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Divided States
EMPIRES RISE AND FALL...
What if you lived in a country with an overly restrictive government that used technology to suppress individual freedoms?
When David Evans agreed to help with the technical details of staging a New Year’s Eve event in the small city of Penndelom, PA, he could never have imagined what their fireworks would set off.
Suddenly, David's world erupts into chaos as the United States breaks into new geographic regions. Is this new found order better than the old?
Together with new-found ally, confident, and more – Jen O’Neil, they work with a charismatic governor, to survive several events that mark the end of one chapter and the beginning of a new one.
DISCOVER HOW ONE SMALL CITY CAN RESHAPE A COUNTRY
What if you lived in a country with an overly restrictive government that used technology to suppress individual freedoms?
When David Evans agreed to help with the technical details of staging a New Year’s Eve event in the small city of Penndelom, PA, he could never have imagined what their fireworks would set off.
Suddenly, David's world erupts into chaos as the United States breaks into new geographic regions. Is this new found order better than the old?
Together with new-found ally, confident, and more – Jen O’Neil, they work with a charismatic governor, to survive several events that mark the end of one chapter and the beginning of a new one.
DISCOVER HOW ONE SMALL CITY CAN RESHAPE A COUNTRY
271 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 3, 2025
2 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
About the author
Bob Thomas
1 book3 followersA lifelong love of the written word first led Bob to a professional career in communications. During a tenure that began with a small, de novo operation, Bob oversaw all aspects from advertising, web development, and public relations to more technical editorial tasks, but the written word was always the common denominator. Recently, he co-authored a blog, which has been on hiatus the past two years while Bob pursued his early love of fiction and completed his novel Divided States.
Bob and his wife Molly have two adult children, Caitlin and Dylan, which became three with the addition of Dylan’s wife Kelly. Bob and Molly split time between Dallas and Harvey’s Lake in Pennsylvania. He is a graduate of Bucknell University.
Bob and his wife Molly have two adult children, Caitlin and Dylan, which became three with the addition of Dylan’s wife Kelly. Bob and Molly split time between Dallas and Harvey’s Lake in Pennsylvania. He is a graduate of Bucknell University.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
October 15, 2025
How bad would things have to be for you to want to secede from the union?
The Divided States novel by Bob Thomas supplies food for thought.
David Evans didn’t have a political bone in his body. He was only at the New Year’s Eve event because he could run the audio visual equipment. But, he was the face that was seen when chaos ensued, when states decided they didn’t want to be a part of the United States any more. They wanted their independence, able to choose their own government, their own laws.
A reporter, Jen O’Neil comes knocking at his door, wanting to know more about him. Of course, it’s easy to figure out that a romance may blossom between them.
It makes me wonder, how big is too big? Do individuals get lost in the shuffle and politicians have their own agendas, forgetting who they work for?
I found Divided States by Bob Thomas to be fascinating. It sure is a different way of looking at our government and the current leaders. I remember when the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics was dissolved and states broke away, becoming their own countries, in 1991. Why could it not happen to us? Just food for thought.
My thanks to Bob Thomas for the opportunity to read and review Divided States.
See more at http://www.fundinmental.com
The Divided States novel by Bob Thomas supplies food for thought.
David Evans didn’t have a political bone in his body. He was only at the New Year’s Eve event because he could run the audio visual equipment. But, he was the face that was seen when chaos ensued, when states decided they didn’t want to be a part of the United States any more. They wanted their independence, able to choose their own government, their own laws.
A reporter, Jen O’Neil comes knocking at his door, wanting to know more about him. Of course, it’s easy to figure out that a romance may blossom between them.
It makes me wonder, how big is too big? Do individuals get lost in the shuffle and politicians have their own agendas, forgetting who they work for?
I found Divided States by Bob Thomas to be fascinating. It sure is a different way of looking at our government and the current leaders. I remember when the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics was dissolved and states broke away, becoming their own countries, in 1991. Why could it not happen to us? Just food for thought.
My thanks to Bob Thomas for the opportunity to read and review Divided States.
See more at http://www.fundinmental.com
September 5, 2025
Divided States
By Bob Thomas
Publisher: Willow River Press
Publication date: June 3, 2025
Print length: 274 pages
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Triggers: Authoritarian government, surveillance culture, loss of personal freedoms, political violence, propaganda
What if your small Pennsylvania town decided to secede from the United States after a fireworks show? Sounds absurd… until you realize Mr. Bob Thomas just made it feel uncomfortably plausible. Divided States takes the big “what if” of America fracturing into independent regions and hands the keys to a quiet tech guy named David Evans, who would honestly rather be at home eating leftovers but instead becomes the poster child for a rebellion.
The setup is unnervingly familiar: a five-term president clinging to power, technology weaponized to keep people compliant, and freedoms disappearing like your paycheck at the gas pump. Into this steps David, who is not Katniss Everdeen or John McClane. He is more “accidental symbol” than “action hero.” Watching him stumble, hesitate, and then grow into the role gives the book its humanity.
Jen, the young reporter who becomes his partner in crime (and life), balances the grim politics with actual heart. Their relationship feels genuine and gives you something to root for while the larger dystopian machine grinds on.
The writing is smooth, fast-paced, and grounded enough that you forget you are reading fiction. The author wisely doesn’t hand you easy answers. Instead, he forces you to sit in the discomfort and ask: What happens when a government grows too powerful? And how much responsibility do ordinary people really carry when the world cracks apart?
What Did I Just Walk Into?
A dystopian fever dream that feels like your nightly doomscroll dressed up as a political thriller.
Here’s What Slapped:
A main character who is an “everyman” instead of a superhero
A world that feels terrifyingly recognizable
The mix of personal relationships with large-scale political chaos
What Could’ve Been Better:
David is almost too ordinary at times. You occasionally want to shake him and say, “Sir, history is happening, maybe show a little urgency?”
Perfect for Readers Who Love:
Dystopian thrillers that make you paranoid about your smart devices
Political fiction that asks questions instead of spoon-feeding answers
Stories where ordinary people get shoved into extraordinary messes
Reviewed by Kenan for Robin’s Review
By Bob Thomas
Publisher: Willow River Press
Publication date: June 3, 2025
Print length: 274 pages
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Triggers: Authoritarian government, surveillance culture, loss of personal freedoms, political violence, propaganda
What if your small Pennsylvania town decided to secede from the United States after a fireworks show? Sounds absurd… until you realize Mr. Bob Thomas just made it feel uncomfortably plausible. Divided States takes the big “what if” of America fracturing into independent regions and hands the keys to a quiet tech guy named David Evans, who would honestly rather be at home eating leftovers but instead becomes the poster child for a rebellion.
The setup is unnervingly familiar: a five-term president clinging to power, technology weaponized to keep people compliant, and freedoms disappearing like your paycheck at the gas pump. Into this steps David, who is not Katniss Everdeen or John McClane. He is more “accidental symbol” than “action hero.” Watching him stumble, hesitate, and then grow into the role gives the book its humanity.
Jen, the young reporter who becomes his partner in crime (and life), balances the grim politics with actual heart. Their relationship feels genuine and gives you something to root for while the larger dystopian machine grinds on.
The writing is smooth, fast-paced, and grounded enough that you forget you are reading fiction. The author wisely doesn’t hand you easy answers. Instead, he forces you to sit in the discomfort and ask: What happens when a government grows too powerful? And how much responsibility do ordinary people really carry when the world cracks apart?
What Did I Just Walk Into?
A dystopian fever dream that feels like your nightly doomscroll dressed up as a political thriller.
Here’s What Slapped:
A main character who is an “everyman” instead of a superhero
A world that feels terrifyingly recognizable
The mix of personal relationships with large-scale political chaos
What Could’ve Been Better:
David is almost too ordinary at times. You occasionally want to shake him and say, “Sir, history is happening, maybe show a little urgency?”
Perfect for Readers Who Love:
Dystopian thrillers that make you paranoid about your smart devices
Political fiction that asks questions instead of spoon-feeding answers
Stories where ordinary people get shoved into extraordinary messes
Reviewed by Kenan for Robin’s Review
May 4, 2025
"Divided States" opens with its reluctant protagonist, David Evans, replacing the stars and stripes with the flag of Penndelom as that small Pennsylvanian city declares itself a sovereign nation. Thus begins a chain reaction of seceding states and territories, anxious to shed the repressive yoke of a federal government under the rule of an authoritarian fifth-term president. Set in the not-too-distant future, the story could be viewed as a cautionary tale but there is sparse detail of day-to-day life that is more shocking than today's Orwellian news cycle. Rather, author Bob Thomas, with insightful but unpedantic narrative details the events of a dozen years following Penndelom's rebellion and the political upheavals of four new nation states. The personal struggles of the main characters, the charismatic but introverted David Evans and his new love, reporter Jen are at the center of the drama as it unfolds. The action is fast-paced, and the citizens remain hopeful and optimistic. At some points, the telling of their story reminded me of old-fashioned news reels. Without apparent judgement, the author gives a clear, concise and engaging glimpse of how some of the issues at top of mind today might impact the future. "Divided States" leaves the reader with much to ponder about the trajectory of today's governance regardless of their political persuasion. Physical descriptions are a bit spare in this more cerebral telling but the narrative is compelling and addresses some very timely concerns.
May 5, 2025
What happens when an “ordinary” man finds himself unexpectedly thrust into an extraordinary situation? What happens when his world is in chaos and country on the verge of collapsing into independent geographic regions?
Set in a near future, “Divided States” depicts a United States that has become a divided nation controlled by technology and governed by an authoritarian President through fear and loss of personal liberties. The parallels to today’s world are disturbingly recognizable.
Told through the eyes of David Evans, a thoughtful and complex man, “Divided States” follows David on his unexpected and somewhat reluctant journey in helping shape the future of the new and independent city of Penndelom and finding his place in this brave new world.
“Divided States” is a very enjoyable and well-paced read. The humanity and likability of David, his confidant and new love Jen, and a charismatic Governor serve as an effective counterpoint to the larger themes. The story includes just the right amount of descriptive detail to make the world come alive.
“Divided States” asks all the right questions about the brave new world. More importantly, it lays the groundwork for you, the reader, to draw your own conclusions. It is thought-provoking and compelling from start to finish.
Set in a near future, “Divided States” depicts a United States that has become a divided nation controlled by technology and governed by an authoritarian President through fear and loss of personal liberties. The parallels to today’s world are disturbingly recognizable.
Told through the eyes of David Evans, a thoughtful and complex man, “Divided States” follows David on his unexpected and somewhat reluctant journey in helping shape the future of the new and independent city of Penndelom and finding his place in this brave new world.
“Divided States” is a very enjoyable and well-paced read. The humanity and likability of David, his confidant and new love Jen, and a charismatic Governor serve as an effective counterpoint to the larger themes. The story includes just the right amount of descriptive detail to make the world come alive.
“Divided States” asks all the right questions about the brave new world. More importantly, it lays the groundwork for you, the reader, to draw your own conclusions. It is thought-provoking and compelling from start to finish.
May 20, 2025
Divided States is an amazingly timely read. In a society where personal choice has been abolished, a
young and shy man is reluctantly thrust into the limelight on the national stage, and is forced to take on responsibilities for which he is completely unprepared. At the same time, his personal life takes an unexpected turn, again throwing him into a situation unique to him. Combining a frightful look into the future with a charming story of human relationships, the book is alive with suspense, forcing the reader to ask difficult questions about the future of society. Interestingly, answers are not forthcoming, and we are left wondering whether our generation or the next can be faced with a similar dilemma.
young and shy man is reluctantly thrust into the limelight on the national stage, and is forced to take on responsibilities for which he is completely unprepared. At the same time, his personal life takes an unexpected turn, again throwing him into a situation unique to him. Combining a frightful look into the future with a charming story of human relationships, the book is alive with suspense, forcing the reader to ask difficult questions about the future of society. Interestingly, answers are not forthcoming, and we are left wondering whether our generation or the next can be faced with a similar dilemma.
May 18, 2025
Divided States is one of those books you just fall into like a warm, comfy bed at the end of a long day. The author's writing style is vivid and embracing, pulling you into a developing story that has you pondering the what ifs of life today. The story line is full of intrigue and paints a portrait of several interesting characters that are as real as your next door neighbor. I was thoroughly entertained from start to finish. Divided States is a book worth reading. I am still contemplating what's next.
August 17, 2025
An unnerving thought exercise into the state of society once the onset of technological domination and invasiveness becomes weaponized by those in power. Thomas depicts the story of an ordinary man who unexpectedly becomes a folk hero as the once-United States fractions into divided territories. Through a collection of classic storytelling, press releases, and narrative context, Thomas builds a world (that is eerily becoming more and more believable for our own future) just to break it into dysfunctional pieces that his characters need to put back together to ensure their political survival.
May 9, 2025
Usually I don’t read many fiction novels but Divided States was a pleasant change of pace for my reading taste. Engaging, exciting, thought-provoking and more, this little piece held my interest and had me contemplating “what if” throughout. Whether it be because of our current turbulent times or simply the idea of a new way of life, Divided States is worth your time. I know you’ll find it enjoyable.
July 1, 2025
A bold and compelling novel that takes readers into a future that feels disturbingly close to reality.
In this story, the United States has become a tightly controlled and deeply divided country that's run by a five-term president, powered by surveillance, and shaped by fear.
The main character, David Evans, is an ordinary guy. When his town, Penndelom, breaks away from the US, David unexpectedly becomes a symbol of the movement. He’s a quiet, thoughtful character caught in something much bigger than himself and watching him step into that role is fascinating.
The writing is fast-paced and easy to read with just the right amount of detail to bring the world to life.
The relationship between David and Jen, a young reporter who challenges and supports him, adds heart to the story. Their connection gives the book a human core, reminding us that even in dark times, people can still surprise us with courage and kindness.
I also like the fact that the book doesn’t try to give us answers, but it asks important questions: What happens when a government grows too powerful? And how much responsibility does one person have when the world starts to fall apart?
This is more than just a political thriller — it’s a story about identity, choices, and the risks we take to build a better future. It’s sharp, thought-provoking, and hard to put down.
In this story, the United States has become a tightly controlled and deeply divided country that's run by a five-term president, powered by surveillance, and shaped by fear.
The main character, David Evans, is an ordinary guy. When his town, Penndelom, breaks away from the US, David unexpectedly becomes a symbol of the movement. He’s a quiet, thoughtful character caught in something much bigger than himself and watching him step into that role is fascinating.
The writing is fast-paced and easy to read with just the right amount of detail to bring the world to life.
The relationship between David and Jen, a young reporter who challenges and supports him, adds heart to the story. Their connection gives the book a human core, reminding us that even in dark times, people can still surprise us with courage and kindness.
I also like the fact that the book doesn’t try to give us answers, but it asks important questions: What happens when a government grows too powerful? And how much responsibility does one person have when the world starts to fall apart?
This is more than just a political thriller — it’s a story about identity, choices, and the risks we take to build a better future. It’s sharp, thought-provoking, and hard to put down.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews