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Jakkattu Shorts #2
Twin Helix
50 years ago the Mezna arrived with a promise to save humanity from itself.Now Earth has divided into three factions: those who welcome the Mezna live in Mezna built terraformed cities and raise children with alien DNA included with their human genome, those who rebuke all alien interference and live in Human Only sectors, and those who fall between the two, fighting for survival on a planet no longer suited for their way of life.
Jeremy and Lillian are twins, Mezna/Human hybrids born on the wrong side of the sector border. They have passed for human and hidden their identities their entire lives, but when Lillian develops a mysterious ailment, how can Jeremy get her help without exposing who they really are?
Jakkattu Series Books
AVENDUI 5IVE
TWIN HELIX
THE JAKKATTU VECTOR - Book One
More Books by P.K. Tyler
Two Moons of Sera
Moon Dust - A Short Story
White Chalk
Jeremy and Lillian are twins, Mezna/Human hybrids born on the wrong side of the sector border. They have passed for human and hidden their identities their entire lives, but when Lillian develops a mysterious ailment, how can Jeremy get her help without exposing who they really are?
This new short story from USA Today Bestselling Author P.K. Tyler is a companion to the Jakkattu series of science fiction adventures.
Jakkattu Series Books
AVENDUI 5IVE
TWIN HELIX
THE JAKKATTU VECTOR - Book One
Evolved Publishing presents the first in a series of short stories that will be part of the overall Jakkattu series of sci-fi thrillers. [DRM-Free]
More Books by P.K. Tyler
Two Moons of Sera
Moon Dust - A Short Story
White Chalk
ebook
First published October 24, 2016
About the author
P.K. Tyler
37 books153 followersPK Tyler is the author of Speculative Fiction and other Genre Bending novels. She is an artist, wife, mother and number cruncher. She graduated Smith College in 1999 with a degree in Theatre.
After graduation, she moved to New York, where she worked as a Dramaturge, Assistant Director and Production Manager on productions both on and off Broadway.
Later, Pavarti went to work in the finance industry as a freelance accountant for several international law firms. She now operates her own accounting firm in the Washington DC area, where she lives with her husband, two daughters and two terrible dogs. When not penning her science fiction books she twists her mind by writing horror and erotica stories.
Like Genre-Bending Literary Fiction? Click here: http://www.pavartiktyler.com/specficr...
"Tyler is essentially the indie scene's Margaret Atwood; she incorporates sci-fi elements into her novels, which deal with topics such as spirituality, gender, sexuality and power dynamics." - IndieReader
After graduation, she moved to New York, where she worked as a Dramaturge, Assistant Director and Production Manager on productions both on and off Broadway.
Later, Pavarti went to work in the finance industry as a freelance accountant for several international law firms. She now operates her own accounting firm in the Washington DC area, where she lives with her husband, two daughters and two terrible dogs. When not penning her science fiction books she twists her mind by writing horror and erotica stories.
Like Genre-Bending Literary Fiction? Click here: http://www.pavartiktyler.com/specficr...
"Tyler is essentially the indie scene's Margaret Atwood; she incorporates sci-fi elements into her novels, which deal with topics such as spirituality, gender, sexuality and power dynamics." - IndieReader
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 25, 2016
Twin Helix is the second Jakkattu short story, and it adds so much to the world P.K. Tyler has created.
I’ll start by saying this isn’t quite a full four stars. It’s close, but it wasn’t quite there. Nevertheless, it was so good that I felt as though rounding down would be an injustice, hence the four star rating. What stopped it from being a full four stars is the little things, but to understand these little things I first need to explain the bigger picture.
Twin Helix tells the story of twins who are not entirely human. In this short story we come to better understand how the world is divided, how the humans and aliens live together – or not – on the earth. We get to see the trouble it causes for people, the way in which it splits views. It really did add so much more to my understanding of the world that is slowly coming to light. In a mere handful of pages, we got to find out about the world and fall in love with the two characters introduced.
However, I was left wanting more, and this is what stopped it from being a full four stars. The story seemed to progress too quickly, with one thing coming after another at such a rapid pace. We didn’t jump in as deep as I’d been hoping to, despite learning so much about the world. It felt more as though we were being told about the world rather than truly experiencing it – and I wanted both the knowledge and the emotional experience.
Don’t get me wrong, it is a great story. I enjoyed it. I found out more about the world. I simply wanted a little bit more. If you’re enjoying the Jakkattu world, however, I would certainly recommend reading this one.
I’ll start by saying this isn’t quite a full four stars. It’s close, but it wasn’t quite there. Nevertheless, it was so good that I felt as though rounding down would be an injustice, hence the four star rating. What stopped it from being a full four stars is the little things, but to understand these little things I first need to explain the bigger picture.
Twin Helix tells the story of twins who are not entirely human. In this short story we come to better understand how the world is divided, how the humans and aliens live together – or not – on the earth. We get to see the trouble it causes for people, the way in which it splits views. It really did add so much more to my understanding of the world that is slowly coming to light. In a mere handful of pages, we got to find out about the world and fall in love with the two characters introduced.
However, I was left wanting more, and this is what stopped it from being a full four stars. The story seemed to progress too quickly, with one thing coming after another at such a rapid pace. We didn’t jump in as deep as I’d been hoping to, despite learning so much about the world. It felt more as though we were being told about the world rather than truly experiencing it – and I wanted both the knowledge and the emotional experience.
Don’t get me wrong, it is a great story. I enjoyed it. I found out more about the world. I simply wanted a little bit more. If you’re enjoying the Jakkattu world, however, I would certainly recommend reading this one.
October 28, 2016
Jeremy and Lillian are twin Mezna-human hybrids living as humans in the Humans Only section of Anchorage, Alaska. But while Lillian can easily pass as human, Jeremy is starting to exhibit Mezna traits. And if he's caught, so is she. The penalty - death. So when Lillian falls sick they must find a way out of Anchorage to a place that will accept them for who they are.
The author continues to build her world, one which is divided into three factions: those who welcome the Mezna, those who despise the aliens and live in human-only sectors, and those who fall somewhere in between. In Avendui 5ive, we were introduced to the Mezna society. Here, we are introduced to a human-only sector, an area more like the world we know. Even though Jeremy and Lillian are hybrids, they are still wholly human in behavior, and have managed to pass unnoticed among humans. However, they live in constant fear of being discovered. The circumstances of their story provide a great parallel to discrimination in all forms already familiar to us.
Once again, the author manages to pack so much into such a short space. Your heart will bleed for these two and their unenviable dilemma. I can't wait to read more in this enthralling series.
I received this book in return for an honest review.
Full blog post (29 October): https://booksdirectonline.blogspot.co...
The author continues to build her world, one which is divided into three factions: those who welcome the Mezna, those who despise the aliens and live in human-only sectors, and those who fall somewhere in between. In Avendui 5ive, we were introduced to the Mezna society. Here, we are introduced to a human-only sector, an area more like the world we know. Even though Jeremy and Lillian are hybrids, they are still wholly human in behavior, and have managed to pass unnoticed among humans. However, they live in constant fear of being discovered. The circumstances of their story provide a great parallel to discrimination in all forms already familiar to us.
Once again, the author manages to pack so much into such a short space. Your heart will bleed for these two and their unenviable dilemma. I can't wait to read more in this enthralling series.
I received this book in return for an honest review.
Full blog post (29 October): https://booksdirectonline.blogspot.co...
October 24, 2016
I am really starting to hate the Mezna, their "helping" definitely is more of a hindrance. Cant wait to see what the rest of the Jakkattu series will be like
October 24, 2016
I’m loving this little companion series to
The Jakkatu Vector
(coming Nov 28!) a science-fiction/post-apocalyptic world created by P.K. Tyler. With that description, you think you know what you are in for… but trust and believe – you do not know. And that’s a really good thing!
Tyler has created a world where nothing works in ways familiar to us: one group is ‘in charge’ and they have subjugated, abused and regulated everything: land, people, food supplies, birth, medicine and religion. But, with the assumption of managing everything possible, some pieces are bound to break and revert according to long standing rules of nature.
In Twin Helix, we have two twins hiding in plain sight in the Alaskan Sector. These two are hybrids, with very different looks and approaches to life: Jeremy is more reserved and lives in constant fear of being discovered while Lillian is outgoing, popular, green eyed and seemingly carefree. But Lillian’s come down with an illness that neither understand, and both know that leaving the sector is the only way to possibly find her help.
Several questions from the larger world are answered in this one, even as it stands perfectly on its own. Neither Jeremy nor Lillian truly understand their own biology, or what to expect as they move into adulthood. Having hidden their hybrid state all their lives, they are woefully unprepared for what will come, and no one feels that loss more keenly than Jeremy. Short, gripping and evocative, it’s a nice snack-sized story that feeds well into the world, and is a wonderful quick read for those wanting something different.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the author for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Tyler has created a world where nothing works in ways familiar to us: one group is ‘in charge’ and they have subjugated, abused and regulated everything: land, people, food supplies, birth, medicine and religion. But, with the assumption of managing everything possible, some pieces are bound to break and revert according to long standing rules of nature.
In Twin Helix, we have two twins hiding in plain sight in the Alaskan Sector. These two are hybrids, with very different looks and approaches to life: Jeremy is more reserved and lives in constant fear of being discovered while Lillian is outgoing, popular, green eyed and seemingly carefree. But Lillian’s come down with an illness that neither understand, and both know that leaving the sector is the only way to possibly find her help.
Several questions from the larger world are answered in this one, even as it stands perfectly on its own. Neither Jeremy nor Lillian truly understand their own biology, or what to expect as they move into adulthood. Having hidden their hybrid state all their lives, they are woefully unprepared for what will come, and no one feels that loss more keenly than Jeremy. Short, gripping and evocative, it’s a nice snack-sized story that feeds well into the world, and is a wonderful quick read for those wanting something different.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the author for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
December 3, 2016
I was surprised to find out the story was in Alaska :) The story is well rounded. I can't even begin to contemplate how I would react, let alone judge the characters for their choices. I just really wish these short stories were longer, so I could see what happens after!
October 3, 2017
I received this free upon signing up for a sci-fi webinar. It is a well-written short story that makes excellent use of every word to introduce us to an earth where aliens had arrived. The government had allowed breeding experiments giving rise to our main characters. twins trying to survive as human in a prejudiced world who are immediately faced with needing alien help in a human town.
I can't say more without spoilers. The author packed a big story in a small number of word. Besides i feel the immediate need to search for the Jakkattu series by this author.
I can't say more without spoilers. The author packed a big story in a small number of word. Besides i feel the immediate need to search for the Jakkattu series by this author.
September 20, 2017
Awesome writing! Sweet and horrifying both!
November 22, 2016
This is the second short story based in Tyler's Jakkattu Vector world.
A very well written tale highlighting the difficulties of two Mezna/Human hybrid children. How long can they keep the Mezna part of themselves hidden, whilst living as humans? In a set of twins, is one more likely to show their true identity more than the other one?
I found myself thinking about the issues raised in this story with relation to human children whose parents came from different castes/tribes/colours/races when this was unacceptable. These children often felt that they were 'lost' and did not understand who they were or what they would go through as neither side would take them in due to the intolerance involved. As with this tale, who do they turn to when they need help concerning either side of their 'oneness'?
As usual, PK Tyler gives the reader a strong, sad, but entertaining, story in a SciFi world that is so full of potential, but also makes the reader think about their own world and the disparities within, whether ancient or modern. I really can't wait to see how this series progresses.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. (Apologies if any of the content of this review offends.)
A very well written tale highlighting the difficulties of two Mezna/Human hybrid children. How long can they keep the Mezna part of themselves hidden, whilst living as humans? In a set of twins, is one more likely to show their true identity more than the other one?
I found myself thinking about the issues raised in this story with relation to human children whose parents came from different castes/tribes/colours/races when this was unacceptable. These children often felt that they were 'lost' and did not understand who they were or what they would go through as neither side would take them in due to the intolerance involved. As with this tale, who do they turn to when they need help concerning either side of their 'oneness'?
As usual, PK Tyler gives the reader a strong, sad, but entertaining, story in a SciFi world that is so full of potential, but also makes the reader think about their own world and the disparities within, whether ancient or modern. I really can't wait to see how this series progresses.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. (Apologies if any of the content of this review offends.)
October 26, 2016
This is the second short story in the Jakkattu Saga, which is set in a desolate but very intriguing post-apocalyptic future with aliens and cyborgs. Don't expect any feel-good stories with tidy happy endings in this world. However, the story is well-written, and while I didn't like these characters quite as much as the characters in the first story, I still sympathized with them and was rooting for them. This is also a clean read, and I don't recall seeing any typos or other editing problems.
I generally prefer more upbeat stories, but I remain fascinated with this setting and want to know more about this world, so I'm looking forward to reading more of the Jakkattu Saga. If you enjoy scifi in dark settings and don't mind the lack of a happy ending, give this a try! The compelling world-building will leave you wanting to know more. And don't miss the first story, Avendui 5ive.
I volunteered to review an advanced reader copy of this book.
I generally prefer more upbeat stories, but I remain fascinated with this setting and want to know more about this world, so I'm looking forward to reading more of the Jakkattu Saga. If you enjoy scifi in dark settings and don't mind the lack of a happy ending, give this a try! The compelling world-building will leave you wanting to know more. And don't miss the first story, Avendui 5ive.
I volunteered to review an advanced reader copy of this book.
October 30, 2016
Twins - check. Genetic engineering -check. Dystopian - check. All the things that intrigue me. So why only three stars?
I realize this is a "short" part of a much bigger story. It's really just an introduction to what I assume will be a major character in the bigger story. Sort of a prelude if you will. I did enjoy this book, but I was disappointed that the story isn't really about twins because one of the twins dies in the end.
But the biggest reason this book didn't get more stars is because it is so short. Amazon shows it at 69 pages, but really the story is more like 52 pages with the remainder being advertising for other stories. As an author myself I'm aware of the value of advertising your other works in your publication, but I really think 25% of the book is a bit excessive.
I realize this is a "short" part of a much bigger story. It's really just an introduction to what I assume will be a major character in the bigger story. Sort of a prelude if you will. I did enjoy this book, but I was disappointed that the story isn't really about twins because one of the twins dies in the end.
But the biggest reason this book didn't get more stars is because it is so short. Amazon shows it at 69 pages, but really the story is more like 52 pages with the remainder being advertising for other stories. As an author myself I'm aware of the value of advertising your other works in your publication, but I really think 25% of the book is a bit excessive.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 9, 2016
A fascinating dystopian sci-fi world.
This is a fairly short sci-fi short story, and I wish it was longer. I love how PK Tyler is creating this future Mezna world and how she is giving us perspectives from disparate people on different parts of this future Earth. I am looking forward to reading the full-length novel in this series called "The Jakkattu Vector." I think that a novel-length addition to the series will be really brilliant.
I think that this story is appropriate for teens and adults. Just note that there is no violence but there is a little bit of grossness. The author gave me a free advance reading copy, and I voluntarily reviewed it. All opinions are my own.
This is a fairly short sci-fi short story, and I wish it was longer. I love how PK Tyler is creating this future Mezna world and how she is giving us perspectives from disparate people on different parts of this future Earth. I am looking forward to reading the full-length novel in this series called "The Jakkattu Vector." I think that a novel-length addition to the series will be really brilliant.
I think that this story is appropriate for teens and adults. Just note that there is no violence but there is a little bit of grossness. The author gave me a free advance reading copy, and I voluntarily reviewed it. All opinions are my own.
October 25, 2016
I just love this series. This is another short story about the world of Mezna, hybrids, and cruelty which seems to be the norm in this alternative universe which Tyler has created. I enjoyed it and can't wait to read more. I hope there is a lot more to come. You know what I love the most about Tyler's short stories... they say so much in so few pages, it's truly amazing. ;)
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews