Release Date: January 1, 2011Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Pages: 256
Series: n/a
Review Source: From publisher for review
Synopsis: (from Goodreads)
Welcome to a future where water is more precious than gold or oil-and worth killing for
Vera and her brother, Will, live in the shadow of the Great Panic, in a country that has collapsed from environmental catastrophe. Water is hoarded by governments, rivers are dammed, and clouds are sucked from the sky. But then Vera befriends Kai, who seems to have limitless access to fresh water. When Kai suddenly disappears, Vera and Will set off on a dangerous journey in search of him-pursued by pirates, a paramilitary group, and greedy corporations. Timely and eerily familiar, acclaimed author Cameron Stracher makes a stunning YA debut that's impossible to forget.
My Thoughts:
‘The Water Wars’ was a book that I equal parts enjoyed and was frustrated with. It had a very heavy handed environmental message to it, which was both cool and a turn off. I’m a big fan of environmental activism, but in this book it became a bit much. The lack of water and how it came about made for a good back story and it seemed scarily plausible, but at a certain point you’re like “yes, we get it. save the earth, etc, etc”.
My favourite aspect of this book was the action. Those scenes were very well written. I loved reading about all the different fringe groups (water pirates!), and there was bombing and tons of chases. This aspect was really exciting. But the bad thing? The characters were... meh. There was nothing particularly wrong with them, but it seemed like the book was more about the message/plot than about the actual characters and their journey. Therefore any character could have been substituted in without the book really changing at all.
I feel like ‘The Water Wars’ is worth a read, especially if you’re into environmental causes. I did enjoy reading it, but because of the lack of a connection to the characters it's ultimately forgettable.
The Cover:
Um, gorgeous!
Rating:
[3/5]Find The Water Wars by Cameron Stracher on Goodreads, Book Depository, & Amazon.
LOL "yes, we get it. Save the earth, etc." Wow, I can totally see that being frustrating. :P And meh characters but good action scenes? ...Hm. Maybe I'll check this one out.
ReplyDeleteHm. I'm starting this one this week and I had hoped we get a little more of a character driven story with an environmental message woven through. Sounds like we get a lot of message and not much else. Thanks for the heads up Ashley, at least now I know what to expect going in!
ReplyDeleteWe're sorry to hear that it didn't work for you, but we totally understand. Happy Feet did the same thing. (Sacrificed story for message.) Thanks for writing such a good, honest review. We still might check this one out, because the idea is so interesting, but we like knowing what to expect.
ReplyDeleteHappy Feet! Omigosh yes, I thought I was the only one who didn't adore that movie. My Mom and I watched it together and were like "umm..." It was just so different from what I expected based on all the rave reviews when it came out. And now there's a second one out or coming out. :/
ReplyDeleteLovely reviews. I like books with subtle messages. I don't like to be beat down with them.
ReplyDeleteGreat review!
ReplyDeleteI don't think I could deal with this book though, because Heavy Handed messages put me on edge, and I'm a biologist too so, ;P
meh.
thanks for the review though!
I'm a new follower ^.^ Great review, I may not check this one out, but hey, I tend to surprise myself sometimes, lol. Though, for some reason I like the cover. It's kind of creepy, like covers tend to be when there is a picture of someone's head close up, but I like this one.
ReplyDeleteAnyways, just stopped by to say hello ^.^
-Angela @ The Little Blue Pig
I read his novel for adults, The Laws of Return, years ago, and thought it was terrific. From your review, it sounds like he was not quite as successful here.
ReplyDeleteBummer to hear that the characters fell flat. The blurb sounded really interesting (and water pirates!), but if you don't have engaging characters, the plot usually falls flat since you don't care enough abut the characters to give a fig if they accomplish their goals.
ReplyDeleteSmiles!
Lori
Aaah meh characters can really make a great story just well.. meh! Haha. I LOOOVE this cover though!! Great review Ashley!
ReplyDeleteGiselle
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