Nothing Left Behind


Fiction - Science Fiction
282 Pages
Reviewed on 08/08/2025
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Nothing Left Behind by Oliver R Fitzsimmons is a haunting post-apocalyptic odyssey. John Smith is a young man who journeys through a crumbled world searching for the parents who left him behind. The landscape has been physically and socially ravaged, with pockets of survivors clinging to scraps of civilization, and danger lurking around every ruined corner. Survival is far from John's greatest challenge, though, because keeping his humanity intact in a place that rewards cruelty over kindness is a big ask. Along the way, he meets both threats and allies, and slowly pieces together the truth about who he is and what really matters.

Author Oliver R Fitzsimmons has a way of balancing the bigger picture with acute, emotional moments, and he writes with both scope and sensitivity to pull you in. This isn't just from the allure of the well-described dystopian setup, but by the emotional depth at its core and how the characters are connected to this world. I loved that John isn’t some bulletproof hero. He makes mistakes, he questions himself, and that vulnerability makes his victories feel real. The moral dilemmas are front and center, and I appreciated how the story doesn’t flinch from hard questions about survival and trust. The worldbuilding is chilling and bleak, but the moments of connection between characters give it just enough light. If you’re into intelligent sci-fi that makes you feel as much as it makes you think, this hits all the right notes. Overall, Nothing Left Behind is a powerful journey through devastation and hope, perfect for readers who want their sci-fi with soul, and I would not hesitate to recommend it.

Rabia Tanveer

Nothing Left Behind by Oliver R Fitzsimmons is a post-apocalyptic story about redemption and the cost of survival. The story follows John Smith, a young man banished from his impoverished village after a tragic accident. He ventures into a harsh world destroyed by a technology that he cannot understand. As John travels across this decaying landscape, he realizes that day-to-day survival is the least of his worries. He unintentionally sets a terrifying danger in motion, something that not only threatens John but also what's left of the world. Aided by new friends and allies, John looks for a way to overcome this threat. However, his path ahead is filled with obstacles. Monstrous creatures born from mad science and a devastated environment pose risks. Before he knows it, John must confront the horrors of the present and the mistakes of the past. He must decide whether to sacrifice his humanity for the power to defeat the danger or face an even greater struggle to preserve his heart and soul.

Author Oliver R Fitzsimmons's creative dystopian story is one of desperate survival and fighting against the odds. I loved how John is a relatable and flawed protagonist. His moral dilemma is the beating heart of the story, and I enjoyed that. He was devastated in the beginning, depressed, but ready to do whatever it took to make the best of the situation. Fitzsimmons did a wonderful job of creating a human protagonist who is easy to relate to and enjoy reading about at the same time. The descriptions of the environment, the rogue technology, and the overall impact of the danger were all handled exceptionally well. I enjoyed the way the story unfolded, how desperation seeped into the dialogues, and how hope slowly made its way back into the hearts and minds of the characters. I highly recommend Nothing Left Behind!

Asher Syed

Nothing Left Behind by Oliver R Fitzsimmons follows John Smith, an outcast from the village of Seven, as he ventures into a post-apocalyptic wasteland to confront Theodore King, now the tyrannical figure Odin, who controls the powerful facility, Valhalla. After an accident that leads to banishment, John discovers secrets about his world and the source of his own enhanced abilities. With companions like Mack and Murray, John traverses dangerous ruins, battling chimeras and a ruthless overlord in a sprawling weaponized marketplace. His ultimate goal is to stop Odin’s plans to build an army powered by forbidden enhancements and destructive technology. Along the way, John contends with his family’s dark legacy, the control of oppressive rulers called the Seniors, and the manipulations of advanced nanotech and genetic experiments. From exile to resistance against Odin’s tyranny, John fights to protect his friends and save what remains of humanity.

Nothing Left Behind by Oliver R Fitzsimmons is a remarkable mix of dystopian world-building and intense action, all delivered in sharp prose that breathes life into everything Fitzsimmons has created. This is fiction at its finest, and the spectacularly imagined settings are journeyed through in a steady unfolding of layers, feeding in the horrific depiction of what happens to those who dare to rebel. There is one scene in particular that harkens back to what we as readers might imagine the real-world lynchings of rebel slaves and civil rights backlash looked like, and it is this use of symbolism and imagery that thrusts Fitzsimmons ' skill as a storyteller to the forefront. The integration of advanced technology with the human element is handled thoughtfully, and in an original take on control and freedom. Overall, Nothing Left Behind is a strong choice for readers who appreciate detailed sci-fi adventures and intelligent storytelling. Very highly recommended.

Pikasho Deka

Set in a post-apocalyptic future, Oliver R. Fitzsimmons' Nothing Left Behind follows John Smith, a seventeen-year-old orphan who finds himself banished from his village by the Senior Order after a tragic accident. Forced to fend for himself in the barren terrain on his own, John stumbles upon an underground facility with three synthetic organic entities (sorges), a kid named Mack, and Murray, a drunk who enlightens him about the sanctuary of Haven. However, John soon discovers that Haven has become Valhalla under the tyrannical rule of King Odin, who wants to become a God. With the help of a holographic android, John escapes from Valhalla and, alongside Murray, travels to Lunacity to acquire a weapon that could kill Odin. But making a deal with the madman alchemist Malik might be a fool's errand.

Layered with mystery, action, and intrigue, Nothing Left Behind takes the reader on a wild ride full of unexpected twists and turns. It's a dystopian tale about megalomaniac tyrants, found family, and the destructive power of technology. Author Oliver R. Fitzsimmons places shocking reveals throughout the narrative that constantly pull the rug out from under your feet and make you wonder where it will all end up. The plot is intricately crafted and well-paced. The characters have lively personalities, especially the villains, who are terrifying. John, Murray, the Bright sisters, Doctor Toat, and the "sorges" were my favorites of the bunch. You won't want to put the book down during the action sequences, as you don't know if your favorite characters will make it out alive. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. It's a must-read for sci-fi fans.

Carol Thompson

Nothing Left Behind by Oliver R. Fitzsimmons is a sprawling post-apocalyptic epic that explores themes of guilt, redemption, and humanity's resilience. Set in a world ravaged by divine catastrophe, the story follows John Smith, a young exile burdened by the consequences of his childhood mistakes, as he embarks on a journey to confront his past and prevent further destruction. John Smith is a compelling protagonist whose internal struggles and growth propel the narrative forward. Theodore King’s transformation into the god-like Odin and Colonel (Váli)’s tragic arc add emotional depth. From the desolate ruins of Necropolis to the technologically advanced Haven and the morally ambiguous Caligo’s Plaza, each setting is detailed and reflects the characters’ struggles.

Themes of redemption and forgiveness are woven throughout the story, as John strives to atone for his past mistakes and protect those he cares about. The novel raises thought-provoking questions about the cost of vengeance and the possibility of reconciliation. The intense battles, especially John’s confrontations with Odin and his chimeras, are exhilarating and well-paced, keeping readers engaged from beginning to end. Nothing Left Behind is a thought-provoking and ambitious novel that combines dystopian world-building with a personal tale of redemption. Oliver R. Fitzsimmons’s ability to weave complex characters and moral dilemmas into a high-stakes narrative makes this book rewarding for those who enjoy intricate plots, emotionally charged storytelling, and action-packed adventures. Fans of dystopian fiction, morally complex characters, and action-packed adventures will find Nothing Left Behind an engaging read.

Keyla Damaer

Oliver R. Fitzsimmons delivers a haunting and unforgettable debut with his novel, Nothing Left Behind. This is a journey into a dystopian future, a broken world scarred by the remnants of "negative technology" and populated by terrifying creatures born from mad science. The stage is set for a gritty adventure from the very beginning. We are introduced to the protagonist, John Smith, as he is exiled from his impoverished home, forced to search for a new purpose in a landscape that offers little hope. The world-building is immersive and bleak, immediately pulling the reader into John's plight and making his quest for survival and redemption feel both personal and urgent.

What truly elevates Nothing Left Behind by Oliver R. Fitzsimmons beyond a standard post-apocalyptic tale is its deep focus on the central character's soul. The atmosphere is thick with despair and danger, and the novel is difficult to put down. This is the kind of character-driven science fiction that hooks you from the first chapter and refuses to let go. The heart of the narrative is John’s harrowing choice: does he sacrifice his humanity to gain the power needed to win, or can he find the strength to overcome a great evil while staying true to himself? This emotional and ethical conflict provides a powerful core to the fast-paced action, giving the story significant weight and depth. It's a story that explores survival, but also what it truly means to be human in the face of devastation. For fans of gritty, emotional, and thought-provoking dystopian fiction, this book is an absolute must-read.

Keith Mbuya

At seventeen, the only life John Smith knew was in the village of Seven, a small, insular, post-apocalyptic community built on the wreckage of the old world. When he accidentally fatally wounds his best friend after stumbling upon a deadly weapon from the old world, he is banished to the vast, untamed wastelands surrounding the village. But this is not before the Seniors, the leaders of Seven, prepare him for life in the wild. Soon, John bumps into three sorges, human-like android bots, and a young boy. He learns from them that his father, who had left many years ago, could be living in a civilization in the hills, a place the Seniors had warned him to be wary of. Determined to find his father, John sets out for the hills. However, he finds himself drawn into a fierce battle against an invincible, all-powerful menace as he meets Odin, the tyrannical ruler of the sprawling, high-tech city in the hills. Discover more in Oliver R Fitzsimmons’ Nothing Left Behind.

Once this gripping page-turner drags you in, it latches on, relentless and impossible to shake off until the final word. If you are looking for a post-apocalyptic, dystopian novel with a fantasy/mythical touch, Oliver R Fitzsimmons’ Nothing Left Behind is a must-read. Weaving an intriguing plot, the author whisked me away from reality and dropped me into the middle of a world of magnificent imagination. The edge-of-the-seat suspense, spell-binding cliffhangers, and jaw-dropping plot twists hooked me. The author pays just enough attention to detail not to bog down the pace. The evocative, cinematic depictions brought the scenes to life on the pages. They uniquely captured the post-apocalyptic mood and backdrop of the story. The sharp, layered, and tense conversations gave depth to the cast’s conflicts, emotions, and traits, allowing me to connect with them. I loved this book.

Alissa Deann

Nothing Left Behind by Oliver R. Fitzsimmons is a dystopian novel about John Smith, a young boy who lives in a village called Seven. John, along with his friends, found a gun, which is called a "negative technology," in the village. He accidentally shoots his friend Connie and is caught by the village elders, called the Seniors, which leads to his banishment from the village. Outside the village, he sees Necropolis, a destroyed city, and Haven, a high-tech city run by Odin, a powerful man. John also meets a group of boys—Richie, Howie, Leo, Mack, and Murray, a wanderer. They face scary monsters created by Odin and learn about Huon, a substance that makes people stronger. John finds out about his past, his link to Huon, and ends up in a battle against Odin to save his friend Mack and stop Odin's plan to control the world with technology.

I really enjoyed Nothing Left Behind. It is full of action, mystery, and emotion. I felt sorry for John when he lost his friend and was kicked out of the village. The book shows the impact that technology can have on our world; it shows what it can bring into the world when in good hands as well as when in the wrong hands. My favorite characters were Murray, Toat, and John. Murray is tough but has a kind heart, while Toat is hilarious and loves making funny comments. The writing is detailed and has a good flow. The themes about surviving, fixing mistakes, and fighting for what is right were captivating, and how people can hope and grow even in a broken world. I love the complex and heart-aching scenes, like when John found out Connie was transformed into Vali. I felt his struggle and guilt to fight back when Vali was instructed to attack him. I also enjoyed Malik's story; it was engaging. I recommend Nothing Left Behind by Oliver R. Fitzsimmons to readers who love books with action and adventure that cover themes of guilt and redemption.

Paul Zietsman

Nothing Left Behind by Oliver R. Fitzsimmons begins in a shattered world, where remnants of a broken civilization cling to rust, ritual, and repression. We follow a young man named John Smith, whose seemingly unremarkable name belies his growing resistance to a suffocating post-apocalyptic order. The story propels him from a dusty crater village into a wasteland thick with relics of a violent past, both technological and spiritual. Between fractured architecture and ancient secrets, John stumbles upon mysterious children, old-world weaponry, and whispers of forbidden power. As he’s pulled deeper into the ruins of both man and myth, he begins to realize that survival may depend more on clarity of conscience than on strength or firepower.

What struck me instantly about Nothing Left Behind is its haunting atmosphere; there’s something palpably eerie and unsettling that lingers in Fitzsimmons’s prose. It's not just the literal wasteland, but the moral one. The world feels exhausted, like it's held together with duct tape and regret. Oliver R. Fitzsimmons doesn’t flinch from big questions: faith, control, memory, the cost of knowledge. His writing has a strange, weighty quietness - almost like prophecy muttered in a bomb shelter. The names, the rituals, and the towering ruins all felt steeped in symbolism. There's a kind of metaphysical gravity to this novel that made me sit back often, just to breathe. Fitzsimmons has crafted a dystopia that isn’t just bleak, but aching, and it lingers in the reader like ash in the lungs. Nothing Left Behind feels like a warning, wrapped in wonder.

Jamie Michele

Nothing Left Behind by Oliver R. Fitzsimmons follows John Smith, a clever orphan from the village of Seven who, after accidentally injuring his friend Colonel "Connie," is exiled to the dangerous wasteland called Necropolis. Guided by Senior Zero and aided by allies like Richie, Mack, and Murray, John journeys toward Haven, a stronghold ruled by a tyrannical king named Odin, revealed to be Theodore King, who has a surprising link to John. Odin experiments on humans using Huon-enhancing technology and controls the Seniors’ power. John confronts Odin, survives brutal torture, and then leads a group, including Murray and Teresa, into Malik’s Plaza, a perilous settlement controlled by the clone Caleb de Caligo. John’s quest centers on stopping Odin’s oppressive regime, uncovering the truth about his family, and securing weapons to fight back and rescue captured friends.

Nothing Left Behind by Oliver R. Fitzsimmons demonstrates a really impressive command of storytelling capabilities, with prose that keeps the plot moving forward in an energetic and focused way. This is particularly prevalent during intense sequences, including John’s confrontations with Odin and the harrowing moments within Valhalla. The author handles the interplay of advanced technology and human elements with precision, hitching these to scenes where nanites affect both healing and control, creating a fraught atmosphere that feels completely at home on the page. The strained alliance between John and Mack and the chilling exchanges with the likes of Doctor Factorem feel authentic. Overall, the writing is polished, purposeful, and forceful in a story that ticks all the right boxes.