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Disclaimer: I was given an e-book copy by the author in exchange for an honest review.
"Devastation" is set in 2032, and it follows a group of kids and a soldier as they try to escape from the war raging around them, a war between the U.S. and a very unlikely foe. Some of the children are related, and they are trying to save what little family they have left; others meet each other along the way and work to protect one another from the hazards of war, the elements, and just plain dehydration and exhaustion.
This book really pulled me in. As an American, I kept trying to put myself in the children's shoes, asking, "What would I do if this really happened?" (Answer: Probably die.) The opposing country is somewhat out of left field (for me anyway), but I think that really added to the story, just the simple fact that a country many Americans wouldn't dream of going to war with is attacking the U.S., and winning. Aside from that aspect, the relationships between the characters was very life-like, as they're just kids (the oldest is seventeen) trying to stay alive and help one another get to The Safe Zone in the South.
Meanwhile, we also get the perspective of a soldier from the opposing army, who is starting to wonder whether or not his side is right. His inner dilemma was very intriguing for me, as I know several soldiers who are overseas now, and they've often discussed feeling that dichotomy between what your country's asked of you and how you truly feel about the situation around you.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes dystopian stories, thrillers, action/adventure, and/or anybody who just wants to know who the other country is and why they've declared war against the U.S.!
5 stars, and I can't wait for "Isolation," the continuation of this dynamic story.