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The Remaining #6
Extinction
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% 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's bestselling 1: The RemainingBook 2: The AftermathBook 3: The RefugeesBook 4: The FracturedBook 5: The AllegianceBook 6: The ExtinctionNovella 1: The TrustNovella 2: The Faith
390 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 28, 2015
163 people are currently reading
1109 people want to read
About the author
D.J. Molles
45 books1,436 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews
September 13, 2024
Extinction is the sixth and final episode in the epic Remaining series. Sadly, all good things must come to an end - just wish this ending wasn't so soon.
So much has happened to and with Captain Lee Harden and his band of followers. Those who betrayed him are confronted, those loyal to the cause who were lost are mourned, and now a new beginning is on the horizon. It will not be easy, but they have a plan, hope, and, most importantly, each other.
D.J. Molles is ceaseless in providing fresh and edge-of-your-seat storylines. The suspense and action carried out by his well-developed and most fascinating characters was mesmerizing.
Many thanks and accolades to the very talented Christian Rummel, his narrative excellence made listening to this whole series a genuine joy.
So much has happened to and with Captain Lee Harden and his band of followers. Those who betrayed him are confronted, those loyal to the cause who were lost are mourned, and now a new beginning is on the horizon. It will not be easy, but they have a plan, hope, and, most importantly, each other.
D.J. Molles is ceaseless in providing fresh and edge-of-your-seat storylines. The suspense and action carried out by his well-developed and most fascinating characters was mesmerizing.
Many thanks and accolades to the very talented Christian Rummel, his narrative excellence made listening to this whole series a genuine joy.
October 30, 2018
So this is the end. Hmmm. Probably better this way.
As already mentioned at the beginning of my review for the previous / penultimate novel of this series, I used to be a fan. Then the indie-author got a deal with a publisher and not only the gorgeous covers of the books changed after that, sadly. It's as if he was compelled to stretch the story as much as possible or even take another direction altogether (which would explain him ending the series here and re-starting it, still with Lee as the MC) in a kind of spin-off series. *scratches head*
Sadly, Mr. Molles will never get to tell me what all the pregnant infected (zombies) mean, how it is scientifically possible, why it is happening or any of the other stuff hinted at that wasn't resolved in the 6 books I've read (probably done to keep readers interested enough to start the spin-off series).
The reason is simple and yet sad: I'm tired.
Tired of everyone whining, tired of the same things happening over and over again. Yes, people usually repeat their mistakes but do I need to read about that all the time?! Besides, one conflict in this series seems to be going down pretty much like the next (and not even the special forces guys adept accordingly). New people arrive, people are wary of one another, then they gain each others' trust following which one side betrays the other resulting in some dying ... rinse, repeat. Even the way people betray or how they behave before that (what they say, what they do) was mostly the same.
I have to admit that this last novel was more fast-paced than the last. Probably because there was less talking about our feelings and such nonsense. However, maddeningly, people still needed to hold hands and sing kumbaya.
Lee still was torn up inside over the most normal stuff (like killing Kyle who more than had it coming - that confession scene ... I wanted to punch the wall).
The horde from the north is still coming because nothing was done in the previous book but now people at least kick into gear (after wasting precious resources *rolls eyes*). The point is: it's not rocket science! It's the zombie apocalypse so of course resources will dwindle and you need to conserve especially meds and ammo as well as fuel for planes and stuff. If I can think of that, I'm sure Marines and special forces guys should be able to as well. *sighs*
For anyone still caring about the characters and events, be warned: there is no actual resolution here. No real end in sight. Though at least there finally is the battle with the Followers (it was a loooong time coming).
The actual fighting was very good (suspenseful, realistic) but once again, I found myself no longer being too invested in whether or not certain people were going to survive or if the Followers won, continuing to rape minors and all the other shit they were doing.
The highlight was when .
Sadly, not all on my list got what they deserved.
Anyway, after years of looking forward to the respective next installment and crying for Zeus in the first novel even more than for Bus in the third, after hoping frantically that Deuce would survive (yes, my heart was hitched to the dogs much more than to any human but can you blame me?), I'm very sad that after such a strong start this petered out the way it did. I had to almost force myself to finish the series (thanks, OCD) and that is kinda emotionally devastating. :/
As already mentioned at the beginning of my review for the previous / penultimate novel of this series, I used to be a fan. Then the indie-author got a deal with a publisher and not only the gorgeous covers of the books changed after that, sadly. It's as if he was compelled to stretch the story as much as possible or even take another direction altogether (which would explain him ending the series here and re-starting it, still with Lee as the MC) in a kind of spin-off series. *scratches head*
Sadly, Mr. Molles will never get to tell me what all the pregnant infected (zombies) mean, how it is scientifically possible, why it is happening or any of the other stuff hinted at that wasn't resolved in the 6 books I've read (probably done to keep readers interested enough to start the spin-off series).
The reason is simple and yet sad: I'm tired.
Tired of everyone whining, tired of the same things happening over and over again. Yes, people usually repeat their mistakes but do I need to read about that all the time?! Besides, one conflict in this series seems to be going down pretty much like the next (and not even the special forces guys adept accordingly). New people arrive, people are wary of one another, then they gain each others' trust following which one side betrays the other resulting in some dying ... rinse, repeat. Even the way people betray or how they behave before that (what they say, what they do) was mostly the same.
I have to admit that this last novel was more fast-paced than the last. Probably because there was less talking about our feelings and such nonsense. However, maddeningly, people still needed to hold hands and sing kumbaya.
Lee still was torn up inside over the most normal stuff (like killing Kyle who more than had it coming - that confession scene ... I wanted to punch the wall).
The horde from the north is still coming because nothing was done in the previous book but now people at least kick into gear (after wasting precious resources *rolls eyes*). The point is: it's not rocket science! It's the zombie apocalypse so of course resources will dwindle and you need to conserve especially meds and ammo as well as fuel for planes and stuff. If I can think of that, I'm sure Marines and special forces guys should be able to as well. *sighs*
For anyone still caring about the characters and events, be warned: there is no actual resolution here. No real end in sight. Though at least there finally is the battle with the Followers (it was a loooong time coming).
The actual fighting was very good (suspenseful, realistic) but once again, I found myself no longer being too invested in whether or not certain people were going to survive or if the Followers won, continuing to rape minors and all the other shit they were doing.
The highlight was when .
Sadly, not all on my list got what they deserved.
Anyway, after years of looking forward to the respective next installment and crying for Zeus in the first novel even more than for Bus in the third, after hoping frantically that Deuce would survive (yes, my heart was hitched to the dogs much more than to any human but can you blame me?), I'm very sad that after such a strong start this petered out the way it did. I had to almost force myself to finish the series (thanks, OCD) and that is kinda emotionally devastating. :/
October 5, 2018
I think this one was probably the second best of the 6 books. I'll say the first was still best, but that's because a beginning is a very delicate time. People get hurt so easily then! And we don't have such an IMMENSE body count.
But then we get to the 6th book and that's the main strength. Two militaries and a HOARD of zombies. Not quite a free-for-all, but the action takes place on many fronts.
I was getting tired of all the mil-sf stuff, the automatic 'let's go there' permission-to-be-evil or at least try to feel fine with yourself as you get more brutal, more deadly expedient, more revengeful with every betrayal.
There's a big lie going on here. Yes, in reality, there are circumstances where doing the horrible thing can be justified, but DAMN... almost all the fiction of today conflates those circumstances to absolutely insane degrees. In reality, I can see 1/10,000 cases where it might be necessary compared to fiction.
What is this? This isn't really mil-porn, is it? No. It's permission for readers to feel good about their own sociopathy. We want to let loose and kill everyone who betrays us or hurts others, and screw law, civilization, or red-tape. We readers seem to scream for more opportunities to just let loose with every animal instinct and/or thirst for blood.
I admit I feel the same. On occasion. But this general condoning and conflating is nuts. It reads like we all should rally round our families with a pocket full of shells. Damn all else. And that's RIGHT, isn't it? And every eye gets poked out. lol
I rant. I know.
Still, this was a very good end for the series. No complaints. It even had an up-note and a positive message in the middle of the pile of crap. :)
But then we get to the 6th book and that's the main strength. Two militaries and a HOARD of zombies. Not quite a free-for-all, but the action takes place on many fronts.
I was getting tired of all the mil-sf stuff, the automatic 'let's go there' permission-to-be-evil or at least try to feel fine with yourself as you get more brutal, more deadly expedient, more revengeful with every betrayal.
There's a big lie going on here. Yes, in reality, there are circumstances where doing the horrible thing can be justified, but DAMN... almost all the fiction of today conflates those circumstances to absolutely insane degrees. In reality, I can see 1/10,000 cases where it might be necessary compared to fiction.
What is this? This isn't really mil-porn, is it? No. It's permission for readers to feel good about their own sociopathy. We want to let loose and kill everyone who betrays us or hurts others, and screw law, civilization, or red-tape. We readers seem to scream for more opportunities to just let loose with every animal instinct and/or thirst for blood.
I admit I feel the same. On occasion. But this general condoning and conflating is nuts. It reads like we all should rally round our families with a pocket full of shells. Damn all else. And that's RIGHT, isn't it? And every eye gets poked out. lol
I rant. I know.
Still, this was a very good end for the series. No complaints. It even had an up-note and a positive message in the middle of the pile of crap. :)
August 14, 2015
This is one of my favorite series and even though this is end, there is plenty of room for the author to continue the saga of Captain harden and his group. This a great series that answers all of the important questions by the end. I enjoyed how it all ended. While some of the events I saw coming, for the most part I was wondering what was going to happen next and it turned this book into a real page turner. Great job Mr. Molles and if on the small chance you read this review, PLEASE WRITE MORE. I am not quite ready to say good-bye to Lee Harden and the rest of the gang.
July 29, 2015
This book is well deserving of the five stars I gave it.
There are some extremely hard hitting passages in this book and some of them feel like textbook examples of emotive writing without alienating the reader. Captain Harden continues what feels like a natural character progression throughout this book although it feels like he is almost cast off at the end. It's nice to see almost all of the loose ends through the series get tied up in most cases quite neatly. I would have liked to have read more about Claire Staley since that story line seemed like it got the legs cut out from it far too soon before being fobbed off to the epilogue. I felt the way the Followers story was finished up to be quite satisfying though.
The major gripe I have with this book is that the story of the greater world is not done. It is left wide open for another book at a minimum, possibly even a whole follow on series and it kills me. I wasn't exactly expecting a nice neat happily ever after from this book but the first novella made me think that part of the story was going to be explored in depth and concluded completely but instead you are left with a come what may. The greater world has been fleshed out and you are left only wondering at what happens next. D.J Molles please keep cranking out the books and I'll keep buying them.
There are some extremely hard hitting passages in this book and some of them feel like textbook examples of emotive writing without alienating the reader. Captain Harden continues what feels like a natural character progression throughout this book although it feels like he is almost cast off at the end. It's nice to see almost all of the loose ends through the series get tied up in most cases quite neatly. I would have liked to have read more about Claire Staley since that story line seemed like it got the legs cut out from it far too soon before being fobbed off to the epilogue. I felt the way the Followers story was finished up to be quite satisfying though.
The major gripe I have with this book is that the story of the greater world is not done. It is left wide open for another book at a minimum, possibly even a whole follow on series and it kills me. I wasn't exactly expecting a nice neat happily ever after from this book but the first novella made me think that part of the story was going to be explored in depth and concluded completely but instead you are left with a come what may. The greater world has been fleshed out and you are left only wondering at what happens next. D.J Molles please keep cranking out the books and I'll keep buying them.
August 10, 2015
I picked up the first book in the series as a filler until I could find something better. Well turns out I didn't have to wait long, maybe 3 pages and it only got better with each installment. Through out the series, our protagonist, Capt Lee Harden was one of several men in secret underground bunkers all around the country. They are trained to emerge at a specific time when called upon to assist in the rebuilding of the nation in case catastrophic events brought it to its knees. After several false alarms it happen, he just didn't expect it and certainly not the way they had anticipated. The Omega Virus was released, creating crazed, rabid individuals who had no thought other than to kill an eat those that were not infected. While not mindless Zombies, they were still less than human. This was never in the books of what might happen, a pandemic of sorts maybe but not like this. When he is cut off, unable to receive any transmissions from his contact, Lee emerges from the bunker albeit earlier than he should. From the beginning Lee did his job, he helped people, protected them as best he could, kept them safe even when they were ungrateful, unkind and in many instances deceitful and treacherous. He made friends and he lost them. Some he came to trust, others he tolerated. And always he is a soldier with a mission driven by duty to his country and to the remaining population, helping to defend against the hordes of infected and those who would do harm to others and take what they want. When the very people he tried to help betray him, he is understandably angry, resentful and downright P.O.'d. But even those he could deal with, and he does. It is (spoiler) those that he has come to call family, the ones that call him 'traitor' and send assassins to kill him that hurt the worst. After being he is shot and left for dead a device entrusted to him to help the few desperate remaining is stolen from him. Before he fully recovers he is captured by thugs who want what he does not have. After a harrowing incident he escapes killing several of the thugs and infected. He is still duty bound to complete his mission, protect and rebuild, but first must somehow recover the device and help the people that depend on him. He is not superhuman by any means and most of the time, he only wishes for at least a couple of hours of sleep to regenerate but even that little respite is too often denied him.He continues and he perseveres because he must and your heart will break for him because he is willing to sacrifice himself, his emotions and all that he as a man is to do what he was trained to do; fight for a people and a country he loves. But with every loss, every deed Lee becomes the soldier that everyone should fear as he does the unthinkable, particularly when his friends are in danger. He does find a few he can trust and will stand by him and that keeps him going not wanting to let them down. D.J. Molles is not afraid to kill off main characters and really I would be very surprised if he didn't, after all this is an apocalyptic series with well over 2/3's of the worlds population turned into ravenous infected creatures. Not to mention religious zealots, rapist, murders and misguided people that see the infected as just a group of highly misunderstood creatures that need to be protected. And of course we have a self appointed President who is willing to sacrifice most of the population of what is left of the United States for his own gain. While there are tense moments, in particular as a small group of survivors on a hospital roof are surrounded by hundreds of thousands infected, and when Lee, Sgt Tomlin and Nate are running through the woods ahead of a large group of infected, this installment deals mostly with what has become of humanity, where even those you think you know cannot be trusted and those you don't trust turn are the ones Lee entrust his life and the lives of those under his protection. It is a battle to the end, against the hordes of infected and people that are determined to see this small group of survivors fall. Is it the rebuilding of a nation with a revolution in the works? Even that is unclear. If this is the final installment, it leaves a lot of unanswered questions so maybe there will be one final book to give us the satisfaction that is sorely lacking in this ending. And was that Sam and a progeny of Deuce patrolling, continuing....We can only hope.
August 12, 2015
Finally a Remaining book worth the investment. Author D J Molles can write some excellent action adventure scenes and this concluding installment in The Remaining series is payback for all of us who suffered through the hundreds of pages of filler and pointless tangents that padded the middle books.
The Remaining: Extinction is basically an excellent war novel told from the platoon level perspective with occasional glimpses of the big picture.
The Remaining: Extinction is basically an excellent war novel told from the platoon level perspective with occasional glimpses of the big picture.
August 3, 2015
Nice closure to the series, really enjoyed it as the finale.
March 10, 2024
World War Z meets the Gray Man. Extinction is the sixth (eighth if you count novellas) and final book in the original 'Remaining' series. A zombie/survival/military genre-mash that is pretty dang good most of the time. Realistic, gritty, emotional and action-packed. This finale is definately my favourite of the series. 4.5 stars.
September 6, 2016
Great ending
I've read all 6 of D.J.Molles' post apocalyptic series and enjoyed them all. There is a glut of zombie apocalypse series out, I've tried many, truly been impressed by a few (my next book is the latest Awakening novel), and realized why I did or didn't like them. They need a twist, here the secret government project to ensure civilization outlasts an apocalypse. The second is the characters, Capt. Lee Harnden kits part of Project Hometown, and slowly becomes a leader in the aftermath. He is joined by comrades, people he's saved or saved him, and fights against a corrupt pseudo POTUS, a religious cult (they always think they're so right), and Duke, a dog he saved. All the characters are well written and believable, some are betrayed, some manipulate, others cower, and no one gets out unchanged. You know, kinda like life.
I guess I like this because it's viable to me, the way I think things would go. Religious zealots? Check. Military commanders, unsure of their allegiance? Check. Brave survivors? Check. Weasels? Yup. Truly bad people. Uh huh. Zombies? Millions, but not the biggest plot point.
No, the biggest threat to man is man. People die, some who deserve it, some who don't, just like life. I like that the Spec Ops people aren't supermen, they are very good at what they do but they get messed up, mentally and physically. Just like real life.
So, like well written escape fiction? You'll like this, get to know Lee, Angela, Abe, Devon, and Duke, the zombie sniffing guard dog. You'll be glad you did.
I've read all 6 of D.J.Molles' post apocalyptic series and enjoyed them all. There is a glut of zombie apocalypse series out, I've tried many, truly been impressed by a few (my next book is the latest Awakening novel), and realized why I did or didn't like them. They need a twist, here the secret government project to ensure civilization outlasts an apocalypse. The second is the characters, Capt. Lee Harnden kits part of Project Hometown, and slowly becomes a leader in the aftermath. He is joined by comrades, people he's saved or saved him, and fights against a corrupt pseudo POTUS, a religious cult (they always think they're so right), and Duke, a dog he saved. All the characters are well written and believable, some are betrayed, some manipulate, others cower, and no one gets out unchanged. You know, kinda like life.
I guess I like this because it's viable to me, the way I think things would go. Religious zealots? Check. Military commanders, unsure of their allegiance? Check. Brave survivors? Check. Weasels? Yup. Truly bad people. Uh huh. Zombies? Millions, but not the biggest plot point.
No, the biggest threat to man is man. People die, some who deserve it, some who don't, just like life. I like that the Spec Ops people aren't supermen, they are very good at what they do but they get messed up, mentally and physically. Just like real life.
So, like well written escape fiction? You'll like this, get to know Lee, Angela, Abe, Devon, and Duke, the zombie sniffing guard dog. You'll be glad you did.
August 14, 2015
Really? Does everyone have to die? I mean I get it, it's the zombie apocalypse, it's the final book in the series. But still.... Come on, you're killing me here!!!!
Finished the book now.
What an intense ride. I saw many other reviews of people complaining of the series not having an ending. I thought the ending was brilliant. Yes the story could have gone on, with more resolutions and tie up all the loose ends. But I think it ended at the right spot. This will forever and always be one of my favorite zombie series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2015
I love this series. I have made it my mission to read all the zombie\apocalypse novels that I find. Out of the 80+ books I have read in this area so far, this series is my favorite. DJ Molles has written a series worth reading. Even reading over and over again. I would recommend this series of books even to those who do not necessarily like zombies or the apocalypse. The books are full of heart, action, and the human connection. It gives us something to think about. who will we become if the end of the world was here. Would you become a leader, a follower, a bad person, a good person, will you be someone who does what is necessary or what you want, will you protect strangers or kill them?
September 30, 2015
A very satisfying conclusion to what I think may be the best zombie series I've yet to encounter. Yes, I've read quite a few and I'm proud to say so. I still believe that the third book in this series, Refugees, was the best book in the series and probably the best zombie book that I have ever read. However, since this was a tidy end to the series, I believe that it deserves five stars as well.
Although most of the loose ends have been tied up in The Remaining, the division between the midwest and the east coast remains. I cannot help but think that there is bound to be another entry despite claims that this is truly the end of the series. Regardless of whatever route Molles decides to take, he has done a great job and I applaud him for what he has achieved.
Although most of the loose ends have been tied up in The Remaining, the division between the midwest and the east coast remains. I cannot help but think that there is bound to be another entry despite claims that this is truly the end of the series. Regardless of whatever route Molles decides to take, he has done a great job and I applaud him for what he has achieved.
January 2, 2017
The Remaining is by far my most loved series of books, from the thrills to the down to earth nature of it this series has kept my interested from start to end. The Remaining: Extinction was a good book but not as well rounded as some of the others in the series (personally the original was the most interesting) but still a great read. Along with this nearly all the characters seemed to change in personality along with behavior as this book moved along. The final installment left on a good note and wrapped up most loose ends that where in the series. Overall I give this book a high rating and would recommend anyone who is interested in zombies or simply a good action filled book.
February 27, 2016
I got about 30 pages into this one and then realized that I just don't care anymore. The series started out pretty good, but got duller and more repetitive as it went on, and now I can't even work up enough interest to finish the final book. Oh well. I'm sure it turns out just as bland and unremarkably in the end as the previous few books in the series. I'm also pretty burnt out on zombies. They have gone way past stale, way past overused, way past cliche even, and into if you even mention something that, even remotely, resembles a zombie in any way I hate you territory.
August 2, 2022
An OK ending to the series I did enjoy it although at the end the repetitiveness of some of this was getting a bit insufferable but this seems to be the case with a lot of these postapocalyptic zombie type books and shows .it really devolved more into a militaristic story than a horror/ zombie apocalypse one.
August 24, 2015
I was unaware that this was the final book in the series until late in the book. Sorry to see it end, but well worth the time!
September 30, 2017
Great end to the series and as usual not everything went right. I almost wish there was going to be more, but it's nice to see something end as well.
December 2, 2018
Love love live this series. Sad to see it come to an end, however it ended with a satisfying conclusion.
August 1, 2015
Awesome book I wish it would not end
December 20, 2015
I enjoyed Extinction far more than I thought I would. After the colossal bore that Allegiance turned out to be, I had my doubts about Molles and the direction the series was going. I mean, how could the previous 5 books (and 2,000+ pages) be wrapped up in one final novel, especially one that would have to close a lot of open doors and tie off more than a handful of loopholes.
Well, for the most part, Molles delivered. The book itself is actually quite good. It picks up right where the horrible cliffhanger left readers in Allegiance and honestly never stops. Like Fractured did before it, there's no wasted prose trying to explain things that happened previously. Molles knows his readers want to be thrown right into the thick of things and he doesn't pussyfoot around that issue. Yes, I understand it could be a bit of a hassle trying to get back into the story after a couple of months break and with reading 15-20 other books inbetween, but after the 1st chapter and once things get rolling, the plot comes back and I was quickly reacquainted with the story.
Molles has grown tremendously as an author and his writing talent has expanded exponentially. Gone are the repetitive descriptions and flimsy dialogue. Instead it's far more action-packed and succinct. Even characters are more fleshed out and less thin. I was also pleased with the lack of zombies. Yes, this is a "zombie" series, but I always liked the man-against-man element more, and Extinction really ratchets that tension up, forcing the infected to take a back seat to hostage crises and marines against fanatical cult followers.
I just wish that this conclusion wasn't so weak. As readers of this series we've spent countless hours and leafed through 1,000's of pages only to be left with a final ending that lacked a lot of conflict excitement. To me, the entire culmination of this series was quashed, replaced with Molles's bleeding patriotism. Hey, I'm an American and I'm proud when the people of this country come together to solve a problem, but after so much depression and things going wrong, for the ending to be so happy-go-lucky seemed a bit of a cop out on the author's part. Plus, there were still a lot of questions that were left unanswered. A HUGE no-no in my book.
For a series that took me exactly one year to read through (12/19/14-12/19/15), I gotta give credit where credit is due. Molles did manage to write an above average story, stretch it across 6 books, and keep me coming back. In a genre that never seems to die (pun unintended), this one sits somewhere slightly above the halfway mark. Can't say I regret reading it, at least.
Well, for the most part, Molles delivered. The book itself is actually quite good. It picks up right where the horrible cliffhanger left readers in Allegiance and honestly never stops. Like Fractured did before it, there's no wasted prose trying to explain things that happened previously. Molles knows his readers want to be thrown right into the thick of things and he doesn't pussyfoot around that issue. Yes, I understand it could be a bit of a hassle trying to get back into the story after a couple of months break and with reading 15-20 other books inbetween, but after the 1st chapter and once things get rolling, the plot comes back and I was quickly reacquainted with the story.
Molles has grown tremendously as an author and his writing talent has expanded exponentially. Gone are the repetitive descriptions and flimsy dialogue. Instead it's far more action-packed and succinct. Even characters are more fleshed out and less thin. I was also pleased with the lack of zombies. Yes, this is a "zombie" series, but I always liked the man-against-man element more, and Extinction really ratchets that tension up, forcing the infected to take a back seat to hostage crises and marines against fanatical cult followers.
I just wish that this conclusion wasn't so weak. As readers of this series we've spent countless hours and leafed through 1,000's of pages only to be left with a final ending that lacked a lot of conflict excitement. To me, the entire culmination of this series was quashed, replaced with Molles's bleeding patriotism. Hey, I'm an American and I'm proud when the people of this country come together to solve a problem, but after so much depression and things going wrong, for the ending to be so happy-go-lucky seemed a bit of a cop out on the author's part. Plus, there were still a lot of questions that were left unanswered. A HUGE no-no in my book.
For a series that took me exactly one year to read through (12/19/14-12/19/15), I gotta give credit where credit is due. Molles did manage to write an above average story, stretch it across 6 books, and keep me coming back. In a genre that never seems to die (pun unintended), this one sits somewhere slightly above the halfway mark. Can't say I regret reading it, at least.
March 6, 2019
I was very, very unhappy with this book. There are some very disappointing aspects of the series in this book and the one preceding it, but I think this final book is the worst. I was irate that Jacob was killed ever since it happened. We have pregnant infected, evolved infected, one scientist who knows what is happening, and yet Lee in his infinite wisdom has Jacob out fighting. The government didn't seem to want Jacob either. The man who is more important in the long-run than anyone else, and he's used as another soldier and put in harms way over and over until he is killed. Oh, he makes sure Lee gets his notebook. To top it off, Lee is too stupid to understand the extremely simple conclusions Jacob came to and has to have Jenny read it. Ridiculous. We never find out anything more about the infected and their biology or evolution. People kept dying in completely predictable and entirely unnecessary conflicts. The same stupid mistakes repeated until there aren't many people left standing. I didn't care how many were left standing though because I didn't care about any of them and had lost all interest in how it ended. I didn't like the characters and I didn't care a bit how they died or did not die. I finished the book. Normally by the last book in a series like this, I'm reading as fast as I can to see how it turns out. It is not supposed to turn into such a dull, monotonous, pointless mess that the ending no longer matters halfway through the sixth book in a series. I kept putting it down because I was just flat-out bored.
I feel like I wasted my money. The back and forth Lee: "oh no i'm such a bad person. Should I do this? Should I have this conversation with myself for the umpteenth time? How many pages can I take up this time." "Oh, Lee. how could you. You killed them" as Angela is just in shock that Lee did what all of the idiots in that camp should have done immediately. Leaving enemies alive to come back and kill more of the camp, which has happened repeatedly, is stupidity. This book just wasn't very good at all. I won't be reading anymore of Molles work. I wish this book hadn't turned out so horribly. I really enjoyed the beginning of the series, but the questions I really wanted answered turned out to be more plot points that vanished into thin air. That happened frequently throughout this series.
I feel like I wasted my money. The back and forth Lee: "oh no i'm such a bad person. Should I do this? Should I have this conversation with myself for the umpteenth time? How many pages can I take up this time." "Oh, Lee. how could you. You killed them" as Angela is just in shock that Lee did what all of the idiots in that camp should have done immediately. Leaving enemies alive to come back and kill more of the camp, which has happened repeatedly, is stupidity. This book just wasn't very good at all. I won't be reading anymore of Molles work. I wish this book hadn't turned out so horribly. I really enjoyed the beginning of the series, but the questions I really wanted answered turned out to be more plot points that vanished into thin air. That happened frequently throughout this series.
June 27, 2016
A lackluster end to the series I thought. Some huuuge questions were left unanswered--the one I was most intrigued about and was teased for several of the books and then left unmentioned was the fate of all the pregnant zombies. Are their offspring the hunters? But the hunters seemed to happen pretty early on where that doesn't make sense. Was disappointed that was never finished off.
More of the same. People race from point A to B. Various people backstab others for no real reason. The finale with The Followers was rather tepid. We didn't see a lot of The Follower's evil--it was always more implied, and since 50% of their crimes was kidnapping & rape of all women they met up with, I'm glad we didn't see pages and pages of that. Why was the Acting President even so ready to kill everyone east of the Rockies? Because Lee had a bunker over-ride GPS? Would they be that desparate for those weapons? It's not like the US is already dripping with ammo and guns or anything. And since Lee cleaned out the first bunker for the people in Fort Ryder, which still seems perpetually out of everything, they can't be that strategically awesome.
And with the ending, it's clear that Lee and the others aren't the only ones still around in the southeast--there's enough to restart a full goverment. I've glad I read all these boks, but I don't think they are ones I would re-read.
More of the same. People race from point A to B. Various people backstab others for no real reason. The finale with The Followers was rather tepid. We didn't see a lot of The Follower's evil--it was always more implied, and since 50% of their crimes was kidnapping & rape of all women they met up with, I'm glad we didn't see pages and pages of that. Why was the Acting President even so ready to kill everyone east of the Rockies? Because Lee had a bunker over-ride GPS? Would they be that desparate for those weapons? It's not like the US is already dripping with ammo and guns or anything. And since Lee cleaned out the first bunker for the people in Fort Ryder, which still seems perpetually out of everything, they can't be that strategically awesome.
And with the ending, it's clear that Lee and the others aren't the only ones still around in the southeast--there's enough to restart a full goverment. I've glad I read all these boks, but I don't think they are ones I would re-read.
June 5, 2017
This was an exciting finish to the series, which was one of my favorites of all time, (probably top three behind Cornwell's warlord series and Wooding's Retribution Falls series) but there is room for more as there are some questions to be answered as to the hunters and what was going on with the rest of the world, is it a world wide epidemic or does someone now try and cash in on America's weakening? Whatever is asked, I think Lee Harding has done enough, has gone through enough. The series illustrates what the men on the line have done and go through to keep us safe. On that point I think DJ Molles does a very good job. Another novel or series from the same world would not go astray but not necessarily involving Lee and the "Camp Ryder" people. I know I'll certainly buy it.
I love the military 'know-how" but I wonder about in an apocalypse, every infected body has to be disposed of, right? Otherwise once their blood is in the ground water there's a chance for contamination down the line. Don't want to clog up a good story with too many extra troubles and this a very good series.
I love the military 'know-how" but I wonder about in an apocalypse, every infected body has to be disposed of, right? Otherwise once their blood is in the ground water there's a chance for contamination down the line. Don't want to clog up a good story with too many extra troubles and this a very good series.
January 13, 2018
Well I don't know why this is the sixth and final installment of the series. I mean so long as things can keep going I think they should. Lee's trials and tribulations are far from over the whole deal with Briggs hasn't been resolved yet. Plus too much is left in the open and it would be nice to see them find other surviving communities and the troubles they have with Briggs or don't as the case may be. That I am fighting so hard for reasons that the series should continue should tell you just how damn good it is. This is so gripping and well thought out, executed and with a myriad of characters that come and go throughout Lee's time here has that natural flow to it that we see in our everyday life. While the infected may dictate living conditions for now it's really about the human nature and it's desire to survive at all costs.
March 8, 2019
Not to criticize the book, but rather the genre at large--apocalypse books are downers! That is the truth. Survival books, on the other hand, are about rising above and beating the odds. It's about resilience and hope! The first book in the Remaining series did both. Sure, there was a zombie apocalypse but there was also the mission. The mission to rebuild. As the series continued, the theme was not about resilience and hope, but about how the world destroys your essential self, beats you down until you don't recognize the person you used to be. Destroys the human soul, leaving a person unable to feel anything but fear, pain, anger, and despair. So, end the end, it brings you down. And down, and down. That's just not my jam.
April 29, 2016
Good closing to a series I've been reading for about 4 years now. DJ Molles really knows how to write, and keeps you in suspense, even when the characters are seemingly safe. In this post apocalyptic place, nothing is really safe, and you feel that in every passage.
It's almost anxiety inducing, but it's so, so good.
It's almost anxiety inducing, but it's so, so good.
July 5, 2018
This series went downhill quickly. I enjoyed the premise but the author used too much meaningless filler in lieu of substantial plot points. Nearly two pages to capture an inner monologue of a sub character whose perspective is both already well known and mostly irrelevant was the lowest point. I'm glad I finished the series but it wasn't easy.
June 4, 2017
One of the best apocalyptic series I have read. Well written, characters that are real, that you love and hate, characters that you relate to and root for. This is my second time reading this series and I highly recommend this series.
March 14, 2016
(Listened to audiobook w/hubby)
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