Book Review: 48 States

Over the past couple days I read 48 States by Evette Davis. The year is 2042 and the United States looks nothing like how we know it now.

After the President and other high-ranking politicians are killed, Elizabeth Cunningham, the Secretary of State, becomes President. Then, came a horrific terrorist attack. When the novel begins, there are only 48 states to the country because North Dakota and Wyoming have become Territories. The people from those states were relocated and the states became energy territories providing the country with oil as they have closed their borders. The country is still struggling and finally to start to get back on its feet, but the CEO of Universal Industries wants to take over my states for more oil and he doesn’t care if Elizabeth disagrees. He will do whatever it takes to make it happen. Meanwhile, Elizabeth’s son, Finn, is a scientist who is trying to investigate the effects of all the oil drilling on the environment. When he gets too close to discovering some bad things he has a target on his back. He only survives because he is saved by River, a young widow, veteran, and current truck driver in the territories.

Together they need to stop Universal Industries before a civil war breaks out.

I enjoyed the novel and really liked the characters. I was really engaged while reading and wanted to keep reading to find out what would happen. But, I didn’t think there was anything incredibly unique or outstanding about the novel. Overall, I did like it, but it didn’t wow me.