After the Next Pandemic

by James Wysotski

Scientists never said COVID-19 would be the last pandemic or the worst. Six years later, a new MRS coronavirus emerges in France. Lockdowns and masks cannot contain it. Indiscriminately ruthless, “The Missus” takes its toll.

Afraid it will jump the ocean, a panic-stricken society crumbles into chaos. How will Kal Korpi cope when tempers rise as fast as fevers? Who will protect his kids from the gunman down the street? Will anyone revolt when exploitation replaces common decency? As law and order fades, the significance of food increases and the armed roadblocks creep closer to home.

But what chance does Kal have against “The Missus” when he can’t even stand up to his wife? One piece at a time, Kal’s life falls apart. While isolated among the trees, he must find the inner fortitude required to step outside his comfort zone and escape his downward spiral.

But will that be enough, especially since it’s just the first wave?
The virus is changing.

434 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 3, 2021

About the author

James Wysotski is never more at peace than with a paddle in his hand. Born and raised in Southern Ontario, he spent his childhood summers canoeing on Leonard Lake. He likes to write about places he knows. When not pounding the Chiclets of his keyboard, James wanders forests with camera in hand. A published photographer, he posts his abstract art daily to Instagram (@james.wysotski). James lives outside of Toronto with his wife, two kids, and their Labrador retriever. He takes his Scotch neat and loves his weekend lattes.

Reviews

[Elaine and Tess the Springer. I won’t be on GR for a bit. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A riveting read.

A fantastic read. The beginning was slow and hardgoing, but you need to persevere because it is so worth it.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

You wouldn't know After the Next Pandemic is a debut novel by an up-and-coming writer. It presents a confidence I would expect to see in a book written by someone with far more experience.

Comparisons to The Stand are inevitable, but AtNP offers a more grounded - but no less terrifying - take on a global apocalypse brought about by a virus.

Protagonist Kal Korpi's character development is subtle at first, but by the end of the book I was definitely cheering for him, and eager to see where book two of the Survivor Series is going.

AtNP starts off very unsettling, but gives glimmers of hope throughout, which is something desperately needed as we all live through a real life version of a pandemic.

Wysotski is clearly passionate about this fictional world and its characters. I definitely recommend this novel, as it allows for an escape from our own pandemic, and offers hope as it reminds us of the good we can do during a trying time.

[F A Teskey]

“After the Next Pandemic” by James Wysotski is a most enjoyable novel. It is more than just a standard post-apocalyptic thriller. It invokes the fears we have all faced during the past year with COVID-19. Character development is excellent and points the way to successor books in the series. Reading “After the Next Pandemic” brought back memories of two of my favorite novels of the genre … “The Last Canadian” and “Coma”. This one would make a great movie.

[Art Chamberlain · Rating 5 out of 5]

The plot is inventive and frightening and the writing is tight, driven forward by the natural dialogue between the interesting characters. I'm looking forward to the next instalment to learn how the survivors cope in their new world.

[Greeninchworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great novel! "After the Next Pandemic" kept me entertained the whole way through. The pacing is spot on. The characters feel very real and the dialogue has a nice flow too. Also, the story concept is very interesting 10/10.

[Pam Shelton-Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was nice to have a story set in Canada and not in the US. Overall the writing was good as was the editing. There was an unevenness to the prose with periods of sharp detail and dialogue and other parts that rather dragged with too much mundane detail. I like Kal who was a solid, dependable guy and like most survivors in this scenario, not well equipped to handle the aftermath. He tries very hard, though. I did not like his wife, Ashley, before the pandemic started. She was arrogant and treated him like a lesser partner because she felt her job was more consequential. I found her decision to clear her conscience as they faced death and at the expense of the feelings of poor Kal just appalling. The first part of the book almost had an "On the Beach" vibe but settles into routine of trying to find others and trying to survive. Good on Kal for saving dogs.

[Drew Kendall · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good read

This book was different than most apocalyptic-type novels I enjoy which typically are suspenseful from the first page to the last page, so this story seemed to slow in a few spots and I found myself skipping pages. But when it happens the suspense is wonderfully written and the pages fly by. In retrospect I think this book built on the central character's weaknesses and strengths and how he was changed through the many relations he forges throughout the story...and that is great but there are so many of these that describing all his feelings and building the relations slows down the story. I understand this is about a world-killing virus but if I have to read about this character sobbing one more time...

Just my opinion. Other readers may enjoy this character building and give this story 5 stars. Overall, a good read.

[Alan · Rating 5 out of 5]

After The Next Pandemic is an exciting post-apocalyptic, medical thriller that is full of plot twists and creative character arcs.

The detailed story telling and dialogue will take the reader on a downward spiralling journey full of tragedy, fear, suspense and hope.

After The Next Pandemic comes complete with a full cast of incredible characters, like Kal and the Spitter, who will stimulate the reader’s full range of emotions.

This James Wysotski novel is simply wonderful. The writing is clear and powerful, creating imagery that’s vivid and lasting.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a page tuner!!! We are all in the midst of a current pandemic and lets be honest, we are frightened. The pandemic in this book is much, much worse. Almost everyone has it, but not everyone will die. Our protagonist Kal needs time to heal before rejoining society and goes to the cottage. Chewbarka, a neighbours dog, is the first to accompany Kal on his road to survival, but will Kal survive? From roadblocks to bad guys; from wolves to freezing winters, there are many events that stand in Kal's way.

I heartily recommend this book, you will not be disappointed!

[LB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man !!!! James what a thrill that book was to read ! I can't believe this is your first book!
Your ability to develop complex characters, reference our COVID-19 experience and describe familiar places kept me glued to your story like I was binge-watching a Netflix series. Hurry up and get the next book "Army of Me" out for us all to read. #Netflix if you are looking, "The Last Pandemic" would make a timely edge-of-your-seat thriller to add to your line up of shows.

LB

[Darlene Doty · Rating 5 out of 5]

The MRS virus was killing the human race, but some of the deceased were coming back alive. Hal was one the survivors. His son, daughter and wife had passed away when he woke from the virus. Before he passed his wife Ashley told him that for six years, she had been having an affair. That he didn't strive to better himself and he settled. His love for her turned to hate. Read to find out how this affected his life.

[Gerri · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 star

Great first novel. The author did a great job with the main character - showed all of his ugly parts but he still ended up likeable and I rooted for him. Can’t wait for book 2.