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Thirsty Ground
They call it Tsimmaon. Thirsty Ground.
It’s been thirteen decades since Tsimmaon left the Arid Planet in search of water, carrying only 1 percent of the human race in a bid to keep the species alive. There’s no one thirstier on that space ark than the young recruits eager to earn their spot on the elite Hydroseeker League and find the next water source. Seventeen-year-old Conway 12-1, the strongest moto-rover rider among his cadre, is just weeks from Hydroseeker initiation. Until one failed mission changes everything.
Left for dead on the fabled Arid Planet with a life-altering injury, Conway is taken in by the citizens of Mayanah, a community no one knew had survived the Dry Death. But these people have a Their water is deadly if you don’t follow its rules. Mayanah’s beautiful young sovereign Selah is the key to safe water and, Conway realizes, to the survival of his spacenation. If he can bring this revelation back home, he might still have a shot at being a Hydroseeker. He just needs to convince himself that betraying Selah is worth it, which gets harder the closer they become . . . and the more he learns about his own people.
Kimber St. Lawrence conjures an exhilarating world in this moving postapocalyptic sci-fi novel. Featuring cinematic action and a love against all odds, Thirsty Ground will leave readers breathless.
It’s been thirteen decades since Tsimmaon left the Arid Planet in search of water, carrying only 1 percent of the human race in a bid to keep the species alive. There’s no one thirstier on that space ark than the young recruits eager to earn their spot on the elite Hydroseeker League and find the next water source. Seventeen-year-old Conway 12-1, the strongest moto-rover rider among his cadre, is just weeks from Hydroseeker initiation. Until one failed mission changes everything.
Left for dead on the fabled Arid Planet with a life-altering injury, Conway is taken in by the citizens of Mayanah, a community no one knew had survived the Dry Death. But these people have a Their water is deadly if you don’t follow its rules. Mayanah’s beautiful young sovereign Selah is the key to safe water and, Conway realizes, to the survival of his spacenation. If he can bring this revelation back home, he might still have a shot at being a Hydroseeker. He just needs to convince himself that betraying Selah is worth it, which gets harder the closer they become . . . and the more he learns about his own people.
Kimber St. Lawrence conjures an exhilarating world in this moving postapocalyptic sci-fi novel. Featuring cinematic action and a love against all odds, Thirsty Ground will leave readers breathless.
336 pages, Paperback
Published May 20, 2025
9 people are currently reading
2483 people want to read
About the author
Kimber St. Lawrence
1 book25 followersKimber St. Lawrence earned her storytelling chops as an award-winning television producer in the New England market. She is now an executive for a business software company.
THIRSTY GROUND is her first novel. Kimber lives on a small hobby farm in New Hampshire with her border collie, a dozen chickens, and her husband Ryan, a spinal cord injury survivor and para-athlete.
THIRSTY GROUND is her first novel. Kimber lives on a small hobby farm in New Hampshire with her border collie, a dozen chickens, and her husband Ryan, a spinal cord injury survivor and para-athlete.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 7, 2024
I was so surprised by this book! You can check out my full review here: https://youtu.be/v1pGBkjoLRg?si=dFTnx...
September 17, 2025
“See, survival has a sweet spot too.” (page 4)
~
I read this ARC in less than 24 hours, binging in between classes. Personally, for me, I’m not usually into Sci-Fi & Futuristic kinds of books, which is exactly the vibe this book gave. However, it was complex, but not complex enough to be difficult to comprehend and something to DNF.
People who are extremely interested in Sci-Fi and futuristic genres of books may find this weak and not very compelling, but if you want to try this kind of genre or even wean yourself into trying this type of reading—this book is great for that. It challenges your mental picture skills and imagining a world that isn’t built to the very core, down to every sentence and detail. It did make it harder to picture things sometimes, but flexibility is what makes reading so creative. It’s better to have to use context clues to imagine the world without someone handing the imagery to you.
I really liked one of the first quotes I saw on page 4: “See, survival has a sweet spot too.” Survival is one of the biggest obstacles and goals of this story—love, survival, coming of age, understanding, and battling betrayal and hardships.
This is also, might I add, the author’s debut novel. Congratulations to the author, and also, I’ve seen debuts that cannot match this. Every debut has their flaws, but this one has a greater impact in my opinion.
I would suggest for the author:
If you’re trying to become a sci-fi, techy, futuristic YA author - add some more world building.
But if you’re planning on only having one book OR just writing YA fiction in general, i think it’s great! I would also add better transitions into some events because the whole thing with Selah and Conway was a shocker. Yes, plot twists are good, but usually smoother transitions make it more readable.
Overall, it was a good book, and I binge read it!!
Definitely recommend for high schools or people who want a LIGHTER sci-fi futuristic read. Sci-fi readers who commonly open these kinds of books may dislike the lack of terms and world building and the like.
~
I read this ARC in less than 24 hours, binging in between classes. Personally, for me, I’m not usually into Sci-Fi & Futuristic kinds of books, which is exactly the vibe this book gave. However, it was complex, but not complex enough to be difficult to comprehend and something to DNF.
People who are extremely interested in Sci-Fi and futuristic genres of books may find this weak and not very compelling, but if you want to try this kind of genre or even wean yourself into trying this type of reading—this book is great for that. It challenges your mental picture skills and imagining a world that isn’t built to the very core, down to every sentence and detail. It did make it harder to picture things sometimes, but flexibility is what makes reading so creative. It’s better to have to use context clues to imagine the world without someone handing the imagery to you.
I really liked one of the first quotes I saw on page 4: “See, survival has a sweet spot too.” Survival is one of the biggest obstacles and goals of this story—love, survival, coming of age, understanding, and battling betrayal and hardships.
This is also, might I add, the author’s debut novel. Congratulations to the author, and also, I’ve seen debuts that cannot match this. Every debut has their flaws, but this one has a greater impact in my opinion.
I would suggest for the author:
If you’re trying to become a sci-fi, techy, futuristic YA author - add some more world building.
But if you’re planning on only having one book OR just writing YA fiction in general, i think it’s great! I would also add better transitions into some events because the whole thing with Selah and Conway was a shocker. Yes, plot twists are good, but usually smoother transitions make it more readable.
Overall, it was a good book, and I binge read it!!
Definitely recommend for high schools or people who want a LIGHTER sci-fi futuristic read. Sci-fi readers who commonly open these kinds of books may dislike the lack of terms and world building and the like.
November 27, 2024
I received this ARC from the author.
Decades after Earth's water supply ran dry, a group of teens living on the spaceship Tsimmaon are in training to be Hydroseekers. Conway is on track to be the leader of his team, but a mission to the Arid Planet (aka Earth) goes wrong after the discovery of a Tree and a hidden place where survivors have created a life. Conway's team left him for dead, but he's rescued by the people of Mayana and treated for a life-changing injury. Now that he's discovered a secret source of water, he has to decide if he should remain loyal to those who left him, or to those who helped him.
The author is in my critique group, and I had read about half of this book in various drafts, so I was beyond excited when she gave me this ARC. This finished book is so good I wanted to savor it, but once I got towards the end I had to race along. There's plenty of action and intrigue as well as a bit of romance, and this straddles both sci-fi and fantasy. Conway goes on a physical and emotional journey, because the culture aboard Tsimmaon is one of efficiency, and he has to reevaluate his life living with a disability. Honestly, this book has a lot of levels. The shorter chapters make this a fast, engaging read and I'm just glad I'm getting to read the sequel as she writes it!
Decades after Earth's water supply ran dry, a group of teens living on the spaceship Tsimmaon are in training to be Hydroseekers. Conway is on track to be the leader of his team, but a mission to the Arid Planet (aka Earth) goes wrong after the discovery of a Tree and a hidden place where survivors have created a life. Conway's team left him for dead, but he's rescued by the people of Mayana and treated for a life-changing injury. Now that he's discovered a secret source of water, he has to decide if he should remain loyal to those who left him, or to those who helped him.
The author is in my critique group, and I had read about half of this book in various drafts, so I was beyond excited when she gave me this ARC. This finished book is so good I wanted to savor it, but once I got towards the end I had to race along. There's plenty of action and intrigue as well as a bit of romance, and this straddles both sci-fi and fantasy. Conway goes on a physical and emotional journey, because the culture aboard Tsimmaon is one of efficiency, and he has to reevaluate his life living with a disability. Honestly, this book has a lot of levels. The shorter chapters make this a fast, engaging read and I'm just glad I'm getting to read the sequel as she writes it!
August 21, 2025
I came for the sci-fi but I stayed for the interpersonal relationships and depiction of personal struggle.
July 15, 2025
I just finished this book! I haven’t read a book this fast in awhile! I absolutely loved it!
July 28, 2025
If hunger games + wall e + maze runner had a baby
October 25, 2025
I was half asleep on a Massachusetts beach so I only remember lie half of the book but the half I remember was good!
April 21, 2025
This is a Debut novel for this author - when I saw the cover and the title, I knew I was going to have to read it, asap.
I mean-- 2025 is my Water year, and this book promised to be a space adventure centered around water. Honestly folks, I am a sucker for a romance set in space. This is not specifically romance, but relationships of all kinds feature heavily throughout the novel.
Sign me up.
So excited to report that it did not disappoint.
This is Young Adult Space Opera and I enjoyed it. I had a few moments there at the end where I felt like I might be reading more Marie Lu. (not quite but there were some moments that pulled those same emotions out).
Conway and his friends train to join the elite class of hydro-seekers as they sail among the stars looking for a most precious resource- water. He's focused and determined to be the best, but- as if often the case, things do not go exactly as planned. Conway is injured on a mission and left behind. As he learns to survive and even thrive in his new environs, he starts to question all that he's been taught to believe. (we're solidly in YA territory here indeed but lots of us adults could also learn from this!)
This is Young Adult Space Opera. St. Lawrence provides all the epic thrills of hot pursuit, battles, treachery, romance and the gamut of human emotions with a solid portrayal of disability without slipping down the slope of trite and stereotyped. I couldn't put down the last few chapters and honestly felt a bit breathless with unanticipated twists and turns in the narrative.
The story is solid and will hit all your feelings as you progress through it, and lead you at a breakneck pace to a satisfying ending!
Here’s a link to my tik tok review- please watch! https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTj2jWmCq/
I mean-- 2025 is my Water year, and this book promised to be a space adventure centered around water. Honestly folks, I am a sucker for a romance set in space. This is not specifically romance, but relationships of all kinds feature heavily throughout the novel.
Sign me up.
So excited to report that it did not disappoint.
This is Young Adult Space Opera and I enjoyed it. I had a few moments there at the end where I felt like I might be reading more Marie Lu. (not quite but there were some moments that pulled those same emotions out).
Conway and his friends train to join the elite class of hydro-seekers as they sail among the stars looking for a most precious resource- water. He's focused and determined to be the best, but- as if often the case, things do not go exactly as planned. Conway is injured on a mission and left behind. As he learns to survive and even thrive in his new environs, he starts to question all that he's been taught to believe. (we're solidly in YA territory here indeed but lots of us adults could also learn from this!)
This is Young Adult Space Opera. St. Lawrence provides all the epic thrills of hot pursuit, battles, treachery, romance and the gamut of human emotions with a solid portrayal of disability without slipping down the slope of trite and stereotyped. I couldn't put down the last few chapters and honestly felt a bit breathless with unanticipated twists and turns in the narrative.
The story is solid and will hit all your feelings as you progress through it, and lead you at a breakneck pace to a satisfying ending!
Here’s a link to my tik tok review- please watch! https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTj2jWmCq/
July 6, 2025
Tsimmaon (Thirsty Ground) left the Arid Planet to search for water for thirteen decades. Only one percent of human rest is left. The Tsimmaon special unit, the Hydroseeker, had a mission to find the next water source. Now it’s time for Conway to fulfill his mission, finding water or people at Tsimmaon will die.
Thirsty Gound is pure sci-fi with a little bit of supranatural X-men vibes. The story plot is really nice, and the pace is slow, but the medium and got fast in almost the end, just like riding a motorcycle. The theme in this story is, if you don’t take a bath and are still dirty, you will transform into a zombie. These are the true horror guys! Hahaha
Unfortunately, the world building really needs more development, because I see such a big potential there and need more variation. Also, there is physiological trauma, so if you are interested in reading this book, don’t forget ro read the trigger warnings.
Thirsty Gound is pure sci-fi with a little bit of supranatural X-men vibes. The story plot is really nice, and the pace is slow, but the medium and got fast in almost the end, just like riding a motorcycle. The theme in this story is, if you don’t take a bath and are still dirty, you will transform into a zombie. These are the true horror guys! Hahaha
Unfortunately, the world building really needs more development, because I see such a big potential there and need more variation. Also, there is physiological trauma, so if you are interested in reading this book, don’t forget ro read the trigger warnings.
July 10, 2025
3.6⭐️
0🌶️
Read the digital book on Kindle
Water is a scarcity and the last of the human race is searching the universe for more. Many scientific advancements have changed life and people strive to be hydroseekers. They make a trip back to earth due to hopes of finding more clean water. This leads to accident paralyzing our main character leaving him behind in an unfamiliar land while deal with the shock that there are inhabitants. Dealing with his new disability and being with a people he does not trust. He had a big secret and budding romance.
0🌶️
Read the digital book on Kindle
Water is a scarcity and the last of the human race is searching the universe for more. Many scientific advancements have changed life and people strive to be hydroseekers. They make a trip back to earth due to hopes of finding more clean water. This leads to accident paralyzing our main character leaving him behind in an unfamiliar land while deal with the shock that there are inhabitants. Dealing with his new disability and being with a people he does not trust. He had a big secret and budding romance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2025
Wow! When I realized how limited the reviews were on this book I was so surprised because it was a very good, thought out read! The world building and plot twists were great and the main character had a lot of depth. I would give a 4.5 if I could because the beginning was a bit slow and some relationships could have been developed more / certain plot twists felt out of character for the different people involved.
July 8, 2025
This book surprised me. I had no idea going into it what it was about other than an astronaut a human and love despite disabilities.
Let me tell you, this book was amazing. I laughed a few times and cried a few more. The writing is beautiful and the story easy to get into. Kimber St. Lawrence did a great job and I can’t wait to read book 2. (Why did it have to end on a cliff hanger😭)
I won’t spoil the book, so I’ll leave you with this. Read the book. You won’t regret it.
Let me tell you, this book was amazing. I laughed a few times and cried a few more. The writing is beautiful and the story easy to get into. Kimber St. Lawrence did a great job and I can’t wait to read book 2. (Why did it have to end on a cliff hanger😭)
I won’t spoil the book, so I’ll leave you with this. Read the book. You won’t regret it.
November 15, 2025
This book had me hooked from the start. The way the characters feel so life like and how drastically each one can change and appear makes feel so human. Everything about this book felt human the way it changed and how even the ending felt human, as in just because was going right doesnt mean it would a happy ending.
June 7, 2025
Phenomenal YA book, that I throughly enjoyed as an adult! So many twists I didn’t see coming, and a refreshing ending! Super cinematic!!! Highly recommend!
December 31, 2025
This book is gripping and fun and full of mystery. I like the complexities of Conway and that he is a flawed hero that must grow in a harsh environment and come to terms with new limitations. His journey of self discovery, greater conspiracies, and coming to terms with his new life, as well as the heart breaking decisions he has to make makes this story a great and worthy read.
I like the strong sci-fi elements twisted with fantasy. I can see references of Dune, Logan’s Run, Tron, Akira, Avatar, and Princess Mononoke all with twist making this stand out as a separate entity instead of a carbon copy. It’s nice when tropes and inspiration are twisted and this author achieved that.
A huge plus is proper disability representation and avoidance of falling into the pitfalls that too much of media falls victim to (Avatar and Me Before You).
When it comes to a disabled character, this book did what Avatar could not. I was very pleased with reading the harsh realities Conway had to face and how he learned to live with them and not overcome it at the end. Very refreshing.
The ending left me gasping and now I’m thirsting for the next book. What a great debut novel and a series I am looking forward to completing.
I like the strong sci-fi elements twisted with fantasy. I can see references of Dune, Logan’s Run, Tron, Akira, Avatar, and Princess Mononoke all with twist making this stand out as a separate entity instead of a carbon copy. It’s nice when tropes and inspiration are twisted and this author achieved that.
A huge plus is proper disability representation and avoidance of falling into the pitfalls that too much of media falls victim to (Avatar and Me Before You).
When it comes to a disabled character, this book did what Avatar could not. I was very pleased with reading the harsh realities Conway had to face and how he learned to live with them and not overcome it at the end. Very refreshing.
The ending left me gasping and now I’m thirsting for the next book. What a great debut novel and a series I am looking forward to completing.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews