The ongoing tensions in America have finally exploded and prompted a number of states to breakaway and align themselves with America's enemies where a brief but devastating war between those states and the union that remained ends in a fragile stalemate. Navigating the turmoil of this uneasy truce through his trips to an ever-shifting front, John Emmett, a burnt-out combat medic, discovers a journal from a woman trapped in a breakaway state pleading for help. John Emmett becomes obsessed with rescuing this woman as he sees that her journal holds the key to the reasons behind this schism and the bloody confrontation that followed. But its contents hint at even darker days ahead. Reviewed by Carol Thompson Breakaway by J.A. McNally explores a fractured world where the remnants of a divided nation struggle with the results of their decisions. Set during a second American civil war, the novel follows John Emmett, a medic turned reluctant hero, as he begins a dangerous mission to find Marisa Walker, a woman with secrets that could change the course of the conflict. The author crafts a vivid and haunting landscape, blending the desolation of war with moments of human connection and introspection. The narrative is rich with detail, from the scorched earth of the battlefield to the quiet despair of those caught in the crossfire. The author's ability to weave historical references into the story adds depth, drawing parallels between past and present conflicts. The pacing is tight, with bursts of intense action balanced by quieter moments that invite reflection. The dialogue is sharp and meaningful, revealing the characters' motivations and the stakes of their mission. J.A. McNally's prose is vivid, capturing both the brutality of war and the fleeting beauty of human connection. Breakaway is an exploration of the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by its characters. The story does not shy away from the harsh realities of war, nor does it offer easy answers. Instead, it challenges readers to consider the cost of division and the choices that define us. While the novel is dense with themes and ideas, it remains engaging, drawing readers into its world with a compelling narrative and well-drawn characters. Breakaway is a powerful and timely story, offering a sobering look at the fragility of unity and the enduring human spirit. Pikasho Deka Breakaway is an action-packed dystopian thriller by J.A. McNally. Set in the near future, the story follows John Emmett, a medic for the southern army, who is trying to do his part to protect his lands and people from the relentless advance of the Federation. The United States has splintered into the North and South, with the North under the tyrannical rule of two invasive global powers from the Far East. Emmett has already lost his wife and daughter to the war, and now he fights for his own survival. After stumbling upon a journal on the battlefield, Emmett discovers it holds clues to the Federation's plans. He sets out on a treacherous mission to Brooklyn to rescue a woman who might provide the answers for the Federation's downfall. However, he must be wary of whom he can trust. Breakaway is a gripping cautionary tale about survival and resistance. Author J.A. McNally draws inspiration from the growing social divide in America to spin a captivating yarn full of suspense, action, and political intrigue. Gritty and realistic, the narrative hooks you in from the get-go, and it's a non-stop thrilling ride from there. The pacing is relentless, and you won't put this book down until you've finished it in one sitting. McNally hits the nail on the head with his social commentary on the divisive nature of contemporary American politics and how third parties seek to exploit it for their own ends. Emmett is a fascinating protagonist. Haunted by the loss of his family, he wants to do the right thing even if it puts his own life at risk. It makes you want to root for him during high-stakes situations. If you enjoy dystopian war stories, you'll love this novel. Grant Leishman Breakaway by J. A. McNally is set in the near future. The United States is no more; it is a fractured, broken society with the Northeast controlled by Russian-backed separatists and the West Coast by Chinese-backed separatists. The Civil War is ongoing, and as in previous history, the South has broken away from the Union and is engaged in a bitter struggle to defend itself from incursion and, possibly, to find a way to reestablish the "Great Experiment" that was the United States. John Emmett and his family used to live in Brooklyn, New York, but as the lawlessness and terror in the north increased, John decided to relocate to the homeland of his forefathers in the South. When his wife and child went to visit their parents in New York, all hell broke loose in that city, and John now assumes they are dead. Serving as a medic in the South's Army, he discovers a journal in a satchel on an old man's body. The journal