What Remains: In the Wilderness

by B.R. Goodwin

When Vala’s family is deemed a threat to society by the government, her life is dramatically shifted from that of a normal seventeen-year-old girl, to a life on the run. Along with a small group of friends, she embarks on a journey to find her captured brother and learns to trust the one who has seemingly led her through the wilderness all along.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, Christian, Dystopia, Science Fiction, Young Adult

134 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 27, 2021

About the author

B.R. Goodwin is a Georgia native, married to her college sweetheart, and the mother of three wild animal children she adores. When she isn’t writing Christian Fiction, she’s reading, hiking, bee-keeping, soccer mom-ing, homeschooling, or planning her family’s next big adventure while drinking copious amounts of tea and coffee.

Above all else, the heartbeat of everything she does in life, friendship, and writing is with an eye to sharing the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ with everyone she meets.


She recently dove head & heart first into the contemporary rom-com genre and is having the time of her life cackling at her own jokes and dreaming up swoon-worthy storylines for her characters.

Reviews

[Samantha | samanthakreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a unique, creative, and hard-to-put-down Christian dystopian story! The plot and storyline follow what I believe to be a realistic and believable account of the persecution of Christians. The story took me just a little bit to get into/connect with, but it didn't take long for me to get hooked, and need to know what would happen next. The author did a great job immersing you in the story, weaving in strong messages of faith, and leaving you on the edge of your seat! It will leave you wanting to jump right into book 2 because of that cliffhanger!

If you're a fan of dystopian stories like Hunger Games and Divergent, I highly recommend checking this book out!

Content considerations: kisses only, no language, persecution, loss, violence, injuries, death

[Toni Shiloh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the books that hit different. It makes you think, makes you thankful for the blessings in your life, challenges you, and makes you look deeper into your faith. I cannot wait to read book 2 but I think I might need emotional support for the next books in the series.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. My review was not required nor influenced.

[Heather Wood]

Christian dystopian YA about staying faithful to the Lord and learning to trust Him even if you lose everything else. A good book to consider for those looking for clean, solidly Christian books for their teens.

[Stefanie Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stop what you’re doing and read this right now.

[Kate Willis]

I have really mixed feelings about this book, so let's get right into it.

Dislikes
The MC seemed to have no power or growth in her own story. I was expecting more of a character arc from the description so I was disappointed.
Parts of the book were devastatingly violent.
The dating age gap that was revealed later on made me uncomfortable.

Mehs
Some of the pacing felt off.
This felt more like a "part one" than its own book.

Likes
Sam was a great character.
I loved the little family they created.
The diner!! I could picture it so well. 🤍

I'm not sure yet if I'll read the second book.

[Jersey Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

6🌟 READ!!!!
This series will make you stop and ask yourself am I thankful to God and also would I die for the sake of the gospel?
This book is unlike anything I usually read, and it was devastating but beautiful all the same. It really makes you appreciate the freedom we have as Christians in America to be able to openly worship, pray to, and talk about our Savior Jesus Christ💗 BUT FOR REAL TALK ABOUT RIP MY HEART OUT AND STOMP ALL OVER IT!!! I was fully fully sobbing at several points of this book, had to take breaks while reading because it was so gut-wrenching. This book was so sad, so lovely, and so intense. I don't regret reading it for a second, and I encourage EVERY Christian to read it, but just know YOU. WILL. BREAK. INTO. A . MILLION. PIECES. Anyways, happy reading!!😁😁

[Natasha Larson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is easily the best dystopian series I've read and they've become my absolute favorite books. I couldn't put this one down and read it in a day. The author does a great job of really immersing you in the story, it is captivating, and encouraging as well as exciting, clean and fast paced. You really fall in love with the characters. I couldn't recommend this series enough.

[Ashton Dorow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, you guys!!! I can’t even! **waves face dramatically** 😭😩😆This book! The author reached out to me on Instagram to see if I’d like to read the book for review, and after checking out the excerpt on her website, I was hooked! So I eagerly told her yes, I’d love to read it, and I am so glad I did!!

This book, while pretty short at less than 200 pages, packs a huge punch! I really could not believe all that the author managed to fit into the story! But she did it in such a way that it didn’t feel overly rushed or like I was being cheated out of more of the story. The chapters are short and fast paced and I found myself eagerly moving on to each subsequent chapter, wanting to know what would happen next. Honestly, I would have read the whole thing in a day, had I had enough uninterrupted time to do so!

I don’t typically gravitate toward the dystopian genre, but this book really sucked me in from the first page. I instantly connected with Vala and needed to know more about why her and her family/friends were considered threats to the government and what would happen to them all. The adventure Vala and her friends go on is exciting and leaves you on the edge of your seat, but it’s also heartbreaking and a bit chilling. The truth is, Vala’s reality could be ours one day and this book made me think about what I would do if I were in her place. Would I really stand up for my faith no matter the cost? How would I feel if I were on the run for my life, having to leave behind everything I’ve ever known?

But for all the sad and dark circumstances in the story, there is plenty of light too, including a sweet romance that I loved soooo much! Luca! **sigh** 😌 He’s everything a YA romance hero should be!

A bit of forewarning… there is a doozy of a cliffhanger at the end! I literally had to message the author right away and share my reaction with her LOL. But don’t let that scare you away from reading this awesome book! Book two is on the way, and hopefully not too far away! **crosses fingers**

I feel like I’ve found a hidden gem in this book and this author! 🥰💎 If you love YA fiction, especially of the dystopian variety, then READ. THIS. BOOK! It’s the perfect quick weekend read and you’re sure to love it! 5/5 Stars!

**I received a copy of this book from the author for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own!**

[Phoenix · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started and finished this book in a DAY. Yall have no idea how good this is. As a fan of The Hunger Games, The Maze Runner, and Divergent, this book topped all three. I’d never found such an inspiring Christian book, I’d searched for months for something to fill the void of my dystopian loving heart and this went beyond my expectations. It’s well written, with inspiring characters and a gripping plot. Run to get this book.

[Brittney (booksta.britt) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. Goodness.

What did I just read?! This book had me in an absolute chokehold and I couldn’t put it down. What an amazing story. I highly recommend this one.
I am so so thankful to have read this.
WELL DONE, Brianna!!

—Quotes
✨ Loving them—it’s in the fabric of who you are. Like you’ve been loved so… so profoundly by the Lord that love can’t help but spill over to those around you.”
✨ If we don’t have joy, they win. If we don’t celebrate, worship, pray, love—they win and we lose. And just for a minute, especially after today, I want a win, Vala.”


—Content
Violence
No foul language

[Carrie Cotten · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I read in almost a day and was glued to the page to find out what happened. A completely believable scenario where Christians are hunted down and forced to recant or die, young Vala Lee is on the run with her brother and friends. Growing in faith along the way, Vala has to find a new life in this terrifying world. Clean read and a great romance! Can’t wait for the next one.

[Hadassah Buie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, that put me through the emotional ringer. The book wasn't super well-written, and there were many parts, especially towards the beginning, where I was very confused as to what was going on. I definitely saw that last chapter coming, and wasn't surprised. I need to know what happens though, as that cliffhanger was horrible, so I will probably finish the series.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, well I'm broken.

Full review to come.

[Judy Arnold · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone who likes clean teen romance and Christian fiction this book is for you!!! Five stars because the author did a fantastic job of making you want to keep reading and keep reading… a swoon-worthy, Christian love story and heartbreaking journey with God to find true love and peace went together to find absolute PERFECTION with this book. Congrats to B. R. Goodwin! 👏🏻

[Alivia Platz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shorepoint Book Club Book #1

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

First time reading a dystopian from a Christian worldview and wow this story was absolutely fantastic and so well done,had me hooked right from the start,the ending left me haaanging and I need to get my hands on book 2 ASAP!!

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just the book I was looking for! It gave me similar vibes to Divergent, The Maze Runner, etc but with a much stronger Christian theme. I loved seeing faith and relationship growth with God throughout. Can't wait to read book 2.

[Aimee Mattazaro · Rating 4 out of 5]

YA faith based fiction. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

[Tara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book lacked depth. I did enjoy reading it but I didn't like the way it ended. The end felt rushed and there could have been so much more.

[Lacey Ainsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a powerful book and an inspiring series. Can't wait until the next book comes out!

[Kayla Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alright. I’m killing it with the Christian themed emotional journey Reads!

This one had a different feel. Dystopian and probably more YA. You’re gunna want to read the books in order, this one leaves you with a cliffhanger. I felt like this one kept punching me in the gut at every turn and there wasn’t a clear solution. Danger lurked around every corner and the stress these characters were under was palpable.

Vala Lee. Rollercoaster of emotions and traumatic experiences! I was Bawling right from the start. This girl can’t catch a break. At first I felt like her thoughts and actions were childish, but they were really accurate for her age and her personality.

Luca. Mysterious and quiet Luca. All I can say is He Is The Best. He was unselfish and put himself in harms way countless times. Ahh, trying to atone once he sees the wrongs and injustices. Just a stand up guy!

I felt like this book was built upon finding your strength. Your strength in faith, strength in circumstances, strength to forgive, and strength to forge ahead. Four High School friends on the run experiencing things that will test their limits.

✨Favorite Quote: “Vala.” He said my name, eyes shining with affection. “It is you. It’s only you.”

[Lesley Barklay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although it took me a while to get into, I really enjoyed this book. I think, at the start, I was a bit confused, because I would have liked to have a bit more time spent with the characters in their 'normal' before their names were getting called over the loudspeaker. Also, it seemed like the MC knew what the summons meant (which implied it had happened before), but later it becomes clear that these kids were the first.

That being said, I love a dystopian, and the faith element in this book, was a really lovely addition. The author doesn't shy away from the darkness of the world, but nothing in the story is gratuitous. I liked the found family element, and the slow burn romance. At times, the book was tense, but there were also sweet slice of life moments interspersed.

The book resolves nicely, but also leaves you with plenty to draw you into the next book.

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a Christian in North America, we have no real concept of what it means to be persecuted for following Jesus or the cost of faith. In the first book of the What Remains series readers are immersed into a society where Christians are targeted and on the run to find safety for their faith.

If you are a lover of Dystopian style stories, think The Hunger Games or The Giver, What Remains In The Wilderness will be all that and more. Captivated from the first page, you won’t be able to keep pace with your need to know what happens and why.

When you do finally reach the end, you’ll be left looking deeper at your relationship with Jesus and your need for Him.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teenage stories or stories with characters driven by intense emotions aren't some of my favorites, so some of Vala's emotional moments felt a bit excessive for me (Blame it on my analytical driven brain lol) However, I had to remind myself that she is, after all, an actual teenager—just like I was, and I often acted in similar ways. So, there's that! And it's realistic. Her guilt over her brother is understandable, even if it makes her throw caution to the wind or prevents her from seeing others' pain as well.

In short - It was a good book. I would read it again!

[Stephanie Daniels · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dystopian is one of my favorite genres and I was excited to get to read a Christian one. I loved the main characters and the romance that develops in the midst of difficult circumstances. I’m always on the lookout for clean reads that I can recommend and this fits that category perfectly. And the fact that it has faith themes and deals with the importance of standing for your faith gives this series a strong start. I will be looking out for Book 2’s release.

[Hannah Hood Lucero · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am stunned. I am shaken. I am bewildered. This book grabbed hold of me and I finished it in a single day. It has Hunger Game vibes but without the weird stuff...and the added beauty of Jesus showing up throughout the pages. It's scary realistic. Honestly, add it to the "this is probably gonna happen and here's a manual to follow" stack of books. I loved it and just CAN'T EVEN BELIEVE the cliff hanger. I need sleep...but I need to know what happens next. Starting book 2. Bye.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me on the edge of my seat, holding my breath with my jaw on the floor, and crying. Did I mention that all that was just in the first three chapters?

The story has you engrossed so quickly and the beautiful faith woven all throughout this book shines a light in the darkness. I was left broken, yet not wanting it to end.

This was the first book I have read by this author, but I cannot wait to read more!

"To remind you of what you've gained."

[Marinochkaleto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping and heartwarming drama

Finding love and peace in the middle of tragedy and loss. Holding on the faith in loving and caring God despite persecution and having more questions than answers. The book I didn't have to persuade myself to finish, on the contrary, I couldn't put it down. What a talent to write a fiction that feels so real. Thank you. Looking forward to reading next book in the series.

[Nay Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This took some time to read, but I loved it and that ending made me cry tears of joy and anger.

A world where Christians can die for their faith or be imprisoned in a camp...this was such a great read. I enjoyed the worldbuilding, the characters, the plot, the drama, the love, and the family.

All the characters warmed my heart -- especially Luca!

I am excited to read the sequel soon because I need more on Caleb and Luca -- just why?!

Highly recommend.

[Shirley Waite · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating and heart-wrenching

I was quickly drawn to the characters in the story, living through the pain and joys of their lives as they traveled together. Continually, I was wondering how I would react if I had to live in those types of situations. Hearing and feeling the fear, pain, laughter, and love while trying to figure out what was going to happen next. The end took me by surprise even though I had suspected some of the things revealed toward the end.