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Mean Higher High Water
★★★★★ “An island of hope in a rising sea.” Meg Elison, author of The Book of the Unnamed Midwife
Survival takes strange shapes, whether it’s a fledgling Viking queen with a habit of talking to birds or a scrappy nonprofit fundraiser who turns every date into a lesson on decarbonization.
But why bother when the seas won’t stop rising and the forests burn on a loop? In this version of the future that’s too rotten not to recognize, justice is a bedtime story for people who still sleep. For Nia, an aging, sharp-tongued forager with a grief problem, the hope of revenge is the only thing keeping her alive. Decades ago, her fiancé died in the explosion of the world’s first zero-emission jet, an incident that put a fiery punctuation mark on global climate cooperation. Convinced that the crash wasn’t an accident, she followed the echoes west, chasing rumors, and discovering along the way that patience can turn nearly anything with leaves into liquor.
Just as Nia’s resolve is starting to fray, the ocean coughs up an eerily familiar sneaker—with the foot still inside.
Survival takes strange shapes, whether it’s a fledgling Viking queen with a habit of talking to birds or a scrappy nonprofit fundraiser who turns every date into a lesson on decarbonization.
But why bother when the seas won’t stop rising and the forests burn on a loop? In this version of the future that’s too rotten not to recognize, justice is a bedtime story for people who still sleep. For Nia, an aging, sharp-tongued forager with a grief problem, the hope of revenge is the only thing keeping her alive. Decades ago, her fiancé died in the explosion of the world’s first zero-emission jet, an incident that put a fiery punctuation mark on global climate cooperation. Convinced that the crash wasn’t an accident, she followed the echoes west, chasing rumors, and discovering along the way that patience can turn nearly anything with leaves into liquor.
Just as Nia’s resolve is starting to fray, the ocean coughs up an eerily familiar sneaker—with the foot still inside.
292 pages, Paperback
Published January 13, 2026
About the author
D.S.G. Burke
2 books21 followersD.S.G. Burke has a wary fascination with living in a dystopian version of the future, fueling her work on climate solutions—despite a troublesome fondness for air travel. After many formative years in the Pacific Northwest, she now lives in New York City with her very silly husband and an extremely serious cat.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
January 14, 2026
One of the most original post-apocalyptic novels I've read.
This novel begins with people on the ocean side of a massive wall holding back the sea. People are careful of toxins as they look for useful trash at low tide, objects they can trade for clean water and rent. One of those people is the main character, Nia in this post-apocalyptic future.
“‘Oy, Veep! … Er, Boss! Good kake there.’ Squeak was pointing to a lump, clearly not natural, that had been right underneath me. I leaned over, back screeching in protest, to unearth it. Even through a thick patina of barnacles, the shape looked familiar. A shoe, or rather, a sneaker. Vintage by the look of it. Aqua, or maybe turquoise. Somewhere deep in the forest of my memory, a pile of leaves rustled” (16).
Nia cleans mud off the shoe. Inside is a foot.
The mystery of that particular shoe and the foot it contains is the thread drawing the reader through this astonishing novel about people bargaining for meaning in a world that no longer offers security or sensibility.
The title refers to rising ocean tides, forests and cities burn—this is a dangerous future. Nia is old in this future world, but around Nia, the young ones know nothing of the world she still recalls normal. All that we assume today about government and commerce and colleges and culture is gone. This is the future where Nia has spent decades looking for the person responsible for obliterating “the world’s first zero-emission jet.” Her fiancé was a passenger on that jet’s maiden voyage and Nia isn’t one to let things go.
She's looking for clues to what happened to her lover. She’s getting close.
Her search leads her to Dismal Nitch, a real place in the Pacific Northwest, and Burke populates this future coastal community with desperate people who mostly have no concept of history but weird resilience and determination to sign away everything they own, lay aside their pain and grieving, and walk into the ocean to find the kindness of oblivion. (They aren’t as deluded as they might seem.)
From the Pacific coast in the future to the east coast in the past and from a Viking queen's bedchamber to a board room, find the future ruins of an American city and a tiny community thriving on its own terms after the collapse of human society across the world. Readers might be easy to get a little lost at times, but the mystery of the shoe and the potential of people’s faith in justice runs like a silver thread through all the voices. We really should be paying attention.
I thank the publishers for early access.
This is D.S.G. Burke's first novel. Search her name to find many of her short stories online.
This novel begins with people on the ocean side of a massive wall holding back the sea. People are careful of toxins as they look for useful trash at low tide, objects they can trade for clean water and rent. One of those people is the main character, Nia in this post-apocalyptic future.
“‘Oy, Veep! … Er, Boss! Good kake there.’ Squeak was pointing to a lump, clearly not natural, that had been right underneath me. I leaned over, back screeching in protest, to unearth it. Even through a thick patina of barnacles, the shape looked familiar. A shoe, or rather, a sneaker. Vintage by the look of it. Aqua, or maybe turquoise. Somewhere deep in the forest of my memory, a pile of leaves rustled” (16).
Nia cleans mud off the shoe. Inside is a foot.
The mystery of that particular shoe and the foot it contains is the thread drawing the reader through this astonishing novel about people bargaining for meaning in a world that no longer offers security or sensibility.
The title refers to rising ocean tides, forests and cities burn—this is a dangerous future. Nia is old in this future world, but around Nia, the young ones know nothing of the world she still recalls normal. All that we assume today about government and commerce and colleges and culture is gone. This is the future where Nia has spent decades looking for the person responsible for obliterating “the world’s first zero-emission jet.” Her fiancé was a passenger on that jet’s maiden voyage and Nia isn’t one to let things go.
She's looking for clues to what happened to her lover. She’s getting close.
Her search leads her to Dismal Nitch, a real place in the Pacific Northwest, and Burke populates this future coastal community with desperate people who mostly have no concept of history but weird resilience and determination to sign away everything they own, lay aside their pain and grieving, and walk into the ocean to find the kindness of oblivion. (They aren’t as deluded as they might seem.)
From the Pacific coast in the future to the east coast in the past and from a Viking queen's bedchamber to a board room, find the future ruins of an American city and a tiny community thriving on its own terms after the collapse of human society across the world. Readers might be easy to get a little lost at times, but the mystery of the shoe and the potential of people’s faith in justice runs like a silver thread through all the voices. We really should be paying attention.
I thank the publishers for early access.
This is D.S.G. Burke's first novel. Search her name to find many of her short stories online.
January 1, 2026
In Mean Higher High Water, Burke builds an all too plausible vision of a not too distant future where greed, complacency, and the hubris of late stage capitalism have resulted in a world flooded with rising seawater, choked by wildfire smoke, and ravaged by conflict and technological collapse. The novel centers around the of lives several citizen “employees” of the Dismal Nitch, a small community-corporation in the Pacific Northwest that has made big business out of “seawalking,” a form of assisted suicide that, as its name suggests, involves leaving behind worldly possessions and walking into the sea. While I can’t say this book left me feeling optimistic about the future, it avoids the fatalism and preachiness that plagues some cli-fi. Burke’s world is filled with humanity, humor, and surprising tenderness; her characters funny, flawed, and full of life. A great debut effort, I can’t wait to read more.
I received an advance review copy for free, and was asked to leave an honest review. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and was asked to leave an honest review. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 3, 2026
I like the world building, and I like the characters, but plotting kind of left me a little cold. The lingo was a little bizarro but maybe that's how they talk in the future. I would have liked to have known what happened with the other foot.
November 15, 2025
Now, this is an interesting novel, and in some ways quite stylishly written.
I would describe it as near-literary cli-fi. The worldbuilding is interesting, and the connections drawn between the post-climate breakdown future and our current present are very clear.
The author, who has experience of climate activism (yes, I googled!), employs a distinct 'voice' and makes some bold decisions in storytelling terms.
I found the prose highly readable and the characters interesting, if not always convincing … (For example, a 60-year-old isn't really 'an old lady' ; to me that reads a lot like a writer who is a lot younger unsuccessfully trying to depict a character who happens to be older than the writer).
I did expect it to be more of a thriller, based on the synopsis. Instead, it was more like a series of loosely connected vignettes.
It seemed too long until we found out the connection with the foot highlighted as the key inciting incident in the early pages!
… Mileage may vary, but I have to take a star off because I feel like several of the structural choices weren't ideal. For example, instead of driving the story on with solid plot points, twists and turns, there are multiple flashbacks and unneeded (IMO) additional PoVs. The same scene was sometimes related from a different PoV in a way that dissipated, rather than increased, the narrative tension.
I will say that the novel tries to deliver a message about the climate crisis and without being heavy-handed about it. Overall it was quite readable and I enjoyed it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I would describe it as near-literary cli-fi. The worldbuilding is interesting, and the connections drawn between the post-climate breakdown future and our current present are very clear.
The author, who has experience of climate activism (yes, I googled!), employs a distinct 'voice' and makes some bold decisions in storytelling terms.
I found the prose highly readable and the characters interesting, if not always convincing … (For example, a 60-year-old isn't really 'an old lady' ; to me that reads a lot like a writer who is a lot younger unsuccessfully trying to depict a character who happens to be older than the writer).
I did expect it to be more of a thriller, based on the synopsis. Instead, it was more like a series of loosely connected vignettes.
It seemed too long until we found out the connection with the foot highlighted as the key inciting incident in the early pages!
… Mileage may vary, but I have to take a star off because I feel like several of the structural choices weren't ideal. For example, instead of driving the story on with solid plot points, twists and turns, there are multiple flashbacks and unneeded (IMO) additional PoVs. The same scene was sometimes related from a different PoV in a way that dissipated, rather than increased, the narrative tension.
I will say that the novel tries to deliver a message about the climate crisis and without being heavy-handed about it. Overall it was quite readable and I enjoyed it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 18, 2025
D.S.G. Burke's debut novel is a feast of perseverance in a near future that no one in their right mind would want to experience firsthand. That said, between readings I found myself longing to return to the Dismal Nitch where the story is set (near Astoria, Oregon). Climate catastrophe along the coast is described in gritty detail, populated here by tough characters as well as ones ready to end it all. Their plight drew me in close. My favorite character is Nia, a sixty-year-old woman who has more pluck and vitality than I do. So refreshing to read the exploits of a mature female protagonist who's had enough of everybody's nonsense.
Another aspect I really like here is the narrative's movement back and forth through time. We get the way things are after sea levels rise; we get the way things were before that happened. That tether adds gravitas and stakes to the survivors we follow. It also gives us an idea how far gone we may already be right now in terms of ignoring our responsibilities to the environment. Kurt Vonnegut used to joke darkly about how our obsession with fossil fuels let us travel really fast for a century or so, but that the consequences of that were going to supremely suck. Mean Higher High Water paints the consequences as they could play out. Our time right now is reflected in this book, as is a nightmare that could await us.
I am so taken with this novel that we will be carrying it as my next staff pick at Tsunami Books. I cannot wait to get it in the hands of readers looking for a compelling cli-fi read full of harrowing adventure, badass women, sly humor, and more than a bit of heart.
Another aspect I really like here is the narrative's movement back and forth through time. We get the way things are after sea levels rise; we get the way things were before that happened. That tether adds gravitas and stakes to the survivors we follow. It also gives us an idea how far gone we may already be right now in terms of ignoring our responsibilities to the environment. Kurt Vonnegut used to joke darkly about how our obsession with fossil fuels let us travel really fast for a century or so, but that the consequences of that were going to supremely suck. Mean Higher High Water paints the consequences as they could play out. Our time right now is reflected in this book, as is a nightmare that could await us.
I am so taken with this novel that we will be carrying it as my next staff pick at Tsunami Books. I cannot wait to get it in the hands of readers looking for a compelling cli-fi read full of harrowing adventure, badass women, sly humor, and more than a bit of heart.
November 11, 2025
Dystopic cli-fi with incredible world-building and snarky humor. This book reminded me of Margaret Atwood and Station 11 (Emily St. John Mandel) blended with some cynical wit and playfulness ala David Sedaris and Don't Look Up. Hopefully that's enough to tell you if this book is for you. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The writing is bold and fresh. This story has a mythic quality, and the varying points of view add to the panoramic effect. But the tale is grounded in a handful of people and their emotional realities, even as it weaves in a few different eras and cultures. The different voices were distinct, sometimes contradictory, and fleshed out a complex world. And for those who like seeing new dialect and slang emerge in a near-future (as I do), this book has plenty to sink your teeth into.
Burke's experience of the current world of climate organizations and personalities shines through with dark humor. These may be especially enjoyable for those closest to that world, but should work for everyone.
One big reveal in the final act didn't really work for me. So it goes. Also, the ending was a bit unorthodox. It worked well for me, but may not work for all readers.
Still, the book perpetually kept my interest. Especially early on, some of the writing leaned toward the more literary side and also assumed the reader would catch-on as the world-building unfurled. Even when I thought I had a sense of our characters and where we were headed, there were new surprises in the narrative.
I hope you read this and enjoy it as much as I did.
The writing is bold and fresh. This story has a mythic quality, and the varying points of view add to the panoramic effect. But the tale is grounded in a handful of people and their emotional realities, even as it weaves in a few different eras and cultures. The different voices were distinct, sometimes contradictory, and fleshed out a complex world. And for those who like seeing new dialect and slang emerge in a near-future (as I do), this book has plenty to sink your teeth into.
Burke's experience of the current world of climate organizations and personalities shines through with dark humor. These may be especially enjoyable for those closest to that world, but should work for everyone.
One big reveal in the final act didn't really work for me. So it goes. Also, the ending was a bit unorthodox. It worked well for me, but may not work for all readers.
Still, the book perpetually kept my interest. Especially early on, some of the writing leaned toward the more literary side and also assumed the reader would catch-on as the world-building unfurled. Even when I thought I had a sense of our characters and where we were headed, there were new surprises in the narrative.
I hope you read this and enjoy it as much as I did.
April 18, 2026
This book brings together the author's dry humor & wit by weaving together her passion for "saving tigers" ( Truly climate change advocates are so much more than that!) and a bleak (& scarily realistic) vision of a post-apocalyptic world. I will admit I had some difficulty tracking the characters back and forth from the pre & post apocalyptic world. Partly because I missed the connection between Nia & Virginia (page 21). The discovery of the tennis shoe with a foot inside created the main thread of the story. I especially enjoyed the rhythmic prose in the vignettes about the viking queen.
May 20, 2026
My coworker’s book! Go Deborah📖✍️
June 8, 2026
I wrote this book! 💚
January 29, 2026
I’m new to cli-fi, but not new to post-apocalyptic stories, and Mean Higher High Water strikes a really strong balance between the two. The future Burke imagines isn’t one I’d want to live in—but it’s one I could picture clearly. The worldbuilding feels vivid and grounded, and the author’s writing is very cinematic; I could easily see this story playing out on screen.
What also surprised me was the hopeful tone woven into the prose. Even in a harsh, damaged future, there’s a sense of humanity and resilience that keeps the story from feeling bleak. That balance—between realism (although there is a sprinkle of fantasy as well) and hope—is what made this book stand out for me. A compelling read, especially for fans of post-apocalyptic fiction looking to dip into cli-fi.
What also surprised me was the hopeful tone woven into the prose. Even in a harsh, damaged future, there’s a sense of humanity and resilience that keeps the story from feeling bleak. That balance—between realism (although there is a sprinkle of fantasy as well) and hope—is what made this book stand out for me. A compelling read, especially for fans of post-apocalyptic fiction looking to dip into cli-fi.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews