Audible Book Review: If Angesl Fall by Rick Mofina

This crime thriller has good twists.
If Angels Fall
By: Rick Mofina
Narrated by: Christian Rummel

Series: Tom Reed and Walt Sydowski, Book 1
Length: 13 hrs and 24 mins
Release date: 12-22-15
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Crime Fiction, Suspense
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
Tom Reed is a crime reporter with The San Francisco Star whose superb journalistic skills earned him a Pulitzer nomination. But years later Reed's life is coming apart. His editor wants him fired. His wife has left him to wrestle with his demons. Alone, Reed is tormented by the fear he may have caused the suicide of an innocent man suspected of murdering a two-year-old girl.
Reed's friend on the case is legendary San Francisco homicide inspector Walt Sydowski, who has one of California's highest clearance rates. He is also a lonely widower haunted by the fact he cannot solve the girl's heartbreaking death. Both men grapple with the past while they race the clock to learn the truth behind several new abductions that have anguished the Bay Area in this acclaimed thriller set in the late 1990s.
©2000, 2013 Rick Mofina (P)2015 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Tom Reed’s was once a star crime reporter. But a year or so ago his aggressive approach resulted in a potential child killer committing suicide. This event tumbled his career and sent him to the bottle causing the further deterioration of his marriage and his work. Now Tom is trying to report on a new round of child kidnappings.

Meanwhile the head detective on the case is homicide inspector Walt Sydowski who struggles with the fact that he wasn’t able to save the child a year before. The current case isn’t a homicide yet but the authorities recognize he may have some additional insight from his previous investigations. Sydowski and Reed were friends before Reed crossed the line. Now they are a bit standoffish. When Reed has additional information and suspicions, he is reluctant to take them to Sydowski.

The reader/listener is also offered a few of the gritty villain. There is a good progression from his traumatic event, through his continued pain, to his twisted plan. It is creepy and had me routing for Sydowski and Reed.

After a slower start, the story proceeds with good pacing and building tension. I enjoyed the police procedures and the twist in events that brings the story rushing to a suspenseful conclusion. I will be glad to read more by Mr. Mofina and I recommend this to fans of intense crime thrillers.

Audio Notes: Christian Rummel is the voice of another series that I love (D.J. Molles sci fi). I had a few moments of surprise hearing his voice in a different genre. Then I was pleased to hear his distinct voices for the characters and the spot-on emotional input for the story.

Source: July 2023 started as Audible Plus (finished at $1.99). This qualifies for 2023Audiobook goal.

Audible Book Review: Terminus, Lee Harden, Book 6 by D.J. Molles

I enjoyed this series and will need to find a good replacement. Maybe one of Molles’ other series.

Terminus
Lee Harden, Book 6
By: D.J. Molles
Narrated by: Christian Rummel

Length: 13 hrs and 8 mins
Release date: 01-11-22
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Military, Post-Apocalyptic
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
The only way out is through.
Greeley, Colorado lies before him. Griffin’s army presses at his back.
Lee Harden is out of options, and out of time.
Inside the city, Sam Ryder is trapped behind enemy lines, and Acting President Briggs still maintains his stranglehold on the country - and Lee’s destiny.
Choices. We are made by choices. And they make us. Choices are being made by every individual swept up in this conflict. Abby - Sam - Abe - Brinly - Angela - all of them making choices, with irreversible consequences.
And all of those consequences fall on Lee.
As Lee fights to adapt and maintain control amid the chaos of a city under siege, all of those choices will reach their terminus in this explosive conclusion to the Lee Harden series.
©2021 D.J. Molles (P)2021 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Lee Harden has had several years of struggling to keep civilians alive. That was his original mission: Survive, Rescue, Rebuild. He wasn’t given orders of how to rebuild America but thought he was on the way by developing Fort Bragg Safe Zone with leadership known as the United Eastern States (UES). The growing community was taking in refuges while defending against the infected ‘zombie’ hordes. But the tyrannical, self-proclaimed President of the United States, Briggs, based out of Greeley, Colorado, decided to take down the UES. Then the mindless hordes became Primals with reasoning and reproductive abilities.

Lee was hoping to raise allies, but US troops under the command of Briggs were willing to slaughter communities rather than allow them to help Lee and the UES. Ultimately the better armed and trained US forces, led by Colonel Griffin, attacked Fort Bragg and routed the UES partially by allowing the Primals to gain access.

Lee and a band of survivors set out to make a last ditch attack directly on Greeley. Lee has been placed in command, a job he never wanted. He is a soldier, trained to fight. It was hard enough to be responsible for a platoon of other soldiers. As he leads the rebellion into Greeley, a battered Lee now struggles with the burden of being responsible for not only his civilian companions but the innocent civilians caught in the middle of an unwanted power war.

This final installment features the tactical plans employed by Lee, his young protégé, Sam, and the US forces led by Griffin. Meanwhile, Lee’s friend and other Project Hometown Coordinator, Abe, is driven by vengeance to take out Briggs. There is depression, trauma, frustration, and a few moments of relief woven in between the active battles.

I like the action and the emotional realities. There were some twists that I appreciated for making the ending better than it might have been. Lee Harden was introduced in the Remaining Series which went through eight books before breaking into the six books of the Lee Harden Series. I have enjoyed it all and recommend it to readers who enjoy zombie type danger set in post-apocalyptic survival stories. My thanks to D. J. Molles for hours of entertainment!

Audio Notes: Christian Rummel has been the voice of Lee Harden and comrades. He provides unique voices for the characters and delivers the angst and emotional trauma that fills the story. I am so glad that I listened to the series (other that the short novellas in the Remaining series). The narration added to my enjoyment.

Source: 6/17/2022 May Audible Credit. This qualifies for TBR2023 and 2023Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Wolves by D. J. Molles

I like this author and narrator. This story is a bit brutal and sad - but engaging.
Wolves
by D. J. Molles
Narrated by: Christian Rummel

Length: 18 hrs and 19 mins
Release date: 08-30-16
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Dystopian, Horror, Post-Apocalyptic
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
From the best-selling author of the Remaining series...
They took everything - killed his wife, enslaved his daughter, destroyed his life. Now he's a man with nothing left to lose...and that's what makes him so dangerous.
Ten years after the collapse, Huxley has built a good life again. He has a loving wife, a farm with fields of golden barley, and a daughter with a strange and wonderful gift. Then the slavers come. Working out in the fields during the attack, Huxley returns too late. His daughter has been taken, and his wife is bleeding out, her last whispered words about a man with a scorpion tattoo on his neck.
Where do the slavers go? Huxley has no idea. He knows only that they head east, and so will he, setting out on foot across the desert of the Wastelands. Eighteen months into his journey, he has no hope of ever seeing his daughter alive. Dying of thirst in the open desert, he doesn't even expect to see another day.
Then a man appears out of the desert and offers Huxley water from his canteen, an unheard of kindness in these savage times. Jay is an odd man, full of violence and guided by his hatred of the slavers, but he helps Huxley survive. And he gives Huxley a new purpose: Nothing can bring back the dead, but the two men can chase down the slavers and make them bleed.
Together Huxley and Jay carve a path of destruction across the remains of a once-great land. The slavers are brutal, but they have no idea what's coming for them. Huxley has found something to live for again: blood and vengeance.
In his most powerful work yet, New York Times best-selling author D. J. Molles delivers a carefully woven novel of violence and redemption, bringing to life a devastating portrait of a man pushed to the edge of his own humanity.
©2015 D. J. Molles (P)2016 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Huxley, his wife and daughter survived the collapse and got out of the city to set up a modest farm in the country. Ten years later he is working when Slavers arrive in his community. They take his daughter and kill his wife. Huxley sets out to find the slaver with a scorpion tattoo. Eighteen months later Huxley is about to die in the Wasteland dessert. But another man, Jay, offers him water and proposes a purpose to live.

Jay is clearly set on vengeance against those who took all from him. The men agree to follow the slavers east to a place of “blood and death”. Jay convinces Huxley to take a “no-holds barred” attitude to his ‘mission’. To be successful in their goals, they need to get weapons and supplies. So begins a journey of violence.

Along the way a mixed group of men and women join the two men, some seeking their own revenge and others for their own private reasons. The path becomes very brutal and more dangerous as it becomes clear that there is authority behind that slavers that has the real power. Huxley worries that if he finds his young daughter, she will not recognize the killer he has become.

This story is full of brutality and sadness. It is well written and includes some internal thought struggles for Huxley. I liked his daughter’s unique talent, and I did sense for most of the book that Huxley hoped to find his daughter as well as hoping to have the opportunity to kill the slaver who took his family.

I have now read/listened to Molles’ series Remaining followed by the Lee Harden series. I was interested to see if this standalone would feel like the other books. There is some of the same violence and internal debating, but this seemed darker and more disturbing. The world of the Wasteland and the surviving cities is not pretty, and I admit that I could have used a little shorter time in this dark world. I am likely to continue to read the books by this author. I recommend this as an engaging story to readers of post-apocalyptic.

Audio Notes: Christian Rummel does a wonderful job with the dark nature of the story. He is able to provide distinct character voices and energy. I have found that Rummel’s performance will contribute to my enjoyment of the story he narrates.

Source 9/18/18 Audible Credit. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Unbowed, Lee Hardin, Book 5 by D. J. Molles

I did enjoy this Post-Apocalyptic adventure and am ready for the series' final book.
Unbowed
Lee Harden, Book 5
By: D. J. Molles
Narrated by: Christian Rummel

Length: 11 hrs and 21 mins
Release date: 02-09-21
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Action & Adventure, Military Sci Fi, Post-Apocalyptic
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
The United Eastern States has fallen. Lee Harden and a band of survivors have escaped President Briggs' invasion force. Their only options are to attack Briggs while his forces are delayed on the East Coast...or admit that they've been beaten and go into hiding. For Lee Harden, the decision seems obvious. But as disparate forces, factions, and loyalties begin to converge under the pressure cooker of all-out civil war, Lee is forced to confront not only insurmountable odds, but also the darkest parts of himself that he has left buried in the years since this all began.
©2020 D.J. Molles (P)2021 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Major Lee Harden is battered and feels like half a man. But he is not bowed as he pushes on leading a rag tag group of United Eastern States (UES) survivors to take the battle to self-proclaimed President Briggs in Greeley, Colorado. Along the way, Lee and his friend and co-leader/warrior Abe, are trying to convince the surviving communities to join them in the battle. Initially they are successful in gathering supplies and civilian ‘soldiers’. That is until the forces returning from the East Coast who are following behind Harden brutally deal with the communities as a clear threat to those who might support the UES efforts. This puts the UES attack on a fine line.

Meanwhile, Sam Ryder, has infiltrated Greeley at the direction of Harden. He and his small group are a key element to provide inside intel and ultimately sabotage from the inside of the enemy compound. Although they find some allies resisting Briggs within the camp, Sam and his new friends are forced into hiding. Sam and his team members are under such pressure that Sam wonders if he can fulfill the mission he promised to do. Can Sam push to remain unbowed like his hero, Lee?

As the remnants of the UES forces descend on Greeley it is clear their attack has minimal likelihood of success. Especially as they become caught between the Camp in front of them and the forces behind them. Suddenly there is aid from an unsuspected source.

And don’t forget that somewhere behind all of these humans are the Primals who are developing more cunning … and more hunger.

All of this leads up to the final confrontation in Book 6, Terminus. Some readers felt this book was mostly a filler, but I liked the continued build up to the battle which is sure to be explosive. Not all of this is happy since both Lee and Sam struggle with depression under pressure. There is also unrelenting brutality against innocent civilians who are already struggling to survive. This actually hurts a reasonable soul. I appreciate the continued character development and the action and movement forward. I am looking forward to the next (final ☹) book.

Audio Notes: Christian Rummel continues to add to my enjoyment of this series. He provides clear, distinct voices that even portray the tiredness and emotional stress of the characters.

Source: 10/17/2021 September Audible Credit. This qualifies for 2022TBR, 2022Audiobook, and 2022Alphabet goals.

Here are links to the earlier books in the Lee Hardin series:
Harden, Lee Harden, Book 1 by D.J. Molles 4.5
Southlands, Lee Harden, Book 2 by D.J. Molles 4.75
Primal, Lee Harden, Book 3 by D. J. Molles 4.5
Defiant, Lee Hardin, Book 4 by D. J. Molles

Links to my reviews of the earlier books before this series:
The Remaining, Book 1  4.25
The Remaining: Aftermath, Book 2  4.5
The Remaining: The Refugees, Book 3  4.25
The Remaining: The Fractured, Book 4  4.5
The Remaining: Trust: a Novella  4.0
The Remaining: Faith: a Novella  4.0
The Remaining: Allegiance, Book 5 4.25
The Remaining: Extinction, Book 6 4.5

Audible Book Review: Defiant, Lee Hardin, Book 4 by D. J. Molles

I enjoyed this episode in the series, even as I felt the loses.

Defiant
Lee Harden, Book 4
By: D. J. Molles
Narrated by: Christian Rummel

Length: 12 hrs and 45 mins
Release date: 06-23-20
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Action & Adventure, Military Sci Fi, Post-Apocalyptic
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
Don't ever let it break you.
The United Eastern States is crumbling. The fragile house of cards that Lee Harden and Angela Houston have built has begun to fall. Lee is up against a ticking clock, as he is recalled from Texas and given the last thing in the world that he wants: a promotion.
Forced into a command role, Major Harden is thrust into a sharp learning curve that goes against every instinct he's developed over years of fighting. As Lee races to find his footing in a mire of shifting loyalties and opposing goals, Safe Zones are being overrun by massive hordes of primals exhibiting strange behaviors and uncanny levels of intelligence, and Greeley is moving toward an invasion of the UES. The envoys from Canada and the United Kingdom know it - but they're refusing to take sides and give Lee the intelligence he desperately needs.
As the tides of war reach the doors of the UES, horrific secrets are revealed that will change the future of their fight for survival. Friends become enemies, and enemies become allies. But no matter what happens, no matter what - or who - he loses, Lee can't let it break him. He must remain defiant to the last.
©2020 D.J. Molles (P)2020 Audible, Inc.

Review:
This is book 4 in the series and picks up from the prior book. Lee Hardin is in Texas but gets the call from United Eastern States President, Angela Houston, to return to the home base to take military command. The UES has already been forced out of the Fort Bragg that Lee and Angela helped build when the infected Primals overran the base with the unwitting help of the Lincolnist rebels. Angela is coping with internal threats in the form of the continuing hidden rebels, unrest due to overcrowding and boredom. The external threats are increasing in the form of threats from President Brigg’s forces seeking to squelch the UES as well as the infected Primals who seem to be getting more organized. Several more of the Safe Zones in the Southeast have fallen and been demolished as the Primals kidnap the women and wipe out the surviving human communities. Envoys from Canada and the United Kingdom are monitoring President Briggs in Colorado and Angela in the UES. They are trying to determine if it is safer to lend their support to the rational but weakened forces and civilians in the UES or President Briggs, a clearly power hungry leader, who has stronger and better prepared military forces but has lost control of the necessary fuel sources.

When arriving to the new base of operations, Lee immediately sees areas of loyalty concerns, but he would rather continue to be fighting in the field than being the Major in charge in the tactical operations center (TOC). He struggles trying to find the right place and right approach to help Angela and the people. Unfortunately, while he is stumbling, the advance forces of President Briggs’ army are moving into the UES territory.

The local scavenging and hunter forces are able to uncover more information about the Primal activity. They also are pulled into a dangerous rescue attempt to save some of the kidnapped women. The information comes to Lee at the last minute as he is busy planning to defend the home base against expected exterior attack and suddenly facing unexpected attacks too.

My heart felt the continual attacks, deaths, and betrayals in this book. I enjoyed the action and Lee’s external and mental internal struggles. There is more bad language than I like to deal with but I can get past it. I am looking forward to picking up the next book in the series. I recommend this to fans of post-apocalyptic military stories that include more advanced zombie elements.

Audio Notes: Christian Rummel has been the voice for this series and he continues to enhance my enjoyment in the books.

Source: 6/18/2021 Audible Credit. This qualifies for 2022TBR, 2022Audiobook, and 2022Alphabet goals.

Here are links to the earlier books in the Lee Hardin series:
Harden, Lee Harden, Book 1 by D.J. Molles 4.5
Southlands, Lee Harden, Book 2 by D.J. Molles 4.75
Primal, Lee Harden, Book 3 by D. J. Molles 4.5

Links to my reviews of the earlier books before this series:
The Remaining, Book 1  4.25
The Remaining: Aftermath, Book 2  4.5
The Remaining: The Refugees, Book 3  4.25
The Remaining: The Fractured, Book 4  4.5
The Remaining: Trust: a Novella  4.0
The Remaining: Faith: a Novella  4.0
The Remaining: Allegiance, Book 5 4.25
The Remaining: Extinction, Book 6 4.5

Audible Book Review: Primal, Lee Harden, Book 3 by D. J. Molles

I like this series and this was a quick listen that kept my attention.
Primal
Lee Harden, Book 3
By: D.J. Molles
Narrated by: Christian Rummel

Length: 9 hrs and 33 mins
Release date: 11-05-19
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Military Thriller, Post Apocalyptic
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
Lee Harden is out for blood. After a month, the cartel is looking over their shoulders and jumping at shadows, worried about the madmen in their backyard, who seem obsessed with little else but killing cartel members. Lee continues to claw his way towards revenge, searching for a target to strike at, or a person to destroy, that will force his enemies to reveal themselves. And nothing is going to stop him. Not even Abe.
In the United Eastern States, things are crumbling around Angela. Safe zones are dropping out of communication, and no one seems to have any faith in her since the fall of Fort Bragg. Carl Gilliard's methods of purging the dissenters grow harsher and harsher, and Angela is forced to run interference for him, denying allegations of misconduct. She needs to get them back to Fort Bragg to show that they aren't losing this war. But she's not sure they can get there before everything falls apart.
Working fast - and sometimes unsafely - to secure the route back to Fort Bragg, Sam Ryder and his squad make a grim discovery that might be the start of an evolutionary jump for the primals - and a threat to the survival of the human race.
In this thrilling and gritty third installment to the Lee Harden series, the only thing you can be certain of is that things are about to change. ©2019 D. J. Molles (P)2019 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Lee had grown close to his team of ‘warriors’ who have been on the front lines fighting the hordes of infected and trying to protect their safe zones. In the last book, Southlands, Lee and the team had to leave Fort Bragg to seek allies and resources. When they thought they were about to succeed in their mission goals, they were betrayed. Lee lost most of his team including his friend and lover, Julia, who helped keep him focused on more than survival. Now, left with only his fellow soldier, Abe, Lee has no softness and is focused on nothing more than revenge. Abe tries to fulfill their original mission, but he can’t keep Lee on track. Lee’s drive is brutal and gritty and although he gets to some of his enemies he finally gets reeled into the net of the strongest foe.

Meanwhile, President Angela, security leader Carl and others are trying to keep the refugees of the United Eastern States together while they weed out the dissenting ‘traitors’. They hope to retake Fort Bragg which they lost due to the internal coup allowing the infected primals to swarm their home fort.

Sam Ryder, a young man rescued by Lee and left in the care of Angela, is hiding the secret that he knows at least one of the dissenters who is living among the other refugees. Sam has become one of the many teams who go out to hunt and kill the primals. He is one of the few who begins to see a disturbing change in the patterns of the mutating creatures. Unless others take note of the ‘evolution’ the primals could succeed in eliminating the remaining human population.

I do enjoy the fast pace action in this series. The characters are well developed and make for interesting conflict, even if I don’t like all of them. I do like Lee and Abe and the tension that exists between them. There are a couple of chapters where the language gets too foul for my tastes but, fortunately, that passes and the plot takes precedence again. This episode had more battle issues than moving the survivors forward to safety but it laid the foundation for the next book to do that with some potential allies and the new level of primals to face. I will definitely be continuing with the series.

This is a series spin off (or continuation) of Molles' series called the Remaining where Lee, Abe and other soldiers are introduced as leaders in Project Hometown. I recommend both series to fans of zombie type survival, action stories.

Audio Notes: Christian Rummel is the voice of the series and he doesn’t disappoint. He delivers the pain, grit, weariness and frustrations of the characters. I will be glad to continue to listen to the series.

Source: September 2020 Credit purchase. This qualifies for 2020Audiobook goal.

Audible Book Review: Rocky River Bridge, A Grower's War Prequel by D. J. Molles

This is a quick listen and teaser to a new series.

Rocky River Bridge
A Grower's War Prequel
By: D. J. Molles
Narrated by: Christian Rummel

Length: 29 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 02-07-17
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Post-Apocalyptic, Sci-Fi
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
Two young boys set off for the Rocky River Bridge through their war-torn North Carolina hometown, both with something to prove - an adventure that will quickly teach them the realities of the raging world around them, in this prequel to DJ Molles' newest novel: The Purge of District 89.
©2017 D. J. Molles (P)2017 Audible, Inc.

Review:
This story introduces two young brothers, 9-year-old Roy and 8-year-old Walt, who live in a war zone in North Carolina. Roy is leading his brother on a boyish summer antic although their adventure is taking them into areas patrolled by mixed troops. In this post-apocalyptic world, the Americans have teamed with Chinese and Russian soldiers in an authority known as the Coalition. The authority controls the lands and directs the growers in the community.

I didn’t get a clear picture of the events that resulted in the nuclear fallout and this new order. However, this quick read provides a teaser to pull interest into the Grower’s War series. I am already a fan of DJ Molles so I might not need this teaser, but I enjoyed the free, quick entertainment.

Audio Notes: Christian Rummel is a regular narrator for D. J. Molles and they are a really good match. Rummel captures the voices and the atmosphere. The narration enhanced the story for me.

Source: Free Plus Catalog from Audible. This qualifies for my 2020Audiobook goal.

Audible Book Review: Vanguard by Jack Campbell

I enjoyed this space colonization sci-fi.
Vanguard
The Genesis Fleet, Book 1
By: Jack Campbell
Narrated by: Christian Rummel

Series: Genesis Fleet, Book 1
Length: 9 hrs and 27 mins
Release date: 05-16-17
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Colonization, Military Sci-Fi
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
Jack Campbell returns to the world of the New York Times best-selling Lost Fleet novels with a new action-packed military science fiction series that explores the founding of the Alliance...and the men and women who fought to create it.
Earth is no longer the center of the universe. After the invention of the faster-than-light jump drive, humanity is rapidly establishing new colonies. But the vast distances of space mean that the old order of protection and interstellar law offered by Earth has ceased to exist.
When a nearby world attacks, the new colony of Glenlyon turns to Robert Geary, a young former junior fleet officer, and Mele Darcy, a onetime enlisted marine. With nothing but improvised weapons and a few volunteers, Geary and Darcy must face down warships and armored soldiers - or die trying.
As battles rage and pirates take an increasing toll throughout the colonies, the only hope for lasting peace lies with Carmen Ochoa, a "Red" from the anarchic world of Mars, and Lochan Nakamura, a failed politician. They have a plan: to lay the groundwork for mutual defense that could someday grow into an alliance. But if their efforts don't succeed, the growing power of aggressor worlds could turn regions of space founded on freedom into battlefields between the first interstellar empires.
©2017 John G. Hemry (P)2017 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Humanity has taken to the stars to establish new colonies, but they aren’t always safe. Glenlyon is a new colony that has established some primary living areas but has done nothing towards space defense. They can reach out to the home world for help but not only will that take time, ut the home world isn’t exactly jumping to aid the colonies.

Robert Geary is a former junior fleet officer looking for a new start on Glenlyon. He didn’t expect to be recruited to lead a rag tag, untrained force of volunteers. When an unannounced freighter and escort shuttle enter the planet’s orbit, Robert and his new force surprise everyone by capturing the shuttle. Their success provides a small advantage, but they still don’t have the weapons or forces to protect the planet if – or more likely when - the bullying enemy returns.

Mele Darcy, a former marine, with her rebellious nature, has traveled out to a distant colony for a new start in her own life. When the Glenlyon leadership need to set up a force to fight the intruding enemy, they discover Mele’s background and recruit her to put together a military presence. Fortunately, Mele has enough background and strategy intelligence to be able to set up successful raids to damage the enemy.

Meanwhile, two others looking for a new life, Carmen and Lochan, have landed on a neighboring planet. Even though Carmen was successful on Earth as a crisis and peace negotiator, she is afraid others will reject her because she is a “Red” from Mars. Lochan views himself as a failed politician and a failure in all aspects of his life. They begin to show each other that they can be accepted and succeed with a change in attitude.

Mele helped Lochan escape becoming part of a slave group. This connection becomes helpful when Robert reaches out to the colony where Carmen and Lochan have just arrived. The small group of friends realize they may be able to survive better if they join as an alliance to help each other.

It has been years since I read the first book in the Lost Fleet and I should probably return to the rest of that series. The background of the humanity expansions from Earth seemed very brief in this book and initially I felt the characters were disjointed or disconnected. I was glad when the connections came together. The story flowed quickly, and I enjoyed the easy characters who each have a talent that was needed. There were some moments that required a stretch of belief, but I find that okay to some degree especially in science fiction. I was troubled by some inconsistencies as one scene indicated a problem with space delayed communications and in a later scene the communications seemed to be instantaneous. The romantic element was a little annoying, though intended to be cute.

Overall, I enjoyed the ride and watching the characters face new challenges and battles. I would be interested to see how they continue to defend their worlds and seek resolution with the enemy. I recommend this to readers who enjoy an easy, fast-paced space sci-fi filled.

Audio Notes: Christian Rummel is a very talented narrator. He added life to the story by providing distinct and apt voices for the characters. I definitely enjoyed listening to this story.

Source: 12/6/2019 Audible Free Titles for Settlement. This qualifies for 2020TBR, 2020Alphabet and 2020Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Southlands, Lee Harden, Book 2 by D.J. Molles

This episode gripped me and had me listening hoping for better luck for the primary characters.
Southlands
Lee Harden, Book 2
By: D.J. Molles
Narrated by: Christian Rummel

Series: Lee Harden, Book 2
Length: 9 hrs and 55 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 05-28-19
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Action & Adventure, Military Sci Fi, Post-Apocalyptic
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.75; Narration 5.0.

Publisher's Summary
After being sequestered to a bunker to recover from his wounds, Lee Harden is finally going topside with his fellow Project Hometown Coordinator, Terrence "Tex" Lehy. Lee wants to ally the UES with Texas, in order to combat the threat of a powerful oil cartel to the south. But Tex's methods raise serious questions, and Lee quickly discovers that Texas has its own set of problems.
In the Fort Bragg Safe Zone, the conflict with the Lincolnists is rapidly escalating. Master Sergeant Carl Gilliard has just returned, and he’s intent on destroying the Lincolnists, using whatever means are necessary.
Angela is caught in the middle, unable to reconcile her sense of civil morality with her desire for justice. One thing remains certain: before there is peace, there will be blood.
©2019 D.J. Molles (P)2019 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Lee Harden continues to struggle for freedom each day. He is off in Texas with Julia and Abe to pursue their current mission. They are meeting with fellow Project Hometown Coordinator, “Tex”, in the hopes of gaining the Texas military elements as allies to fight the threat of a powerful cartel to the south. Lee realizes that Texas has its own issues and struggles to take into consideration.

Meanwhile, the Lincolnists in the Fort Bragg Safe Zone are becoming more of a threat to the community. The elected president, Angela, is caught in the middle of military pressures and the rights being demanded by the rising group of rebels. She is leaning toward restraining the military as she tries to uphold ‘constitutional’ and civil rights.

Molles manages to provide strong characters and intense plot situation which keep me up too late listening. I was intensely invested in the events of this continuing story which were likely to lead to battle, blood, and loss. There were moments when I was shaking my head and clenching my fists suspecting a trap or betrayal and suspecting decision errors would lead to disaster. Now I am wondering how the characters I care about will continue to survive.

I initially thought book 3 wasn’t out yet but in checking, I am glad to see it is available. It is on my purchase list for series to continue. I recommend this series, starting with the Remaining series, to readers who like intense action with characters you become invested in. After all – who wouldn’t be concerned about whether the uninfected humans can survive and rebuild society while facing corrupt and power-hungry politicians, infighting rebel groups and external threats from evolving zombies?

Audio Notes: Christian Rummel continues to do a stellar job with the narration of the series. He provides unique voices that fit each of the characters. I totally enjoy listening to this series.

Here is a Link to my reviews of other books in the series. 

Source: December 2019 Audible Sale $5.98. This qualifies for 2020TBR, 2020Audiobook and 2020Alphabet goals.

Audible Book Review: Harden, Lee Harden, Book 1 by D.J. Molles

This is gritty but I was glued to listening.
Harden
Lee Harden, Book 1
By: D.J. Molles
Narrated by: Christian Rummel

Series: Lee Harden, Book 1
Length: 10 hrs and 3 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 10-23-18
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Sci Fi, Post Apocalyptic
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
Harden is the highly-anticipated return to the NYT best-selling series, The Remaining.
It’s been three years since Lee Harden emerged from his bunker into a world gone mad. Governments have fallen. And new ones have taken their place. In the United Eastern States, Lee and his team of battle-hardened operatives walk a tightrope of survival, keeping their fledgling society safe from the creatures beyond their gates - and from the enemies within.
Then, an ambush in hostile territory reveals a traitor in their midst - and leaves Lee barely clinging to life. Wounded and on the run, Lee and his team race to uncover the leak before it’s too late. Through a background of destruction, betrayal, and newly-evolved apex predators, they must stay one step ahead of a ruthless organization spreading out of the south - an organization that has allied with someone who wants Lee dead, and the United Eastern States demolished. But how do you stay ahead of an enemy that knows every move you make?
Reintroducing one of the most beloved heroes in post-apocalyptic fiction, Harden immerses you in a reality of desperate gambits, where wrong moves could cost the lives of thousands, but saving them could cost your humanity. The only rule is NEVER STOP FIGHTING.
©2018 D.J. Molles (P)2018 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Harden is a dedicated soldier who found himself as one of the few left with resources when a virus turned the majority of people into zombies. He started his days struggling for survival with the mantra “the only easy day was yesterday”. (The Remaining.) This story opens with Harden nearly dead. His team is trying to revive him from a chest wound while they are on the run and under fire. Harden is now struggling to live, get up and fight, reminding himself that this is who he is: he has to protect his team and he can “never stop fighting”.

Harden helped establish a community of survivors which has allied with other groups along the coast as the United Eastern States. They all face the threat of self-appointed “president” Briggs who has commandeered resources and set up base in Colorado. Briggs wants to abandon the south to the infected hordes and he needs to eliminate Harden to get to the resources Harden has gathered. Harden and his team are facing a new force and coping with the realization that someone from their home base at Fort Bragg has betrayed them.

Harden and allies were able to stop a horde of infected about to take over North Carolina. But now the infected have adapted and are changing into stronger and more reasoning creatures dubbed Primals. While Harden and team try to escape, trouble is expanding back home. There is opposition sniping (literally) at Angela, the selected leader (and semi love interest of Harden). And some of the residents have gotten lax about perimeter safety allowing a threat into the protected community. They are in crisis when they learn that there is a mole and traitor in their midst.

I was glad to pick up this series again and appreciated that Harden is exhausted and struggling (after he survives death). I had forgotten how harsh the language is and I had to get into the story to get around the swearing. Thank goodness that Mr. Molles concentrates on intense plotting and suspense. I stayed up too late listening and was glad and sad at the end. Glad because there is a small light of hope and sad because the book ended with open issues (mini cliff hanger). I will have to pick up the next one to continue the saga. I recommend starting this series at the beginning.

Audio Notes: Christian Rummel continues to do a wonderful job providing voices and emotional intensity for these characters. The narration enhances my enjoyment of the story.

Source: November 2018 Audible Credit. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goal.

Links to my reviews of the earlier books:
The Remaining, Book 1  4.25
The Remaining: Aftermath, Book 2  4.5
The Remaining: The Refugees, Book 3  4.25
The Remaining: The Fractured, Book 4  4.5
The Remaining: Trust: a Novella  4.0
The Remaining: Faith: a Novella  4.0
The Remaining: Allegiance, Book 5 4.25
The Remaining: Extinction, Book 6 4.5

Audible Review: The Remaining: Extinction by D. J. Molles

This is a satisfactory conclusion although I don’t want the series to be over.

The Remaining: Extinction

by D.J. Molles

Narrated by: Christian Rummel

Length: 12 hrs and 24 mins

Series: The Remaining, Book 6

Unabridged Audiobook

Release Date:07-28-15

Publisher: Audible Studios

Genre: Sci Fi, Post Apocalyptic

My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary

This is the sixth and final novel in the action-packed series following Special Forces captain Lee Harden and a group of survivors struggling to survive while rebuilding an America devastated by a bacterium that has turned 90 percent of the population into a ravenous horde.

The merciless tide of infected is flooding south, and time is running out to stop them. Bolstered by new allies, Captain Lee Harden continues his struggle to establish a safe haven from which the embers of a shattered society can be rekindled.

This is the sixth and final novel in D. J. Molles' best-selling series: Book one: The Remaining; book two: The Remaining: Aftermath; book three: The Remaining: Refugees; book four: The Remaining: Fractured; book five: The Remaining: Allegiance; book six: The Remaining: Extinction; novella one: The Remaining: Trust; novella two: The Remaining: Faith.

©2015 D.J. Molles (P)2015 Audible, Inc.

Review:
The healthy plague survivors led by the bottomless determination of Captain Lee Harden now face the infected hordes that are flooding into North Carolina from the northern states. Lee has already survived an assassination attempt and returned from near death to continue to lead the survivors at Camp Ryder. But the opposition has not done with its efforts to stop him. They will take ruthless steps and use betrayal to try to coerce Lee’s capitulation.

Lee and his allies make a last ditch effort to eliminate the hordes before they overrun North Carolina. As usual, the best laid plans face problems in the final execution and the situation is tense and frightening.

The lines between friends and enemies has become blurred at this point in the series. There are more human betrayals and losses to be suffered. There are also dangerous rescues to cheer. Some characters face a last chance for redemption and one newer character is revealed who might come as a surprise to some readers.

I enjoyed the continuing action, emotional ups and downs, twists and surprises. Either the language wasn't as severe in this book or I was more accustomed to it (I hope not) as it was not so glaring to me. There is still quite a bit of violence which goes hand in hand with the story lines.

This is intended to be the conclusion of the series which makes me sad. Molles really does a good job of wrapping up most of the loose ends and character threads. Still there is room for more beyond this stage and I would be eager to see the series continue. I truly enjoyed the action ride.

Audio Notes: As I have noted in the previous reviews I have greatly enjoyed Christian Rummel’s multi-faceted narration. He manages the variety of voice well and provides good emotional intensity and action. I highly recommend this series in audio. (Now I will be looking for more books narrated by Rummel in hopes of finding another good series.)

Links to my reviews of the earlier books:
The Remaining, Book 1  4.25
The Remaining: Aftermath, Book 2  4.5
The Remaining: The Refugees, Book 3  4.25
The Remaining: The Fractured, Book 4  4.5
The Remaining: Trust: a Novella  4.0
The Remaining: Faith: a Novella  4.0
The Remaining: Allegiance, Book 5 4.25

I had to get the last book to complete this series! I picked this up at Audible with my second September credit. It qualifies for my Audio Challenge.

Audible Review: The Remaining: Allegiance by D. J. Molles

This wasn’t the strongest episode but I thought it still moved forward well.
The Remaining: Allegiance
Written by: D. J. Molles
Narrated by: Christian Rummel

Length: 14 hrs and 52 mins
Series: The Remaining, Book 5
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:02-24-15
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Sci Fi, Post Apocalyptic
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
This is the fifth novel in the action-packed series following Special Forces Captain Lee Harden and a group of survivors struggling to make their way in a ruined world. After a bacterium has turned 90 percent of the population into a ravenous horde, Lee must complete his mission: SURVIVE, RESCUE, REBUILD.
©2015 D.J. Molles (P)2014 Audible Inc.

Review:
This is the fifth novel in the series. Lee is trying to recover from his injuries and struggles. He is trying to help with the state of leadership at Camp Ryder, while trying to figure out how he can help the two convoys that went east and west.

LaRouche has gone missing from the east group leaving Wilson to continue the scrambling efforts to destroy the bridges over the Roanoke River. The team is on a desperate race to stay ahead of the infected hordes they can hear and see on the north side of the river.

Harper’s team has reached Eden only to discover that they may be too late to prevent the spread of the infected hordes there. His team has been joined by a group of Marines although there is some friction between the Camp Ryder team and the Marines. An impulsive and angry decision puts one team member down with a broken leg. But real trouble appears when a betrayal takes place.

While we follow the usual characters, we also get to follow new characters. Abe and Luke were part of Project Hometown until they got new orders. They have begun to question if they are doing the ‘right’ thing. They are moving in one direction but become captives of a new element in the story.

Things move quickly in this episode following five different threads. There is still good action and much conflict as personalities continue to mold with the new realities and moralities of the situation. Sides are being drawn between those who support the concept of Project Hometown and those who are committed to follow the new President with the plans to abandon the southern states to the hordes. Lee and Camp Ryder have to face the fact that they cannot succeed without gaining new alliances.

This installment has a bit too much internal introspection that creates strange pauses. Still, I am completely wrapped in this series and I am anxious to listen to the next book to find out what happens. (There is still a lot of violence and language continuing in the series although maybe not as heavy or noticeable/memorable.)

Audio Notes: I don’t have much new to add regarding the excellent narration by Christian Rummel. I read the two novellas on Kindle and I am glad to be back to audio for the rest of the series. The narration enhances the intensity and entertainment value for me.

Links to my reviews of the earlier books:
The Remaining, Book 1
The Remaining: Aftermath, Book 2
The Remainig: The Refugees, Book 3
The Remaining: The Fractured, Book 4
The Remaining: Trust: a Novella
The Remaining: Faith: a Novella

I selected this with a September Audible Credit. This adds to my Audio Challenge.

Book Review: The Remaining: Faith: A Novella by D. J. Molles

This is another novella bringing a civilian perspective to this interesting series.
The Remaining: Faith: A Novella
by D.J. Molles

• File Size: 1130 KB
• Print Length: 74 pages
• Publisher: Orbit (May 27, 2014)
• Sold by: Hachette Book Group
• ASIN: B00HK6UA34
Genre: Sci Fi, Post Apocalyptic
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

The world is slipping into chaos. A mysterious plague has come stateside, and Clyde Bealey suddenly finds himself with nothing but a suitcase full of worthless things and a desperate sense that he must prove himself to his pregnant wife. As he tries to lead his family to safety through a world filled with madmen, he will learn that the cost of his pride might be more than he can bear.

Review:
This novella fills in early details of the plague effects as it focuses on a civilian couple in an evacuation situation. The behavior of the public is not too surprising and brings home the huge gap between the lifestyle most of us take for granted and the hardships of surviving without basics like electricity, water and society protections. Clyde’s character is a great contrast to the military characters who are primary in the installments so far. But even a man like Clyde might find a place in the new disordered world.

This is an interesting, if disturbing, character study. Again, the novella serves to fill in background and develop a character who will appear in the next installment(s). I would not recommend this book without the full series but this serves to pull in a different, and interesting perspective before moving on to the next full book.

Again, this is pricey for a digital and for an audio book. Still, I am glad I read it as part of the whole series. The novellas strengthen the stage to jump into book 5, The Remaining: Allegiances.

Links to my reviews of the earlier books:
The Remaining, Book 1
The Remaining: Aftermath, Book 2
The Remainig: The Refugees, Book 3
The Remaining: The Fractured, Book 4
The Remaining: Trust: a Novella

I purchased this second novella as it fits in the series before Book 5.

Book Review: The Remaining: Trust: A Novella by D.J. Molles

This Novella presents background material and an important character for this series.

The Remaining: Trust: A Novella
by D.J. Molles

• File Size: 502 KB
• Print Length: 83 pages
• Publisher: Orbit (March 25, 2014)
• Sold by: Hachette Book Group
• ASIN: B00HCKSYAE
Genre: Sci Fi, Post Apocalyptic
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

D..J. Molles' stunning Remaining saga continues in this first novella in the series set in a world ravaged by a bacterium that has turned 90% of the population into ravenous animals.
While Captain Lee Harden struggles to fulfill his part in Project Hometown his trusted friend and ally Major Abe Darabie works to hold up his end of the mission. But caught between his responsibility to the mission and the ambitions of a new president Abe must decide where his duty lies and whom he can trust in a country turned upside down.

Review:
This novella focuses on a character who, although mentioned in the previous books, has not been an active character. Major Abe Darabie was Captain Lee Harden’s superior in Project Hometown. They were friends before the plague hit but now it appears that Abe is operating under new orders from the new – or in Lee’s opinion “acting” - president.

Abe is called out to help a team that is retrieving supplies. The team has been attacked and Abe is alarmed when he learns the identity of the attackers. The new information has Abe questioning the changes being implemented by President Briggs. Can Abe trust the ambitious intentions of the new president or should he trust his old orders and duties?

This gives the reader an up close view of Abe and the dilemma that officers face when duty to a superior conflicts with duty to the people. What happens when superior orders are inconsistent with doing ‘what’s right, legally and morally’? Who defines the ‘right’ and where is the line drawn between safety and survival for some but not for all? The novella isn't as action intense as other installments but it serves an informational purpose rather than just more action.

I enjoyed this quick novella and thought it was a good way to fill in the background of the opposition that has declared Lee to be a “non-viable asset”. Abe, and his second hand man, Lucas, are developed so they can appear in the next full installment(s) of the series. The price was a bit high for the product but it was more acceptable in digital format than the price of audio for such a short work.

Links to my reviews of the earlier books:
The Remaining, Book 1
The Remaining: Aftermath, Book 2
The Remainig: The Refugees, Book 3
The Remaining: The Fractured, Book 4

I purchased this Novella which is one of two that fit before the fifth book in the series.

Audible Review: The Remaining: Fractured by D. J. Molles

This series is harsh (violence and language) but it is gripping emotionally and philosophically as well as being great entertainment.
The Remaining: Fractured
Written by: D. J. Molles
Narrated by: Christian Rummel

Length: 19 hrs and 28 mins
Series: The Remaining, Book 4
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:08-27-13
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Sci Fi, Post Apocalyptic
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
This is the destiny of those who stand for others. Their honor will be bought in blood and pain. The Camp Ryder Hub is broken. Lee is nowhere to be found, and his allies are scattered across the state, each of them learning that their missions will not be as easy as they thought. Inside the walls of Camp Ryder, a silent war is brewing, between those few that still support Lee's vision of rebuilding, and the majority that support Jerry's desire for isolation. But this war will not remain silent for long. And in this savage world, everyone will have to make a choice. To keep their morals. Or keep their lives.
©2013 D.J. Molles (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Half of Lee’s friends are off to the East to deal with bridges in Roanoke and the other half are off to the west to establish a ‘base’ in Eden. Lee himself has gone missing. Jerry decides this is a perfect time to make a move to take over Camp Ryder. Angie gets caught in the process and becomes an enemy and target of Jerry’s threats. He can’t remove her without angering the half of the Camp that were Bus supporters and creating questions among the others.

This is an intense installment in the series. Each of the separate groups have to face great hardship and the possibility that they will not be successful in their mission. The key characters are portrayed as they deal with the emotional depression and hopelessness of their situations as well as the moral decline they see in their circumstances and the personal moral choices they each struggle with.

It is not clear if Lee will survive the dangers he faces. LaRoche and Brother Jim continue to battle on philosophical issues that disrupt their mission which is already on a time crunch and facing attacks from The Followers. Harper’s team faces an infected attack that traumatizes certain team members. Really, all the primary characters are traumatized but some react more dramatically than others. Some are strengthened while others are shattered but many are hardened so they can press on in spite of the challenges. The situations had me gasping, wincing, inwardly saying “no, no no!” (and an occasional fist pump "yes!")  and hiding my eyes as if I could hide from the traumas.

I have found some symbolism in this series but I suspect that the symbolism may vary according to the reader. (This assumes that the author has intended symbolism beyond the considerable entertainment value of the story.) There is still much bad language and much violence. But the story transcends those negatives. I was ready to pick up the novellas and the next full installment when I competed this audio.

Audio Notes: When I finish this series I may well look for other books that Christian Rummel has narrated. He is fast becoming a favorite narrator for me. I continue to be impressed by his ability to shift seamlessly from narration to character voices. It is remarkable and I definitely recommend this in audio format.

Links to my reviews of the earlier books:
The Remaining, Book 1
The Remaining: Aftermath, Book 2
The Remainig: The Refugees, Book 3

I purchased this audio with an Audible Credit so I could continue in the series. It qualifies for my audio challenge.

Audible Review: The Remaining: Refugees by D. J. Molles

I have become very engaged in the characters and story of this series.
The Remaining: Refugees
Written by: D. J. Molles
Narrated by: Christian Rummel

Length: 14 hrs and 3 mins
Series: The Remaining, Book 3
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:08-27-13
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Sci Fi, Post Apocalyptic
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
He has fought the fight, and run the race. But the enemies never stop coming, and the race has no finish line. It has been three months since Captain Lee Harden found the survivors at Camp Ryder. With winter looming, Lee is on the verge of establishing Camp Ryder as a hub of safety and stability in the region. But not everyone agrees with Lee’s mission... or his methods. Growing tensions between camp leadership are coming to a head, and as Lee struggles amid the dissention and controversy, new revelations about the infected threaten to destroy everything he has worked for. The Remaining: Refugees is the third book in the best-selling The Remaining series.
©2012 D.J. Molles (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Review:
The third book in this “infected” series, finds Captain Lee Harper working with the community at Camp Ryder and bringing relief that only he can provide. Lee and several men have developed a method to trap and clear the infected in nearby cities. They established these as outposts to extend the safety boundary and scavenging efforts beyond Camp Ryder. A scraggly young man appears at the gates of the camp specifically asking for Captain Harden. Jacob is a young biogenetics scientist who was sent by the Hometown Project leader in Virginia. He brings alarming news about the Project and the hordes of infected ravishing the northern states.

Two new groups have been set up at one outpost: Professor White and a dozen or so students, and crotchety Old Man Hughes with a small group. The Hughes group is willing to serve as an outpost in exchange for being primarily left alone, away from the rifts and arguments which are escalating at Camp Ryder.

Professor White is a pacifist who initially refuses accepting guns for his people. He is not really in favor of Lee’s plans to continue the military push to find more survivors in North Carolina.  White wants to make a run for the mountains to the west after hearing Jacob’s news. Jerry doesn’t want any more refugees and he conspires with White to set up a plan to take over leadership of the Camp from Bus.

Lee and his team are ambushed while trying to access another bunker. It seems that someone is specifically targeting him.

Lee sends out two paramilitary groups with distinct missions. Harper is to lead a group to set up a new outpost further to the west. The other convoy will head east to blow up bridges across the Roanoke River. This team may have to face a group of fanatics known as The Followers who have been rumored as attacking refugee settlements. Lee assigns LaRouche to lead this group after Lee is surprised by an old comrade and determines that he has to resolve issues before he goes out again.

Once again there is a lot of action and danger throughout the different segments of the survivors. Mr. Molles continues to develop the characters and their relationships as they deal with their new world, its distressing problems and the humanitarian and power conflicts. There is still a lot of violence and bad language but I am totally engaged. I purchased the next book so I can keep following the survivor struggles.

Audio Notes: I am still enjoying the narration by Christian Rummel. His character voices and intensity for the action adds to the entertainment quality of the series.

Links to my other reviews in the Series:
The Remaining, Book 1
The Remaining: Aftermath, Book 2

I had this in my Audible Library from 2014. I consider it part of my Audio Challenge and a TBR read.

Audible Review: The Remaining: Aftermath by D. J. Molles

This is wonderfully engaging action.
The Remaining: Aftermath
Written by: D. J. Molles
Narrated by: Christian Rummel

Length: 11 hrs and 20 mins
Series: The Remaining, Book 2
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:08-27-13
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Sci Fi, Post Apocalyptic
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Nothing has gone according to plan.
To Captain Lee Harden, Project Hometown feels like a distant dream and the completion of his mission seems unattainable. Wounded and weaponless, he has stumbled upon a group of survivors that seems willing to help. But a tragedy in the group causes a deep rift to come to light and forces him into action. In the chaos of the world outside, Lee is pursued by a new threat: someone who will stop at nothing to get what he has.
The Remaining: Aftermath is the second book in the best-selling The Remaining series.
©2012 D.J. Molles (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Captain Lee Harden is committed to the Project Hometown mission: survive, rescue and rebuild. Lee has survived his first week running and fighting through the plague-infected humans. Now he has stumbled into a community of survivors but he is not completely welcome. Although the leader of Camp Ryder, Bus, is willing to accept Lee’s offer of help, the opposing power-hungry politician, Jerry, doesn’t want more outsiders and challenges Lee’s veracity. Even though Lee is under medication trying to recoup from injuries he becomes the prime suspect when an attack by the infecteds appears to have had inside help to get inside the fences. Jerry and his supporters are quick to label Lee as a spy and saboteur with connections to the brutal outside raider group led by Milo. Now Lee is forced to prove that he can fulfill his promise of accessing a bunker and bringing desperately needed supplies.

Lee sets out with a handful of men in a vehicle with limited gas. Harper, an older gruff man who initially tried to turn Lee away, chooses to go just to spite Jerry. Miller, the wiry young man who helped rescue Lee while he was running from Milo's goons is another volunteer as well as a brawny older teen, Josh. Surprisingly, a jittery Doc, steps up at the last minute to go with them.

The team has to scavenge gas and fight infecteds and looters just to get to the bunker location. There they find a small camp of survivors led by Father Jim, a local pastor. They don’t have room to bring Father Jim and the supplies back but they let them know where the camp is in case they can make it there.

Lee insists on stopping in Smithfield because he promised the camp’s cook that he would look for her sister, Julia. They find the community in Smithfield inside the hospital. Lee hopes to make allies but instead he faces betrayal and danger. The group are being threatened by Milo and Lee doesn’t know who can be trusted and who can’t.

Before getting out of Smithfield, Lee has to fight his way through infecteds and Milo’s thugs. New characters are added as Lee gets help from another soldier, LaRouche, and Julia, a dedicated medical professional,

I was a little distressed by the foul language but I was gripped by the plot and action. D. J. Molles manages to create characters and relationship dynamics that I got invested in. The story and action kept me glued and then I was delighted with some wonderful descriptions. I was glad that I had book three in my Audible library so I could continue the story.

Audio Notes: Christian Rummel does a terrific job with the narration. Each character gets the right voice and the intensity of the action is conveyed through the narration. It is possible that reading the book might let the reader skim over the bad language easier. Still I am definitely enjoying listening to this series.

See my review of The Remaining, Book 1.

I recently picked this up with an Audible credit so I could continue the series. This is part of my Audio Challenge.

Audible Review: The Remaining by D. J. Molles

This is another 'zombie' type book that offers more with good characters, action and society issues.
The Remaining
Written by: D. J. Molles
Narrated by: Christian Rummel

Length: 8 hrs and 44 mins
Series: The Remaining, Book 1
Release Date:08-27-13
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Sci Fi, Fantasy
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
In a steel-and-lead-encased bunker 20 feet below the basement level of his house, a soldier waits for his final orders. On the surface, a plague ravages the planet, infecting over 90% of the populace. The bacterium burrows through the brain, destroying all signs of humanity and leaving behind little more than base, prehistoric instincts. The infected turn into hyper-aggressive predators, with an insatiable desire to kill and feed. Someday soon, the soldier will have to open the hatch to his bunker, and step out into this new wasteland, to complete his mission: Subvenire refectus. To rescue and rebuild.
The Remaining is the first book in the best-selling series, which tells a gritty tale of survival, perseverance and fighting to get back what has been lost.
©2012 D.J. Molles (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Captain Lee Harden has had standing orders to wait in a “hole” in the event of a country disaster. He has been ordered there a few times but has always received instructions to resurface after a short time. This time however he is waiting for communication from his superior which doesn’t come. The last news that Lee heard was that a plague has infected 90% of the population leaving them brutal predators, spreading the decease by biting others. After a time of silence Lee opens his Orders telling him that is one of a select group of soldiers who are to surface to rescue and gather survivors to rebuild.

Lee emerges from his safe fortress and begins to look for other healthy survivors. Initially he finds horrible evidence of the infected hordes. If that is not bad enough he finds uninfected stragglers only to discover some have already submitted to evil and power becoming wicked men preying on the weak, ransacking homes and threatening the few remaining humans. Lee loses friends and new acquaintances while he tries to find a group that he can help and that will accept his help.

I really like Lee’s character -- he is strong and smart but not invincible. He copes by reminding himself that "the only easy day was yesterday". He has a basic sense of honor that allows him to talk before shooting even though that can be risky. There is plenty of action in the story along with an interesting picture of how society might break down in a plague infested environment.

It seems I am reading a few zombie books lately when that wasn’t necessarily my intent. This is not really "zombie" as these are plague infected beings who are aggressive but do not come back to life when killed. I am glad that this has more story beyond the "infected" hordes. This first book sets up the situation and leaves the ending open to continue in the next book. This might annoy some people. Since I already had book three I did get book two so I could see how the series progresses. Zombie fans should definitely try this but I also think those who like end of the world, military action might like it too.

Audio notes: Christian Rummel provides a very solid narration. He really nails Lee’s personality and manages to convey the other characters with appropriate voices and nuances. The narration enhanced the story for me and I will be listening to the next books too.

I had this in my Audible Library from Feb 2015. It is part of my Audio Challenge.