The Ward Review

480 pages
Release date: April 30th, 2013

Sixteen-year-old Ren is a daredevil mobile racer who will risk everything to survive in the Ward, what remains of a water-logged Manhattan. To save her sister, who is suffering from a deadly illness thought to be caused by years of pollution, Ren accepts a secret mission from the government: to search for a freshwater source in the Ward, with the hope of it leading to a cure. However, she never expects that her search will lead to dangerous encounters with a passionate young scientist; a web of deceit and lies; and an earth-shattering mystery that’s lurking deep beneath the water’s rippling surface.

Review (ARC):
This is a fast paced novel that grips you and doesn't let go. A world that is full of undrinkable water already promises a difficult life for those who can't afford better. Ren is one of those who struggle to survive, who only wants what's best for her sister and will do anything to help her through her sickness. I admire Ren because she is strong and fearless and also manages to survive in a world that is dominated by men. Almost all of the characters we meet have a hard outer shell to them from living dangerous lives. There is a bit of romance but not too much to overshadow the entire story. The only thing I didn't really like was the world building since I didn't really get a feel for the dystopian world Ren was living in. However, the little we know about Ren's world is barely noticeable in the larger adventure. This novel has so much more to it than just a post-apocolyptic adventure tale. There is mystery, action, and also some unexpected magic. I absolutely enjoyed this novel and I can't wait to see what happens next in Ren's world. I definitely recommend this if you like post-apocalyptic fiction.