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A Grower's War #1
The Purge of District 89
Keep your head down. Do what you’re told. It’s easier that way.
Walter Lawrence Baucom is used to the troops that patrol Agrarian District 89. He grew up with the sight of Chinese and Russian soldiers, right alongside the American ones. They are the Coalition. “The Three Brothers,” they call themselves. They claim that they are there to help. And he thinks that if he doesn’t rock the boat, then they will never have a reason to break in his door and disappear him, like they did to his brother.
But when a Chinese captain is kidnapped by resistance members, Walter is suddenly thrust into a fight he never wanted. A fight where there are many sides, but very few allies.
As things in District 89 quickly spiral out of control and the borders are closed by Coalition troops, Walter will have to make a
What is he willing to fight for? His life? His freedom? His family?
Walter Lawrence Baucom is used to the troops that patrol Agrarian District 89. He grew up with the sight of Chinese and Russian soldiers, right alongside the American ones. They are the Coalition. “The Three Brothers,” they call themselves. They claim that they are there to help. And he thinks that if he doesn’t rock the boat, then they will never have a reason to break in his door and disappear him, like they did to his brother.
But when a Chinese captain is kidnapped by resistance members, Walter is suddenly thrust into a fight he never wanted. A fight where there are many sides, but very few allies.
As things in District 89 quickly spiral out of control and the borders are closed by Coalition troops, Walter will have to make a
What is he willing to fight for? His life? His freedom? His family?
321 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 6, 2017
About the author
D.J. Molles
31 books1,246 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
April 13, 2017
Just when you think you've read it all, along comes DJ Molles with a new take on everything! Fresh spin on a classic dystopian theme that once it has you-doesn't let you go! It's a page turner with some major surprises and twists. Cannot wait for the next one!
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March 11, 2017New dystopian series from DJ Molles
Being a fan of The Remaining, I was excited to see this new series starting. I really enjoyed the prequel to this, and was drawn in immediately... This book however seemed a bit of a slow starter. Once I got into it tho it was worth the slow start. I will definitely be getting book 2.
Being a fan of The Remaining, I was excited to see this new series starting. I really enjoyed the prequel to this, and was drawn in immediately... This book however seemed a bit of a slow starter. Once I got into it tho it was worth the slow start. I will definitely be getting book 2.
February 11, 2020
I choose this book because of the positive reviews it had received. I am careful about these end of the world type books, as they can be a bit overboard and quite depressing. But this book appeared on the surface to approach the subject appropriately.
I read this book, not so much to learn anything, but simply enjoy a good story, have a little fun in my reading, (as I spend a lot of time in books about political theory and theology). It did not disappoint and was just that; and enjoyable, captivating and exciting book.
From the beginning, you take off and are drawn in to the story and the characters. I found myself, excited to jump into the next chapter, to see what was going to happen next. The story line was not overboard or implausible, but believable and thrilling. The characters were very well developed.
I actually poured through this book quickly, as it was an adventure that captivated me from beginning to end. It kept building and building, never letting you down. I was on a marathon, and at times catching my breath (metaphorically), keeping up with the action and adventure.
The author, took a great deal of pain in writing this story, thinking it through from beginning to end, providing a story that flowed flawlessly from beginning to end, engages the reader fully, characters who you begin to associate with. To me a good story is one that actually takes your imagination to the scenes the author develops with the characters and imposes you into the story.
The end was cliff hanger. Just like a television series where the ending of the episode has built you right the edge and leaves it there so that you have watch next week to find out what happened. Well, mr. Molles does the same with this story. Right up to the end, it leaves you on the edge. You want to know what happened, will you have to find out in the next book. What a teaser.
Overall, if you are into this genera, this book is worth the time, exciting, enjoyable. and simply quite fun.
I read this book, not so much to learn anything, but simply enjoy a good story, have a little fun in my reading, (as I spend a lot of time in books about political theory and theology). It did not disappoint and was just that; and enjoyable, captivating and exciting book.
From the beginning, you take off and are drawn in to the story and the characters. I found myself, excited to jump into the next chapter, to see what was going to happen next. The story line was not overboard or implausible, but believable and thrilling. The characters were very well developed.
I actually poured through this book quickly, as it was an adventure that captivated me from beginning to end. It kept building and building, never letting you down. I was on a marathon, and at times catching my breath (metaphorically), keeping up with the action and adventure.
The author, took a great deal of pain in writing this story, thinking it through from beginning to end, providing a story that flowed flawlessly from beginning to end, engages the reader fully, characters who you begin to associate with. To me a good story is one that actually takes your imagination to the scenes the author develops with the characters and imposes you into the story.
The end was cliff hanger. Just like a television series where the ending of the episode has built you right the edge and leaves it there so that you have watch next week to find out what happened. Well, mr. Molles does the same with this story. Right up to the end, it leaves you on the edge. You want to know what happened, will you have to find out in the next book. What a teaser.
Overall, if you are into this genera, this book is worth the time, exciting, enjoyable. and simply quite fun.
July 21, 2017
It took a while for me to give this book a chance. D. J. Molles has always been one of the best ZA writers in the world, and finding this book wasn't ZA or even post apocalyptic steered me away.
What was i thinking??
The Purge Of District 89 is a typical D. J. Molles treat, which is as always character driven, and action packed.
Plenty of violence, and bad language, and that is a VERY VERY good thing.
So sick of ZA, PA, and dystopian books where the characters are so unrealistic, and the dialogue is embarrassing. Written by morally self important authors, who can't seem to understand true human emotion.
Thank you D. J. Molles for not being one of these wet blankets.
What was i thinking??
The Purge Of District 89 is a typical D. J. Molles treat, which is as always character driven, and action packed.
Plenty of violence, and bad language, and that is a VERY VERY good thing.
So sick of ZA, PA, and dystopian books where the characters are so unrealistic, and the dialogue is embarrassing. Written by morally self important authors, who can't seem to understand true human emotion.
Thank you D. J. Molles for not being one of these wet blankets.
August 13, 2019
Love the way DJ writes, but wasn't sure I'd like this storyline. First 3 chapters were boring. But, by the 4th I was into it. Glad I took a chance on this one.
February 10, 2017
A capable protagonist with a unique gift, a good start. I think what really stuck out to me, was that this book seemed well crafted. By well crafted is that it could have been very disappointing and cliche. However, the way it was written, it came off tasteful and charming. Writing a story about foreign powers invading, evil Feds, and having a girlfriend that there is little interaction accept the memories of the main character, can easily go south. Even if they just be one of those cliche mentioned.
However, as I said earlier before, it comes off just charming. And the thing is, I'm surprised. I'm surprised, because I've read Molles books for, and stopped. After reading his zombie series, I thought I would never read one of his books again. But here I did, and it was all the better for it.
However, as I said earlier before, it comes off just charming. And the thing is, I'm surprised. I'm surprised, because I've read Molles books for, and stopped. After reading his zombie series, I thought I would never read one of his books again. But here I did, and it was all the better for it.
February 28, 2017
Decent start to a new series
February 28, 2017
Didn't want to end
Holy cow was that a great read. D.J. Mollies really made another great book. He added so much more to his charters.
Holy cow was that a great read. D.J. Mollies really made another great book. He added so much more to his charters.
February 23, 2017
Start of another great series from D.J. Molles. The story of one person paints such a believable picture of oppression. Can't wait for the second in the series.
February 18, 2017
What Dj Molles does with this novel and also his previous books is take a well worn premise which is full of cliche situations but make them seem perfectly fresh, believable and exciting. This book is well written and presents a chilling vision of a near future USA run by a subservient Fed with Chinese and Russian 'peacekeepers' providing order (which given the current political upheaval could possibly be quite prophetic). It throttles along at a good pace which hooks you in and keeps your attention. My only criticism would be the main participants are quite 2 dimensional, this might annoy some readers but for me wasn't a particular issue. I would still strongly recommend this book.
October 22, 2018
Book 1
I can not remember who recommended this author and series to me but thank you. What a delightful read. This book was written where you feel like you are part of the story. Walt running through the field, helping his wounded friend and dodging bullets I was scared, tired and out of breath too. Oh and Walt's phobia of laying on the ground and putting fallen leaves on you as a cover and all he thought about were the spiders. I found myself running my hands through my hair checking for spiders. A few grammatical errors but it didn't take away from the story....but I did notice them.
Excellent story. I am off to book two. Enjoy!
I can not remember who recommended this author and series to me but thank you. What a delightful read. This book was written where you feel like you are part of the story. Walt running through the field, helping his wounded friend and dodging bullets I was scared, tired and out of breath too. Oh and Walt's phobia of laying on the ground and putting fallen leaves on you as a cover and all he thought about were the spiders. I found myself running my hands through my hair checking for spiders. A few grammatical errors but it didn't take away from the story....but I did notice them.
Excellent story. I am off to book two. Enjoy!
June 28, 2017
Looks like another good series from DJ Molles. I liked Molles after reading "The Remaining". This is a different take blending Post-Apocalypse with Dystopian genres. It starts off slowly, introducing the characters and building the world. We get bits and pieces and have to put the puzzle together. I like putting puzzles together. In the second half of the book it takes off running and hardly gives you a moment to breath until the surprising end. Dark but not hopeless, a little slow to start but a strong finish.
May 27, 2017
A good, fast-paced, anti-utopia novel. Sometime in the future, not sure where (plains of the US?) or when, communities/districts of "growers" are virtual slaves as they try to eke out a living within the tight set of rules allowed them by their Russian, Chinese, (and other?) rulers. The story follows Walt, the youngest of three brothers, as his world spins out of control and the district in which he and his wife live is "purged". Look forward to the next book in this series.
February 8, 2023
Another great read from Mr. Molles!!
I first came across D.J. Molles with his series "The Remaining" and have been a fan ever since. This book,"The Purge of District 89", did not disappoint. I literally could not put it down. Each chapter finished just beckoned me to continue to the end. And Mr. Molles, if you read this, please, please, please continue with Lee Harden, (Archangel). I really want to read more of his story.
I first came across D.J. Molles with his series "The Remaining" and have been a fan ever since. This book,"The Purge of District 89", did not disappoint. I literally could not put it down. Each chapter finished just beckoned me to continue to the end. And Mr. Molles, if you read this, please, please, please continue with Lee Harden, (Archangel). I really want to read more of his story.
August 16, 2017
Dystopian goodness
I enjoyed DJ Molles' bleak future of servitude to the state and the determined, grassroots resistance. Walt is an unassuming and reluctant protagonist forced into action by extreme circumstance that uncovers previously unrealized conviction. He's a likeable every-man hero. Very relatable. Looking forward to the next installment in the series.
I enjoyed DJ Molles' bleak future of servitude to the state and the determined, grassroots resistance. Walt is an unassuming and reluctant protagonist forced into action by extreme circumstance that uncovers previously unrealized conviction. He's a likeable every-man hero. Very relatable. Looking forward to the next installment in the series.
December 19, 2017
Hold on to your hat!
This is my first read of DJ Molles' work and I was happily surprised at how sucked in I got into this story. His characters have depth, and the world is eerily something I could picture our current future being. There are 2 sides to every story, and I'm looking forward to seeing what the resistance is up to in book 2 - Renegades.
This is my first read of DJ Molles' work and I was happily surprised at how sucked in I got into this story. His characters have depth, and the world is eerily something I could picture our current future being. There are 2 sides to every story, and I'm looking forward to seeing what the resistance is up to in book 2 - Renegades.
April 11, 2018
Loved it. D.J. Molles once again is telling a great story. I'm not a fast reader by any means, but it was hard to put this one down. To be fair I have yet to find a book by D.J. Molles (the remaining) that isn't. Once the ball really got rolling, it just snowballed. I'll be starting the 2nd book right away :)
May 1, 2019
Molles writes great stories, but his vocabulary boo boos so often take me out of the story that I can't give them more than three stars. He seriously needs a proof reader, but I guess once you're a best selling author, little nitpicky things like vocabulary, and some of the other issues that pop up aren't considered important.
October 9, 2017
Phenomenal
I absolutely loved this book. It starts out a bit slow, I wondered if I’d made a mistake, but DJ was just setting the scene of drudgery and dystopia. Can’t wait to start book 2
I absolutely loved this book. It starts out a bit slow, I wondered if I’d made a mistake, but DJ was just setting the scene of drudgery and dystopia. Can’t wait to start book 2
March 13, 2018
Like looking in to a cloudy, crystal ball.
Starts off on one rail, but once it gets rolling, it doesn't stop for nobody! :)
..It says my review needs 4 more words.. there's seven. ^^
Starts off on one rail, but once it gets rolling, it doesn't stop for nobody! :)
..It says my review needs 4 more words.. there's seven. ^^
May 28, 2017
Fantastic book, science fiction, thriller,deeply meaningful! All rolled into one. America needs to read this book and wake the heck up, because it is where we are headed.
October 6, 2017
5 for originality
December 2, 2017
D.J. Molles is one of my favourite authors and this book doesn't disappoint. The story keeps you engaged and you don't want to put it down. Looking forward to #2.
December 17, 2017
New series by the author of the excellent "The Remaining" books. More immediate and introspective than many in this dystopian genre. A good story, am anxious to read #2.
March 26, 2018
One of my favorite writers. DJ continues to hit high notes with his storytelling.
April 23, 2018
Interesting flip of the narrative we usually see, with America being the one that needed outside powers to come and intervene... and then they stayed and took over.
September 3, 2018
Fast paced and interesting
I liked this author’s Remaining series and decided to give this one a try. It has a similar masculine writing style and fast action pace.
I liked this author’s Remaining series and decided to give this one a try. It has a similar masculine writing style and fast action pace.
December 8, 2018
Disappointed
Started well but then the action seems got too wordy. Too much time inside the heads of the characters and too much hand wringing.
Started well but then the action seems got too wordy. Too much time inside the heads of the characters and too much hand wringing.
January 21, 2019
Solid but ...
Not as good as the Harden stuff, but solid. And I already hate the “I can’t find Carolyn” storyline that I might not read the sequel.
Not as good as the Harden stuff, but solid. And I already hate the “I can’t find Carolyn” storyline that I might not read the sequel.
July 8, 2019
DNF. Not a bad set up for a world, but just got tired of it all and just didn't care that will happen in the end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews