After Everyone Died

The Survivor Journals

by Sean Patrick Little

The Flu-that's what everyone called it-culled the primate population of the planet. It struck hard and fast, wiping out the whole of humanity. For reasons he can't understand, Twist is left alive to face the apocalypse alone. Well, not entirely alone-his neighbor's gassy Labrador, Rowdy, tags along for the ride. Twist and Rowdy are forced to face the new post-apocalypse world together, holing up in the local library and scavenging supplies to outlast a long, cold Wisconsin winter. Twist has to adapt to the emptiness and isolation of an empty world and come to terms with the fact that he might be the only person left alive in the entire world. In a world where boredom and loneliness are the greatest threat, Twist must survive, keeping the hope that others might be alive, as well.

Genres: Fiction, Post Apocalyptic, Science Fiction, Horror, Dystopia, Survival

202 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 21, 2016

About the author

​Sean Patrick Little is a writer, speaker, editor, educator, and general literary dude from Sun Prairie, Wisconsin.

He is the author of the best-selling Survivor Journals series and the critically praised Abe & Duff mystery series. He has also authored one book in the Shelby Ree mystery series, a space opera called Strange Angels​, and is always at work on the next project.

He holds a BA in Broadcast Journalism from UW-Whitewater, a BFA in Fiction Writing from Winona State University, and a master's in Education from St. Mary's University of Minnesota. He has been a teacher, a painter, a paint salesman, and a Dean of Education. He regularly teaches writing and publishing seminars whenever asked.

Little is a member of the Wisconsin Writer's Association, the Authors Guild, the Mystery Writers of America, and Sisters in Crime.

And if any of those groups ever find out, they'll be very upset.

Reviews

[Sean Little]

I wrote this.

I think it's pretty good.

[Steelwhisper]

This was a fast read and could have been a 3* or even 4* book, except for several niggles:

1. I'm not a fan of fangirling authors. I do not need to know which books you've read, or which books you adore. Don't do it. It's bad enough adjusting to an author who breaks the 4th wall.

2. Keep in mind that not everyone lives in the USA who is going to read your book. At times I had to look up what the main character was talking about, and that makes me a pissed off reader. Generic names, descriptions or expressions work just fine.

3. I do not at all mind if you kill people, but killing the dog to milk me for tears cost you an entire grade! Don't advertise a dog in the blurb, so animal-loving readers go for your book, and then kill it for the drama. It also cost you a reader and buyer of your next effort, as I won't fall for that again.

I read this because I loved 100 Days in Deadland quite a lot and had hopes this would be similar. Unfortunately it fell slightly short. But it definitely is a quick read for a short rainy afternoon.

[Kimberly Worthington]

Good read. Would love to read book 2 if ever you write it.

Enjoyed book. Made me think. Made me cry. Invested myself in it and would love to read more of Twist.

[David Lillico]

Great read

End of the world as it should be, no zombies just loneliness and a stupid flatulent Labrador, a story you can believe in if you read the srand

[Cody Powell]

Awsome read

I loved this book. I read it straight threw. So many heartbreaks. Happy moments. I'm an animal lover, so this I loved about it. His concern for animals.

[Dave]

I enjoyed this book very much. 4.5 stars. Looking forward to book 2.

[John Podlaski]

Sixteen year old, Twist, appears to be the sole survivor; immune to the flu that has killed every human being in the world. Twist and Rowdy, a neighbors Labrador Retriever, face the world by themselves. Even though it is summer, Twist and Rowdy relocate to the local library and begin building up supplies to make it through the rough Wisconsin winter. They've traveled hundreds of miles around to locate other survivors, leaving notes taped on windows to let others know where he is located. The author moves the story along which is akin to Robinson Crusoe and the Tom Hank's movie, Castaway in which boredom and depression become the largest enemy.

Twist is preparing to survive for the next sixty years and is intent to locate other survivors, believing that there is a .01% chance of survivors. He only has to find them. Packs of wild dogs roam the area and compete with Twist on hunting meat to keep him and Rowdy alive. After almost a year alone, something else happens that could cost him everything he's done to that point - including losing his life.

Worth reading and highly recommended. After Everyone Dies does provide food for thought and will make readers wonder if they could survive alone in this world.

John Podlaski, author
"Cherries - A Vietnam War Novel" and "When Can I Stop Running?"

[David Berger]

Quite the treat

This is one of the most unique end of the world books I’ve read, and I have read quite a few, beginning with Stephen King's The Stand, referenced within this book. (One of my very favorite books)
The 1st person narrative by an 18 year old teenager who experienced the quick deaths of everyone he knows, and the rest of the world, as far as he knows. The main character is a vulnerably real person, and his thoughts, emotions, and descriptions are as realistically written as any book I’ve read. He’s no ex-military special forces super hero. (Are all ex-military people all special force masters of combat and survival? From most of this genre, they seem to be, and that has become very boring reading. )
I became very involved in the young man's life being completely alone, and experienced his emotions with him as he survived alone in a harsh Wisconsin climate.
Please do read this book, it is very much worth your time.

[A.D. Sloane]

Great book! Very engaging and well-written . It’s uniqueness is its simplicity. I was enraptured by his survival skills!

The only reason why the novel isn’t a five star is my personality, really. One character for an extended period of time goes against my nature. A few flashbacks that “showed” versus Twist narrating (“telling”) his past that included a character arc tie-in would’ve made it an easy 5 stars.

This was deftly written novel with a likable, moral, and brave character who you really root for.

[Peggy]

After Everyone Died(The Survivor Journals Book 1)

This is one great book,I could hardly put it down. It is a story of a young boy who was left all alone when every one died from a mysterious flu. How he was able to survive a Wisconsin winter with a dog he had rescued from a house in the neighborhood. A really great read . Looking forward to a sequel.

[Travis]

The Flu struck the human population like a wrecking ball, but Twist is left alive.

This is a straight forward story, but it's told with heart and it's got a working prose that allows you to become fully immersed in Twist's story. And, I mean, there's a dog, Rowdy. What story isn't made better by having a dog in it?

I read the story in two sittings.

Highly recommended.

[BILL MOSHER]

This trilogy should be part of the required reading in high school, it's the intriguing account of one young man's survival of a killer virus that may have made him the last man on Earth.

This trilogy is both beautiful and tragic, it reminds me of George R. Stewart's Earth Abides, a wonderful classic set in an empty , lonely world after a killer virus virtually wipes out the human race. After Everybody Dies goes much further in depth and detail about the loneliness and general mental state of a lone survivor of a civilization killing virus . After everyone dies, the survivor named Twist has few practical skills for a world without modern conveniences. There is plenty of food and water to be salvaged, the infrastructure is mostly intact. The victims of the virus fill the hospitals and homes everywhere, packs of feral dogs wander the streets, and gasoline that can be obtained has only months till is will no longer be usable. Twist has to figure a long term plan of survival, he lives in the north and the winters are harsh . He has never ventured away from the region he lives in, he was only a high school senior when the world died around him. He plans to move south before the fuel goes bad, to somewhere he will ultimately have to live out the rest of his possibly lonely life. I loved the trilogy, I want to get hard copies of each book for my sons. Once you start the books, it is very hard to put them down.
I am hopeful that the author will write more about Twist's journey through life as the years go by in the emptied world he lives in. Five stars are not enough for these books.

[Pam]

I quite enjoyed this book. The first person voice is perfect for a 17-18 year old. I can actually visualize this kid. Have to give him props for working his way through his problems and utilizing good sense in his survival. Very much looking forward to continuing this series.

[Natalie]

Great story

This was a really good story. I like the main character, twist. While a lot of what he did seemed unrealistic, I still think it is possible to survive if somebody did what he did.

[Elaine Plourde]

I really loved this book. I've read a lot of apocalyptic books but this one is at the top of my list. I liked the way it was written as a journal. It put you right in the mind of Twist and made the story so believable. I wish there was a continuation of the book but I didn't see any thing.

[AJ]

Wonderful Book!!

Great story, well thought out and a real pleasure to read. I loved this book and didn't want it to end! Possibly the best story in this genre that I've ever read. I recommend this to everyone! Soooo good!!!

[Jan]

Very realistic

I liked this book and look forward to the next one. Seems very plausible, wwant to find out where Twist goes.

[Stephanie]

Very moving story!

This book was one of the best I have read recently. It is a very touching, moving story! I can't wait for the next part of the story of Twist!

[susan newland]

Really enjoyed

I really enjoyed this book. I like reading this genre but this is one of the most believable one I've read. I will definitely keep and read again.

[Starr Watson]

I'm hooked

Fast paced and well written. I will definitely follow this series. It sucks the reader right into the story. You will find yourself holding your breath.

[Donald F. Asher, Jr.]

New take on post apocalyptic survival.

Well written and not a zombie novel. Novel idea for a book that was a fast and enjoyable read. Would read more by this author.

[Debbie Poole]

After every one died

This is a true tear jerker,l cried a few times, l had a dog called rowdy who was my heart, and this brought back the memories of him

[Susan Lichtfuss]

Excellent read

Didn't want to stop reading. Had to find out what happened next. Didn't want to finish reading. Couldn't help myself. 5stars+

[Beth McGee]

Great

Sad it is over, I truly loved this book and wished the story continued. The author should consider going on with the story.

[Barbara Wing]

Really liked it. Want to read 2nd one.

[Rose]

Me being who I am as a person, I was lucky enough to wake up with a stomach virus the Friday of Labor Day weekend (yay me). Campsites had already been booked and paid for, 13yo was foaming at the mouth to get to the river, and my husband already had the truck loaded down. Needless to say, cancelling the trip was not an option, so I played the martyr (no really, y’all should go on without me. Save yourselves) and sent them on their way while I stayed home alone to suffer. Needing something to keep the boredom and self pity at bay, I turned to my trusty dusty kindle library (and a ton of pepto) for comfort.
All I can say is this book hit the spot. I loved reading about the day to day preparations, scavenging, etc. the writing style was perfect and flowed really well. The Icing on the cake was that it was written in a similar style as one of my favorite childhood books, Jean Craig head George’s My Side of the Mountain which gave me so much nostalgia. Other than a few mistakes it is very well written & realistic. Also, I love all the little house references. It has always been one of my top 5 favs

LITERALLY CANNOT RECOMMEND THIS BOOK ENOUGH and I cant wait to read the rest on the series. Remember the Newberry award books from school? If that’s still a thing, this book should definitely win one.

[Will G]

The first in a series of three books about a post apocalyptic world. Following a devastating flu epidemic, it is told through the voice of an 18 year old via a journal he writes. This first book primarily focuses on loneliness, grief and trying to gather enough supplies to last, particularly through a cold winter. Survivors are extremely rare and the story focuses almost exclusively on the journal's author and his dog. Looking forward to the second book in the series.

[CJ]

I’m a big fan of this type of fiction but have been disappointed with recent choices. This is a great read, though. Twist and Rowdy are compelling characters and the author has paced the book perfectly, tipping his hat to a lot of cultural references on the way. Despite having a young protagonist it doesn’t read like young adult fiction, and I think young adults and old adults will find it relatable and equally appealing. Thank you, Sean Little! On to book two!

[Faleh Rayen]

Absolutely loved this book. I'm a very picky person when it comes to this particular genre but safe to say, I loved almost everything about this book. From the events and the struggle Twist (main character) goes through to the description of the adorable farting labrador. 100% would recommend.

[Nina Wilson]

SO GOOD! i can't wait to read book #2