What do you think?
Rate this book
Evergreen #2
The World That Remains
Six months ago, Harper Cody stressed out over finding the right college – now, she’ll be thrilled if she makes it to her eighteenth birthday.
Unexpected nuclear war destroyed the world she knew along with her dreams for a future. Violent thugs took away her parents and home, sending her fleeing into the ashes with her traumatized little sister. Following her best hope for survival, she chased a rumor of safety in the mountains.
Evergreen, Colorado turned out to be the shelter she’d hoped for. There, her patchwork family could make the best of the world left behind. However, their new home came with an unexpected to keep her father’s shotgun and protect her sister, sweet, introverted Harper had to join the militia.
Safety is relative in the aftermath of societal collapse. The mountain town may have avoided the worst of the atomic blasts, but danger still surrounds unstable people, starvation, cold, disease… and something or someone creeping about late at night, stalking the most vulnerable among them.
Unexpected nuclear war destroyed the world she knew along with her dreams for a future. Violent thugs took away her parents and home, sending her fleeing into the ashes with her traumatized little sister. Following her best hope for survival, she chased a rumor of safety in the mountains.
Evergreen, Colorado turned out to be the shelter she’d hoped for. There, her patchwork family could make the best of the world left behind. However, their new home came with an unexpected to keep her father’s shotgun and protect her sister, sweet, introverted Harper had to join the militia.
Safety is relative in the aftermath of societal collapse. The mountain town may have avoided the worst of the atomic blasts, but danger still surrounds unstable people, starvation, cold, disease… and something or someone creeping about late at night, stalking the most vulnerable among them.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 15, 2019
150 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
About the author
Matthew S. Cox
192 books265 followersBorn in a little town known as South Amboy NJ in 1973, Matthew has been creating science fiction and fantasy worlds for most of his reasoning life. Somewhere between fifteen to eighteen of them spent developing the world in which Division Zero, Virtual Immortality, and The Awakened Series take place. He has several other projects in the works as well as a collaborative science fiction endeavor with author Tony Healey.
Hobbies and Interests:
Matthew is an avid gamer, a recovered WoW addict, Gamemaster for two custom systems (Chronicles of Eldrinaath [Fantasy] and Divergent Fates [Sci Fi], and a fan of anime, British humour (<- deliberate), and intellectual science fiction that questions the nature of reality, life, and what happens after it.
He is also fond of cats.
Hobbies and Interests:
Matthew is an avid gamer, a recovered WoW addict, Gamemaster for two custom systems (Chronicles of Eldrinaath [Fantasy] and Divergent Fates [Sci Fi], and a fan of anime, British humour (<- deliberate), and intellectual science fiction that questions the nature of reality, life, and what happens after it.
He is also fond of cats.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 14, 2019
I liked it a lot!
There are only two books in this series and somehow I missed that. I finished the second one, excited for the next and that's all! Gah! I loved the books.
There are only two books in this series and somehow I missed that. I finished the second one, excited for the next and that's all! Gah! I loved the books.
July 5, 2020
Well...Harper didnt see this coming. Being part of a Militia? Um no. She's shy and quiet well she used to be and she's had to do things she never thought. She's reached a place of safety but protect the ones you love right? Not all hope is lost. Thats the one thing all these people still need. Above anything else I think. Co-existing and working together to protect one another. Harper doesnt just willy nilly kill. Nope she only does it if she has to. This is the new future for now...trying to survive and rebuild. I definitely recommend this series. The writing is superb. The characters feel real to me. Very realistic and thats hard to do and to keep your readers interested and wanting more which is pretty much anything Matthew writes. IMO. Onto the next!!!!
June 28, 2020
Harper and her little sister made their way to Evergreen, Colorado and are glad they did. Life isn't perfect but they have a "family", friends, and a safe place to live. But though things are getting kind of normal "at least normal after an 'apocalypse" But life isn't as good as Harper hoped, things start to change and not always for the better. Matthew Cox shows us what a life is like for Harper and you feel that your in the story with her. Enjoy 'The World That Remains and head to book 3 in the series
July 9, 2020
this is a good sequel for book 1. I recommend reading them in order as book 2 picks up right after book 1. Something or someone is following kids in town setting Harper on edge with worry. Someone is also stealing food from the supplies and people's houses. Harper gets involved in more trouble and danger as she tries to protect those she cares about. I like to use the text to speech option on my kindle so I can listen and work. I borrowed through KU and I think it read me the audible version dud to audibles blurb at the end. If so the audible version is pretty good.
June 30, 2020
The World That Remains
Another suspenseful survivalist drama that picks up where the last book left off. This dystopian focuses on how the characters survive and navigate life in this new world.
Another suspenseful survivalist drama that picks up where the last book left off. This dystopian focuses on how the characters survive and navigate life in this new world.
March 17, 2019
Perfect closure of story.
I enjoyed the opportunity to see more of these characters. They each carried so much with them needing healing. It was nice to be there with them as they faced each issue.
I enjoyed the opportunity to see more of these characters. They each carried so much with them needing healing. It was nice to be there with them as they faced each issue.
March 19, 2019
Evergreen
l am sad that this is probably the last book l truly loved it. It's a different take on the end of the world ,great character s, just can't really say enough about it ,it is well worth the read.
l am sad that this is probably the last book l truly loved it. It's a different take on the end of the world ,great character s, just can't really say enough about it ,it is well worth the read.
March 25, 2019
Great Read!
An end of the world story with hope! A wonderful continuation of Harper's story, of Evergreen's growth, and of people coming together. Loved it!
An end of the world story with hope! A wonderful continuation of Harper's story, of Evergreen's growth, and of people coming together. Loved it!
March 23, 2019
Better
Liked Evergreen , but this book was better. Great story about good people surviving in bad times. Going to read it again.
Liked Evergreen , but this book was better. Great story about good people surviving in bad times. Going to read it again.
May 15, 2019
Superb
I really enjoyed this book. A post apocalyptic book focused on surviving and what that would look like. Great world and character building. I'm invested in their story and want to find out more!
I really enjoyed this book. A post apocalyptic book focused on surviving and what that would look like. Great world and character building. I'm invested in their story and want to find out more!
April 9, 2019
Thought provoking!
Loved the way everyone came together as a family. It's true that you make your own with the people you love. Taking care of each other is the most important thing. Loved the story!
Loved the way everyone came together as a family. It's true that you make your own with the people you love. Taking care of each other is the most important thing. Loved the story!
February 19, 2024
Cox fuses the scarcity of resources and breakdown of civility of post-apocalyptic narratives with the personal focus of young adult fiction to create a survival thriller driven by character not trappings.
This novel is the sequel to Evergreen. Danger of narrative contamination past this point.
After escaping the gang-ridden ruins of her home for Evergreen, Harper Cody thought she’d found a safe haven for her new family-by-choice. However, her decision to join the Militia in exchange for being allowed to keep her father’s shotgun puts her on the front line for any threats that do crop up. Half-convinced the Militia don’t take her seriously anyway, it would be easy to give up; but with rumours of a shadowy shape stalking children, that would mean leaving her sisters’ fates to others.
Perhaps the most obvious testament to this novel’s strength is that—despite Cox having never intended to write a series—one wouldn’t know the plot wasn’t designed to continue unless he’d mentioned it: while there are new characters and discoveries, the story is driven almost entirely by people acting consistently rather than existing for the plot.
Ironically, the weakest part might stem from Cox not simply relying on the strength of characters to immerse the reader in the ongoing story. While there is no explicit prologue, the opening scenes containing Harper walking her patrol route while pondering her situation at least skirt the line between plot and reprise. However—while this might feel dry or forced to some readers already familiar with Evergreen—it is a brief deviation from the otherwise immersive style well worth reading past, and does make the book even more suitable as an entry point to Cox’ work.
As with the previous volume, the plot is a balance of the mundane and extreme-yet-realistic challenges faced by people who have survived a widespread nuclear attack, mixed with plausible issues of being a teenager with a comfortable life thrust into survivalist adulthood. This use of events that might be seen in a report on a war zone or other area slightly worse than a modern Western democracy grants the threats a visceral truth rather than allowing tension to bleed away through any unconscious perception of them as just part of some baroque game or fantastical society.
This inescapable sense that the world in the book is ours but for the nuclear attack hits even harder on the moral challenges: if the trappings of society that supported decency, such as resources beyond mere survival, are gone, is it moral not to enforce order brutally.
Harper remains a sympathetic protagonist. No longer as fixated on her failure to kill her father’s attacker, but still instinctively horrified by the thought of killing someone, she displays realistic psychology while avoiding being irritatingly passive. Instead, she strive to be worthy of her gun and the Militia while not being certain she is good enough.
This uncertainty over her decision-making echoes through the possible romance sub-plot: however, unlike some young adult protagonists, Harper’s blundering around her feelings is built on a previous friendship having put people at risk and the ongoing doubt over her role in society as a whole; as such, more mature readers are unlikely to find her extended uncertainty irritating in the way some “obvious but to the characters” situations are.
The supporting cast, both recurrent and new, are similarly complex characters struggling with the shift from comfortable affluent society to survival among the ruins.
Overall, I enjoyed this novel greatly. I recommend it to readers seeking a post-apocalyptic tale that uses character rather than spectacle to excite interest.
I received a free copy from the author with a request for a fair review.
This novel is the sequel to Evergreen. Danger of narrative contamination past this point.
After escaping the gang-ridden ruins of her home for Evergreen, Harper Cody thought she’d found a safe haven for her new family-by-choice. However, her decision to join the Militia in exchange for being allowed to keep her father’s shotgun puts her on the front line for any threats that do crop up. Half-convinced the Militia don’t take her seriously anyway, it would be easy to give up; but with rumours of a shadowy shape stalking children, that would mean leaving her sisters’ fates to others.
Perhaps the most obvious testament to this novel’s strength is that—despite Cox having never intended to write a series—one wouldn’t know the plot wasn’t designed to continue unless he’d mentioned it: while there are new characters and discoveries, the story is driven almost entirely by people acting consistently rather than existing for the plot.
Ironically, the weakest part might stem from Cox not simply relying on the strength of characters to immerse the reader in the ongoing story. While there is no explicit prologue, the opening scenes containing Harper walking her patrol route while pondering her situation at least skirt the line between plot and reprise. However—while this might feel dry or forced to some readers already familiar with Evergreen—it is a brief deviation from the otherwise immersive style well worth reading past, and does make the book even more suitable as an entry point to Cox’ work.
As with the previous volume, the plot is a balance of the mundane and extreme-yet-realistic challenges faced by people who have survived a widespread nuclear attack, mixed with plausible issues of being a teenager with a comfortable life thrust into survivalist adulthood. This use of events that might be seen in a report on a war zone or other area slightly worse than a modern Western democracy grants the threats a visceral truth rather than allowing tension to bleed away through any unconscious perception of them as just part of some baroque game or fantastical society.
This inescapable sense that the world in the book is ours but for the nuclear attack hits even harder on the moral challenges: if the trappings of society that supported decency, such as resources beyond mere survival, are gone, is it moral not to enforce order brutally.
Harper remains a sympathetic protagonist. No longer as fixated on her failure to kill her father’s attacker, but still instinctively horrified by the thought of killing someone, she displays realistic psychology while avoiding being irritatingly passive. Instead, she strive to be worthy of her gun and the Militia while not being certain she is good enough.
This uncertainty over her decision-making echoes through the possible romance sub-plot: however, unlike some young adult protagonists, Harper’s blundering around her feelings is built on a previous friendship having put people at risk and the ongoing doubt over her role in society as a whole; as such, more mature readers are unlikely to find her extended uncertainty irritating in the way some “obvious but to the characters” situations are.
The supporting cast, both recurrent and new, are similarly complex characters struggling with the shift from comfortable affluent society to survival among the ruins.
Overall, I enjoyed this novel greatly. I recommend it to readers seeking a post-apocalyptic tale that uses character rather than spectacle to excite interest.
I received a free copy from the author with a request for a fair review.
April 25, 2021
Review
Interesting to read about the aftermath of a nuclear war. This series is different in that it includes day to day struggles instead of endless fighting with gangs.
Interesting to read about the aftermath of a nuclear war. This series is different in that it includes day to day struggles instead of endless fighting with gangs.
November 2, 2019
I was a little on the fence for this book, between a 3 or a 4, but I did enjoy the story. This is more of a study of the psychology of post-traumatic stress and adjustment to a "new normal" than anything, but it was well done in that regard. I also like that the entire community is trying to support each other to learn to live as their resources dwindle and they cannot access technology and services. I also like that they are not too trigger happy and are willing to work with newcomers. The shadow people part was a bit odd and I wasn't clear if they were a thing before the nuclear strike or not, but they certainly don't work well with others. It is slow action wise, but looks at how difficult it might be to adjust to something like this disaster.
March 20, 2019
Have you read Evergreen? Did you finish that book wanting more to the story, or to know the characters better? Than you need to check out this book, because even though it's not as exciting as the first, it fills all of those wants and more. Again, following Harper in first person as she adjusts to her new life and family, it shows the daily struggles that imagine one might go through in the apocalypse.
Check out my full review here!
https://radioactivebookreviews.wordpr...
Check out my full review here!
https://radioactivebookreviews.wordpr...
July 5, 2020
book two was just amazing! they finally have a new home and new friends. only danger is lurking around the corner that could cost one of them there lives. you must read to find out what happens.
September 27, 2022
Enjoying this series far more than I anticipated!
The developing relationships between characters, the change in their circumstances, and how the town is evolving is exciting and comforting at the same time!
The developing relationships between characters, the change in their circumstances, and how the town is evolving is exciting and comforting at the same time!
March 10, 2023
3.5 stars:
The story gets a little long at times talking about the stress of the aftermath they are enduring. I like Harper and she is the main character but her story line is getting old. We need more dialog with the other members of the community and Cliff.
The story gets a little long at times talking about the stress of the aftermath they are enduring. I like Harper and she is the main character but her story line is getting old. We need more dialog with the other members of the community and Cliff.
August 21, 2021
Very good story
Since I found this a author I have picked up all of the books he has so far fast paced book good characters
Since I found this a author I have picked up all of the books he has so far fast paced book good characters
March 13, 2019
Trying To Rebuild A Better Way
•••NOT for the homophobic, transphobic, closedminded, or faint of heart!•••
This series must be read in order. The first book is " Evergreen". This is the second book. I can't wait to read more! (MUST have more!!!)
Cliff, Harper, Jonathan, Madison, and Lorelei are settling into their life as a family in Evergreen. All the kids are in school, while Cliff and Harper are in the Militia. Everything seems to be calm with Tyler gone... But after the end of the world, who knows who will snap... Or why. Will Madison continue to improve now that she has Lorelei as a little sister? Why is Mila so afraid of "The Shadowman"? Harper can't decide if he is real or a figment of the girl's morbid imagination. Either way she promised to help the girl so she better stay on top of it. Why did idiots like Zach survive when her parents didn't? That is SO unfair! Evergreen is home now so she needs to learn to deal with all its various issues in order to keep everyone safe.
This series follows a closeknit group trying to rebuild society and help their fellow man. It is refreshing compared to most doom and gloom post end of the world as we know it stories. It almost gives me hope for the future :)
***This series is suitable for mature young adult through adult readers who enjoy apocalyptic tales that are terrifyingly realistic and young protagonists who learn to survive no matter what while keeping their humanity intact :)
•••NOT for the homophobic, transphobic, closedminded, or faint of heart!•••
This series must be read in order. The first book is " Evergreen". This is the second book. I can't wait to read more! (MUST have more!!!)
Cliff, Harper, Jonathan, Madison, and Lorelei are settling into their life as a family in Evergreen. All the kids are in school, while Cliff and Harper are in the Militia. Everything seems to be calm with Tyler gone... But after the end of the world, who knows who will snap... Or why. Will Madison continue to improve now that she has Lorelei as a little sister? Why is Mila so afraid of "The Shadowman"? Harper can't decide if he is real or a figment of the girl's morbid imagination. Either way she promised to help the girl so she better stay on top of it. Why did idiots like Zach survive when her parents didn't? That is SO unfair! Evergreen is home now so she needs to learn to deal with all its various issues in order to keep everyone safe.
This series follows a closeknit group trying to rebuild society and help their fellow man. It is refreshing compared to most doom and gloom post end of the world as we know it stories. It almost gives me hope for the future :)
***This series is suitable for mature young adult through adult readers who enjoy apocalyptic tales that are terrifyingly realistic and young protagonists who learn to survive no matter what while keeping their humanity intact :)
June 26, 2020
I love this series so far. What would you do if life as you know it stops. Harper is seeing that first hand. Three months ago radiation killed the world as well as her parents now she's found a place for her and her little sister. They found Cliff a veteran that was a mall cop and his sort of adopted son while fighting to get to the town they now live in called evergreen. Harper was a competition shooter so now she's part of the malitia along with Cliff and they try to keep the town safe. They will find they are not perfectly safe danger is lurking in several places.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews