Trust

The Remaining #4.5

by D.J. Molles

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.
Book 1: The RemainingBook 2: The Remaining: AftermathBook 3: The Remaining: RefugeesBook 4: The Remaining: Fractured
Novella 1: The Remaining: TrustNovella 2: The Remaining: Faith

Genres: Zombies, Horror, Post Apocalyptic, Fiction, Military Fiction, Science Fiction, Apocalyptic

ebook

First published March 25, 2014

About the author

D.J. Molles became a New York Times and USA today bestselling author while working full time as a police officer. He's since traded his badge for a keyboard to produce over 20 titles. When he's not writing, he's taking steps to make his North Carolina property self-sustainable, and training to be at least half as hard to kill as Lee Harden (his most popular protagonist).

Molles also enjoys playing his guitar and drums, drawing, cooking, and “shredding that green pow” on his Onewheel.

Most nights you can find him sitting on the couch surrounded by his dogs and family, trying to stream an hour of Netflix with his really sketchy satellite internet connection.

Are you interested in becoming a writer? I've started a video series called "Lessons in Writing" which you can find on all my socials.

Follow on IG & FB @djmolles
TikTok @djmollesauthor

Reviews

[Trish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Usually I'm highly scptical towards novellas - especially when they are a sort of spin-off of a series from the point of view of some character you usually only marginally read about. However, D.J. Molles delivered another fast-paced story, full of action and also insight. It was a delight (almost too short)!

[Hudson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella is a great addition to the Remaining story. I really like how this zombie story delves in to different aspects of life after the apocalypse. Absolute power corrupts absolutely and this has usually (but not always) been the case throughout history, a post-apocalyptic environment would probably exacerbate this sort of thing and I like how Molles keeps that as an undercurrent during the story. Oh and zombies. Let's not forget the flesh eating zombies. Not too much of an appearance in this short novella but I suspect there will be plenty more down the road. Can't wait for the next one!

[James Maxon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short story that follows Major Abe Darabie, filling in some gaps of what happened from his perspective while Lee was off doing his thing. It’s not a mandatory read for following the series, but it adds to the depth of the story, explains the relationship between Abe and Lee, and helps fill in what was going on with “those in charge.” Highly recommend it.

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exciting to see through the eyes of Abe and getting his backstory. It's a nice tie between him and Lee, building the anticipation for their imminent coming together. Can't wait for the final in the series. Glad there is something to help tide me over until it's released. One complaint, the last 15% of the e-book was the first chapter of the first book in the series. If I'm reading this, don't you think I've read that already?! Give me a snippet from book 5!

[jessie marie carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great

Great

this was very good. it had to do with the remaining books without totally being about them just the other side if the story which I was excited to get to read. love these books! great author

[Talia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a good novella!!

I’m usually so sceptical towards them, but I think this one was needed to explain the previous book’s ending!!
An insight into project hometown outside of Lee, criticism that aligns with modern politics (even though it was written years ago), it was perfect!

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not quite as gripping as the rest of the series but sheds some light on details that I'm sure will be needed later.

[Joey · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.25

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little insight to Abe Darby!

[Graff Fuller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trust by D.J. Molles - 4.5 in the series

Challenging, dark, emotional, sad, and tense.

Fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.25 Stars

Okay, I posted that I read this book between book one, The Remaining and book two, The Remaining: Aftermath. That was incorrect.

Unfortunately, the story that was inserted at the end o The Remaining was "called" Trust, but it was actaully Faith.

So, this is the first time I've ever read this story. This is about a character that we were introduced to in The Remaining: Refugees, book three, but were were told at the beginning of book one, The Remaining...that he is Captain Lee Harden's best friend. So, I was confused by what we learned in Refugees and Fractured...and TRULY confused by what I read in THIS novella, Trust.

Major Abe Darabe is the protagonist of this novella.

I cannot see any way that Lee Harden would be best friends with Major Abe Darabie. The change that must have happened in his life...after FURY infected the poplulace must have COMPLETELY changed who he was/is. He's changed the most from ANY character that we read about in this series, even more than Professor White, Jerry, Mike, Jenny, LaRouche, anyone...and he's become his WORST self.

If someone put a bullet through his head...the world would be a better place...and that is saying something. I think/belive that he is truly an irredeemable character. I hope that the good that he MAY do in the next two books helps Captain Lee Harden (and the world in general), but I hope that he does NOT live to see the benefits of this better world. 

He deserves to die a horrible death...and preferably by the hands of "his best friend", Cpt. Harden.

I'm putting THIS out there...for I cannot stand this character.

[Ina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before starting to read this novella is good to know that completing the fourth book of The Remaining series, Fractured, is highly recommended. The novella gives more details about characters and events that appear/happen in the last chapter of Fractured so if you don't want anything spoilers, read the first four books, then start with this one.

As all other books from The Remaining series this one is simply brilliant. Dynamic, good and easy to follow writing style and not a second when you would feel bored. In order to avoid spoilers not only for this book but also for the other four currently published from the series, I won't go in too much details about the story, but in the novella you'd get the opportunity to meet some characters that were only just mention up till now and learn more about their motivations and feelings. If you enjoy The Remaining series this novella is an absolute must-read. Its only problem for me? Too short. I'd love to read more about the stories of the other Coordinators and how they reach the point they are at now. Hopefully the other novella that is to come in May will bring even more light on these events.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fifty-page novella fits nicely into the "Remaining" saga, either read directly before or after book 4, "Fractured." I thought the story began a bit roughly, but picked up considerably in quality in its second half. It follows the character of Abe, another of Project Homeland's elite soldiers, who has taken up a position of command in Colorado in the president's rebuilding effort there. Abe comes to find out certain things that challenge his sense of duty and cause him to question whether he and certain others are doing the right thing. Abe's character is almost certain to play a major role in book five of the series, as the shocking ending to "Fractured" indicates. He is a decent and caring soldier, a man the likes of which we have not seen in this series aside from Lee Hardin. After losing a couple of key protagonists in books 3 and 4, it'll be nice to see another guy we can really root for enter the picture!

[Brandi Reeves-Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I dove into this book head first. I had to know the side of Major Abe, the man that was supposed to be Lee's best friend. I had to know the why behind the reasons Abe did what he did. But, I knew instantly that things aren't what they seem to be. Abe is dealing with a lot as well, and he's learning that the people he trusted are not who they seem. It was very devastating to see who and how these people are using the one thing people need to survive. And Abe is only doing what he feels is best. He has to be careful with some of the decisions he makes, cause if he makes one wrong move, it could be his last.
Again, D.J. Molles has sucked me into this crazy world of the infected. People aren't who they say they are, and I'm highly anticipating book 5!

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're expecting a full-length novel when you purchase this, you'll be surprised that it is very short. It is a novella, but I knew that when I bought it and it was worth the price. I liked that this novella backtracks a little and sheds more light on Abe and his background. It adds to the original story-line by revealing some of the motivation and the "who" is behind the attempt to make Captain Harden a target. I hope Molles keeps writing Abe's story as helps keep the story fresh. Keep up the great work, Mr. Molles! I'm looking forward to the next novella... and hopefully a full-sized novel soon.

[Warhammer Grantham · Rating 2 out of 5]

The two stars is because the writing is predictably terrible as usual with The Remaining books. But these books are seriously fast becoming some of my favorite easy fiction. In 'Trust' you're back in the post-outbreak apocalypse of the other three books, only this time from the perspective of the remaining military and acting president of what remains of the U.S. after the outbreak. This is a quick, fun ride. And the terrible writing is expected, please excuse for the sake of the super fun plot. You should probably read this novella only if you've read the 3 books in the series and can't wait for the 4th novel to come out.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short story really packs a punch and is critical reading for fans of this series. In it we catch up with Abe Darabie and see the events that led up to some of his most controversial decisions. The Remaining: Trust will soon be followed by The Remaining: Faith: A Novella, which will feature a minor character from The Remaining: Fractured. These two short works will help set the stage for book 5. I recommend reading both short works and then re-reading the last 3 chapters of Fractured to prepare for the next full length novel. DJ Molles has done it again. This is real good stuff. 5/5

[Ralph Wark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good fill in for the Remainder series

I believe I've read the first three books in Molles' "Remainder" series, and enjoyed the adventures of Lee Harnden and a nice variation on the zombie apocalypse, centering on people more than zombie massacres. This is no different, a short story about what's happening in what's left of the U.S. government, which Harnden finds an adversary to his mission to rebuild. Easy reading, good characters, thoroughly enjoyable.

[Emily Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book, but I wish it was longer. It answered a few questions, but brought up many more for which we will just have to wait for answers.
One would wish that, after mostly surviving an apocolypse that humanity would be better, improved, kinder. But no. Humans will be humans. Greedy, evil, in search of power. Sad and infuriating at the same time.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

His first few books had good plots and character development but lacked polishing, due to being self-published. Now, thanks to the popularity of those books, the author has been picked up by a real publishing house, with real editors. Still a lot of proofreading/editing issues, but not nearly as many. Nice to see a success story for a self-published author.

[Mia Michalek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fills in the gaps

In book three we read about another person who we briefly met in book one, I had even forgotten who it was. In trust, we learn just a little bit more about what he is going through and it leads into book four.
All in all, this was a really good novella and once again Molles has kept enthralled till the very end.

[Roland of Gilead · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting insight into Abe and the situation in Colorado. I did prefer Faith because of it's intensity and the very different character perspective. This was good though...I'm grateful to know more about power hungry President Briggs and to really understand Abe's motivation to join up with Lee. Short n' sweet.

[Robert Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella is a well timed departure from the main characters and introduction of some new characters who have been loosely referenced up to this point. It's short and sweet, however, it sets the stage for book five, Allegiance. I'm looking forward to jumping into the next novella, book 4.6, titled Faith.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

A semi-origin story, explaining how Abe ended up reaching the end of his rope and turning his back on the new Federal government being built in Greely, Colorado and deciding to try to join up with Lee Harden, while also showing us how Harden and Abe met and became friends when they first joined Operation Homeland.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three stars, I liked it. It is definitely a "tweener" novella, good for background knowledge but not the riveting, edge of your seat read like the rest of the Remaining series. 2015 can't come soon enough!

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one started out slow but gradually became more interesting. Filled in some gaps and broadened the scope of the world that this author has created. I'm still curious what his end-game is for this series.

[Joseph Coley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

Another chapter in the Remaining saga that gives some insight to the mission against Captain Lee Harden. Major Abe Darabie is fleshed out as a character and once you read this, you might not hate him so much...I know I don't...

[Clayton Collins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Where's the rest of the book???

I'm only giving three stars because I was upset at how short this book was. I was set to continue the story and only get six short chapters. Please hurry with the rest of the series Mr. Models.

[Elbio · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent

it's an ok read. I already thought it was too short only to find that 20% of the pages weren't part of the story, which by the way had some good tension, but nothing that sustained itself for very long.

[Jett Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great addition to the world. This book answers some questions brought up in the other books.

I like the charaters and love where the plot seems to be leading. I am only saddened I have to wait for more!

Write faster!

[Josh Vassallo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Quick Fix

This was great to hold me over until The Remaining: Book 5 comes out next year. It was also nice to get insight on other parts of the country and what the Military is doing elsewhere. But at the end of the day, I'm still ready for more Lee Harden action!