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Among Us
In just forty-eight hours, a brutal and mysterious virus sweeps across the nation, claiming millions of lives. But this is just the beginning. Soon, the terrifying truth the United States is under attack—an unprecedented blitzkrieg of biological, conventional, and nuclear warfare. No town is safe, and the identity of the enemy remains unknown.
Shelby Doyle lives in the small town of Hawthorne with her sons. When the attacks occur, she quickly realizes nowhere is safe. Hawthorn isn’t safe. She joins a group of others and together they travel to find a safe haven.
As the days pass and the attacks continue without mercy, Shelby not only wonders if they will survive long enough to find safety, but will they ever learn who is behind it all.
Shelby Doyle lives in the small town of Hawthorne with her sons. When the attacks occur, she quickly realizes nowhere is safe. Hawthorn isn’t safe. She joins a group of others and together they travel to find a safe haven.
As the days pass and the attacks continue without mercy, Shelby not only wonders if they will survive long enough to find safety, but will they ever learn who is behind it all.
112 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2025
248 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
April 10, 2025
I would have liked to give 5 stars…
…but the lack of editing in self published books can make a good story almost unreadable.
The concept was well thought out and clever. The author is very talented and skilled at writing dialogue; she writes like people actually talk.
I only finished the book because I wanted to see how the story ended. Here’s an example (not from the book, just similar) of the type of bad editing: “I told he that couldn’t understand quite" it’s as if a language translator couldn’t figure it out. I literally had to reread some sentences 3-4 times to figure out context to make sense. Punctuation can be terrible at times, and simply wrong words used. I can guess which word she had in mind, but the speak-to-text app she uses just couldn’t figure it out.
A professional editor would make this a legitimate book, but even one person who reads a lot could correct most all the very distracting mistakes. It very unfortunate.
I’m sorry I can’t recommend this book. The author is talented and creative, but the poor editing in her books is getting worse over time…and I’ve read most of her books.
…but the lack of editing in self published books can make a good story almost unreadable.
The concept was well thought out and clever. The author is very talented and skilled at writing dialogue; she writes like people actually talk.
I only finished the book because I wanted to see how the story ended. Here’s an example (not from the book, just similar) of the type of bad editing: “I told he that couldn’t understand quite" it’s as if a language translator couldn’t figure it out. I literally had to reread some sentences 3-4 times to figure out context to make sense. Punctuation can be terrible at times, and simply wrong words used. I can guess which word she had in mind, but the speak-to-text app she uses just couldn’t figure it out.
A professional editor would make this a legitimate book, but even one person who reads a lot could correct most all the very distracting mistakes. It very unfortunate.
I’m sorry I can’t recommend this book. The author is talented and creative, but the poor editing in her books is getting worse over time…and I’ve read most of her books.
May 3, 2025
Good Story Lousy Grammar
Reading this I wanted to know every detail of the story. However, the spelling and grammar mistakes were so bad I skipped to the end.
Reading this I wanted to know every detail of the story. However, the spelling and grammar mistakes were so bad I skipped to the end.
August 7, 2025
Among Us
By Jacqueline Druga
Publisher: Vulpine Press
Published Date: April 1, 2025
ASIN: B0F1BBCKFJ
Page Count: 304
Triggers: Mass death, war (biological, nuclear, and otherwise), child fatalities, societal collapse, grief, and paranoia
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Skull Dread Rating: 💀💀💀
What Did I Just Walk Into?
The apocalypse just speed-ran itself. First, a virus targets kids (because why ease you into emotional ruin?), then bombs drop, and before you can say "CDC," America is under every form of attack imaginable. Biological? Yup. Nuclear? Naturally. Mystery villain with unclear motives? Absolutely. Somewhere in the chaos is Shelby Doyle, just trying to keep her sons alive in a world that’s basically turned into the Hunger Games: Suburbia Edition.
Here’s What Slapped:
The pacing is fast but like “blink and another city’s gone” fast.
Shelby is a relatable, gritty momma bear who doesn’t have time for nonsense.
That ending. No spoilers, but let’s just say if you expected a Disney wrap-up, you’re gonna need a therapist.
AI, cryptic radio codes, and music puzzles? Solid storytelling flourish.
The sheer audacity of throwing every apocalypse trope into a blender and somehow making it work.
What Could’ve Been Better:
Some character arcs feel like they got yeeted off a cliff mid-chapter.
Needed about 50 more pages to flesh out the why behind the enemy’s motivation. Or at least a villain monologue. Give us something.
Perfect for Readers Who Love:
Jacqueline Druga’s usual chaos (in the best way)
“Independence Day” meets “Contagion” but make it personal
Single-sitting, high-stakes reads with zero chill
Apocalypse stories that don’t apologize for being wild
Reviewed by Robin for Robin’s Review
By Jacqueline Druga
Publisher: Vulpine Press
Published Date: April 1, 2025
ASIN: B0F1BBCKFJ
Page Count: 304
Triggers: Mass death, war (biological, nuclear, and otherwise), child fatalities, societal collapse, grief, and paranoia
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Skull Dread Rating: 💀💀💀
What Did I Just Walk Into?
The apocalypse just speed-ran itself. First, a virus targets kids (because why ease you into emotional ruin?), then bombs drop, and before you can say "CDC," America is under every form of attack imaginable. Biological? Yup. Nuclear? Naturally. Mystery villain with unclear motives? Absolutely. Somewhere in the chaos is Shelby Doyle, just trying to keep her sons alive in a world that’s basically turned into the Hunger Games: Suburbia Edition.
Here’s What Slapped:
The pacing is fast but like “blink and another city’s gone” fast.
Shelby is a relatable, gritty momma bear who doesn’t have time for nonsense.
That ending. No spoilers, but let’s just say if you expected a Disney wrap-up, you’re gonna need a therapist.
AI, cryptic radio codes, and music puzzles? Solid storytelling flourish.
The sheer audacity of throwing every apocalypse trope into a blender and somehow making it work.
What Could’ve Been Better:
Some character arcs feel like they got yeeted off a cliff mid-chapter.
Needed about 50 more pages to flesh out the why behind the enemy’s motivation. Or at least a villain monologue. Give us something.
Perfect for Readers Who Love:
Jacqueline Druga’s usual chaos (in the best way)
“Independence Day” meets “Contagion” but make it personal
Single-sitting, high-stakes reads with zero chill
Apocalypse stories that don’t apologize for being wild
Reviewed by Robin for Robin’s Review
June 10, 2025
75 out 100 Second book by Druga, Very similar with the previous one which was a bit disappointing (I will explain further). So we've got this society where young people start dying (youngsters). Then afterwards society tries to balance and there is a war going on and nobody understand who is doing it and so on. Let me just add a spoiler (if you don't read tags of books)
I recently bought several of her books, around 10 because I love end of the world scenarios and stuff like that but two books with the same villain\trope was a bit too much. I will continue to read next month another one but I hope for a bit different.
Another thing I notice was the writing which in my opinion was a bit sloppy with some errors (and I am not a native speaker) which is a shame but didn't detract me.
So far I am enjoying m y time with Druga and I will continue reading. IF you enjoy end of the world scenarios with a fast pace and interesting characters (both were on first perspective) then look no further
I recently bought several of her books, around 10 because I love end of the world scenarios and stuff like that but two books with the same villain\trope was a bit too much. I will continue to read next month another one but I hope for a bit different.
Another thing I notice was the writing which in my opinion was a bit sloppy with some errors (and I am not a native speaker) which is a shame but didn't detract me.
So far I am enjoying m y time with Druga and I will continue reading. IF you enjoy end of the world scenarios with a fast pace and interesting characters (both were on first perspective) then look no further
April 21, 2025
...I have no words...
I am a big fan of this writer, having lived in Pittsburgh and being a fan of zombies in particular. This book was not about zombies but I read many genres and I haven't yet read a book by this author that I didn't like. I will say outright, this book needs editing as there were a lot of grammatical errors, which is very unlike Druga. That aside, it is still worth the read. The storyline was really intriguing; something, someone from somewhere is attacking humankind and it takes a strange mix of people to figure out who and how to stop them. Tale as old as time but spun in a way that held my attention to the very end. And the ending...I didn't know whether to hate it or die laughing! Note to the author, well played. Well played, indeed!
I am a big fan of this writer, having lived in Pittsburgh and being a fan of zombies in particular. This book was not about zombies but I read many genres and I haven't yet read a book by this author that I didn't like. I will say outright, this book needs editing as there were a lot of grammatical errors, which is very unlike Druga. That aside, it is still worth the read. The storyline was really intriguing; something, someone from somewhere is attacking humankind and it takes a strange mix of people to figure out who and how to stop them. Tale as old as time but spun in a way that held my attention to the very end. And the ending...I didn't know whether to hate it or die laughing! Note to the author, well played. Well played, indeed!
May 31, 2025
I love it when Druga writes her stories in the first person style. It makes the story more personal.
The events occurred quickly and the fact that no one knew who was behind the attacks made the story more suspenseful. The fact that the town was without any communication with the outside world, added to the mystery of the attacks. Everyone was left with only speculations, ranging from a foreign enemy to aliens invading. The final explanation was surprising, but believable. The characters were great and convincing. I was pleased that the typos were fairly rare throughout the story, which was great. Good read.
The events occurred quickly and the fact that no one knew who was behind the attacks made the story more suspenseful. The fact that the town was without any communication with the outside world, added to the mystery of the attacks. Everyone was left with only speculations, ranging from a foreign enemy to aliens invading. The final explanation was surprising, but believable. The characters were great and convincing. I was pleased that the typos were fairly rare throughout the story, which was great. Good read.
June 13, 2025
Among Us
Sci-fi
Jacqueline Druga
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• ᴀᴛᴛᴀᴄᴋꜱ • ᴡᴀʀ • ɢʀɪᴇꜰ •
I liked the plot of this book. The cause of the end of the world was unique and I was very curious about the origins.
The pacing was good although it was a little frustrating when the hidden meaning of the songs and the code took so long to be figured out. I know it was meant to add tension and a race against time element but it just felt a bit underwhelming and repetitive.
The characters were very good and I liked how Shelby listened to her gut instincts and chose to be strong for her remaining children even while she was grieving.
The ending was ok. I would like there to be a sequel.
Sci-fi
Jacqueline Druga
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• ᴀᴛᴛᴀᴄᴋꜱ • ᴡᴀʀ • ɢʀɪᴇꜰ •
I liked the plot of this book. The cause of the end of the world was unique and I was very curious about the origins.
The pacing was good although it was a little frustrating when the hidden meaning of the songs and the code took so long to be figured out. I know it was meant to add tension and a race against time element but it just felt a bit underwhelming and repetitive.
The characters were very good and I liked how Shelby listened to her gut instincts and chose to be strong for her remaining children even while she was grieving.
The ending was ok. I would like there to be a sequel.
May 17, 2025
This author has a talent for different types of apocalyptic stories and the build up of the mystery as to what is happening was first-rate. The actual cause was also interesting but didn't sit quite so well nor did the ending which felt a bit rushed. The good story was undercut by the terrible editing that seems to plague this author's works. Some of the errors are so easy to spot and elementary, I have to assume that she assigns little importance to the actual craft of writing; this make me sad.
August 18, 2025
I really enjoyed this story! Besides the errors in spelling, missing words, and general feeling that an editor has never read this book, it was really good. The characters are engaging, you care about them right away, the story is a complete mystery that kept me guessing until the very end and every one of my guesses were wrong and I love that! The ending was a surprise and there is something in it that made me literally LOL...I'm 58 and yeah, people my age will understand. It's a good book and I highly recommend it if you like this genre! Druga is a GOOD writer, I'd love to be her editor!
April 6, 2025
Druga's best work in some time
Among Us, by Jacqueline Druga, is about what starts as a plague wiping out children under 13 that turns into a multifaceted attack, by mysterious soldiers, trying to eliminate dozens of people responsible for the downfall of humanity. There are lots of twists and surprises that I won't ruin for you. Just know its her best book in some time. 4/5 stars, recommended for fans of apocalyptic sci-fi!
Among Us, by Jacqueline Druga, is about what starts as a plague wiping out children under 13 that turns into a multifaceted attack, by mysterious soldiers, trying to eliminate dozens of people responsible for the downfall of humanity. There are lots of twists and surprises that I won't ruin for you. Just know its her best book in some time. 4/5 stars, recommended for fans of apocalyptic sci-fi!
May 2, 2025
Interesting idea...
But the editing was atrocious: missing words, wrong words, words thrown together, creating confusion. Sadly these elements can sabotage a good book. This has been a problem with quite a few of Ms Drugas' books. On the plus side I read most of them through. (Not zombie stories, which I don't like in general.) I just wish I didn't have to work so hard at reading them. It is often an aggravating endeavor, but I am sufficiently hooked that I want to see the ending despite the frustration of getting there.
But the editing was atrocious: missing words, wrong words, words thrown together, creating confusion. Sadly these elements can sabotage a good book. This has been a problem with quite a few of Ms Drugas' books. On the plus side I read most of them through. (Not zombie stories, which I don't like in general.) I just wish I didn't have to work so hard at reading them. It is often an aggravating endeavor, but I am sufficiently hooked that I want to see the ending despite the frustration of getting there.
August 27, 2025
Interesting low key sci fi story. I guess I would class this as post apocalyptic.
Story of a family in a small town tragedy strikes when all the children under the age of 13 die suddenly, then all sorts of weird and unexplained things start happening .
There was action, and war, and fighting, and aliens, but it all felt very low-key and not fast paced.
The ending sort of felt anticlimactic, but was definitely satisfying.
Story of a family in a small town tragedy strikes when all the children under the age of 13 die suddenly, then all sorts of weird and unexplained things start happening .
There was action, and war, and fighting, and aliens, but it all felt very low-key and not fast paced.
The ending sort of felt anticlimactic, but was definitely satisfying.
May 12, 2025
loved this book
I really enjoyed reading this book and looked forward to having time to pick it up to read again. The characters were engaging and I had to keep reading to find out what the music code was. I did have to chuckle when I read the words of the third song -no spoilers here. A throughly good read.
I really enjoyed reading this book and looked forward to having time to pick it up to read again. The characters were engaging and I had to keep reading to find out what the music code was. I did have to chuckle when I read the words of the third song -no spoilers here. A throughly good read.
will-not-finish
May 19, 2025When that meme comes around that asks what your pettiest reason for DNFing a book is, my answer will now be this one:
Because on page one (1!!!) of the story, this FMC laid the responsibility for her husband's frequent emotional instability on her teenaged son's shoulders. I can't read a story about someone like that and root for them at all.
Because on page one (1!!!) of the story, this FMC laid the responsibility for her husband's frequent emotional instability on her teenaged son's shoulders. I can't read a story about someone like that and root for them at all.
April 4, 2025
Great reading so different from what I usually read in Apocalyptic times. Some of it was very sad, but near the end I was lost in what was happening. My brain was not consuming it. I will go back to near the end and try again.
April 14, 2025
still so many typos
This book was ok. It’s easy to get distracted when there are so many typos or poor grammar. This seems to be a trend in her books. Makes me a little nuts. I can easily see where I won’t be reading her books anymore for this reason alone.
This book was ok. It’s easy to get distracted when there are so many typos or poor grammar. This seems to be a trend in her books. Makes me a little nuts. I can easily see where I won’t be reading her books anymore for this reason alone.
April 15, 2025
Fascinating plot ideas, but...
Great concept and story line. However, the numerous spelling, grammar and syntax errors made it difficult to read. Somewhat disappointed as it was not on a par with this author's usual work.
Great concept and story line. However, the numerous spelling, grammar and syntax errors made it difficult to read. Somewhat disappointed as it was not on a par with this author's usual work.
April 19, 2025
entertaining.
The story premise is good. Characters built well and flows easily. It does not have a fullness, like it’s missing something and could be so much better. It also needs editing.
The story premise is good. Characters built well and flows easily. It does not have a fullness, like it’s missing something and could be so much better. It also needs editing.
April 23, 2025
Among Us Rocks
Jacqueline Druga is one of my favorite authors! Her characters are always well developed and believable, and there are enough twists and turns to satisfy any suspense reader. Why she isn't on the top ten book chart, I'll never know. I highly recommend all her books!
Jacqueline Druga is one of my favorite authors! Her characters are always well developed and believable, and there are enough twists and turns to satisfy any suspense reader. Why she isn't on the top ten book chart, I'll never know. I highly recommend all her books!
April 25, 2025
Wow 😮
Awesome story. The suspense of not knowing what is going on and who is responsible is engaging. In our time we have iPhones and tablets and AI. It is very believable that this could happen.
Awesome story. The suspense of not knowing what is going on and who is responsible is engaging. In our time we have iPhones and tablets and AI. It is very believable that this could happen.
April 30, 2025
Sigh. Druga has a great imagination. And she has a 'plug and print' process for her books. She must have as they come out so often. I really really wish she would get a editor. Or at least a proofreader.
Her errors detract from her stories.
Her errors detract from her stories.
May 5, 2025
Who was the pinhead who proofed this book?
Horrible book, full of misspellings, broken sentences and words, which made the story hard to follow or enjoy. I’ve read other books by Ms. Druga and they have been engaging, this one being the exception.
Horrible book, full of misspellings, broken sentences and words, which made the story hard to follow or enjoy. I’ve read other books by Ms. Druga and they have been engaging, this one being the exception.
May 8, 2025
Meh
I really like this author and really enjoy her books.
But I just couldn't get past the first few chapters. I just didn't like any of the characters especially the main character.
I really like this author and really enjoy her books.
But I just couldn't get past the first few chapters. I just didn't like any of the characters especially the main character.
May 10, 2025
Good
Story line is good and keeps you interested. I found the terrible editing a really bad and annoying part of the book. This spoilt the book for me, but if you can get past the editing(or lack of), I am sure Jacqueline Druga fans will enjoy.
Story line is good and keeps you interested. I found the terrible editing a really bad and annoying part of the book. This spoilt the book for me, but if you can get past the editing(or lack of), I am sure Jacqueline Druga fans will enjoy.
June 13, 2025
Amazing
OMG ! If you love the movie independence day With A little bit of War of the worlds. You will love this book I could not put it down. I have not read A book like this in years.
OMG ! If you love the movie independence day With A little bit of War of the worlds. You will love this book I could not put it down. I have not read A book like this in years.
April 3, 2025
great book from the greatest Author
As with all her previous books, Jackie delivers with an excellent story that will keep you hooked. Watch out for the twist!!
As with all her previous books, Jackie delivers with an excellent story that will keep you hooked. Watch out for the twist!!
April 7, 2025
One of her best writings but unedited
Loved her characters and plot twists but so many spelling and grammatical errors. Took away from the rhythm of the book.
Loved her characters and plot twists but so many spelling and grammatical errors. Took away from the rhythm of the book.
April 25, 2025
Good book
I enjoyed the easy read. Ending was a surprise. I plan on reading more of this author in the future .
I enjoyed the easy read. Ending was a surprise. I plan on reading more of this author in the future .
April 30, 2025
Druga
Her stories always exciting to the point where you can't stop reading until the end.
And there were no editing problems like her previous books.
Her stories always exciting to the point where you can't stop reading until the end.
And there were no editing problems like her previous books.
May 5, 2025
Good old story
I enjoyed this book as post apocalyptic reading is a favourite of mine. The story is well written and the t3cg believable. Enjoy
I enjoyed this book as post apocalyptic reading is a favourite of mine. The story is well written and the t3cg believable. Enjoy
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews