's exploration of complex themes and its compelling characters make it a worthwhile read.
Profile Image for Ann Birdgenaw.
Author 10 books120 followers
October 30, 2024
Set in a plausible future world of 2073. The post-pandemic world is still healing from the devastating effects of Human Hemorrhagic Virus (HHV). Evandore Corp. created the vaccine for the deadly disease although some still suffer the neurological disorders that have been passed on through the generations. Teenager, Jaxson (Jax) is the son of the Evandore CEO, the richest, most powerful pharmaceutical company in the world. Jaxson is a chemical engineer student who dabbles in drugs himself. He has invented an inhibitor patch that lets you drink as much as you want without getting drunk as it releases a chemical into the body to counteract the effects of alcohol. As you might imagine this little patch has taken the club-scene by storm. But is Jaxson getting too deep into his passion for illicit drugs, and how is he implicated in the effort to frame Evandore for its past mistakes. I enjoyed all the little futuristic details in the story. Such as his home’s AI system with very “human” mannerisms, cleaning bots and the future society of drugs and new age prejudices. My only criticism is; a few too many information dumps. Solid suspenseful read!
Profile Image for Melissa Cantrell.
Author 6 books13 followers
February 28, 2025
Best Post-pandemic World Story

Imagine living in a post pandemic world with voice command AI bots named Hugo and hover cars, chip swipe ID, and fancy gala events. Technology has given people enough free time to enjoy their lives. The world has become more multiculturally diverse and well connected. The new world that has evolved has a faster paced life, more time for parties and drinking. Life is good for the survivors of the HHV pandemic. College students are opting into chemical engineering degrees to better help protect society from pandemics. Then comes Jaxson the heir to a big pharma company called Evandore Corporation, the ones that possibly created the HHV pandemic and also the ones who are chemically engineering cures. This is sort of like real world blood coagulating Ebola or real world Covid 19. Jaxson is torn between the family ties to the profiteering business and responsibility to humanity. Trying to save the world comes at a price. This book is non-stop action, a must read suspense and good to the very last page.
Author 15 books127 followers
March 3, 2025
"Aftermath" threw me right into a world that felt both familiar and disturbingly different. Jaxson Evandore is a fascinating character – this privileged kid with a hidden life, mixing chemicals in a club, it's a great contrast. The whole backstory with the HHV pandemic was really well done, adding this layer of historical weight to everything. You can feel the tension from the start, especially when the accusations against Evandore Corp start flying.
What really kept me hooked was the mystery. You're constantly wondering who's telling the truth, and the way Jaxson gets pulled into this criminal underworld just escalates the suspense. The pacing is spot-on, and the action scenes are intense. I appreciated how the author didn't shy away from the moral grey areas, too. Jaxson's internal conflict about his family's legacy is palpable. He's not just some rich kid playing detective, he's genuinely trying to figure out where he stands. The twist at the end? Totally didn't see it coming. Now I'm dying to know what happens next. Definitely a page-turner.
384 reviews13 followers
December 4, 2024
I enjoyed the world building in this futuristic book. What I liked most was that it was very imaginable given the way artificial intelligence is growing quickly in the real world. It made me think about new technologies to come and how I can’t wait to use them. Jaxson is a solid main character. He has strengths and flaws, like most people. The other characters are well written too. They had their own personality quicks, so they didn’t seem like simple props for the storyline. I loved the controversy of HHV. With what the real world went through with COVID and the disagreements over the vaccine, a lot of people will be able to relate to the fears and controversies in this storyline. The author does a great job establishing this sort of controversy in a futuristic setting. I found this book to be very tense and entertaining. It would make a good movie or Netflix miniseries. Overall, I highly recommend this book to lovers of futuristic science fiction and suspense.
38 reviews
January 27, 2025
great dystopian read!

Aftermath is a griping read that brings a futuristic world to life with vivid descriptions, making it easy to picture what this world might look like. The writing pulled me in, and the balance of action and detail kept the story exciting without feeling overwhelming.

Jaxson was a relatable protagonist, even if his emotional reactions sometimes made me want to shake him. The dynamics between the characters added a lot to the story, and the themes around family and work struggles felt real and grounded.

The twists kept me guessing, and the ending was definitely unexpected. While I wasn’t thrilled about the cliffhanger, it did its job—I’ll be keeping an eye out for the next book. There were a few minor formatting issues, but they didn’t take away from the experience. Overall, this was an engaging and thought-provoking read I’d recommend!
Profile Image for Cheryl Ehrhart.
3 reviews
March 1, 2025
disappointed

The book was not edited well so there are a lot of typos that kept pulling me out of the story, because I would have to re-read the paragraph. I did not like how not much was answered, and so much was repeated, and I never really felt a connection with any of the characters that I care what happens to them.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews

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