Devils Within by S.F. Henson

Not going to lie- this book is a tough read. Based loosely on an amalgamation of true events, Devils Within follows Nate, a teen who was raised at The Fort. The Fort is home to a white supremacist hate group led by Nate's own father. After escaping, Nate finds himself locked in a Psychiatric Ward until his uncle, whom Nate refers to as "the Traitor" for most of the book, agrees to take him in. 

Now, trying to start his life over with a new name in a small Alabama town, Nate constantly has to fight against his own "devils within". He wants to be good, he wants to make friends, but the trauma of his childhood-everything his dad made him watch and made him do, haunt him almost daily. Can Nate find peace? Can he keep his past a secret or will his real name (and the crimes he committed and witnessed) be found out? Will the members of The Fort come looking for him if they do?

One thing I'll point out is the author's note at the end. She makes it crystal clear that the book is researched and that the issues the book depicts still, unfortunately and tragically still occur today. Knowing this sad fact can help us be better prepared to stand up and fight against it whenever we see or hear anything we know in our heart of hearts to be Wrong.

Parental advisory: Due to mature subject matter (racism, hate crimes,  violence) this book should be approved before you read it. 

-TK

 

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