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The Remnant
The Angels have returned. Now all Hell is breaking loose.Trace Wentworth has a connection with rats. They attempted to devour him in his youth. Then beneath the streets of New York the vermin save him when he flees from the same Mormon Fundamentalists he believes murdered his fiancée, Ashley. When he learns that she is alive and her fellow Brethren are under siege Trace joins them, only to be drawn deeper into the world of intrigue and danger that may yet cost all of their lives. One secret connects both sides in the battle, and it will almost certainly destroy the Mormon faith.
- GenresMystery
340 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2012
14 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
About the author
Chandler McGrew
26 books21 followersChandler McGrew,who began writing after he had turned forty lives in quiet seclusion in the mountains of Maine. He writes ten to twelve hours a day.
Born in Texas he lived for almost a decade in Alaska where his first novel, Cold Heart, is set. He followed with Night Terror and then The Darkening and In Shadows.
Born in Texas he lived for almost a decade in Alaska where his first novel, Cold Heart, is set. He followed with Night Terror and then The Darkening and In Shadows.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
October 27, 2012
'The Remnant' is a twisted tale of fundamentalist Mormons, brutal killings, and preternatural rats, alongside the endearing almost-lost love of Trace and Ashley. Writer Trace is a man hell-bent on getting revenge for the seeming murder of his love, Ashley. His latest manuscript 'implies' the monstrosities of said murderers, the 'New' Latter Day Saints, and nearly costs him his life. Ashley is formidable and strong, both mentally and physically, thinking nothing of heading into the darkness of night, shotgun in hand, to defend her home. Both these main characters are likeable and realistic, and I felt for them throughout.
The novel takes a profoundly disturbing look at the power of brainwashing - a fascinating concept that we are all mildly subject to via TV commercials. In the novel the entire town of California City is brainwashed to complete and graphic subservience by the loathsome leaders of the NLDS. Once certain town dwellers are relieved from the cult's thrall, the fallout is powerful and understandably unforgiving.
As the story progresses, it also takes us back in time, periodically, to tell of a ghastly and defining event in Trace's childhood. Trace's near-death encounter with intelligent, scheming rats is one of many paranormal whisperings in McGrew's writing - whisperings that give you chills and keep you awake at night.
This fast-paced compelling novel contains just the right amount of descriptive prose, and never too much as to seem to be there just for the sake of it - which causes me to skim. I never skim read a single line of 'The Remnant.' In my recent review of 'Crossroads' (one of my all-time favourites!) I entitled McGrew, in my opinion, as Master of the Genre, 'right up there with King and Koontz,' - now, assured that Crossroads was no one hit wonder, I can say with all certainty that never has a title been more definitive or deserved. Six months ago I hadn't heard of Chandler McGrew, and now I'm almost fanatical. I love his writing! So do I recommend 'The Remnant?' - I'd give it 10 stars if I could.
The novel takes a profoundly disturbing look at the power of brainwashing - a fascinating concept that we are all mildly subject to via TV commercials. In the novel the entire town of California City is brainwashed to complete and graphic subservience by the loathsome leaders of the NLDS. Once certain town dwellers are relieved from the cult's thrall, the fallout is powerful and understandably unforgiving.
As the story progresses, it also takes us back in time, periodically, to tell of a ghastly and defining event in Trace's childhood. Trace's near-death encounter with intelligent, scheming rats is one of many paranormal whisperings in McGrew's writing - whisperings that give you chills and keep you awake at night.
This fast-paced compelling novel contains just the right amount of descriptive prose, and never too much as to seem to be there just for the sake of it - which causes me to skim. I never skim read a single line of 'The Remnant.' In my recent review of 'Crossroads' (one of my all-time favourites!) I entitled McGrew, in my opinion, as Master of the Genre, 'right up there with King and Koontz,' - now, assured that Crossroads was no one hit wonder, I can say with all certainty that never has a title been more definitive or deserved. Six months ago I hadn't heard of Chandler McGrew, and now I'm almost fanatical. I love his writing! So do I recommend 'The Remnant?' - I'd give it 10 stars if I could.
October 23, 2012
A wild twisting ride of intrigue and terror.
From the first paragraph to the last sentence, Chandler McGrew has the reader riveted to the story; pulled into his twisted world of cults and darkness.
The story set-up is brilliant, taking unexpected turns at every chapter. I was never totally sure where it was headed and loved the way the story unpeeled. McGrew’s character development is intricate: Trace Wentworth - a man of substance - has dark secrets too frightening for him to admit, even to himself. His antagonist is simply diabolical. There is enough romance to keep a gals attention and everyone’s heart pounding from terror.
If you are a lover of suspense thrillers, this is the book for you. You had me at “A night as bleak and dismal as a gravedigger’s stare...”
A Rat King... Are you serious?
I cannot wait for the sequel and I may never sleep again...
From the first paragraph to the last sentence, Chandler McGrew has the reader riveted to the story; pulled into his twisted world of cults and darkness.
The story set-up is brilliant, taking unexpected turns at every chapter. I was never totally sure where it was headed and loved the way the story unpeeled. McGrew’s character development is intricate: Trace Wentworth - a man of substance - has dark secrets too frightening for him to admit, even to himself. His antagonist is simply diabolical. There is enough romance to keep a gals attention and everyone’s heart pounding from terror.
If you are a lover of suspense thrillers, this is the book for you. You had me at “A night as bleak and dismal as a gravedigger’s stare...”
A Rat King... Are you serious?
I cannot wait for the sequel and I may never sleep again...
October 29, 2012
First off, very interesting storyline. Chandler drew me in with the action packed first chapter and didn't let go until I got to the end. A suspenseful read about evil Mormons definitely delivered what it set out to do. I like unique stories, and Chandler came up with a doozy!
Trace and Ashley were both really well developed characters and the back story with Trace and his rat attack was simply horrifying!
If you are up to being on the edge of your seat during the whole book I would definitely recommend The Remnant. It shows the dark side of a religion gone cult and gives us a harrowing account of a crazy man (Fredt) who is a complete loony bin all for the name of Jesus.
I am looking forward to reading Chandler's other works because his talent shines in The Remnant!
Trace and Ashley were both really well developed characters and the back story with Trace and his rat attack was simply horrifying!
If you are up to being on the edge of your seat during the whole book I would definitely recommend The Remnant. It shows the dark side of a religion gone cult and gives us a harrowing account of a crazy man (Fredt) who is a complete loony bin all for the name of Jesus.
I am looking forward to reading Chandler's other works because his talent shines in The Remnant!
October 23, 2012
Wow! I had a hard time putting this book down. Scary, suspenseful, intriguing... This is truly a nail biter, with both good and evil forces based within the Latter Day Saints. My attention was piqued to the point of actually looking up some unknown and odd things in the book just to find that many were indeed true. I won't look at the LDS in the same light, again, even knowing that the book is a work of fiction. Chandler knows how to set the hook on a reader and keep the line just taut enough that you keep turning the pages.
For those that really love action, and the web of mystery, The Remnant will take you on quite a wild ride!
For those that really love action, and the web of mystery, The Remnant will take you on quite a wild ride!
November 23, 2025
was good until the end
Unfortunately, my copy repeated an earlier part of the book rather than finish. Bummer! Not sure what the publisher’s Quality Assurance people were looking at. Frustrating
Unfortunately, my copy repeated an earlier part of the book rather than finish. Bummer! Not sure what the publisher’s Quality Assurance people were looking at. Frustrating
October 4, 2013
First, full disclosure. I know where Chad lives in that secluded mountainous area of Maine - I was lucky enought to live there for 6 summers.
And I'm also lucky to know Chad, who even cooked me supper (well, a bbq cookout) once and his wonderful wife Rene. And I do admit to reading, and liking, his previous books. And we share a love of photography.
There is an extended family in that little town, made up of friends, relatives, acquaintances, and it is nice to be a small part of it.
I liked the book. A bit of supernatural, a bit of religion, a bit of insanity, some lost love refound. Some wonderful characters, a terrific story line, too many rats, some romance, some gore, and probably some symbolism I don't get. And a young girl who sees the world better than the rest of us.
I learned a bit more about the Mormon church - although it is a work of fiction and sometimes it's hard to tell when reality crosses over into la la land - than I probably needed to. And I had to think every now and then about right and wrong, justice, revenge and the spiritual lives we all seek to find.
There are people in this world who do scary things in the name of religion - and have been doing them for a long time. And we have cults and physcological 'brainwashing' when the facts cannot justify the reason for being.
Chad's wonderful story line reminds us to pay attention to what we are being told and to question 'facts' and stand up for ourselves without beating us about the head with it.
I like Chad. I like his books. Try one.
And I'm also lucky to know Chad, who even cooked me supper (well, a bbq cookout) once and his wonderful wife Rene. And I do admit to reading, and liking, his previous books. And we share a love of photography.
There is an extended family in that little town, made up of friends, relatives, acquaintances, and it is nice to be a small part of it.
I liked the book. A bit of supernatural, a bit of religion, a bit of insanity, some lost love refound. Some wonderful characters, a terrific story line, too many rats, some romance, some gore, and probably some symbolism I don't get. And a young girl who sees the world better than the rest of us.
I learned a bit more about the Mormon church - although it is a work of fiction and sometimes it's hard to tell when reality crosses over into la la land - than I probably needed to. And I had to think every now and then about right and wrong, justice, revenge and the spiritual lives we all seek to find.
There are people in this world who do scary things in the name of religion - and have been doing them for a long time. And we have cults and physcological 'brainwashing' when the facts cannot justify the reason for being.
Chad's wonderful story line reminds us to pay attention to what we are being told and to question 'facts' and stand up for ourselves without beating us about the head with it.
I like Chad. I like his books. Try one.
May 13, 2013
WOW!!! Move over Dan Brown. Not since The Da Vinci Code has a book blown me away like this one. This author is a wonderful writer. I simply loved reading this. It is so deep and it makes me want to meet this author and talk to him. I love having deep philosophical discussions with people with insight and this author does have insight. My favorite quote of the whole book was, "God's not in a book. Books are written by men. Men make mistakes. Men lie." It's one of those quotes that you wish you had said. I just can't figure out how I missed this author all my life. I will definitely read more by him. I recommend this book to everyone!
December 31, 2012
I really wish I could give this 3.5, but that is not possible. It was an interesting thriller, although I could have used a bit more back-story about the LDS and NLDS.
January 15, 2013
I wasn't impressed with The Remnant by Chandler McGrew. Squabbling among Mormon sects, no real development of characters, and a boring, improbable storyline. I would NOT recommend this book.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews