Blog Archives
The Water Carriers
The Water Carriers is a gripping near-future climate fiction novel that throws us into a world ravaged by water scarcity, unrelenting heatwaves, and technological overreach. It follows multiple interwoven storylines across continents—from two teenage girls trapped in a car during a deadly heatwave in the U.S., to a Cambodian boy swept away by a flood, to the power-hungry elite shaping the world’s water economy. The book explores the terrifying consequences of environmental collapse and the human drive to survive, control, and commodify the planet’s last lifeline—water.
What hit me hardest right from the first chapter was how visceral and claustrophobic the heat felt. That opening scene with Naomi and Bai, stuck in a smart car that shuts down in the middle of nowhere, was brutal. It’s not just dystopian—it’s suffocating. The tech is clever (like the personalized AIs and the “AugWatch”), but it’s the raw panic, the hallucinations, the horrible quiet when Bai stops screaming, that stayed with me. When Naomi screams at her AI companion Evelyn, “You’re not real!” it gave me chills. That whole scene was devastating and way too plausible.
Greunke’s writing really shines when he digs into the contrasts. Like how Kasemchai, once a starving kid in flood-ravaged Cambodia, grows into a polished water tycoon living in luxury while people outside his empire choke on dust. Now he’s making deals in a towering, marble office and cruising around in a shimmering AI-controlled Bugatti. The dude has serious Bond villain energy, but with just enough backstory that you’re not totally sure if you hate him or feel bad for him. That moral grayness I loved.
There is great worldbuilding in this book. You’ve got AI companions being “paid” commission for purchases, people picking dating “PrefXs” based on virtual personalities, and massive desalination plants replacing coastlines. And the humor is subtle but there—like the snarky banter between Liv and her AI Noa, or that scene where she plays a dating game by guessing if a guy is “on it, in it, or under it.” It’s all so absurdly futuristic, but it feels like a natural extension of where we’re heading. That blend of bleak and weirdly funny was my vibe.
This book made me feel everything: anxious, sad, angry, hopeful, even inspired. It’s a slow burn in parts, but the payoffs are worth it. If you’re into stories like The Ministry for the Future or Black Mirror, you’ll enjoy this story. I think The Water Carriers is a must-read for anyone who’s worried about climate change, fascinated by AI, or just loves a good survival story with brains and heart.
Pages: 398 | ASIN : B0DTT6YZW1
DEAR TUI, a Warning: A Climate Crisis Novel
The heart of Dear Tui, A Warning revolves around Juniper Hawthorne, a young woman whose life unfolds against an encroaching climate crisis. Through deft storytelling, the author has created an evocative story punctuated by the myriad challenges Juniper confronts while navigating the gradual unfolding catastrophe of a planet in flux.
Fast-forward to 2063, and we are transported to a world transformed into a haunting “boggy, colorless, stormy mess.” The atmosphere is eerily recognizable yet increasingly hostile—a stark reminder of the consequences of our actions. This captivating narrative is recounted from Juniper’s unique vantage point as she gives a letter to Tui, her child, at the tender age of nine.
M.C. Ronen, known for harnessing the written word as an instrument of activism, once again channels her narrative prowess to catalyze change. Dear Tui, A Warning urges readers to delve into the implications of our present actions upon the destiny of our planet. Chief among the thematic undertones is the impact of animal agriculture on the escalating climate crisis. Ronen probes the notion of conferring legal personhood upon the animal realm, intertwined with a plea for the embrace of veganism. This call resonates with the overarching motif of environmental stewardship.
The story’s narrative allure is irresistible, each page a siren’s call, weaving an intricate tapestry that intellectually and emotionally envelops the reader. The narrative’s potency is rivaled only by the eloquence of Ronen’s prose.
Dear Tui, A Warning is a compelling call for self-reflection and taking action. I believe people of all ages can benefit from this book, as its messages are timeless. More than just advice, it offers a look at possible futures, urging us to make changes while we still can. It’s definitely worth a read.
Pages: 297 | ASIN : B0C7PQ415L
LITERARY TITAN 