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Lee Harden #4
Defiant
Don't ever let it break you.
The United Eastern States is crumbling.
The fragile house of cards that Lee Harden and Angela Houston have built has begun to fall. Lee is up against a ticking clock, as he is recalled from Texas and given the last thing in the world that he wants: a promotion.
Forced into a command role, Major Harden is thrust into a sharp learning curve that goes against every instinct he's developed over years of fighting.
While Lee races to find his footing in a mire of shifting loyalties and opposing goals, Safe Zones are being overrun by massive hordes of primals exhibiting strange behaviors and uncanny levels of intelligence, and Greeley is moving towards an invasion of the UES.
The envoys from Canada and the United Kingdom know it--but they're refusing to take sides and give Lee the intelligence he desperately needs. As the tides of war reach the doors of the UES, horrific secrets are revealed that will change the future of their fight for survival.
Friends become enemies, and enemies become allies.
But no matter what happens, no matter what--or who--he loses, Lee can't let it break him.
He must remain defiant to the last.
The United Eastern States is crumbling.
The fragile house of cards that Lee Harden and Angela Houston have built has begun to fall. Lee is up against a ticking clock, as he is recalled from Texas and given the last thing in the world that he wants: a promotion.
Forced into a command role, Major Harden is thrust into a sharp learning curve that goes against every instinct he's developed over years of fighting.
While Lee races to find his footing in a mire of shifting loyalties and opposing goals, Safe Zones are being overrun by massive hordes of primals exhibiting strange behaviors and uncanny levels of intelligence, and Greeley is moving towards an invasion of the UES.
The envoys from Canada and the United Kingdom know it--but they're refusing to take sides and give Lee the intelligence he desperately needs. As the tides of war reach the doors of the UES, horrific secrets are revealed that will change the future of their fight for survival.
Friends become enemies, and enemies become allies.
But no matter what happens, no matter what--or who--he loses, Lee can't let it break him.
He must remain defiant to the last.
635 pages, Paperback
First published May 14, 2020
337 people are currently reading
188 people want to read
About the author
D.J. Molles
45 books1,431 followersD.J. Molles became a New York Times and USA today bestselling author while working full time as a police officer. He's since traded his badge for a keyboard to produce over 20 titles. When he's not writing, he's taking steps to make his North Carolina property self-sustainable, and training to be at least half as hard to kill as Lee Harden (his most popular protagonist).
Molles also enjoys playing his guitar and drums, drawing, cooking, and “shredding that green pow” on his Onewheel.
Most nights you can find him sitting on the couch surrounded by his dogs and family, trying to stream an hour of Netflix with his really sketchy satellite internet connection.
Are you interested in becoming a writer? I've started a video series called "Lessons in Writing" which you can find on all my socials.
Follow on IG & FB @djmolles
TikTok @djmollesauthor
Molles also enjoys playing his guitar and drums, drawing, cooking, and “shredding that green pow” on his Onewheel.
Most nights you can find him sitting on the couch surrounded by his dogs and family, trying to stream an hour of Netflix with his really sketchy satellite internet connection.
Are you interested in becoming a writer? I've started a video series called "Lessons in Writing" which you can find on all my socials.
Follow on IG & FB @djmolles
TikTok @djmollesauthor
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
January 15, 2022
'Defiant' is the best of this high-velocity, action packed series yet. There is amazing fighting vs. the Primals'. The race is on to figure out how they are evolving, and what they find out is the most likely reason is beyond horrifying. Lee suffers life altering injuries, and not being one to wallow in his misery, is just grateful that he still has use of his gun arm. Their meager army of survivors - both fighters and civilians - are not about to give up the fight as they press forward to stop their much better armed and healthier human enemies. Not to mention the constant battle with the Primals', they more than have their work cut out for them. Looking forward to starting book #5 - 'Unbowed'.
Solo narrator Christian Rummel continues to keep me on the edge-of-my-seat with his impressive high energy and talent for giving an easily identifiable and autonomous voice to each of the multiple characters.
Solo narrator Christian Rummel continues to keep me on the edge-of-my-seat with his impressive high energy and talent for giving an easily identifiable and autonomous voice to each of the multiple characters.
May 28, 2020
I've read everything DJ has written, and this is one of the best.
I literally couldn't put the damn thing down, I HAD to find out what happened next.
In amongst all the gore, intrigue and action I even had a lump in my throat and maybe a small tear in my eye several times (nah, it was just grit......or the wind.....honest) - any author that can do that to an old grey engineer is doing serious justice to his craft.
You need to read the earlier stories, you can't just drop straight onto this - but if you haven't read the others you're missing out on a treat. It may not be 'literature' but man is it enjoyable and entertaining.
I literally couldn't put the damn thing down, I HAD to find out what happened next.
In amongst all the gore, intrigue and action I even had a lump in my throat and maybe a small tear in my eye several times (nah, it was just grit......or the wind.....honest) - any author that can do that to an old grey engineer is doing serious justice to his craft.
You need to read the earlier stories, you can't just drop straight onto this - but if you haven't read the others you're missing out on a treat. It may not be 'literature' but man is it enjoyable and entertaining.
June 19, 2022
This series is amazing! I like everything about it - including the women- primals - fighting battles etc. Lee Harden is a force. When I finished reading The Remaining, I didn't see how this Lee Harden series would be as good - yet here we are and it is every bit as good. On my way to purchase Unbowed. Please keep writing!!!
April 23, 2024
I usually have zero time for sentient zombies and even less time for gung ho military zombie books that are more about pitched battles with endless, tiresome military jargon and usually those books would be dnf'd.... And this has both of those. But I keep at it because I'm invested now. Give me more. Next!
June 28, 2020
Defiant is the fourth book in the Lee Harden series, which is also a sequel to The Remaining novels, of which there are 6. (and 2 novellas). With that in mind, I definitely recommend that you delay reading Defiant until you've read the other books first, starting with the whole Remaining series! So here are my thoughts on Defiant... The usual solid writing and intense scenes can be found peppered throughout the book. But although the primals are still an evolving force to be reckoned with and there is chaos everywhere, this is very much a bridge novel designed to set the stage for book five. It is also a book about self doubt and character development. For Lee, Angela and Sam it manifests in how they are struggling internally with their new responsibilities and the roles they find themselves awkwardly trying to fill. For Lee, he is newly promoted to major but he cringes when he hears his own title and he wants to be in trenches. Angela has always struggled as president and while she shows occasional flashes of leadership, it is painfully obvious to her that she is in over her head. And then there is Sam, dealing with past demons where he he was manipulated and did things out of fear. Sam experiences a lot of growth in this novel and is proving to be an up and coming force in his hunter killer squad. If any of this character development I describe sounds boring, it is because to me it was. While it was necessary to the plot and to deepen our understanding what was going on in the minds of these characters, so many pages were devoted to internal monologues, that it got tedious. For that reason an otherwise great book suffered at times. With all that said, the rest of the book is packed with action, plots, sub plots, diversions and deception. Book 5 will be treat for sure. It feels like all hell is about to break loose. 3/5
May 27, 2020
Thoroughly enjoyable read
Read it almost nonstop - the best way to read such a roller coaster of a ride. Found myself holding my breath at times. Great and all encompassing story. So much action. I am not sure that anyone does it better.
Read it almost nonstop - the best way to read such a roller coaster of a ride. Found myself holding my breath at times. Great and all encompassing story. So much action. I am not sure that anyone does it better.
December 12, 2021
Overall just as great as the rest, but the part with the women felt more typical than original or good, and I was very disappointed hearing the old myth about broken or unbroken hymen signifying whether a woman has had sex.
There is no such thing. You can't see that. Perpetuating this myth will down the line subject women to virginity checks or worse. Stop the bullshit and get updated on actual anatomy and what the hymen is and is NOT.
There is no such thing. You can't see that. Perpetuating this myth will down the line subject women to virginity checks or worse. Stop the bullshit and get updated on actual anatomy and what the hymen is and is NOT.
June 26, 2020
Never Disappoints
I can’t think of one book in this series all the way back to The Remaining that has ever been less than outstanding. My buddy originally turned me onto the series when it first came out. My original thought was “great, a zombie apocalypse book”. However my buddy and I both share a high standard when it comes to our fiction so I trusted him and started reading. Glad I did. If nothing else, know for a fact that D.J. knows his subject matter when it comes to operators operating operationally... of course he could’ve been the base shrink for all I know and acquired his expertise on war fighting secondhand. Not likely though. That’s what got me hooked originally. The realism. As the books continued they got better and better. This book is as outstanding as all of its predecessors. I’m not one for reviewing a book in detail, I’ll simply say that I should be paying a lot more than I am for the quality of writing in these books.
I can’t think of one book in this series all the way back to The Remaining that has ever been less than outstanding. My buddy originally turned me onto the series when it first came out. My original thought was “great, a zombie apocalypse book”. However my buddy and I both share a high standard when it comes to our fiction so I trusted him and started reading. Glad I did. If nothing else, know for a fact that D.J. knows his subject matter when it comes to operators operating operationally... of course he could’ve been the base shrink for all I know and acquired his expertise on war fighting secondhand. Not likely though. That’s what got me hooked originally. The realism. As the books continued they got better and better. This book is as outstanding as all of its predecessors. I’m not one for reviewing a book in detail, I’ll simply say that I should be paying a lot more than I am for the quality of writing in these books.
July 19, 2020
Lee Harden can't catch a break
In addition to zombies, evolved into super strong and fast Primals, he has to deal with the Queens, a human/Primal hybrid. And pressure from the other US Government in Greeley, CO, who wants to end them. Of course the Greeley folks are neo fascists. Oh, a d ther are multiple personality confli cts with key members of his group, a small group of Greeley supporters among his civilians who are planning armed insurrection, and the need to cowtow to the English and Canadian representatives in order to get their report.
To top everything off, other safe zones, pockets of humanity, are falling either to Greeley or the newly inventive Primals, so the support base is shrinking.
Oh, and he's named military leader of the whole thing, something he hates. Nice.
In addition to zombies, evolved into super strong and fast Primals, he has to deal with the Queens, a human/Primal hybrid. And pressure from the other US Government in Greeley, CO, who wants to end them. Of course the Greeley folks are neo fascists. Oh, a d ther are multiple personality confli cts with key members of his group, a small group of Greeley supporters among his civilians who are planning armed insurrection, and the need to cowtow to the English and Canadian representatives in order to get their report.
To top everything off, other safe zones, pockets of humanity, are falling either to Greeley or the newly inventive Primals, so the support base is shrinking.
Oh, and he's named military leader of the whole thing, something he hates. Nice.
January 15, 2022
This little review is about the whole Remaining universe books so far.
There's is a tons of post-apocalyptic fiction published, so it's hard to find the good ones out of that pile. D.J. Molles is one the good ones and the best that I've read of that genre. The Remaining universe consist currently 10 books, 6 Remaining and 4 of Harden series. Just finished the latest book "Defiant", the writing just keeps getting better and its once again those unputdownable ones, a page turner. DJ Molles is in the top of his genre.
It's becoming harder to give rating on each part because they are so tightly part of larger story, so my rating is for the whole series. Simply put: the best post-apocalyptic fiction that is out there.
There's is a tons of post-apocalyptic fiction published, so it's hard to find the good ones out of that pile. D.J. Molles is one the good ones and the best that I've read of that genre. The Remaining universe consist currently 10 books, 6 Remaining and 4 of Harden series. Just finished the latest book "Defiant", the writing just keeps getting better and its once again those unputdownable ones, a page turner. DJ Molles is in the top of his genre.
It's becoming harder to give rating on each part because they are so tightly part of larger story, so my rating is for the whole series. Simply put: the best post-apocalyptic fiction that is out there.
July 2, 2020
Excellent Action Series Continues 🌟
I was disappointed when the Mr. Molles completed the "Remaining" series, as I had enjoyed it so much. His "Growers" series was very good , but Lee Harden is one of those rare characters that endears his or her self to the reader in a truly remarkable way. When Lee reappeared in this series, I was elated, and have not been disappointed. This excellent action series is totally engrossing, and I look forward to seeing President Briggs receive his just desert. Hopefully there are many more volumes upcoming in this series.
I was disappointed when the Mr. Molles completed the "Remaining" series, as I had enjoyed it so much. His "Growers" series was very good , but Lee Harden is one of those rare characters that endears his or her self to the reader in a truly remarkable way. When Lee reappeared in this series, I was elated, and have not been disappointed. This excellent action series is totally engrossing, and I look forward to seeing President Briggs receive his just desert. Hopefully there are many more volumes upcoming in this series.
December 19, 2020
I am a huge fan of this series and D.J. Molles in general as his writing style is just phenomenal. This book was, as described by other comments here, a page turner and something I simply could not put down. You do need to read the first six books in The Remaining series before reading the Harden series as these are a continuation of that storyline. Of any series I have ever read, this set of books would be on top of the list for me to read again and again because it never gets old and is always exciting. Keep 'em coming Mr. Molles! #writeforever #HardenTheF*ckUp
April 13, 2021
Abe and Lee finally get somewhere in their Cartel battles and fighting the Cornerstone mercenaries from Greely. Sam uncovers some weird stuff going on with the Primals that makes them even more dangerous. Bragg is evacuated and Carl steps up his work on the Lincolnists with Angela covering. Lee comes back and Greely invades along with Primal hordes to deal with. Another nail biting series of battles that not everyone survives. They get some unexpected allies along the way and beat a hasty retreat. D.J. does not let up in this book.
June 7, 2020
As long as you keep writing these DJ, I'll keep reading them. This was by far one of the best in this series. God damn you know how to tell a tale and I'm seriously running out of superlatives. This book was as hard hitting as ever with moments of loss, despair and desperation that got me turning the page as quick as lightning. I'm not going to spoil things but this book sets up the next one perfectly and my god its going to be HUGE! Bring it on!
August 19, 2020
Another great read!
I'm pretty sure from the end of the story that there will be at least one more book in this series. Honestly, I wouldn't mind another four or five more! This is a seriously good series with an adorable cast of characters - and I do mean characters! Scoundrels, thugs and ne're-do-wells mixed with a truly outstanding group of heroes and helpers. The amazing storyline assists with the cast of characters to make a really great read! Grab it soon!
I'm pretty sure from the end of the story that there will be at least one more book in this series. Honestly, I wouldn't mind another four or five more! This is a seriously good series with an adorable cast of characters - and I do mean characters! Scoundrels, thugs and ne're-do-wells mixed with a truly outstanding group of heroes and helpers. The amazing storyline assists with the cast of characters to make a really great read! Grab it soon!
March 31, 2023
D.J. You did it again sir! I have been reading Molles ever since the first Remaining book. He has been by far my favorite writer ever since. He’s consistent, dark, and realistic with his character development and plot twist. Every book is a homerun! Also my dog was named Huxley for the main character in Wolves.
June 1, 2020
The next chess piece is moved
What more can Lee give? What more of his soul and his body can he sacrifice for the cause. The war drags on and only the most hardened will find the courage to keep moving forward. Always forward.
What more can Lee give? What more of his soul and his body can he sacrifice for the cause. The war drags on and only the most hardened will find the courage to keep moving forward. Always forward.
June 18, 2020
Entertaining
I have enjoyed reading the continuing series of Lee Harden which is a continuation of the series The Remaining. The story is intriguing with all the usual villains, beasts and greedy men.
I have enjoyed reading the continuing series of Lee Harden which is a continuation of the series The Remaining. The story is intriguing with all the usual villains, beasts and greedy men.
June 19, 2020
Best of the "Lee Harden" series imo. I still prefer "The Remaining" series because human vs. human conflict doesn't interest me as much, but I suppose it's inevitable and I accept that.
June 23, 2020
Fantastic story telling
Can't wait to read the next book. DJ Molles has a way of making you not want to put the book down. So so good.
Can't wait to read the next book. DJ Molles has a way of making you not want to put the book down. So so good.
July 2, 2020
Greatness
Now this was amazing. I think some of the authors best writing yet. The first books in this series is awesome, this was 100 times better. Can’t wait for more.
Now this was amazing. I think some of the authors best writing yet. The first books in this series is awesome, this was 100 times better. Can’t wait for more.
August 5, 2020
Couldn’t put it down
This whole series is amazing. Fast paced, continuity is there, character decisions are sensible. Molles did an excellent job building this world out.
This whole series is amazing. Fast paced, continuity is there, character decisions are sensible. Molles did an excellent job building this world out.
August 21, 2020
As always... DJ Molles pulls off another great book!!!
September 24, 2020
I liked it but the series I started was a post apocalyptic zombie book. Now it’s more military stuff than zombies.all primal stuff...not as engaging.
September 29, 2020
Love it.. So much action in this one, a lot of ups and downs. Couldn't put it down.
December 14, 2020
Very good story.
Lots of action, well read characters and just a story you don't want to put down. Can't wait for the next story.
Lots of action, well read characters and just a story you don't want to put down. Can't wait for the next story.
February 11, 2021
Best book by D.J. Molles by far really fast paced and utterly gripping. When’s the next one out for the love of god!
June 26, 2025
wow. so much loss and so much heart in this book. I absolutely love this series
April 5, 2023
D.J. Molles gets better as a writer each book. I very much enjoyed this. The stakes always get higher, no one is safe. The tension builds into an awesome climax. The character development is more solid than steel. However, I cannot recommend this book. I'm going to finish the series because I'm hooked. I can't recommend it because of a certain plot point that disturbs me. Even as an avid Stephen King fan, this did not sit well with me.
That thing is . It's much, much worse, though.
It gets far worse and if this is something that disturbs you too, just close this page and find another book.
Large spoiler and very disturbing. I only write this because I wish I had been prepared for it before heading in. I probably would not have read this book if I'd known this ahead of time:
I did love the ending. Stakes are always raised. And there's always an emotional blast on the last pages of D.J. Molles's books. Sometimes sad, sometimes rage-inducing, sometimes inspirational. And he always makes me want to read the next book.
So great book, but I do not recommend it.
That thing is . It's much, much worse, though.
It gets far worse and if this is something that disturbs you too, just close this page and find another book.
Large spoiler and very disturbing. I only write this because I wish I had been prepared for it before heading in. I probably would not have read this book if I'd known this ahead of time:
I did love the ending. Stakes are always raised. And there's always an emotional blast on the last pages of D.J. Molles's books. Sometimes sad, sometimes rage-inducing, sometimes inspirational. And he always makes me want to read the next book.
So great book, but I do not recommend it.
June 27, 2020
Amazing Depth
The depth of the storyline and characters is done with talent. This is not a filler book at all! Very masterful chess game between the Greeley's army and Lee's with Angela as their president. Yes there was less primal attacks but an important discovery is made about the Queens. The Canadian forces are visiting both camps, but all they desire is to back the winning team, but that could change. Lee had to learn to be a leader and command the battles not just fight them man to man or primal. The politics in this novel interwove throughout so many storylines. So the set up is as interesting as the battle scenes. Loved characters will die but they never quit. This story is about fighting a war to not only survive the primals but to live a free life. It was well written, hard to out down, and very emotional ending that felt right. I am looking forward so much to the next book. The chessboard is set and war was declared and a Queen Primal killed. Can hardly wait!
The depth of the storyline and characters is done with talent. This is not a filler book at all! Very masterful chess game between the Greeley's army and Lee's with Angela as their president. Yes there was less primal attacks but an important discovery is made about the Queens. The Canadian forces are visiting both camps, but all they desire is to back the winning team, but that could change. Lee had to learn to be a leader and command the battles not just fight them man to man or primal. The politics in this novel interwove throughout so many storylines. So the set up is as interesting as the battle scenes. Loved characters will die but they never quit. This story is about fighting a war to not only survive the primals but to live a free life. It was well written, hard to out down, and very emotional ending that felt right. I am looking forward so much to the next book. The chessboard is set and war was declared and a Queen Primal killed. Can hardly wait!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews