Review: The Water Wars - Cameron Stracher

Where I got it: Library
Rating: 4 stars
Cover Rating: 5 stars (I really like the fanned out water by the eyes, even though it makes it seem more of a supernatural/fantasy than a dystopian novel)
Genre: Young Adult
Publication Date: January 1, 2011
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Page Count: 256 p.

Millions of people have died. Many of these people died of dehydration. All of a sudden there wasn't enough water in the world to sustain life—at least not pure, clean water. That's why when Vera sees Kai pouring precious drinking water to the ground she is appalled, not only is it illegal, but there's not much water to waste. Kai doesn't seem to think water is the big deal that everyone makes it out to be, which intrigues Vera. So, when Kai goes missing Vera convinces her brother Will to help her find him. This is more than just knocking on his door though. What they find there lead them on an adventure they never could have imagined.

I really enjoyed the premise of this book. The idea of the U.S. sectioning itself off and certain sectors withholding water and damming up rivers is interesting. The need for water is complete, and the thought that some countries would capture clouds to squeeze the moisture out of them is realistic but unbelievable. This was a scary but fascinating dystopian novel. It sort of had a middle grade feel to it at times, what with all the adventure going on. It was pretty tame except for the description of the dead bodies. They were a little gruesome, though not anything too bad. I got really into the adventure that Vera and Will were on trying to find Kai. Lots of obstacles kept cropping up, so you never really knew what was going to happen next. I read this book all in one sitting, it was a fast read and the sction kept you wanting more. It is certainly a great debut, that shouldn't be missed. I would recommend it to YA lovers and teen boys.

First Line:
"The year before he joined the Reclamation, when he was still seventeen, my brother Will set a new high score at the YouToo! booth at the gaming center." 

Favorite Line:
"His mouth was open in an expression of surprise, as if he had tried to drink the water before it killed him."