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The New World #7
Those Who Remain
The final chapter in the Van Zandt saga is here. The war between the Republic of Cascadia and the rogue nation Western Canada is raging. With support from President Cruz in the United States, Gordon Van Zandt has assembled a formidable army to march north and engage the forces of Western Canada, who have occupied much of the panhandle of Idaho. Gordon must defeat Jacques and his army swiftly, but to do so requires a final decisive battle. This battle will be do or die for Gordon and his fledgling republic, but is not the only problem Gordon is facing. With much of his attention focused on Jacques, he must also dedicate time to a political war brewing in McCall and Olympia. There he'll discover his adversary is the most cunning and cut throat of any enemy he has ever faced on the battlefield. When it all ends, some who've stood with Gordon will be lost and those who remain pray that their sacrifices will usher in the new world they've been fighting so hard for.
278 pages, Paperback
First published December 30, 2016
115 people are currently reading
825 people want to read
About the author
G. Michael Hopf
48 books255 followersG. Michael Hopf is a USA Today bestselling author of almost forty books including the international bestselling post-apocalyptic series, THE NEW WORLD. He has made a prominent name for himself in both the post-apocalyptic and western genres. To date he has sold over one million copies of his books worldwide and many of his works have been translated into German, French and Spanish. He is a combat veteran of the United States Marine Corps and currently is the co-founder and Managing Partner of Beyond The Fray Publishing, where he oversees the daily operations of the company.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 13, 2017
3,5/5
November 12, 2019
The series of books was entertaining, without requiring any effort to read. Books to read on the beach or in flight.
I listened to it all via Audible.
The author wears his survivalist credentials on his sleeve, or at least that's the way it seemed to me. But the lack of subtly got a bit wearing by book three or four in the series.
Others have mentioned the ending here, but I'm not going to do that in specifics.
Suffice to say that the ending was completely implausible to me, unless you are attempting to make a political point and not end a book or series with credibility. The ending really ruined the book for me. The ending seemed completely at odds with what we were told about the main character.
I don't think that I'd read or listen to any more of this author's books.
I don’t need to be preached to, regarding the pros and cons of the US style of government.
Being British, I'm not into prepping or survivalist lifestyles.
But, if all you want is a fairly fast moving near future read, that won't challenge you. You could do worse.
I listened to it all via Audible.
The author wears his survivalist credentials on his sleeve, or at least that's the way it seemed to me. But the lack of subtly got a bit wearing by book three or four in the series.
Others have mentioned the ending here, but I'm not going to do that in specifics.
Suffice to say that the ending was completely implausible to me, unless you are attempting to make a political point and not end a book or series with credibility. The ending really ruined the book for me. The ending seemed completely at odds with what we were told about the main character.
I don't think that I'd read or listen to any more of this author's books.
I don’t need to be preached to, regarding the pros and cons of the US style of government.
Being British, I'm not into prepping or survivalist lifestyles.
But, if all you want is a fairly fast moving near future read, that won't challenge you. You could do worse.
July 4, 2017
The author is a total ring wing nut case (if his beliefs even come close to mirroring the books). That's coming from a libertarian. I know some of the real life people involved in the RL Cascadia movement. That's what kept me reading (listening). They are mostly decent folks even the super liberal.
There's a easy and enjoyable style to the writing. Changing narrators back and forth was annoying. I even liked both narrators but they were so different.
There's a easy and enjoyable style to the writing. Changing narrators back and forth was annoying. I even liked both narrators but they were so different.
July 7, 2021
Underwhelming, rushed ending to the series.
That 2066 arc is just too much. “Hi everyone, I faked my own death because of reasons and now I’m back to force my grandkid I just met on you all.” I miss the Titanic’s “it’s been 84 years” device from the first books.
“Hey, I need to mention Luke in 2066! Oh I know, he went to Asia and lived happily ever after.”
Secondary characters are even more two-dimensional than in the previous books. Pregnant girlfriend dies? Never mind, let’s just go to work like nothing happened. Poor Nelson, a true selfless NPC.
Let’s free the slaves! But not today, I’m drunk. Also: you have eye bags so I guess you where captured by the same religious psycho, right? It’s a small planet.
How many psycho, murderous leaders can fit in the series? A lot, apparently. But don’t worry, we won’t have to face them in battle. Due to budget cuts, the final battle scenes are cancelled and the villains will die pointless deaths on their own.
Let’s carry some random henchman head around. Never mind, toss it away, the author changed his mind.
Hey, remember when we discovered that the Venezuelans were instrumental in bringing the end of the world? Neither do we, let’s give them a free pass. Maybe Venezuelans are in such a bad shape, even if they escaped the EMP, that mercenaries would still prefer to live in the desolation following crazy Aztec burned man than go back home to their families.
Finally, Author missed a great opportunity for a plot twist. Let me give my contribution:
Scene: Two guys drinking espressos at Pat’s bar.
Patron 1 - “Have you ever wondered how can Pat still serve coffee after all this time? He must have a huge stock!”
Patron 2 - “That’s not coffee.”
That 2066 arc is just too much. “Hi everyone, I faked my own death because of reasons and now I’m back to force my grandkid I just met on you all.” I miss the Titanic’s “it’s been 84 years” device from the first books.
“Hey, I need to mention Luke in 2066! Oh I know, he went to Asia and lived happily ever after.”
Secondary characters are even more two-dimensional than in the previous books. Pregnant girlfriend dies? Never mind, let’s just go to work like nothing happened. Poor Nelson, a true selfless NPC.
Let’s free the slaves! But not today, I’m drunk. Also: you have eye bags so I guess you where captured by the same religious psycho, right? It’s a small planet.
How many psycho, murderous leaders can fit in the series? A lot, apparently. But don’t worry, we won’t have to face them in battle. Due to budget cuts, the final battle scenes are cancelled and the villains will die pointless deaths on their own.
Let’s carry some random henchman head around. Never mind, toss it away, the author changed his mind.
Hey, remember when we discovered that the Venezuelans were instrumental in bringing the end of the world? Neither do we, let’s give them a free pass. Maybe Venezuelans are in such a bad shape, even if they escaped the EMP, that mercenaries would still prefer to live in the desolation following crazy Aztec burned man than go back home to their families.
Finally, Author missed a great opportunity for a plot twist. Let me give my contribution:
Scene: Two guys drinking espressos at Pat’s bar.
Patron 1 - “Have you ever wondered how can Pat still serve coffee after all this time? He must have a huge stock!”
Patron 2 - “That’s not coffee.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2017
This was by far the best post-apocalyptic series I have ever read. I loved it for its characters and for its realism. I loved everything about it. I really don't think I have a single negative word to say. Anyone who enjoys this sort of book should definitely give this series a go. I know I'll be shoving them on my brother as soon as possible.
As for this book specifically, it was probably my favorite out of all seven. I loved the back and forth between timelines because it added a whole new element to the story, and even more so, I loved the ending.
The fight for liberty lives on, and so does the legacy of those who fight for it.
Fantastic.
As for this book specifically, it was probably my favorite out of all seven. I loved the back and forth between timelines because it added a whole new element to the story, and even more so, I loved the ending.
The fight for liberty lives on, and so does the legacy of those who fight for it.
Fantastic.
August 1, 2017
A rushed ending, could have been more elaborate. Still some questions unanswered e.g. where and how did Gordon meet Pablo? What happened to Annalisa? I hope there is more coming in this series.
November 29, 2024
Joseph Gordon Stalin Van Zandt Victorious
When I started Those Who Remain, the seventh book in Michael Hopf’s The New World series, I had some hope. The series began with such promise—fast-paced, an intriguing post-apocalyptic premise, and a setup that made me think this could be a captivating story. But by the time I reached this book, it felt like the wheels had completely fallen off.
This book series becomes absurd, and not in a fun way. The characters are one-dimensional, the dialogue between men and women is like a teenager’s fantasy, and the plot… oh my god, the plot. It’s like the author had no idea where to take the story, so he threw in whatever was convenient to keep it going. The dialogue between Gordon and his wife, Samantha, is a cringe-inducing mix of juvenile fantasy and ridiculousness. It’s so man-centric, it feels like it was written by someone who hasn’t interacted with actual humans.
Gordon Van Zandt, the supposed moral center of this series, is anything but. He’s a walking contradiction. This man, who holds others to impossibly high standards, is perfectly fine covering up crimes if it benefits him. His moral compass seems to point wherever is most convenient for him. There’s even a scene where Gordon admits, “Over the years I gathered a bit of info on everyone. You never know when you might need it. All information, specifically deeply personal stuff, is valuable and can be used when you need something.” Stalin himself would be proud of that philosophy. Gordon Van Zandt is truly Joseph Stalin Van Zandt.
And let’s talk about Lexi. Her entire storyline is a blatant setup for a spin-off series. She’s talking to her dog the whole time. That’s it. That’s her big contribution. It’s not even filler—it’s padding for another book.
The political storyline is just as ridiculous. Gordon becomes the president of Cascadia and is somehow revered as this great leader. But what did he actually do to deserve this? Most of his “victories” come from sheer luck or outside forces saving the day. The whole arc with Canada as the villains is laughable. Am I really supposed to believe Canadians are the ultimate post-apocalyptic terrorists? It’s like the book is daring me to take it seriously while being completely absurd.
Even the author seems to acknowledge how anticlimactic the story is. The characters themselves comment on it! There’s a scene where Gordon signs a treaty with the United States recognizing Cascadia, and Samantha says, “Well done, Gordon, you did it.” All I could think was, Yes, Gordon, you did it. You murdered your way into the presidency. Well done.
This book went from mildly entertaining to utterly ridiculous. By the end, I was convinced a teenager wrote it. Yes, it’s fast-paced, but so is a train wreck. It’s predictable, shallow, and full of contradictions.
Okay, take care guys, stay frosty.
When I started Those Who Remain, the seventh book in Michael Hopf’s The New World series, I had some hope. The series began with such promise—fast-paced, an intriguing post-apocalyptic premise, and a setup that made me think this could be a captivating story. But by the time I reached this book, it felt like the wheels had completely fallen off.
This book series becomes absurd, and not in a fun way. The characters are one-dimensional, the dialogue between men and women is like a teenager’s fantasy, and the plot… oh my god, the plot. It’s like the author had no idea where to take the story, so he threw in whatever was convenient to keep it going. The dialogue between Gordon and his wife, Samantha, is a cringe-inducing mix of juvenile fantasy and ridiculousness. It’s so man-centric, it feels like it was written by someone who hasn’t interacted with actual humans.
Gordon Van Zandt, the supposed moral center of this series, is anything but. He’s a walking contradiction. This man, who holds others to impossibly high standards, is perfectly fine covering up crimes if it benefits him. His moral compass seems to point wherever is most convenient for him. There’s even a scene where Gordon admits, “Over the years I gathered a bit of info on everyone. You never know when you might need it. All information, specifically deeply personal stuff, is valuable and can be used when you need something.” Stalin himself would be proud of that philosophy. Gordon Van Zandt is truly Joseph Stalin Van Zandt.
And let’s talk about Lexi. Her entire storyline is a blatant setup for a spin-off series. She’s talking to her dog the whole time. That’s it. That’s her big contribution. It’s not even filler—it’s padding for another book.
The political storyline is just as ridiculous. Gordon becomes the president of Cascadia and is somehow revered as this great leader. But what did he actually do to deserve this? Most of his “victories” come from sheer luck or outside forces saving the day. The whole arc with Canada as the villains is laughable. Am I really supposed to believe Canadians are the ultimate post-apocalyptic terrorists? It’s like the book is daring me to take it seriously while being completely absurd.
Even the author seems to acknowledge how anticlimactic the story is. The characters themselves comment on it! There’s a scene where Gordon signs a treaty with the United States recognizing Cascadia, and Samantha says, “Well done, Gordon, you did it.” All I could think was, Yes, Gordon, you did it. You murdered your way into the presidency. Well done.
This book went from mildly entertaining to utterly ridiculous. By the end, I was convinced a teenager wrote it. Yes, it’s fast-paced, but so is a train wreck. It’s predictable, shallow, and full of contradictions.
Okay, take care guys, stay frosty.
July 29, 2025
Hello Friends,
I hope you are keeping well.
Just wanted to share with you the latest book from my repertoire. This one is different comparing to the other ones, it has action, great narrative and a happy ending.
“Those Who Remain” by G. Michael Hopf is an apocalyptic novel and last from the 7 books of “The New World” series. The action is in a post-apocalyptic North America, the novel focuses on a decisive battle between Cascadia and the rogue nation of Western Canada, which has occupied much of Idaho’s panhandle. With political and military support from the U.S. (especially President Cruz), Gordon rallies force to confront his greatest battlefield adversary, Jacques, meanwhile, internal political manoeuvring in McCall and Olympia reveals a ruthless domestic opponent (Sebastian).
Starting just to see what interesting in it little I knew that this novel is actually something quite realistic and considering all undergoing conflicts in the world it wouldn’t surprise me if some of event would occur in our world.
Why have I read this book? I’d say Curiosity. From the whole book tow quotes impressed me very much:
• “Hard times create strong men. Strong men create good times. Good times create weak men. And weak men create hard times.” – Michael Hopf
• “The winner wins the war before entering the war, a loser wins the war after the war is completed" - Sun Tzu
I just wish we won’t get the times related in the book but being realistic I will have to admit that anything can happen the current world climate scene.
Have a great day!
Yours,
Pav
I hope you are keeping well.
Just wanted to share with you the latest book from my repertoire. This one is different comparing to the other ones, it has action, great narrative and a happy ending.
“Those Who Remain” by G. Michael Hopf is an apocalyptic novel and last from the 7 books of “The New World” series. The action is in a post-apocalyptic North America, the novel focuses on a decisive battle between Cascadia and the rogue nation of Western Canada, which has occupied much of Idaho’s panhandle. With political and military support from the U.S. (especially President Cruz), Gordon rallies force to confront his greatest battlefield adversary, Jacques, meanwhile, internal political manoeuvring in McCall and Olympia reveals a ruthless domestic opponent (Sebastian).
Starting just to see what interesting in it little I knew that this novel is actually something quite realistic and considering all undergoing conflicts in the world it wouldn’t surprise me if some of event would occur in our world.
Why have I read this book? I’d say Curiosity. From the whole book tow quotes impressed me very much:
• “Hard times create strong men. Strong men create good times. Good times create weak men. And weak men create hard times.” – Michael Hopf
• “The winner wins the war before entering the war, a loser wins the war after the war is completed" - Sun Tzu
I just wish we won’t get the times related in the book but being realistic I will have to admit that anything can happen the current world climate scene.
Have a great day!
Yours,
Pav
September 13, 2022
One of the best series I've read.
This series was recommended to me by a friend after we were chatting about postapocalytic, after SHTF scenarios. I had just finished the One Second After Series, and she suggested the G. Michael Hopf books. I started the first book and was hooked. With all the other things I was doing, it took me two weeks to read the series, but I just could not put the story down. The characters are compelling, believable, and relatable, as is the story line. I only wish that the author would continue on writing more about what happens after the end of the final book, Those Who Remain. I'm sure there is more to tell that is interesting. As the reader, you become vested in the characters and want to follow their stories through. Our main Protaganist is wrapped up, but there are others who are also very cool & integral to the story and to whom we've gotten attached.
Regardless, im highly recommend this whole series. There are no slow or dull points and it flows very succinctly as though you are watching it all in your mind's eye.
This series was recommended to me by a friend after we were chatting about postapocalytic, after SHTF scenarios. I had just finished the One Second After Series, and she suggested the G. Michael Hopf books. I started the first book and was hooked. With all the other things I was doing, it took me two weeks to read the series, but I just could not put the story down. The characters are compelling, believable, and relatable, as is the story line. I only wish that the author would continue on writing more about what happens after the end of the final book, Those Who Remain. I'm sure there is more to tell that is interesting. As the reader, you become vested in the characters and want to follow their stories through. Our main Protaganist is wrapped up, but there are others who are also very cool & integral to the story and to whom we've gotten attached.
Regardless, im highly recommend this whole series. There are no slow or dull points and it flows very succinctly as though you are watching it all in your mind's eye.
September 1, 2017
A bit too short, but a nice end cap to the events of the New World series. I particularly liked how Gordon played his political opponent, while still doing what needed to be done and not relenting what he knew was right. I also like how his closest friends handled things themselves for the good of Gordon, as well as the Republic itself, without him having to further fall down that hole of harsh necessity. Lastly, I liked that Gordon finally caught up with the psychotic ex-president of the US, Connor, in the end. Despite both being old and dying, their true natures shown through to the very end; culminating in exactly the way you'd hope.
January 2, 2017
An admirable ending to a stellar series!
The final book in the Van Zandt family saga fits perfectly with Mr. Hopf's previous stories. I'm sad to see it come to an end, but this book completed an outstanding tale.
Well written with a whole bucketful of emotion, action, and consequences. The entire series is an outstanding saga of what 'could' happen when the world is collapsing and liberty is failing. A true success which had to be read in one sitting. Very well done!
The final book in the Van Zandt family saga fits perfectly with Mr. Hopf's previous stories. I'm sad to see it come to an end, but this book completed an outstanding tale.
Well written with a whole bucketful of emotion, action, and consequences. The entire series is an outstanding saga of what 'could' happen when the world is collapsing and liberty is failing. A true success which had to be read in one sitting. Very well done!
November 28, 2021
An interesting take on the downfall of the USA. A bit confusing at times and one has to make some assumptions along the way. Some characters even to the end, I wonder what their real purpose was in the story line. I’m not one for books that hop around from one set of circumstances and characters to another.
November 4, 2018
Another great book
Another great book in the series. This is another series that I can and have read again. Being a Navy Corpsman for 10 years with some of that green side, I love the Marine Corps and love that you put them in your books. Semper Fi Marine.
Another great book in the series. This is another series that I can and have read again. Being a Navy Corpsman for 10 years with some of that green side, I love the Marine Corps and love that you put them in your books. Semper Fi Marine.
November 5, 2019
I’m glad this book redeemed the series. The previous two books were a little slow and were more dialogue driven. I was close to giving up. I wasn’t super thrilled with the very ending, but the overall book was good, that’s the reason for the 4 stars.
May 27, 2020
I agree with others. This book could have been added to book 6 but I guess coming out with book 7 is more lucrative. :-) The series was good overall and the ending was decent
June 1, 2024
I've read the entire series and enjoyed it. If you enjoy reading dystopian / apocalyptic fiction you will like this series.
February 28, 2017
Absolute fantastic ending to a great series. Really didnt want it to end but Hopf did it with style. Bravo!
February 24, 2017
it's a good read
i extremely enjoyed the entire series, wasn't able to put down any of the books once i started to read. i would recommend the series to everyone.
i extremely enjoyed the entire series, wasn't able to put down any of the books once i started to read. i would recommend the series to everyone.
June 18, 2025
I'm a fan of Hopf's work but was slightly disappointed with this last book in the series. It felt rushed, and more like wrapping up loose ends than focused on the story.
I also think the main character deserved a little better in the end, and again, felt like it was just an easy way to wrap up the story.
Still, as a fan I appreciate the overall story that I've enjoyed, so still give it four stars.
I also think the main character deserved a little better in the end, and again, felt like it was just an easy way to wrap up the story.
Still, as a fan I appreciate the overall story that I've enjoyed, so still give it four stars.
January 3, 2017
Totally Awesome and Inspiring!
This has been a great book from one of my favorite series of dystopian genre novels. A fitting end to one bad ass that wouldn't say die.
BUY THIS BOOK!
This has been a great book from one of my favorite series of dystopian genre novels. A fitting end to one bad ass that wouldn't say die.
BUY THIS BOOK!
January 7, 2017
A bit of a letdown ending to what was otherwise a great series. The book only deserves 3 stars, but because it was the final book in a fantastic series, it gets a bonus star. It seemed like the author just rushed through to close up all the loose ends...
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews