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Burn the Water
From award-winning screenwriter of The Hunger Games Billy Ray comes an immersive and breathtaking enemies-to-lovers epic romance about war, loyalty, and the power that love has to save... or destroy.
The year is 2425 and London is underwater.
Three hundred years ago, rising oceans drowned a vast majority of the English Isle. London is now a jungle of dead skyscrapers and submerged streets.
Fighting over the scraps of a world none can remember, two Houses -- the Crowns and the Rogues -- have been at war for three centuries.
Rafe is the Rogue army's fiercest captain. Jule is the Crown army's deadliest soldier. They are vicious and merciless, courageous and beloved by their Houses. They are sworn enemies.
And then they fall in love.
It's a death sentence. But their love is all-consuming. As Rafe and Jule try to keep each other alive in their war-torn world, they are forced to confront new, horrifying threats to their loved ones while the hatred between their Houses only grows.
When mysterious foreigners appear on their shores, the warring factions may destroy each other, unless their two most ruthless soldiers can become beacons of peace and possibility, showing their people a different way, and save them all.
From the award-winning screenwriter of The Hunger Games comes a visceral and breathless forbidden romance about sacrifice, the neverending cycle of violence, and fiery, all-powerful love.
The year is 2425 and London is underwater.
Three hundred years ago, rising oceans drowned a vast majority of the English Isle. London is now a jungle of dead skyscrapers and submerged streets.
Fighting over the scraps of a world none can remember, two Houses -- the Crowns and the Rogues -- have been at war for three centuries.
Rafe is the Rogue army's fiercest captain. Jule is the Crown army's deadliest soldier. They are vicious and merciless, courageous and beloved by their Houses. They are sworn enemies.
And then they fall in love.
It's a death sentence. But their love is all-consuming. As Rafe and Jule try to keep each other alive in their war-torn world, they are forced to confront new, horrifying threats to their loved ones while the hatred between their Houses only grows.
When mysterious foreigners appear on their shores, the warring factions may destroy each other, unless their two most ruthless soldiers can become beacons of peace and possibility, showing their people a different way, and save them all.
From the award-winning screenwriter of The Hunger Games comes a visceral and breathless forbidden romance about sacrifice, the neverending cycle of violence, and fiery, all-powerful love.
368 pages, Hardcover
Published March 3, 2026
18 people are currently reading
5171 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Genre: YA
The story is well written and absolutely captivating that I couldn’t put it down. I adored the cover design and the title. They instantly pulled me in. The author’s writing style and narration felt incredibly professional, making it such an easy and engaging read to get through. This is an amazing book and I will be recommending to everyone.
This is an ARC review. Many thanks to the publisher and the author for kindly sending me this physical copy in exchange for an honest review.
The story is well written and absolutely captivating that I couldn’t put it down. I adored the cover design and the title. They instantly pulled me in. The author’s writing style and narration felt incredibly professional, making it such an easy and engaging read to get through. This is an amazing book and I will be recommending to everyone.
This is an ARC review. Many thanks to the publisher and the author for kindly sending me this physical copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 8, 2025
The premise of this novel is genuinely intriguing: a reimagining of Romeo and Juliet set on a post-apocalyptic, war-torn scrap of land left after rising seas have reshaped the world. The mix of love, conflict, and survival creates a compelling backdrop, and the story kept me invested through to the final pages.
While it didn’t quite reach the emotional depth or narrative tightness of some of its contemporaries, it has plenty of creative ambition. At times, the writing style felt influenced by the author’s screenwriting background, with a brisk, scene-driven approach that occasionally left me wishing for a bit more interiority. Some elements—like the parallel plot lines, the pace of the central romance, and a few character motivations (Jameson, in particular)—felt a little rushed or convenient. Even so, the momentum of the story carried me forward, and I remained curious to see how everything would unfold.
As a debut novel, it shows real promise. I especially appreciated the theme of lost arts woven throughout the narrative, as well as the thoughtful development of a few characters (Byron, in particular, left an impression). I also enjoyed the small, clever touches that juxtaposed our modern conveniences—like cell phones—with the novel’s stark new world.
Overall, I’m glad I picked this one up. It may not land among my top recommendations, but its creative worldbuilding and memorable character moments make it a debut worth watching, and I’m interested to see what the author creates next.
While it didn’t quite reach the emotional depth or narrative tightness of some of its contemporaries, it has plenty of creative ambition. At times, the writing style felt influenced by the author’s screenwriting background, with a brisk, scene-driven approach that occasionally left me wishing for a bit more interiority. Some elements—like the parallel plot lines, the pace of the central romance, and a few character motivations (Jameson, in particular)—felt a little rushed or convenient. Even so, the momentum of the story carried me forward, and I remained curious to see how everything would unfold.
As a debut novel, it shows real promise. I especially appreciated the theme of lost arts woven throughout the narrative, as well as the thoughtful development of a few characters (Byron, in particular, left an impression). I also enjoyed the small, clever touches that juxtaposed our modern conveniences—like cell phones—with the novel’s stark new world.
Overall, I’m glad I picked this one up. It may not land among my top recommendations, but its creative worldbuilding and memorable character moments make it a debut worth watching, and I’m interested to see what the author creates next.
February 26, 2026
An exciting new voice in young adult dystopian that boasts political flavor with a land divided by two houses of citizens, The Rogues and The Crowns.
Each house wants to covet the only spec of dry land and the opportunity to make others to bow down.
The year is 2425, England, once a great island, was swallowed by mass flooding and the world changed forever. Wars began, creating separate sanctions, but that began in 2100-does anyone really care why the fighting started? Does anyone care to stop the foolishness before more lives are lost?
Each house has its Top Warrior and both have witnessed their fair share of wounded comrades in arms, how much longer will this war rage on?
An intense, intriguing look at future possibilities, the damage of a cataclysmic event and the enemies to lovers chance at a more promising future.
Thanks to Scholastic Press for this arc and a fresh new face in dystopia!
Each house wants to covet the only spec of dry land and the opportunity to make others to bow down.
The year is 2425, England, once a great island, was swallowed by mass flooding and the world changed forever. Wars began, creating separate sanctions, but that began in 2100-does anyone really care why the fighting started? Does anyone care to stop the foolishness before more lives are lost?
Each house has its Top Warrior and both have witnessed their fair share of wounded comrades in arms, how much longer will this war rage on?
An intense, intriguing look at future possibilities, the damage of a cataclysmic event and the enemies to lovers chance at a more promising future.
Thanks to Scholastic Press for this arc and a fresh new face in dystopia!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
An exciting concept but flat execution. The main characters had little personality and the romance felt sudden and surface level. Pacing was all over the place. At times dragging and at times racing through what needed to be lingered on to allow us to connect with the characters better.
March 12, 2026
This book was great. This little dystopian YA was so good! It’s the year 2425 and the world has flooded, London is in pieced and is back to the stage of the Neanderthals but with the exception of today’s world in tatters in front of them. Technology is non existent and there are groups fighting for survival. The crowns, rogues and habs all have different views on how the new London should be. Rafe is the most popular captain in the rogue army, Jules is the same for the crown army. These two enemies have fought against each other for as long as they’ve known how to fight.
In the trucelands they find themselves face to face with one another and Jules plays music from a Victrola and it captivates Rafe in a way that he can’t explain. Little did he know that music was going to change not only his views of the world, but also the views of the woman who’s been his sworn enemy.
It is a death sentence for them both if they are caught but there’s also a much bigger enemy heading towards the shore and Rafe and Jules need to make sacrifices in order for the safety of their people.
This forbidden romance full of betrayal, heartache, death, destruction and fear really brings you to your knees and also shows that with enough hope, love and faith in a better world, it really can make a difference. Even if the chances are next to none.
It’s a heartbreakingly beautiful story of survival and hope.
All hail Jule.
In the trucelands they find themselves face to face with one another and Jules plays music from a Victrola and it captivates Rafe in a way that he can’t explain. Little did he know that music was going to change not only his views of the world, but also the views of the woman who’s been his sworn enemy.
It is a death sentence for them both if they are caught but there’s also a much bigger enemy heading towards the shore and Rafe and Jules need to make sacrifices in order for the safety of their people.
This forbidden romance full of betrayal, heartache, death, destruction and fear really brings you to your knees and also shows that with enough hope, love and faith in a better world, it really can make a difference. Even if the chances are next to none.
It’s a heartbreakingly beautiful story of survival and hope.
All hail Jule.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2026
Burn the Water is a very entertaining book, and (unsurprisingly) would make a badass show. Not a movie, I think it would need the time to be really fleshed out. And, it would address my biggest (and really, only) issue with the book, which is the insta-love. We'll get to that. My point is, there is a lot of action and the world-building is very cool, and I imagine it would translate wonderfully on screen. So add this to my endless list of "why can't I please see this on my screen?" books, yeah?
So here's the gist: Rafe and Jule are soldiers for two rival factions living in 2425 London. Water has taken over most of the world, and they have no idea if anything exists outside their immediate world. Their groups have been fighting for centuries, and show no signs of letting up. So that is all interesting, right? Now, the folks in London suddenly see something that appears to have come from outside, so you'd think they'd want to bury the hatchet and join forces, right? No, they legit only know fighting, so they keep fighting. This was honestly believable, because humans are messy. Plus, like I said, they've been warring for centuries, so peace isn't exactly a concept that would jump out as an option, right?
Well. Jule and Rafe see each other and fall in insta-love. That is the part of the story I cannot wrap my head around. I mean- attraction, sure! Eventually love? Absolutely! But it happens wayy too fast. They lock eyes and are suddenly willing to lay down their swords for each other. (I am exaggerating, but not by much.) The thing is, they were both so devoted to their respective armies, leaders, even, that it seemed like it would take a bit longer for them to fall in love enough to betray their positions. Still, the story itself was entertaining, and I enjoyed it. The atmosphere was definitely on point, I enjoyed the side characters, and was engaged throughout. The ending felt a bit rushed, but overall I was okay with it.
Bottom Line: This would make an epic show, could someone get on that please? Maybe give the romance a little more time to percolate too, yeah? Thanks.
You can find the full review and all the fancy and/or randomness that accompanies it at It Starts at Midnight
So here's the gist: Rafe and Jule are soldiers for two rival factions living in 2425 London. Water has taken over most of the world, and they have no idea if anything exists outside their immediate world. Their groups have been fighting for centuries, and show no signs of letting up. So that is all interesting, right? Now, the folks in London suddenly see something that appears to have come from outside, so you'd think they'd want to bury the hatchet and join forces, right? No, they legit only know fighting, so they keep fighting. This was honestly believable, because humans are messy. Plus, like I said, they've been warring for centuries, so peace isn't exactly a concept that would jump out as an option, right?
Well. Jule and Rafe see each other and fall in insta-love. That is the part of the story I cannot wrap my head around. I mean- attraction, sure! Eventually love? Absolutely! But it happens wayy too fast. They lock eyes and are suddenly willing to lay down their swords for each other. (I am exaggerating, but not by much.) The thing is, they were both so devoted to their respective armies, leaders, even, that it seemed like it would take a bit longer for them to fall in love enough to betray their positions. Still, the story itself was entertaining, and I enjoyed it. The atmosphere was definitely on point, I enjoyed the side characters, and was engaged throughout. The ending felt a bit rushed, but overall I was okay with it.
Bottom Line: This would make an epic show, could someone get on that please? Maybe give the romance a little more time to percolate too, yeah? Thanks.
You can find the full review and all the fancy and/or randomness that accompanies it at It Starts at Midnight
September 27, 2025
Okay, wow. Burn the Water is one of those books that grabs you by the throat from page one and doesn’t let go. Billy Ray takes this wild, post apocalyptic setup with London completely underwater, and buildings turned into empty skeletons, and throws you into a world that feels both haunting and vividly alive. You can practically hear the creaking metal and rushing water as you read. It was really immersive and I appreciated that.
At its core, this isn’t just a dystopian war story. It’s an absolutely brutal, tender, messy enemies to lovers romance that feels like it shouldn’t work, but somehow it does. Rafe and Jule are sworn enemies, killers for their Houses (the Rogues and the Crowns), and the second they collide, you know it’s going to be devastating because the chemistry is insane, but the stakes are lethal. Their love feels equal parts survival and destruction, and watching them try to carve out something real in a world built on violence was addictive. I really felt The Hunger Games influence within this novel, and it felt really appropriately timed.
What I loved most is how the book refuses to shy away from the ugliness of war. There’s blood, betrayal, and a constant reminder that loyalty can be just as dangerous as love. But there’s also this thread of hope running through everything like maybe, just maybe, love really can rewrite centuries of hate.
If you’re into Romeo and Juliet meets The Hunger Games vibes with way more grit, danger, and heart, this is the kind of book that will wreck you in the best way. It’s cinematic, it’s ruthless, and it’s unexpectedly emotional. I kind of hope it becomes a movie because it had all the bones (pun intended) for a great film.
Thank you to NetGalley, Billy Ray, and Scholastic for the eARC of this book.
At its core, this isn’t just a dystopian war story. It’s an absolutely brutal, tender, messy enemies to lovers romance that feels like it shouldn’t work, but somehow it does. Rafe and Jule are sworn enemies, killers for their Houses (the Rogues and the Crowns), and the second they collide, you know it’s going to be devastating because the chemistry is insane, but the stakes are lethal. Their love feels equal parts survival and destruction, and watching them try to carve out something real in a world built on violence was addictive. I really felt The Hunger Games influence within this novel, and it felt really appropriately timed.
What I loved most is how the book refuses to shy away from the ugliness of war. There’s blood, betrayal, and a constant reminder that loyalty can be just as dangerous as love. But there’s also this thread of hope running through everything like maybe, just maybe, love really can rewrite centuries of hate.
If you’re into Romeo and Juliet meets The Hunger Games vibes with way more grit, danger, and heart, this is the kind of book that will wreck you in the best way. It’s cinematic, it’s ruthless, and it’s unexpectedly emotional. I kind of hope it becomes a movie because it had all the bones (pun intended) for a great film.
Thank you to NetGalley, Billy Ray, and Scholastic for the eARC of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you to Scholastic and Billy Ray for my copy.
Read this book, do not delay! If you love YA dystopian thriller with romance then you will be as in love with this book as I am. It has an amazing cast of characters with Jule and Rafe at its very heart. Two warring Houses in war torn London set in 2425, battling to survive in a world that has been drowned. There's anger, rivalries, jealousy, invention, with hope and love mixed in. The plot is fast paced moving the reader through a vividly described world that is all too easy to picture.
The little moments of joy and humanity that peek through the bleak landscape of this story really shone out for me. The shared wonder at something we take for granted today is heartbreaking. It's a thought provoking read that I really engaged with.
Jule and Rafe are the fiercest fighters, revered due to their courage and skills. Inspiring loyalty and hope in all that follow them. They are sworn enemies until the day they fall in love and everything in the world shifts. Their Houses have been at war for 300 years, fighting to control what little territory there is left now that the world has been submerged, leaving iconic London landmarks under water and nature fighting to claim lives in the river. Born and raised to carry on the fight there is no end in sight to this war.
Drawn together Rafe and Jule are star crossed lovers who cannot deny the strength of the pull between them. Navigating this dangerous line they wonder if there is another world that can become reality, where peace might be worth fighting for instead. Events overtake them and their worst fears are realised when they must face each other across the battle lines.
Read this book, do not delay! If you love YA dystopian thriller with romance then you will be as in love with this book as I am. It has an amazing cast of characters with Jule and Rafe at its very heart. Two warring Houses in war torn London set in 2425, battling to survive in a world that has been drowned. There's anger, rivalries, jealousy, invention, with hope and love mixed in. The plot is fast paced moving the reader through a vividly described world that is all too easy to picture.
The little moments of joy and humanity that peek through the bleak landscape of this story really shone out for me. The shared wonder at something we take for granted today is heartbreaking. It's a thought provoking read that I really engaged with.
Jule and Rafe are the fiercest fighters, revered due to their courage and skills. Inspiring loyalty and hope in all that follow them. They are sworn enemies until the day they fall in love and everything in the world shifts. Their Houses have been at war for 300 years, fighting to control what little territory there is left now that the world has been submerged, leaving iconic London landmarks under water and nature fighting to claim lives in the river. Born and raised to carry on the fight there is no end in sight to this war.
Drawn together Rafe and Jule are star crossed lovers who cannot deny the strength of the pull between them. Navigating this dangerous line they wonder if there is another world that can become reality, where peace might be worth fighting for instead. Events overtake them and their worst fears are realised when they must face each other across the battle lines.
March 7, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley and Scholastic Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Ugh. I wanted so bad to like this one from the blurb but I just couldn’t. The premise had so much possibility but the execution was just not there. From a basic writing standpoint I had a really hard time following the book due to its constantly shifting focus between the FMC Juke and the MMC Rafe to the pout. Where I’d have to reread paragraphs to figure out what was even being talked about. The weight was so unbalanced too- the insta-love and the focus on youth were very characteristic of a YA book, but the rest was so focused on gore and war and murder it felt too heavy. And one single random reference to cannibalism near the beginning? So strange. On top of it all, this is placed in a theoretical future world 400 years from now that somehow still has a very active working knowledge of how things used to function but has lost all ability to even think about creating technology? And is somehow disconnected from the mainland for four centuries but the language has stayed constant? If we pass around books from the 1600s to a layperson they’re essentially unreadable due to evolving language (how many people nowadays can read an original printing of a Shakespeare play and get it all???) but somehow these guys are still passing around copies of Uncle Tom’s Cabin and everyone can somehow read it even though we have no indication that people should even be literate in this new world where all metal goes straight to ammunition…
And I haven’t even started mentioning the characters or relationships or anything like that… So yeah. It’s a no from me.
Ugh. I wanted so bad to like this one from the blurb but I just couldn’t. The premise had so much possibility but the execution was just not there. From a basic writing standpoint I had a really hard time following the book due to its constantly shifting focus between the FMC Juke and the MMC Rafe to the pout. Where I’d have to reread paragraphs to figure out what was even being talked about. The weight was so unbalanced too- the insta-love and the focus on youth were very characteristic of a YA book, but the rest was so focused on gore and war and murder it felt too heavy. And one single random reference to cannibalism near the beginning? So strange. On top of it all, this is placed in a theoretical future world 400 years from now that somehow still has a very active working knowledge of how things used to function but has lost all ability to even think about creating technology? And is somehow disconnected from the mainland for four centuries but the language has stayed constant? If we pass around books from the 1600s to a layperson they’re essentially unreadable due to evolving language (how many people nowadays can read an original printing of a Shakespeare play and get it all???) but somehow these guys are still passing around copies of Uncle Tom’s Cabin and everyone can somehow read it even though we have no indication that people should even be literate in this new world where all metal goes straight to ammunition…
And I haven’t even started mentioning the characters or relationships or anything like that… So yeah. It’s a no from me.
Review of advance copy
I recieved an ARC of this book from "Page 158," an independent bookstore permitted to distribute a limited number to patrons.
I genuinely loved the storyline of this book and the hero/ine characters throughout the book. The idea of icecaps melting and much of the coastal cities being underwater is a new setting for me, and actually lead me to my own Googling of what the world would look like. As a lifelong learner, books that inspire me to learn more, are always a positive. Also, I have never encountered a book that read as both historical AND futuristic, but this novel pulled it off quite well!
The writing style of this book was different than anything I've ever read before and was very "movielike." POVs changed mid chapter and every 'scene' had a definite change point. While it took two or three chapters to get used to, it did get easier to understand as I made my way through the book. The ending of the book also felt very rushed, and the final chapter felt very much like the emotional closing lines to a film. This is all understandable given the writer's previous works.
Ultimately, the plot was interesting enough that I wanted to know what happened next, the characters were devloped enough that I rooted for some and against others, and I do enjoy a good stand alone that is a fairly quick read!
I recommend this novel for those who like YA dystopian, stand-alone novels with ill-fated romances. If you're in the mood for an HEA, I recommend picking up something different!
I genuinely loved the storyline of this book and the hero/ine characters throughout the book. The idea of icecaps melting and much of the coastal cities being underwater is a new setting for me, and actually lead me to my own Googling of what the world would look like. As a lifelong learner, books that inspire me to learn more, are always a positive. Also, I have never encountered a book that read as both historical AND futuristic, but this novel pulled it off quite well!
The writing style of this book was different than anything I've ever read before and was very "movielike." POVs changed mid chapter and every 'scene' had a definite change point. While it took two or three chapters to get used to, it did get easier to understand as I made my way through the book. The ending of the book also felt very rushed, and the final chapter felt very much like the emotional closing lines to a film. This is all understandable given the writer's previous works.
Ultimately, the plot was interesting enough that I wanted to know what happened next, the characters were devloped enough that I rooted for some and against others, and I do enjoy a good stand alone that is a fairly quick read!
I recommend this novel for those who like YA dystopian, stand-alone novels with ill-fated romances. If you're in the mood for an HEA, I recommend picking up something different!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 15, 2026
The year is 2425 and London is underwater.
Billy Ray builds a drowned London that feels both mythic and terrifyingly plausible,a skeletal city of half‑submerged skyscrapers, rusting metal, and centuries‑old grudges. At the heart of all this ruin are Rafe and Jule: two soldiers raised on opposite sides of a war that has been going on for three hundred years. Their romance is sharp‑edged, desperate, and beautifully doomed. To fall in love is a death sentence and this forbidden love feels inevitable from the moment they meet. Ray writes them with a raw intensity that makes every stolen moment feel like a rebellion.
The political tension between the Crowns and the Rogues is compelling, and the arrival of mysterious outsiders adds a fresh layer of danger that pushes the story into even higher stakes. The themes that surround the book are cycles of violence, inherited hatred, and the terrifying courage it takes to choose peace land with real emotional weight.
Burn the Water is a futuristic, war‑torn, water‑soaked reimagining of the Romeo and Juliet archetype; forbidden love, ancient hatred, and the desperate hope that two people might change the fate of their world.
Tropes:
📚 Standalone
❤️ Forbidden romance
🌊 Post‑apocalyptic London
⚔️ Enemies‑to‑lovers
Thank you so much to Instabook tours for having me on their tour. I really enjoyed this one as it really gave me my dystopian fix that I have been craving with an added Romeo and Juliet reimaging.
Billy Ray builds a drowned London that feels both mythic and terrifyingly plausible,a skeletal city of half‑submerged skyscrapers, rusting metal, and centuries‑old grudges. At the heart of all this ruin are Rafe and Jule: two soldiers raised on opposite sides of a war that has been going on for three hundred years. Their romance is sharp‑edged, desperate, and beautifully doomed. To fall in love is a death sentence and this forbidden love feels inevitable from the moment they meet. Ray writes them with a raw intensity that makes every stolen moment feel like a rebellion.
The political tension between the Crowns and the Rogues is compelling, and the arrival of mysterious outsiders adds a fresh layer of danger that pushes the story into even higher stakes. The themes that surround the book are cycles of violence, inherited hatred, and the terrifying courage it takes to choose peace land with real emotional weight.
Burn the Water is a futuristic, war‑torn, water‑soaked reimagining of the Romeo and Juliet archetype; forbidden love, ancient hatred, and the desperate hope that two people might change the fate of their world.
Tropes:
📚 Standalone
❤️ Forbidden romance
🌊 Post‑apocalyptic London
⚔️ Enemies‑to‑lovers
Thank you so much to Instabook tours for having me on their tour. I really enjoyed this one as it really gave me my dystopian fix that I have been craving with an added Romeo and Juliet reimaging.
October 12, 2025
2.5 stars rounded up. Thank you to NetGalley and Scholastic for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review!
First off, I do love the premise of this book- the world is underwater, and those still on the (little) bit of land are fighting over resources and to stay alive. Jule and Rafe are very star-crossed lovers, their houses warring but they are in love and want to stop the fighting.
The execution of the story was a bit rough for me. It reads like a movie. I would probably like it better if it WERE a movie or tv show. The constant POV changes in a single chapter were distracting. The ending was a bit disappointing, but honestly it was real to this sort of story.
But overall there were some good qualities to this book and if it sounds interesting to you, then give it a read! If it ever is made into a show or movie or something I will give it a watch. I really liked the part where Jule found the Victrola and her and Rafe spent the night listening to records and bonding.
First off, I do love the premise of this book- the world is underwater, and those still on the (little) bit of land are fighting over resources and to stay alive. Jule and Rafe are very star-crossed lovers, their houses warring but they are in love and want to stop the fighting.
The execution of the story was a bit rough for me. It reads like a movie. I would probably like it better if it WERE a movie or tv show. The constant POV changes in a single chapter were distracting. The ending was a bit disappointing, but honestly it was real to this sort of story.
But overall there were some good qualities to this book and if it sounds interesting to you, then give it a read! If it ever is made into a show or movie or something I will give it a watch. I really liked the part where Jule found the Victrola and her and Rafe spent the night listening to records and bonding.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you SO much to Scholastic for sending me a proof copy!
When I saw that the screenwriter for The Hunger Games wrote this book I immediately applied and was so grateful to be selected.
I really enjoyed the premise of the book, the dystopian vibes with London being underwater was great and actually through Billy’s writing I was able to picture this well.
I also liked that this book starts off on a slightly darker note with a poignant death of one of the members of the Rogues, I think it set up the story well.
I really didn’t enjoy the multiple pov in a single chapter. It made the book incredibly hard to follow and at times was quite confusing. Particularly with multiple POV from different sides, I really feel this would be so much better split into separate chapters.
I thought it was generally fairly predictable but the book does what it says on the tin.
I feel this book should be aimed at the younger side of YA as at times, the relationship between the two leaders in particular, did feel a bit too tame for me.
Overall a strong 3 stars. Thanks again Scholastic!
When I saw that the screenwriter for The Hunger Games wrote this book I immediately applied and was so grateful to be selected.
I really enjoyed the premise of the book, the dystopian vibes with London being underwater was great and actually through Billy’s writing I was able to picture this well.
I also liked that this book starts off on a slightly darker note with a poignant death of one of the members of the Rogues, I think it set up the story well.
I really didn’t enjoy the multiple pov in a single chapter. It made the book incredibly hard to follow and at times was quite confusing. Particularly with multiple POV from different sides, I really feel this would be so much better split into separate chapters.
I thought it was generally fairly predictable but the book does what it says on the tin.
I feel this book should be aimed at the younger side of YA as at times, the relationship between the two leaders in particular, did feel a bit too tame for me.
Overall a strong 3 stars. Thanks again Scholastic!
February 13, 2026
3✨ I find this book interesting and informative also devastating!! It was kind of like a Romeo and Juliet book the forbidden love a war between them and the heartbreak ending!! I really wasn’t a big fan of the multiple pov as I only really wanted to read from Rafe and Jule perspectives but overall I did enjoy it.
Rafe and Jule and from opposite sides of a really life war that is happening but when they first caught eye to eye they can’t help but feel attracted to one another. They share moments alone listening to music which brings them closer with secrets and shared kisses. Rafe dreams of taking a boat and sailing away with Jule but Jule has always been and always will be a ruler and refuses to go. They are both caught together and be casted as traitors, but even then they never stop loving one another.
The ending of this book is devastating after they are let go they have their happy ever after only for them to have it taken away from them 😭
Thank you Scholastic for the physical arc 🙌🏼
Rafe and Jule and from opposite sides of a really life war that is happening but when they first caught eye to eye they can’t help but feel attracted to one another. They share moments alone listening to music which brings them closer with secrets and shared kisses. Rafe dreams of taking a boat and sailing away with Jule but Jule has always been and always will be a ruler and refuses to go. They are both caught together and be casted as traitors, but even then they never stop loving one another.
The ending of this book is devastating after they are let go they have their happy ever after only for them to have it taken away from them 😭
Thank you Scholastic for the physical arc 🙌🏼
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A military romance retelling of Romeo and Juliet, this novel sets the scene not quite in fair Verona but in a dystopian near-underwater future in the 25th century, based in London where the surroundings are hauntingly familiar, yet almost totally unrecognisable to the reader.
Rafe and Jule are opposed military leaders, both earning respected reputations within their own armies, the Rogues and the Crowns. From the moment the book begins, we know we are in a military setting and it was interesting to see the famous play retold in this vein. This is war, so it doesn't hold back.
Conflict is abundant throughout the narrative - and when a bigger force threatens to change both armies' worlds as they know it, the stakes soon soar higher.
A great retelling, told in its own way, with striking echoes back to methods of pre-technology warfare set in a dystopian future. Music, as well, is written about beautifully in a world that no longer hears it.
Rafe and Jule are opposed military leaders, both earning respected reputations within their own armies, the Rogues and the Crowns. From the moment the book begins, we know we are in a military setting and it was interesting to see the famous play retold in this vein. This is war, so it doesn't hold back.
Conflict is abundant throughout the narrative - and when a bigger force threatens to change both armies' worlds as they know it, the stakes soon soar higher.
A great retelling, told in its own way, with striking echoes back to methods of pre-technology warfare set in a dystopian future. Music, as well, is written about beautifully in a world that no longer hears it.
March 11, 2026
I was sent this book by the scholastic for an honest review. I rated it 3.5 stars.
When I saw that the author is the screen writer of the hunger games I knew I needed to read it.
This is a YA dystopian retelling of Romeo and Juliet set in 2425 where London is now underwater.
The premise of this book had me hooked right away. I loved this story but felt that it lacked in some areas but I think that’s because the author has a screenwriting background. I didn’t feel an emotional attachment to the characters and feel that that area could be worked on.
Saying that however I did find that the story captivated me and gives you a glimpse into what the future may have in store for us. I could picture what the future could look like from the writing and loved the over all storyline.
I’m hoping that this isn’t the first and only book by this author but just hope that we get a bit more emotional depth.
When I saw that the author is the screen writer of the hunger games I knew I needed to read it.
This is a YA dystopian retelling of Romeo and Juliet set in 2425 where London is now underwater.
The premise of this book had me hooked right away. I loved this story but felt that it lacked in some areas but I think that’s because the author has a screenwriting background. I didn’t feel an emotional attachment to the characters and feel that that area could be worked on.
Saying that however I did find that the story captivated me and gives you a glimpse into what the future may have in store for us. I could picture what the future could look like from the writing and loved the over all storyline.
I’m hoping that this isn’t the first and only book by this author but just hope that we get a bit more emotional depth.
November 26, 2025
This was a gritty futuristic enemies to lovers dystopian fantasy. The novel is set in a future London/UK setting where most of the world is underwater. Ravaged by Climate change, communications are set back to more ancient times, and most technologic advancements have been lost to the water. Two factions are fighting over the last bit of land available for living. Enter Rafe and Jule- both leaders- but leaders of the different factions. Of course... love is in the air, or in the water as the case may be. These two star crossed lovers are really both desperately tired of this ongoing war and wish for peace, but find it hard to conceptualize how to make that come about. Within this environment, tension is building that threatens to break apart as foreigners appear on their shores. Lots of world building and a definite cinematic feel to the novel. It did feel a little bit like I knew where the plot was plotting but for whatever reason that didn't really interfere with my enjoyment of the novel as a whole.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
❝Death was fact. Truce was weakness. Peace was a fairy tale. And the entire city remained in the cross fire.❞
Romeo & Juliet re-imagined via Rafe & Jule both captains of their houses The Rogues & The Crowns. Setup in a post apocalyptic London which is virtually under water with the only buildings abandoned & hollow. This book is rather haunting at times but mostly it's brutal.
Brutal in the decades long war & a brutal but beautiful forbidden love.
The story itself was really immersive with superb descriptive writing. The author doesn't shy away from the reality of war & the horrors that come with it.
My only critique was I'd have really loved a little bit more depth to the main characters however it didn't take any enjoyment away from the story.
Thank you to InstaBookTours, Scholastic UK & Billy Ray for a copy of the book & tour spot.
Romeo & Juliet re-imagined via Rafe & Jule both captains of their houses The Rogues & The Crowns. Setup in a post apocalyptic London which is virtually under water with the only buildings abandoned & hollow. This book is rather haunting at times but mostly it's brutal.
Brutal in the decades long war & a brutal but beautiful forbidden love.
The story itself was really immersive with superb descriptive writing. The author doesn't shy away from the reality of war & the horrors that come with it.
My only critique was I'd have really loved a little bit more depth to the main characters however it didn't take any enjoyment away from the story.
Thank you to InstaBookTours, Scholastic UK & Billy Ray for a copy of the book & tour spot.
November 10, 2025
This is giving HUGE Romeo-and-Juliet-in-a-submerged-London vibes, (like literally reading a dystopian-ized retelling) but the book hits a solid 3 stars for me... good enough to keep going, but not quite the next The Hunger Games. The setting is vivid (London underwater in 2425, houses fighting, two elite soldiers from opposing factions who fall in love) and there’s a real cinematic energy, which makes sense given Ray’s screenwriting background. That said, the characters often feel under-developed, the pacing wobbles, and the “epic dystopian romance” promise doesn’t fully deliver the stakes I hoped for. If you’re looking for a fun, "fans of star crossed lovers" thriller, you’ll find something here, but don’t expect fireworks all the way through.
November 18, 2025
After the world flooded, London divided into two houses, the Crowns and the Rogues, fighting over any dry land left. After hundreds of years of nothing more than fighting and illness, enemies Rafe and Jule meet and fall in love. Can they create a better future? I liked the premise and know dystopian lovers will enjoy it, but it needed some editing. The middle drags, and the ending itself comes out of left field and would have played better with some foreshadowing (and without the sudden appearance of first person). It makes sense to me that it is written by a screenwriter, because it feels like a movie. It’s got just the right amount of plot and action for two hours, but is a bit thin for a whole novel. It would be a fun movie, actually.
December 4, 2025
This pulled me in ever so slowly. The story has a textured atmosphere that kept my attention without ever feeling overwhelming, and there were moments when a line invoked such vulnerability as a reader.
I grew attached to the protagonist slowly, almost without noticing. Their determination felt genuine, and the relationships around them added a quiet weight that worked so so well.
Nothing felt forced, but the emotional hits still landed.
As the plot unfolded the tension rose at a steady pace. Some scenes surprised me, others hit more gently, creating a rhythm that made the book easy to sink into. Even when the momentum dipped I was still curious to see what happened next.
The conclusion tied everything together cleanly and left me with a satisfying sense of closure.
I grew attached to the protagonist slowly, almost without noticing. Their determination felt genuine, and the relationships around them added a quiet weight that worked so so well.
Nothing felt forced, but the emotional hits still landed.
As the plot unfolded the tension rose at a steady pace. Some scenes surprised me, others hit more gently, creating a rhythm that made the book easy to sink into. Even when the momentum dipped I was still curious to see what happened next.
The conclusion tied everything together cleanly and left me with a satisfying sense of closure.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This had me HOOKED from page one. I normally avoid YA books purely because they can be so hit and miss and leave you feeling disappointed but this one was absolutely amazing!
This book is set in London, far into the future. London is left in a post apocalyptic setting after flooding takes over any remaining land. The characters present a Romeo and Juliet type reimagining whilst all of the other plot twists are coming and going.
Burn The Water releases 12th March 2026.
Billy Ray, you have absolutely smashed it with this one! I’m honoured that I had the opportunity to read ahead of the release day. Well done on your debut novel👏🏼
Thank you to the Scholastic team for kindly sending me a proof copy.
4⭐️
This book is set in London, far into the future. London is left in a post apocalyptic setting after flooding takes over any remaining land. The characters present a Romeo and Juliet type reimagining whilst all of the other plot twists are coming and going.
Burn The Water releases 12th March 2026.
Billy Ray, you have absolutely smashed it with this one! I’m honoured that I had the opportunity to read ahead of the release day. Well done on your debut novel👏🏼
Thank you to the Scholastic team for kindly sending me a proof copy.
4⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
2.5/5 stars rounded up.
Overall an excellent premise and I really loved the world building. The author’s background as a screenwriter is very evident. The descriptions were excellent and I really loved how quickly the reader is put into the middle of the action from the beginning.
My biggest issue with this book is that for a Romeo and Juliet retelling I didn’t connect with the romance as much as I would have wanted to, and the dynamic between Rafe and Jule felt forced rather than natural. I also thought that the Russian invasion at the end of the book did not match the rest of the story at all and I was quite disappointed by the end of the book which felt rushed and disconnected from the rest of the story.
Overall an excellent premise and I really loved the world building. The author’s background as a screenwriter is very evident. The descriptions were excellent and I really loved how quickly the reader is put into the middle of the action from the beginning.
My biggest issue with this book is that for a Romeo and Juliet retelling I didn’t connect with the romance as much as I would have wanted to, and the dynamic between Rafe and Jule felt forced rather than natural. I also thought that the Russian invasion at the end of the book did not match the rest of the story at all and I was quite disappointed by the end of the book which felt rushed and disconnected from the rest of the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thanks so much for the publisher for the ARC. As always, this is an honest, voluntary review.
When I saw this was a story where The Hunger Games met Romeo and Juliet, I just had to get my hands on it! This sounded like a perfect plot and the plot was great! The idea itself is a wonderful one. However, the execution is just not it. The author is a screenwriter and it shows. It was a real struggle to read this book. The constant in chapter POV changes (often for one sentence/a side character who disappears after a paragraph) were confusing enough that it made it a chore to fight my way through to the end.
If one day this would be turned into a film/series, I'd happily watch it because I think this would work real well on screen.
When I saw this was a story where The Hunger Games met Romeo and Juliet, I just had to get my hands on it! This sounded like a perfect plot and the plot was great! The idea itself is a wonderful one. However, the execution is just not it. The author is a screenwriter and it shows. It was a real struggle to read this book. The constant in chapter POV changes (often for one sentence/a side character who disappears after a paragraph) were confusing enough that it made it a chore to fight my way through to the end.
If one day this would be turned into a film/series, I'd happily watch it because I think this would work real well on screen.
March 9, 2026
I really wanted to love this. A dystopian Romeo and Juliet type vibe, London setting, two top soldiers from rival factions falling in love. It had all the ingredients for a thrilling read.
Sadly… I DNF’d around 50%.
The characters just didn’t grab me, and the writing felt a bit chaotic—jumping between characters and locations in the same paragraph had me rereading more than I care to admit. And the romance? Let’s just say when the FMC describes her feelings for the MMC as “floaty and unreal”… yeah, not my cup of tea. I like my love stories with a bit of… you know… personality and reality.
Honestly, this was such a promising concept, but it never quite landed. I was rooting for it, but in the end, it was a case of “great idea, meh execution.”
Sadly… I DNF’d around 50%.
The characters just didn’t grab me, and the writing felt a bit chaotic—jumping between characters and locations in the same paragraph had me rereading more than I care to admit. And the romance? Let’s just say when the FMC describes her feelings for the MMC as “floaty and unreal”… yeah, not my cup of tea. I like my love stories with a bit of… you know… personality and reality.
Honestly, this was such a promising concept, but it never quite landed. I was rooting for it, but in the end, it was a case of “great idea, meh execution.”
March 14, 2026
A YA Dystopian Rome and Juliet set in future London.
London is no longer one of the greatest cities in the world. It’s an underwater jungle with two houses fighting over scraps of the city they are all too young to even remember.
Jule is the fierce captain of the Crown army. Rafe is her arch nemesis, the Rouge army’s finest captain. But against all odds they find each other and fall in love. Desperate to be together and remain loyal seems impossible, unless they can convince their respective sides that the fighting must stop.
An exceptionally captivating twist to the Romeo and Juliet story. A brilliant YA book with lots of action and unexpected twists that made it hard put this book down.
I’d highly recommend Burn the Water for fans of the Hunger Games series.
London is no longer one of the greatest cities in the world. It’s an underwater jungle with two houses fighting over scraps of the city they are all too young to even remember.
Jule is the fierce captain of the Crown army. Rafe is her arch nemesis, the Rouge army’s finest captain. But against all odds they find each other and fall in love. Desperate to be together and remain loyal seems impossible, unless they can convince their respective sides that the fighting must stop.
An exceptionally captivating twist to the Romeo and Juliet story. A brilliant YA book with lots of action and unexpected twists that made it hard put this book down.
I’d highly recommend Burn the Water for fans of the Hunger Games series.
March 14, 2026
you can defffffinitely feel the hunger games influence with this one - but that’s not a bad thing! for my first book with billy ray, you can tell he’s a screenwriter at heart. but as soon as you lean into it, it’s worth it! maybe my brain conjured the romeo-and-juliet retelling a little more than necessary, but i loved the push and pull between Jule and Rafe.
they knew each other, more than anything. and bringing that into warfare - as well as love - was magical to read. the power of love is strong with this one. a little cheesy and on the nose, but really captivating and easy to consume. the capitalized letters really got to me, but it was still a page turner. honestly, i’ll think about this world for a while.
here comes the sun. (4/5⭐️)
they knew each other, more than anything. and bringing that into warfare - as well as love - was magical to read. the power of love is strong with this one. a little cheesy and on the nose, but really captivating and easy to consume. the capitalized letters really got to me, but it was still a page turner. honestly, i’ll think about this world for a while.
here comes the sun. (4/5⭐️)
Review of advance copy
This Dystopian Fantasy is like a modern romeo and juliet. I enjoyed the story and the use of climate crisis in the setting of a London/world underwater. The warring of people over available land was also an interesting part of the story.
I would recommend this book but I would have liked it to have more detail. At times it felt like it was a plot outline waiting to have the extra detail put in as the writer goes along. It left some things to the imagination/glossed over them/implied what happened but I would have liked it to have those bits to have been added in and given more time. The ending also felt very abrupt to me.
But overall I enjoyed the story and the characters.
I would recommend this book but I would have liked it to have more detail. At times it felt like it was a plot outline waiting to have the extra detail put in as the writer goes along. It left some things to the imagination/glossed over them/implied what happened but I would have liked it to have those bits to have been added in and given more time. The ending also felt very abrupt to me.
But overall I enjoyed the story and the characters.
February 27, 2026
This book had such a promising premise (a Romeo and Juliet retelling set in a post-apocalyptic flooded, sunken London) with the setting easily being the highlight for me.
Despite the premise, I felt that the execution didn't land as well as I hoped it would. The story was extremely YA in tone and wasn't what i was hoping for given how 'dark' and interesting the concept was. The romance element of this book followed your traditional enemies to lovers path which made it predictable and the writing felt repetitive at times.
There are moments where the world building in this really shines but it was just disappointing where it fell flat compared to its premise :(
Despite the premise, I felt that the execution didn't land as well as I hoped it would. The story was extremely YA in tone and wasn't what i was hoping for given how 'dark' and interesting the concept was. The romance element of this book followed your traditional enemies to lovers path which made it predictable and the writing felt repetitive at times.
There are moments where the world building in this really shines but it was just disappointing where it fell flat compared to its premise :(
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I think once you see that the book was written by the scriptwriter of The Hunger Games things start to make sense. It's a fine novel. Nothing too exciting, nothing to shocking or Earth moving/shaking... It's like the blurb says, a futuristic Romeo and Juliet... The concept is pretty cool and the connections to the Bard are well made, but there was just something missing in this book. Something that lives in Shakespeare and in other versions or visions of his... I liked this, but it didn't knock me over. It's a fine novel and students will dig it.
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