Harden

Lee Harden #1

by D.J. Molles

It’s been three years since Lee Harden emerged from his bunker into a world gone mad.In the United Eastern States, Lee and his team of battle-hardened operatives walk a tightrope of survival. Their To keep 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.Lee is left 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 heading their way……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?---**The Lee Harden Series is part of The Remaining Universe. It falls chronologically after The Remaining Series Book 6: Extinction.**After all six books in the Lee Harden Series have been read, the next chronological book is The A Lee Harden Novel.

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

432 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 23, 2018

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

[Tracy P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Harden' is one high velocity start to D.J. Molles Lee Harden apocalyptic series. Old governments are no longer as Lee Harden immerses himself from hiding back into this new dangerous way of life on Earth. The action is nonstop as he and his comrades fight day and day out for survival against world filled with new transformed apex predators. Sadly, they seem to be the better of two evils when the real enemies have proven to be other other humans. Trust is broken, new allegiances are formed, and loss of life of friends and foes is constant.
Narrator Christian Rummel delivers the excitement and fast pacing of this thriller in spades.
Already downloaded book #2.

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy Moly D. J. Molles, my heart is still pounding, wow! It's been awhile since reading about Lee Harden and his Remaining family, but oh so worth it! Non-stop action and the usual emotional chaos... sigh, well done sir. Anxiously awaiting the next chapter in Lee Harden's world!!

[Forrest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me just start with this: this book is fantastic, and it is 100% comprised of a magical substance that not many sequel/furtherance books today possess. What is that substance? What is this book? Simple: IT'S MORE OF WHAT WE WANTED!!! I don't know any better way to describe this book, nor can I think of any higher praise. I really do need to go back and review the first sextet of The Remaining that Mr. Molles has written, though I can tell you that *spoiler alert*, they're all going to be five star reviews. I loved all six of the previous books, and I love this book.

In fact, there are only a couple of negatives about this book, and I'll list those out.

1. This book picks up a fairly short time after the events covered in the previous six books of The Remaining series, and is written with the understanding that you will know who all of the fairly large cast of characters are, and what their circumstances are. If you haven't read those books, first of all, stop reading this review and GO READ THEM. Then come back, strap in, and read this book. I strongly advise this because Harden doesn't waste much time on explanations of previously happened events, or who folks are.

2. This book is the start of a new trilogy, so keep that in mind. This book serves primarily as a "Here we are 3 years later..." exposition and the setup of the new Bad Guys Capt. Lee Harden and his team have to face. So, don't expect a huge progression of storyline, as we're just getting further established here.

3. Being that this book is one of those you pick up and can't put down, it goes by VERY fast, and thus now we wait until the next one is released.


All of that said, some new characters are introduced, and some old favorites are reintroduced. There are some VERY satisfying action scenes, and the new Bad Guys are set up to be a pretty credible threat. On top of the new Bad Guys, there are also now evolved versions of the "Rage zombies" from the first sextet of books, and we are given some new and pretty scary revelations about them. All of this, plus the bombshell ending means this book is 100% ramp-up for this new story, and the ending will leave you ready to anxiously waiting for the next book.

As far as post-apocalypse genre books go, The Remaining series was tremendous, and this latest book is like a favorite recipe: everything we wanted, nothing we didn't! I can't wait for the next one!

[Benjamin Drayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Click the BUY it Now button NOW!!!

Stop reading reviews. Stop wasting your time. This series is one of the best post apocalypse series ever written. Hands down. Purchase this book and store it away for one week, then go buy all of the Remaining books (yes, all of them) because once you read the first you will long for the second and when you get to this book after a week of reading the others, you'll be glad you don't have to stop and fine it to purchase it.

This one was my favorite. They are all great but this was beyond good, beyond the best out there. As an FYI to all of you reading this, I'm a fan of Thor, Clancy, Flynn and other military thriller or techno-thriller writers and this author is right up there with them, maybe even better (no he is better) at writing the action scenes, of getting you pulling for characters, getting you disgusted with others

As I said above, do yourself a favor and Buy the book now!

Well done Mr. Molles, well done!

[Kady Monroe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite an enjoyable listen/read, and nice to find The Remaining Universe story continued.
I will look forward to the next book in this series.
Plot - Good
Narration - very good
Production - very good

[Michael Menster · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love science fiction, a lot. I download and read at least one book every week to two weeks, something like that. Reading as many authors as I do, there are some that are just ok, but I read them because, well, there’s not much else out there at the moment. Then there are the authors that I like more, but still have to overlook an irritating lack of knowledge about topics such as weapons and tactics. And then there are authors like DJ. It’s a love hate thing for sure. For one thing, I read his books waaay too fast which leads to me constantly checking Facebook pages, blog posts, tweets, snaps, or whatever social media I can find in the hope that the next release date is mentioned. So, yes, I am currently feeling a little like a junkie waiting for his next hit from the Harden series. Oh sure, I started out thinking I could just dabble in a little of the Remaining Series. But that was just a gateway to A Growers War. By the time Harden came out, well, I think I have a problem. Which is good, because admitting I have a problem is the first step, right?

Why do I like DJ’s books so much? Well, there are a lot of reasons.

1) Authenticity. I think this is the main one. You can see this in his character development and just, well, the dialogue between characters. If you have ever served in a tier one unit, you will immediately pick up on the authenticity of how guys just talk to each other.

2) Weapons. Look, I get it, not every sci-fi author has to have an in depth working knowledge of a variety of weapons systems. Nor do I think that it is a prerequisite for a good sci-fi author to have one. But dag gone, at least have some minimal knowledge that anyone can pick up from spending a little time at their local gun range. I literally read this from another author last week (I couldn’t stomach reading the rest of the book) the main character “picked up the glock, he kept his finger off the trigger because he knew all glocks come with a hair trigger”. I just don’t even know where to start with that. Point is, you will not read something like that in DJ’s books. I don’t know where he acquired his knowledge of weapons and tactics, but they are spot on.

3) Lastly, the dude can just flat out write. He has a way of describing scenes that really make you imagine what is going on. He has a way of investing the reader in his characters.

Well, enough blowing smoke up DJ’s 5th point of contact for now. If you’re reading this DJ, stop it! You should be writing. Faster.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

I am so happy to have Lee Harden and his world to read again. I have really missed them. Well written, hard hitting and frightening. Thank you for giving us more!!

[Noni Cabrera Steele · Rating 5 out of 5]

DJ Molles.......

If authors were films, Molles would be Apocalypse Now.
And if I could throw a brick from Jacksonville Florida and break a window in Tokyo, I’d be Lee Harden. Maybe.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harden picks up where The Remaining series left off. Lee and his friends in the United Eastern States are still struggling to survive and danger lurks around every corner and even from within their own base. This is mostly a military type thriller with very few primals or infected to be found within the pages. While some may like that and I liked the book overall, it lacked some of the intensity of the books from The Remaining. I hope that book 2 in the series is more of a return to form. While it was a decent read, Harden 1 was a book that just felt like it was building up to something. It overwhelmingly felt like a book 1. Not great but a necessary read before we hopefully get to the good stuff. Maybe 3.5 stars but rounded up to: 4/5

[Byron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this Series. You won't regret it.
Mr. Molles creates and fleshes out a truly believable character in Lee Harden. He's no superman. He calls himself an "operator". He believes in himself and his role in history.
All of Mr. Molles characters are equally realistic. He paints action scenes that are vivid and memorable. He doesn't go overboard with details about military equipment or "prepper" lists.

It's hard to put this book down and I'm glad I didn't start the series until after Mr. Molles completed it. I can't imagine having to wait for the next book in the series.
If you start this series, plan for it to take a big chunk out of your time. It's an Epic in length. But it's well worth the effort.
See an additional review on book #6.

[Jordan Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Violent dark, and exceedingly depressing...
Pretty much par the course when it comes to a new D.J. Moles novel.

It's been 3 years since Allegiance and thought I wasn't exactly happy with its ending, I felt the story had been told and there was nothing left to say.

Boy was I wrong.

In Harden, the titular character is back, and this time, he's pissed. Yeah, he was pissed off in the other Remaining novels, but now he's had it and he's willing to kick the ass of anyone unlucky enough to get in his way.

And there you have where Harden begins to separate itself from the rest of the books that came before it. There is still some action to be had when it comes to the Primals and their obligatory entrance, but the vast majority of the bloodshed and gore is almost all directed at humankind.

Harden isn't the penultimate example of great post-apocalyptic fiction, but Moles is never afraid to put a magnifying glass on the more "realistic" elements of this kind of genre and I can't really fault him for that.

4 out of 5 bloodstained stars.

[Shane · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a fan of Molles' "Remaining" universe. That is until he was picked up by a publisher and the prices more than tripled. Good new for DJ Molles, bad news for cheap readers.

So this is a new series set in the same "Remaining" world but a few years later. Some things have changed but a great deal has stayed the same (or gotten worse). I think Molles tries to do too much in this first book. There is action at four different locations and a pile of intrigue. Not terrible in itself, but the jarring way the author jumps from point to point seems to mess up the pacing of the overarching story. Too many irons in the fire to keep them all hot.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, this is a good continuance to the original story arc. There are some flashbacks to provide background and to help readers remember some of the key past conflicts, but I would say it is necessary to read the first series to understand the characters and situations fully.

For my full review: https://paulspicks.blog/2018/11/05/ha...

For all my reviews: https://paulspicks.blog

[Miranda Stokes · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m firing this series...

It’s just too monotonous with hopelessness, death and battle scenes.

I was a big fan of the Remaining series and the Growers War. The author shouldn’t have brought this one back because now we have to ensure the same plot trajectory as the first series (survival, betrayal, conspiracy). It’s the same reason I gave up on The Walking Dead TV show eventually, the perpetual cycle of no hope.

[Roland of Gilead · Rating 4 out of 5]

In my opinion, not as good as the previous series, but I still enjoyed it. A little too much emphasis on the human-to-human conflict for me, but the characters are still all there and this is a terrific setup for the mayhem that will undoubtedly follow in its wake.

[Josh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harden is a continuation of the Remaining series. It takes place just a few weeks after the events of the last remaining book and we see Julia and Abe working together to help Lee. Lee has just been shot and needs help right away. They were just out for a routine search for supplies and recon when they were completely ambushed out of nowhere, injuring Lee nearly fatally. This starts the idea of this book, it gives Lee a massive injury and we jump between Lee in his injured state just barely surviving (A lot like the first book in the remaining series) and the rest of his crew as they fight a new threat. Their new mission is to discover who betrayed them and uncover the leak in what they believed to be a tight group of people. With Lee gravely injured we get to really see what the rest of this group of people can do. Throughout the remaining series it is almost completely focused on Lee while in this book we get to see what they will do without Lee, who became their leader pretty much. This book did a fantastic job at showing how much pain Lee was in and how much it impacts his abilities. I feel this was done because Lee started to feel unstoppable in the Remaining series and so the author wanted to give him a handicap to bring him back down to reality a bit. I think that the characters are all more believable in this entry and we are able to really see who they are and how they can shine on their own now. This book also adds suspense with the betrayal aspect which we have seen before, but never to the level it is shown in this book. The only weakness I can see in this book is the amount of rough language that is used, sometimes it does feel like a crutch that the author used for dialogue and how the characters describe the situations they are put into. However this is a staple for the series and to be expected so it is not really noticed unless you are trying to look for any negatives. Besides that small gripe this book is a fantastic addition to the series and I am very excited to see where this series can go next.

[Paul (Life In The Slow Lane) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Warning! Testosterone ahead...and guns...lots of guns...and acronyms galore. Read with caution.

DNF at 65%

I surprised even myself when I gave this story 2.5 stars, but you can't keep dishing up the same meal every night before the guests start complaining. It appears that the author only has only has the one koala in his tree...guns and military tactics. If you like that sort of thing, add another star.

You need to have read at least some of The Remaining series (which was excellent) to identify with the characters and understand the book. There was no real antagonist in this story. The "zombies" (primals) definitely were - but so was just about everyone else. The plot meandered and there doesn't seem to be any hope of a satisfactory ending in sight for this series...even with the sensors at maximum and the dilithium crystals under strain. There is plenty of action, but this series is like Lee Harden; it's having an identity crisis. And the acronyms! QRF, IFAK, PTT, dd214, MRE, BDU and so on. I had to look most of them up. So annoying.

I hope Mr Molles tries something different soon, 'cos he's a good writer.

[James Maxon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harden picks up after The Remaining (3 years from the beginning of the series, not the end of it). I was a little surprised to find that Lee Harden was still with the same group. The way the series ended made me think that he was heading out on his own. That said, I was happy having characters I already knew, even if some of the relationships between them changed. To be honest, I felt a bit disjointed with the way this book started. You had Lee on the verge of death, then go back to what happened before only to leap forward again. I get that some stories like to start out with a bang, but I personally prefer to travel in a straight line. There are two basic groups being followed in this book. Lee and crew, who are out on a mission, and those at home base. I personally felt more engaged with what was happening with the latter, such as Sam falling for a girl that spells bad news. Some of the Lee action got a bit repetitive and somewhat unbelievable, but I did still enjoy it overall. I liked how some of the previous plotlines continued. The story ended with a cliffhanger, the type you’d expect a chapter to end at, not a full book, but that’s fine since I already plan to finish this series. Looking forward to it.

[sb072 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a disabled vet who reads/listens to several novels per week. I'm always looking for books that feature the honor, integrity, and perseverance side of combat, without the masochistic and vulgar aspects of loss that only arm chair warriors include in their writing for shock effect. Don't get me wrong... there's plenty loss here.. but it's reasonable and balanced with sacrifice and proper cause and effect. It's more than respectful, it's honorable. D.J. Molles is my favorite author of this genre. For any genre, he should be considered an author of amazing skill and finesse. This book and the root series plant you squarely in the shoes of Captain Lee Harden. Truly exceptional story, characterization, and attention to detail. I've never felt so immersed and involved in any art, literature, or media as I have been with Molles' books. I'm re-reading The Remaining series for the 5th time, then I'll listen to Harden again. I hope I don't have to wait too long for Lee Harden Book 2. Bravo Foxtrot Zulu, Molles! I don't have the words to properly thank you.

[Steven Leitman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picking this up feels as if no time had passed the last story in the Remaining series. I understand where this is going and how the zombies are being replaced by Primals but i'll be honest I don't see enough of either of them. I want to see more threat that aren't other humans, that being said this new group emerging and the fact that Colorado still has that madman in office is willing to work with should be incentive enough to get em out of the way. DJ writes one hell of a story here and it's nice to see most of the gang from the last go round.
The characterisation, the direction and all around this is an extremely written book and is a much improved (written wise) start to a new series. Also i love that this is so longer than most of other books on stands you really get to sink your teeth into this way. Welcome to a new group of sruvivors, betrayals and bloody action with a few monsters along the way, only what kind of monster is what you see not what you think.

[Andrew Kloxek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harden is The Remaining series on steroids!

Rating: 9/10

'Harden' the first book in the Lee Harden series, picks up three years after the original remaining series. There is a lot more organization and structure, but also more enemies and other dangers than ever.

This first book is a non stop adrenaline rush. From the beginning its fast paced, and full of military jargon and guns. Its much faster paced than the original series, and it totally works. Its not meaningless action just to fill pages, but action that progresses the story.

The book expands the world much further than the original series did. There are now enemies all over the country, including on their door step.

This isn't a spoiler review so I don't want to discuss the plot, but what I will say is the author doesn't shy away from shoving a knife in your gut and turning it side to side. Nobody is safe this time around!

[Andy Herzfeld · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found out about D.J. Molles writing when I read the Wolves that is a very good book about a man in similar circumstances as Lee but well you just have to read it. Then I read this one and I am hooked. Then I started the remaining series. So I have sort of backed into D.J.'s Lee Hardin universe and now it makes a lot more sense. I like the way he describes the primals cunning and dangerous. The war lords and the cartels taking over as well as the fight of dominance between governments getting established. Very well done. that said a lot of writers are in this field but from what I have read so far they are amateurs and D.J. is the real deal and I will tell you why. He obviously has military and police training. He has fired probably all of the weapons that he puts in his characters hands. He has some real life experience in the field either in combat or on the mean streets. He brings this to life in his characters they are real people not super heros. they take damage, they have options usually shitty or shittier. Food, water, fuel, medical, ammo, security, logistics is all dealt with here as a part of everyday life as it should be as well as the people themselves not being content and backstabbing each other all very real stuff. Good job D.J.

[RJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This new series picks up three-years after The Remaining. Readers of The Remaining series will be familiar with characters and flashbacks, but it is not a requirement. Captain Harden and crew continue to protect their charges in their compound from both the infected Primals, and those who wish to crush the fledgling United Eastern States. Harden is seriously wounded in an ambush and it takes all of Julia’s skills to keep him breathing. A mole is discovered in their midst and it’s a race to uncover the mole before any more damage can be done. It’s good to have Harden back in print. I enjoy the characters and love the action.

[Rachael Ashak-Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

PHENOMENAL!!!!

I'm honestly shocked I've never heard of this fantastic series - and equally thrilled that I stumbled across it!
From the character development and the world building, to the abundant and riveting action scenes, as well as the storyline being driven along by a visceral dialogue - it's all due to DJ Molles being a master wordsmith.
Within the military zombie apocalypse genre, Molle's creativity is sublime.
I already know this is one series I'll never want to end. I'm already 1000% invested in every character. Well, except for the few I'd gladly toss to the primals myself, smiling all the while ...........

[Tristan Laitinen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best series alrrady

I can't say enough good things. I was hooked from the first chapter to the last. We get to catch up with our old friends. We learned what they've done the last few years. We are the turmoil and struggle is forever present. The worst part of the book is that it had to end! I'm already excited for the next installment. You will not regret continuing the series. I'd recommend this to literally everyone.
If you like zombie-ish, post apocalypse, dystopia, war, and more twists and shocks than an M. Night Shyamalan movie then this series is for you.

[Shelley Barr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth the wait

This is a 5 star book 100% I’ve obviously read all the previous Remaining books, and I enjoyed them all thoroughly. I did stop reading anything Mr Molles wrote after the last Remaining book. They just didn’t interest me, however I may have to re think that. Anyways, this book, Lee hit the ground running! I couldn’t put this book down for long, it was just that intense and kept my interest all the way from beginning to end. Can’t wait till the next one, I’m freaking out over the direction D.J is taking the Primals in. It’s insane! Fantastic!

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my, Captain Harden is BACK! And he is back in full form. First, let me say that I consumed the Remaining series as quickly as they came out, and loved them all. So it is only natural that I would grab this up as soon as I heard Harden was out. So glad! DJ Molles takes us back to the "Remaining" world, though several years have passed, and things are changing...especially the infected. Molles always delivers a fun read with plenty of action, lots of new bad guys, and, of course, just as much heroics. Captain Harden, if an apocalypse comes in my lifetime, PLEASE let me be on your team.

[Patricia Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can't wait to review this book

I haven't finished reading this book but I can't wait to review it. This is one heck of a good book. Miller has a knack for getting inside the heads of his characters that makes this post-apoc book well-nigh unique. The characters are incredibly believably authentic. The language is as strong as it needs to be to make that happen. You can feel the fear, the sorrow, the rage, the love these people feel.
I somehow will find a way to finish so I can leap into the next one.

[Ralph Wark · Rating 5 out of 5]

More Lee Harden!!!

I read the first series of the Remaining and enjoyed them all. They are realistic (or as much so as a post zombie apocalyptic tale can be) with good characterization and plots. Oh, and lots of shit blowing up, there is plenty of action, with the disparate factions remaining jockeying for power, and the resultant intrigue and betrayals. Fun.

Miles sets this up well, with Lee mortally hurt, team members lost, and the Primals, the next gen zombies, learning and advancing all the time.

Oh yeah, and they're reproducing....

[Fred · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do not read this book if you are trying to wind down from a day. The gas peddle is smashed to the max once you mentally get caught up to where this picks up from the last series. Buckle up and hold on! This does not disappoint. Although I don’t know the difference between the ability for human anatomy to survive the beating Lee takes and his desire to continue as he does in the previous series...I don’t mind saying this because I assume it’s not a big deal that he takes a lickin and keeps on tickin based on the fact that there are more books to read.