What Remains

What Remains #1

by James Fuller, Juli Valenti (Editor)

It happened so fast, it spread through the world like wildfire. It was impossible to control and almost impossible to fight...
Ten years has passed since an infectious virus nearly consumed all of mankind. Millions died, millions more became infected, changed, became mindless, feral hunters bent on the consumption of living flesh.
Archer was a solitary man, scavenging what he could to survive off the ruins of the world that no longer existed. A world gone mad, where those who still lived were just as great of threat as those who were infected. Without knowing it he finds himself in possession of a map that leads to a hidden sanctuary with the possible means to stop it all. All he has to do, is get her there alive...

Genres: Zombies, Fiction, Science Fiction

218 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 23, 2015

About the author

James Fuller has enjoyed the fine art of writing for many years now, he's currently in the process of bringing out his new up and coming fantasy novel: Fall Of The King, the first book in which he hopes to be a series of nine books. James has also written movie scripts, short stories, and has had numerous pieces of poetry published. Through the years he has acquired quite a large fan base for his ...fiction not only through his blog and other various social networking websites such as Facebook but with other writers and artists of all sorts. James' other personal projects also include a comic series for mature readers; a tale of love, loss and vengeance which ignites in amazing emotion as James hopes to bring his character and story to life (collaborating with an artist.)

James has an absolute passion for bringing characters and situations to life with his detailed writing skills that really brings his books to life and makes his characters and their journeys so favourable. As an author he also goes above and beyond when it comes to writing battle scenes, the intricate design and explanations of fighting, not only in swordplay but also in tactics is one of James incredible expertise in which he delights in.

When James isn't on his computer writing his 2nd book of his fantasy series (Salvas) or writing short stories he enjoys recreational activities such a camping, fishing, hiking, and archery. Along with being an adventurous outdoors man James also spends many of his hours in a day as a devoted husband and father.

Reviews

[Stitching Ghost · Rating 3 out of 5]

The thing about this novel is that it felt very tropey, but I'm not sure if it's because it really is or just because I have already read an absurd amount of zombpoc content. Our MC is a seemingly unfeeling ahole but at his core he is soft he ends up stuck with an adorably naive child who is now alone in the world, also one of my most hated tropes cannibals who force people to fight to the death for entertainment, a The Governor from TWD type guy with a zombie wife, a place called sanctuary... That being said it was a quick and fairly entertaining read.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this story and found it to be interesting and fast-paced overall. I thought it could use some editing for punctuation, word choices, and repetition, especially as you get closer to the end. The story and characters were well done, though the main character whose voice was the dominant one got a bit repetitive for me. I didn’t like him a lot of the time, which is fine but he was so grumpy. That’s probably just me not liking a very over-the-top masculine character. All-in-all it was a fast and enjoyable read.

[M.E. Aster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook review:

James Fuller has enriched the world of zombies with his own take on the apocalypse!

In this story, we initially meet Archer, a man trying to survive in a world infected with a virus that turns people into flesh-eating monsters. He’s not the most likable hero, but his character is gritty and real. When he runs into a child claiming to carry the cure for the virus with her, he finds himself starting to care for someone despite his resolve not to, placing himself in danger as the two of them attempt to get the cure to Sanctuary.

Each page is packed with action and adventure, What Remains is a gripping read that captured my attention instantly. Filled with fully fleshed characters and an intricate post-apocalyptic world, James Filler has written another masterpiece!

*I was given a free copy of this audiobook by the author and this is my honest, voluntary review.*

[Mkittysamom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Start, I honestly couldn’t wait..

To find out what happened in Sanctuary so I didn’t even stop to write a review for this book till I finished the second! I was just so enamored with Auska!

[Valerie Roberson · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! Talk about leaving you hanging with a cliff hanger! This was really really getting good and boom, the end until the next one. I sure hope book 2 comes out soon!
I love these kind of books. You have monsters from being infected with a bad virus. You have the hero that can take it all, gun shot wounds, stabbed, beaten and keep going like the energizer bunny. Then you have the innocent and how they are going to change the world, but do they really know what they have with them? Then there are the people who join in along the way and you have to figure out if they are legit or not. And of course you have the head boss guy and his goons, trying to stop the hero and the good guys. It is a game of cat and mouse and you never know who is going to be in the lead next and that keeps the storyline exciting.
Until the next book comes out, I’ll be trying to figure out if Archer really dies, is given another chance or turns into a monster.

[Kelly Hudson · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s bad. Just bad.

After three chapters I would have quit this one, but I was bored so I finished it. The writing is terrible. So many uses of the wrong words - maybe it was typed on an IPhone with autocorrect. Ravished for ravaged, hold up for hole up, and many more examples. The tone was dreary, and nothing good happened to anybody. Worst of all, almost every female in the book was used, objectified, and/or beaten. It is NOT OK to write this as if it’s normal.

[Scarlett Algee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A two-fisted take on the zombie genre.

Like post-apocalyptic wastelands? Like zombies? If you're a fan of Fallout and The Walking Dead, this is the book for you.

The world has gone to hell in the years since the virus arose: resources are scarce, precious, fought over, killed for; mobs of mindless, hungry infected prowl every night; and the survivors have broken up into factions, clannish and hostile, trying to scrape by on what supplies they can find.

In this world, Archer is a loner, a drifter. Snarky and self-centered, he's only out for his own survival until he meets Auska--a naïve, God-fearing twelve-year-old girl who just might have the means to save the world...

There's plenty of action packed into this story: gunfights, gladiator-style combat, you name it. Humanity has become its own worst enemy, as the survivors left unscathed by the virus turn on each other instead of uniting against the infected threat.

Archer is not a nice guy--he's callous, mouthy, and apparently uncaring. Yet he's sympathetic and likable, and as he gathers unexpected companions on his journey, the façade begins to crack a little, and you realize he's more attached to these people than he wants to let himself be. Auska, too, develops profoundly over the course of the story: she starts a frightened, innocent, sheltered child and by story's end has proven herself loyal, smart, resourceful and more capable than she ever imagined.

Together, the two of them get into, and out of, quite a few harrowing situations. The action's lively, the characters complex, and the ending is an absolute punch in the gut. I'm eager to see how the story plays out in the next installment--my only quibble with the story is the proofreading mistakes that need to be ironed out.

[Phyllis Carberry · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is truly sad

That an interesting plot and terrifying story is ruined by extremely poor editing. You just get rolling with the storyline and are pulled up short with a sentence that makes no sense. After reading it a second or third time, you piece the actual meaning out of the poor punctuation and/or incorrect spelling. By then, you have lost the impetus of the plot and spend the next hour cursing the idiots who let this happen. Not at all certain how it managed to become a best seller.

[Alisha Rowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally posted at https://bit.ly/3MQUSus.











A fatal sickness spread quickly across the land turning all that contracted it into Zombies. Now, 10 years later the world is still trying to piece itself together. Small factions have broken out and safety isn't always in numbers. Archer has survived since the onset by keeping to himself and only going into towns when absolutely necessary. That all changes when he reached Silverton and Cody, a hired man for the town's leader, recruits Archer to retrieve something stolen from his boss in exchange for a clip of bullets. When the people refuse to give up the item everyone but a small girl is killed. Realizing something isn't right with this set-up Archer decides to back out. However, what the girl has could save the whole world. If only Archer cared enough to help.
I received this eBook from the author in exchange for an honest review. Somehow I managed to start 3 post-apocalyptic books all featuring zombies at the same time. I don't know how. Since I can normally keep plots separated easily due to the vast array of genres I read I stopped the other two to focus on this one. Didn't want to cross lines. I'll come back to the others soon now that this one is finished.

Archer is kind of a dick. He is, don't get me wrong. He fully accepts that he is a dick and tells everyone he doesn't like people and doesn't want to deal with them. I get it. I don't like people either, for the most part. However, I don't know that I would go to some of the extremes he went to. That being said he is my favorite character in the book. Given, I didn't have a lot to choose from between the cannibals, the little girl, Vincent, and Blare.

I don't like that this book didn't have chapters. It is just one continuous run separated by a gas mask showing when characters change. Generally. Occasionally there are two of the same character section in a row. Maybe they are supposed to indicate chapters, but without any statement alluding to this I cannot be sure. Other than that I genuinely enjoyed the book. I love post-apocalyptic books and this one is no different. The secret of the cure was an interesting twist. I hope there is more to it!

[Hectaizani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ten years after a virus has infected the majority of the population the remaining survivors are left to eke out a painful survival of the fittest existence. Archer is the quintessential loner he didn't like people before he certainly doesn't like them now. He's rude, callous, and doesn't care about anything but where his next meal is coming from and how he's going to survive. Despite his misgivings about getting involved he agrees to do a job for a town leader in return for some precious ammo. Naturally, the consequences of this decision will haunt him for the remainder of the book.

Chock full of action. It's got everything bad guys, good guys, cannibals, the infected (zombies), gunfights, roman gladiator style combat, and a good helping of a coming-of-age story. Highly recommended to fans of The Walking Dead or if you just like a good shoot-em-up, with a hero who has more lives than the Energizer Bunny, with lots of gross and gory zombie stomping action.

The ending is left on a cliffhanger so you might want to pick up the second book in the series What's Left as well.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Voracious Readers Only in return for the promise of an honest review.

[Kimberly Morehouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! What will I do now! I know, read book two! This is NOT my usual genre, but I took a chance and I am so thrilled I did. The author did a fantastic job creating this world in the future, the danger of it and all it's craziness. The characters are so real and raw. You sink your teeth in and don't want to let go. There is danger lurking around every corner, you can't trust anyone and everyone wants to kill you. Yet some alliances are formed our of necessity and that in itself can be dangerous. Archer, a man who has survived alone and wants no partners, is suddenly tasked with the care of a young girl named Auska, who's family was killed. She has a very important mission to complete, and even though he doesn't like it, he now helps her. They encounter so much. Things I can't comprehend how they survived yet the do and keep on moving forward. Until one of them makes the ultimate sacrifice for the other, just so the mission can be carried out. I was on the edge of my seat, biting nails and wanting for bad for them to both make the journey. I can't wait to see what book 2 holds in store. I listened to the audio version of this book and the narrator did a FANTASTIC job. He really did well with the different characters and the story telling overall.

[Sam Harper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received a complimentary copy of this novel from the author via voracious readers only in exchange for an honest review.
A real page turner that promises plenty of action and adventure and doesn’t disappoint.
In an apocalyptic world where a virus has spread turning people into blood thirsty zombies, small pockets of survivors battle to stay alive fighting both zombies and those who would take everything from them. A lone survivor, Archer arrives at a settlement and trades what little possessions he has in exchange for food and drink when he is persuaded to do a job for the leader. He then meets a young girl Auska and this is where the action really starts, as he has promised her dying father that he will take her and her secret to Sanctuary, a settlement far away. Travelling across the wastelands they face many battles, the weather, zombies, bands of slavers, a hunting party with a cruel leader intent on possessing Auska’s secret as well as the ever present hunger and thirst. All this action leads to a fantastic cliff hanger of an ending can’t wait for the next instalment.
Needs a better proof reader as many mistakes within the text.

[Andi M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

What Remains by James Fuller is the first book in a duet. It is a dark and gritty tale of survival in a post-apocalyptic world. It’s been ten years and resources are scarce and those who live in this new world have to be as brutal as those around them. Our protagonist, Archer, is a loner, hard, strong, clever and an experienced fighter who distrusts others and looks out for himself alone. When a young girl named Auska is orphaned, she follows Archer hoping for his help and protection to complete her mission and reach an area called Sanctuary. But Archer’s cold response at first shows how hard he’s become. He finally allows her to travel with him providing she keeps up. He dumps her in a town, but ends up saving her, showing he still has some compassion. He tries to toughen her up and in the process finds himself reluctantly caring for her.

This is such a well-written story with great pacing and plenty of action that keeps the reader on edge and completely engaged. There is constant danger from all sides—infected zombies, cannibals, and brutal factions who would kill in a heartbeat. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would highly recommend it.

[Phil Wilby · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thrill ride through the apocalypse, but with plenty of heart!

I absolutely loved this book from start to finish. It rattles along at breakneck pace, never letting up. Along the way, the author also manages to develop well rounded, emotive characters, broken in their own ways by the post apocalyptic backdrop. They also craft an unlikely hero and a misguided and at moments terrifying villain, an axis that the story pivots on. There are wonderfully heart wrenching beats too inbetween the mountains of action. Often the scraps of humanity left prove more dangerous than the infected ghouls along the way.

This a great book, a fantastic example of the genre. The author should be really proud of what they have created - I'll be looking into the sequel and with a bit of luck, maybe seeing the movies one day!

[Jessica Goeken · Rating 3 out of 5]

All the elements of a classic zombie story.

What Remains is a well-written tale that adheres to all the traditional elements required in a zombie story: wasteland, survivor colonies, bandits, cannibals, and rumors of a cure. The story itself is well-plotted with events laid out in a logical manner.

While the story is fine, I also found it unoriginal and lacking in creativity. It follows the standard zombie apocalypse format without deviation, and as such often became boring and predictable. The characters were often portrayed as the stereotypical survivors with little depth or opportunities for growth. The exception is the main character, who was given growth opportunities, but in my opinion made little progress.

To be fair, this is not my usual genre, but I still expected to find a story with new and exciting ideas for such an overused topic.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! The cliff hanger was awesome. This book is action packed and reminescent of The Walking Dead. This isn't just the zombie apocalpyse, this is the depravity of humanity down to the core. Alongside the depravity of humankind - you also have hope and faith which is pretty interesting. I'd be really interested to read the next in the series.

[Connie Castania · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great! I loved it. I never hated a main character so much! But then I wanted to cry at the end of his story. I did not see that coming and for that loved it even more. This was a real character. Thank you were such a great read. I will definitely read more from this very talented author.

[mia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, I was hooked from the start and was hanging on every word. A fast paced, action packed read, with shocking plot twists, and memorable characters, Archer's being unforgettable! Timothy pohlman's narration was fantastic and really brought the characters to life. I received this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Georgia Tumbleweed McNabb · Rating 3 out of 5]

The MC Archer is a man whose developed a Cold Heart and refuses to care about anyone other than himself throughout most of this book. A virus many years ago spread across the world leaving the infected as basically as Zombies. Most people left are Bad people who hunt, hurt, or exploit any other people they come across. Narrator does a good job with the characters voices and the Storyline.

[Judy Ferrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A terrible disease.

One little girl holds the possible cure for a disease that has killed millions. James Fuller has entered the world of horror with a bang. Leave the lights on with this one! If you like the Crypt Keeper you will love this!!

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me turning the pages, eager to find time to keep reading. Fast paced, action packed, and a few surprises along the way. The characters pull you in to the life they are forced to live. It doesn’t take long to love them, hate them, and feel all their feels.

[Susan Carrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book literally hit the ground running! This is my first read in this category and I was pulled into the action from the first page. A fight for survival from start to finish and it was difficult to put down. Definitely one to save to read again another time. On to book two! Well done!

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

Not my usual reading but surprisingly really enjoyed this. Character's are fantastic and the action scenes plentiful if not a little gory at times. Plenty of shocks twists and turns with an ending that I did not expect.

[Donna Masnick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book

I enjoyed this book quite a bit. I can't wait to see what happens next. Mr Fuller brought the characters to life so that I could see them in my head.

[Damon Laws · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read!

A wonderful escape into a post-apocalyptic world. I really enjoyed reading this. Archer is truly a man's man within this story.

[Alicia Huxtable · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my usual read but enjoyable

I don't often read zombies, for the simple fact, the scare me. But I found This book to be quite different and I actually enjoyed reading it

[Neil Moulding · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bastard hybrid of The Last of us, The Walking Dead and Mad Max. Decent story and style, crying out for better editing with too many text or grammar errors

[Rosalyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not exactly what I expected very much a zombie type book. Along the lines of the living dead.

[Chris Bigelow · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable but predictable zombie apocalypse story.
The few small character twists are enough to keep you reading.

[Suzi · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF - Not for me