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Project Hometown: A Remaining Universe Prequel Story (Lee Harden Series
Introducing new characters, as well as shedding fresh light on ones we all know and love, Project Hometown is the action packed prequel to The Remaining Universe that shows the madness of how it all began and looks unflinchingly at the grit and determination of the men who died to make it happen, as well as the ones who survived to become the legendary warriors known simply as “Coordinators.”
______________
This is where it begins…
If the candidates in the Project Hometown Selection Process have learned one thing, it’s that the whole program was designed to mess with their heads.
Dominic “Dom” Russo is one of those candidates. After nearly a year in the program, he has survived Phase 1 (AKA “Hell Indeterminate”) and the infamous Phase 2 (AKA “The Lord of the Flies Phase”). And now he’s HALO jumping into Phase 3, where simulations and training end, and a real-world test of his skills begins.
But where on earth can you send teams of operatives to test their mettle in a real-world environment, without causing a massive international incident?
Welcome to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a country embroiled in a decades-long civil war, specifically chosen because it is so conspicuously ignored by the world. Like Vegas for violence, what happens here stays here.
To Dom, it seems pretty he and the other three guys on his small team simply have to prove they’re able to get strangers to work with them in order to stand up to a coalition of rebel forces amassing in the region of North Kivu. Pick a village, teach them how to defend themselves against the rebels, equip them, and then boogie out before things get too hot.
But nothing in this selection process is ever straightforward. Unbeknownst to the teams of operators scattered across North Kivu, a power struggle is in full swing back at home, where a slimy politician, a cold-hearted military contractor, and one lonely US Army colonel are battling for the very soul of Project Hometown. Because even as far as they’ve taken this secret project, they still have yet to agree on exactly what type of man they want to fill its ranks.
Who will be best prepared to resurrect the American government in the event of a society-ending disaster? Hard-core killers who will follow orders no matter what? Or men of high moral caliber, who will always do the right thing?
Caught between these warring philosophies, Dom and the other teams on the ground soon find themselves caught in yet another pressure cooker, where they will be forced to pick a side. Because in Phase 3, their choices have very real consequences—not only for their chances to complete the selection process, but for the people who have to keep living there after they are gone.
As the bullets start flying, and innocent lives are on the line, each of these candidates will have to dive into the deepest parts of themselves and decide what type of man they want to be.
______________
This is where it begins…
If the candidates in the Project Hometown Selection Process have learned one thing, it’s that the whole program was designed to mess with their heads.
Dominic “Dom” Russo is one of those candidates. After nearly a year in the program, he has survived Phase 1 (AKA “Hell Indeterminate”) and the infamous Phase 2 (AKA “The Lord of the Flies Phase”). And now he’s HALO jumping into Phase 3, where simulations and training end, and a real-world test of his skills begins.
But where on earth can you send teams of operatives to test their mettle in a real-world environment, without causing a massive international incident?
Welcome to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a country embroiled in a decades-long civil war, specifically chosen because it is so conspicuously ignored by the world. Like Vegas for violence, what happens here stays here.
To Dom, it seems pretty he and the other three guys on his small team simply have to prove they’re able to get strangers to work with them in order to stand up to a coalition of rebel forces amassing in the region of North Kivu. Pick a village, teach them how to defend themselves against the rebels, equip them, and then boogie out before things get too hot.
But nothing in this selection process is ever straightforward. Unbeknownst to the teams of operators scattered across North Kivu, a power struggle is in full swing back at home, where a slimy politician, a cold-hearted military contractor, and one lonely US Army colonel are battling for the very soul of Project Hometown. Because even as far as they’ve taken this secret project, they still have yet to agree on exactly what type of man they want to fill its ranks.
Who will be best prepared to resurrect the American government in the event of a society-ending disaster? Hard-core killers who will follow orders no matter what? Or men of high moral caliber, who will always do the right thing?
Caught between these warring philosophies, Dom and the other teams on the ground soon find themselves caught in yet another pressure cooker, where they will be forced to pick a side. Because in Phase 3, their choices have very real consequences—not only for their chances to complete the selection process, but for the people who have to keep living there after they are gone.
As the bullets start flying, and innocent lives are on the line, each of these candidates will have to dive into the deepest parts of themselves and decide what type of man they want to be.
381 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 18, 2025
123 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
About the author
D.J. Molles
45 books1,434 followersD.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
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
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
September 17, 2025
I really, really enjoyed this novel. I’ve been itching for more backstory to Project Hometown, and I’m thrilled to have gotten it.
One of my favorite aspects of the book revolves around Briggs and seeing how he rose to power and turned Project Hometown into his own plaything.
Phase three is a ride and a half.
I appreciated the slower pace and world building that went into this book, and it helps to deepen our understanding of Lee and the other operators. I’ll probably go back and re-read the first Remaining books again now that I have some more backstory.
One of my favorite aspects of the book revolves around Briggs and seeing how he rose to power and turned Project Hometown into his own plaything.
Phase three is a ride and a half.
I appreciated the slower pace and world building that went into this book, and it helps to deepen our understanding of Lee and the other operators. I’ll probably go back and re-read the first Remaining books again now that I have some more backstory.
November 8, 2025
We’ve been through so much with Lee Harden, that it’s great to get a peak into what it took for him to be chosen as one of the Coordinators.
Someone knew what was coming. Someone waaaay up knew that something would be needed to reunite the country after being almost destroyed. We get teasers of this throughout the books, but nothing ever pans out to where go “ahhh ok now I get it.” This book fills us in a lot more and it’s a great one.
Lee isn’t the protagonist in this book, although he does appear a number of times. The main feeling of this book is how the three stage selection process works, what kind of operator do the cadre want, and who these operators are on both sides of the moral coin.
I was hooked from the start and enjoyed the way the author communicates how these professionals get along and achieve their goals. The chatter, abuse, violence, duty, and moral fiber is evident in each character and once it gets going, the action never lets up. You know Molles and Molles knows his audience. This book is in my top three favorites of his.
We follow Dom, Tex, Stache, Isaac, Tully, Gordo, and a few others during their process of decision making, strategy, execution of orders, and the temerity to take matters completely in their own hands. DJ Molles is a master of action, writing expertly crafted and multi-faceted battle scenarios that suck you into the gritty tension and pop you back out 43 pages further on, leaving you as gassed as the characters. There is fantastic writing and pacing throughout this book, and I can’t recommend it enough. Lock and load, candidates!
Someone knew what was coming. Someone waaaay up knew that something would be needed to reunite the country after being almost destroyed. We get teasers of this throughout the books, but nothing ever pans out to where go “ahhh ok now I get it.” This book fills us in a lot more and it’s a great one.
Lee isn’t the protagonist in this book, although he does appear a number of times. The main feeling of this book is how the three stage selection process works, what kind of operator do the cadre want, and who these operators are on both sides of the moral coin.
I was hooked from the start and enjoyed the way the author communicates how these professionals get along and achieve their goals. The chatter, abuse, violence, duty, and moral fiber is evident in each character and once it gets going, the action never lets up. You know Molles and Molles knows his audience. This book is in my top three favorites of his.
We follow Dom, Tex, Stache, Isaac, Tully, Gordo, and a few others during their process of decision making, strategy, execution of orders, and the temerity to take matters completely in their own hands. DJ Molles is a master of action, writing expertly crafted and multi-faceted battle scenarios that suck you into the gritty tension and pop you back out 43 pages further on, leaving you as gassed as the characters. There is fantastic writing and pacing throughout this book, and I can’t recommend it enough. Lock and load, candidates!
November 22, 2025
I might have given this a three star review but D.J. Molles rescues dogs so he will always get a bonus star for that in (wait for it!?) my BOOK. Gotta be honest this was dull as dirt for 3/4’s of the book. I mistakenly thought it might be a two parter. The first part would involve the training and selection process and the second part would see the Project Hometown coordinator’s sent to their bunkers. Nope. This was all the first part. It finished pretty well with on the job training in the Democratic Republic of the Congo which I have to tell you who gives a fuck. Dark continent indeed. He has his little liberal digs about how Africa constantly gets screwed over. Yeah all that money we, as in first world countries pour into that shit hole and it is STILL utterly corrupt and will always be utterly corrupt, looking for a handout. But I digress. This is a couple in a row for me in the Remaining series I did not enjoy nearly as much as the pulse pounding early books in the series. Based on the overall reviews I seem to be in the minority on this one. Consider upping the tempo and action in the future DJ. Oh and nobody gives a shit about Africa.
October 10, 2025
This was an interesting read. At times very slow. At other times just slow Lol. But I persisted and am thankful. I’ve enjoyed the Lee Harden series and universe. This books answers a ton of questions I had throughout his journey. The biggest challenge I had was that I read his other books in this series years ago, so many of the names of the main characters were a bit lost to me in this prequel. Slightly familiar but no real recollecton.
Credit to the author for making characters that easily could become “God Bless America, Lee Greenwood, Pete Kegseth” stereotypes of special forces, but instead were very nuanced. Really enjoyed it…and now might need to go back and reread the series.
Credit to the author for making characters that easily could become “God Bless America, Lee Greenwood, Pete Kegseth” stereotypes of special forces, but instead were very nuanced. Really enjoyed it…and now might need to go back and reread the series.
September 18, 2025
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Project Hometown was fantastic! This prequel gives the reader the backstory to how the Project Hometown program came about and what was involved to become a Coordinator. The selection process was absolutely grueling! I loved getting to know familiar characters better and meeting some of the other coordinators, they were great! I hope we get to see more of them in future Remaining Universe stories. The Remaining Universe is where Molles shines, he is phenomenal and never disappoints! The action, tension, and character work is top notch. I will never hesitate to read a story in this series. Loved it!
Project Hometown was fantastic! This prequel gives the reader the backstory to how the Project Hometown program came about and what was involved to become a Coordinator. The selection process was absolutely grueling! I loved getting to know familiar characters better and meeting some of the other coordinators, they were great! I hope we get to see more of them in future Remaining Universe stories. The Remaining Universe is where Molles shines, he is phenomenal and never disappoints! The action, tension, and character work is top notch. I will never hesitate to read a story in this series. Loved it!
October 1, 2025
Another really solid entry in the Remaining Series.
DJ Molles has become one of my favorite Authors. I don’t read as much as I used to but any book he writes in the Remaining series is a day one read for me.
Project Hometown was great, and I would rank it among the middle of the Remaining books. Which is really good considering it was a prequel book meant to give us a look at the selection process.
DJ Molles has become one of my favorite Authors. I don’t read as much as I used to but any book he writes in the Remaining series is a day one read for me.
Project Hometown was great, and I would rank it among the middle of the Remaining books. Which is really good considering it was a prequel book meant to give us a look at the selection process.
September 30, 2025
Great Reading !
D J Moles never fails to impress as his storytelling just keeps getting better and better. We see a very quiet introduction to Lee Hardin and Abe. The beginning of Project Hometown, the philosophy and goals of the men at the beginning of the end of America. And the struggles needed to save her.
D J Moles never fails to impress as his storytelling just keeps getting better and better. We see a very quiet introduction to Lee Hardin and Abe. The beginning of Project Hometown, the philosophy and goals of the men at the beginning of the end of America. And the struggles needed to save her.
October 4, 2025
Did not disappoint
I've read all of, "The Remaining", series and as with those, this book did not disappoint. D.J. Molles has quickly become one of my favorite authors, and I sit here in anticipation of the next book to come out. If your a fan of "end of world" stories and military action, I highly recommend Mr. Molles work.
I've read all of, "The Remaining", series and as with those, this book did not disappoint. D.J. Molles has quickly become one of my favorite authors, and I sit here in anticipation of the next book to come out. If your a fan of "end of world" stories and military action, I highly recommend Mr. Molles work.
October 16, 2025
A much needed prequel to an outstanding series....
This novel introduces both the players and the situation that brought them all together. for Project Hometown. It highlights the grueling training and selection process they all underwent without ever giving away a true explanation of its plan or purpose....an excellent 4.5+ stars read....
This novel introduces both the players and the situation that brought them all together. for Project Hometown. It highlights the grueling training and selection process they all underwent without ever giving away a true explanation of its plan or purpose....an excellent 4.5+ stars read....
September 26, 2025
Amazing!
While most prequels tend just plow ground already covered in the original books. Hometown takes the story of these characters to a whole new level. Couldn’t put it down & just wanted more.
While most prequels tend just plow ground already covered in the original books. Hometown takes the story of these characters to a whole new level. Couldn’t put it down & just wanted more.
October 5, 2025
superb!
A prequel to the remaining series, there are a few well known names in there and some newer ones. Puts ‘meat to the bones’ of the coordinators stories.
Absolutely tremendous narrative, well paced and captivating. Loved every page!
Molles, you did it again.
5 stars
A prequel to the remaining series, there are a few well known names in there and some newer ones. Puts ‘meat to the bones’ of the coordinators stories.
Absolutely tremendous narrative, well paced and captivating. Loved every page!
Molles, you did it again.
5 stars
October 9, 2025
Project Hometown
This latest D J Molles masterpiece did not disappoint! I really enjoyed this adventure and was thoroughly exhausted at times as the writer put you at the scene! Well done!
This latest D J Molles masterpiece did not disappoint! I really enjoyed this adventure and was thoroughly exhausted at times as the writer put you at the scene! Well done!
January 29, 2026
having read the entire series, I found this prequel an excellent addition to The Remaining universe. To see the beginning of key characters and their involvement in Project Hometown was done so well, with the book coming to a real action packed ending!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 29, 2025
Well written but just a bunch of extra words. Without zombies what is the point? You know the background of each was military. Do you NEED this story? Nope. Lee Harden is hardly in it!
October 1, 2025
A great prequel
It may be time for me to start to reread the series over after this one! It’s been a while!
It may be time for me to start to reread the series over after this one! It’s been a while!
October 18, 2025
Excellent again
Killed once again weaves a captivating story with characters that are easy to relate to. Fast moving story with lots of action and great insight.
Killed once again weaves a captivating story with characters that are easy to relate to. Fast moving story with lots of action and great insight.
November 3, 2025
Great
Always a great read from D. J. Molles. Waiting for the next book in the series as I begin rereading the Remaining series.
Always a great read from D. J. Molles. Waiting for the next book in the series as I begin rereading the Remaining series.
November 12, 2025
Lee Harden prequel
I really enjoyed the backstory on project hometown. It gave depth to the already great series. Keep the stories coming D.J.
I really enjoyed the backstory on project hometown. It gave depth to the already great series. Keep the stories coming D.J.
September 18, 2025
Project Hometown goes back to the beginning for those of us addicted to The Remaining series. When the elite military operators chosen for the selection program are put through mind, body, and spirit evolutions that would break ordinary men. Molles introduces new operators and brings back heroes we already know and love in this look back on how it all started.
If you are new to this series, Molles created a not too distant future where a pandemic has taken out society. Project Hometown puts one top notch operator per state into a bunker filled with what they would need to rescue and rebuild. This is an exciting introduction and the unexpected need to step up, risking everything they have worked for, speaks to these men being the best of the best.
If you are new to this series, Molles created a not too distant future where a pandemic has taken out society. Project Hometown puts one top notch operator per state into a bunker filled with what they would need to rescue and rebuild. This is an exciting introduction and the unexpected need to step up, risking everything they have worked for, speaks to these men being the best of the best.
December 29, 2025
As a long-time fan of both the Remaining and the Lee Harden series, it was great to go back and see where everything started. Makes me want to start over and reread everything. Project Hometown gives new depth to the characters that would later be tasked with rebuilding after an apocalypse. Can’t wait to read what D.J. Molles comes up with next. If you haven’t already, also check out The Coming Dark and A Grower's War - two other fantastic series by D.J. Molles.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews