“A Gripping, Emotionally Charged Debut.

Nothing Left Behind is a powerful debut from Oliver Fitzsimmons that blends the emotional depth of a coming-of-age story with the tension and thrills of a dystopian sci-fi adventure. When seventeen-year-old John Smith is exiled after a tragic mistake, he’s forced to navigate a dangerous, fractured world in search of the parents he thought he lost forever. Along the way, he encounters strange technologies, shifting alliances, and the harsh reality of survival beyond the walls of his former life.

Equal parts action, heartbreak, and twisted tech, Nothing Left Behind throws you into the dirt and dares you to care. And you will. John Smith might just be the most reluctant hero you’ll root for all year.”

Camilla CR | Amazon

“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!”

Rabia Tanveer | Readers’ Favorite

“Powerful, imaginative read.

Nothing Left Behind is a powerful, imaginative read. Fitzsimmons crafts vivid, haunting imagery and explores identity and morality in a world where conventional rules no longer apply. The emotional depth is balanced by surprising flashes of humour that add moments of lightness. An enjoyable escape from reality.”

Heather A | Amazon

“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.”

Asher Syed | Readers’ Favorite

“Vivid imagery and clever turns of phrase.

An excellent read, richly descriptive with vivid imagery and clever turns of phrase to draw you into the journey of survival and human struggles.”

Carolyn | Amazon

“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.”

Pikasho Deka | Readers’ Favorite

“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.”

Carol Thompson | Readers’ Favorite

“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.”

Keyla Damaer | Readers’ Favorite

“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.”

Keith Mbuya | Readers’ Favorite

“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.”

Alissa Deann | Readers’ Favorite

“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.”

Paul Zietsman | Readers’ Favorite

“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.”

Jamie Michele | Readers’ Favorite

“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.”

K.C. Finn | Readers’ Favorite