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Burn the Water
Not yet published
Expected 2 Mar 27From 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, Paperback
Expected publication March 2, 2027
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
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.
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.
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!
March 26, 2026
3.5 rounded up 🌟 Thank you to Scholastic for sending me a copy!! I think this was a great debut. I found it super easy to read but I would have liked a bit more from the romance it felt slightly underdeveloped to me.
April 15, 2026
I picked up a physical ARC of this book from the publisher’s booth at the North Texas Teen Book Festival.
This was certainly an intriguing premise. I love a good retelling and dystopian novel, but this one fell really flat for me in many ways. I understand that it is supposed to be a Romeo and Juliet retelling, but the problem with this one is that there’s no real beginning point of Rafe and Jule’s romantic relationship. They’re enamored with one another but all I can think of is, “When?”
The writing was rather lackluster. I feel like we’re told a lot of things, not shown, and that causes this story to lack real depth for me. I also think we could have cut out some side characters in order to add more bulk and history to the story.
I also wasn’t really sure what to make of the last couple of chapters. I understand this doesn’t give off “happy ending” vibes, which I’m fine with. But I feel like the author brought in a brand new plot line with very little resolution, and none of it really on page.
Overall, I feel very meh about this book. Putting “award winning screen writer of The Hunger Games” does nothing for me.
This was certainly an intriguing premise. I love a good retelling and dystopian novel, but this one fell really flat for me in many ways. I understand that it is supposed to be a Romeo and Juliet retelling, but the problem with this one is that there’s no real beginning point of Rafe and Jule’s romantic relationship. They’re enamored with one another but all I can think of is, “When?”
The writing was rather lackluster. I feel like we’re told a lot of things, not shown, and that causes this story to lack real depth for me. I also think we could have cut out some side characters in order to add more bulk and history to the story.
I also wasn’t really sure what to make of the last couple of chapters. I understand this doesn’t give off “happy ending” vibes, which I’m fine with. But I feel like the author brought in a brand new plot line with very little resolution, and none of it really on page.
Overall, I feel very meh about this book. Putting “award winning screen writer of The Hunger Games” does nothing for me.
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.
August 26, 2026
3/10 - Interesting but somehow not entertaining. Romance felt random and maybe would have been better without it. Clearly set up for a second book but I think this one book shall suffice. Decent attempt for author’s first novel.
August 25, 2026
Interesting take on a classic - moved a bit too fast and feels like there was a lot of potential near the end
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.
June 30, 2026
I can honestly say that this is one of the worst books i've ever read. It feels like a far right manual hidden in a book set in london just so no one will notice the fact that the author continuously praise capitalism, has the russians as the ultimate enemy and tries (and fails) to make a case for christianity.
Not only did all this make me feel physically sick to my stomach, it is so genuinely badly written it's not even funny. The only thing that slightly saves the writting is the fact that if you know the author is a movie writter you can se how it's written almost like a skript, unfortunately for the author this is a book. The pascing is completley of, the pov's jump around wildly and to characthers we have no connection to, there are plotholes everywhere and so many things that happens that in the end mean absolutley nothing. Also to call this insta-love would be the understatment of the year. I somehow feel dirty for having read it and for the first time in my life I want to keep this away from young people in a ''but think of the children'' type of way.
Not only did all this make me feel physically sick to my stomach, it is so genuinely badly written it's not even funny. The only thing that slightly saves the writting is the fact that if you know the author is a movie writter you can se how it's written almost like a skript, unfortunately for the author this is a book. The pascing is completley of, the pov's jump around wildly and to characthers we have no connection to, there are plotholes everywhere and so many things that happens that in the end mean absolutley nothing. Also to call this insta-love would be the understatment of the year. I somehow feel dirty for having read it and for the first time in my life I want to keep this away from young people in a ''but think of the children'' type of way.
May 31, 2026
This undertaking has proven challenging due to the insufferable writing.
I am not sure who is more to blame, the author who has no demonstrable skills at all for “show don’t tell” or the editor who didn’t stop this slop from being mass produced.
This conceptually could have been a worthwhile story if only it weren’t for all the sentences involved.
Don’t waste your time with this..you’d get more value out of the back of a shampoo bottle.
I am not sure who is more to blame, the author who has no demonstrable skills at all for “show don’t tell” or the editor who didn’t stop this slop from being mass produced.
This conceptually could have been a worthwhile story if only it weren’t for all the sentences involved.
Don’t waste your time with this..you’d get more value out of the back of a shampoo bottle.
March 25, 2026
1.5/5 rounded up. Oh boy was this disappointing. I should've known that any sort of story inspired by Romeo and Juliet was going to fall flat because I literally never buy into the romance of those kinds of stories. The whole insta-love thing just doesn't work especially between people who have been brought up to fundamentally hate each other. Like you see this person and suddenly you are willing to betray everyone you know and love and leave everything behind without even having one conversation? It just doesn't work. But even putting that aside, this was a massive miss. There was no clear perspective, it was completely disjointed throughout the book. There is truly no difference between these two warring groups of people which makes the entire foundation of the story faulty. It is also painfully obvious that this book was written by a screenwriter because it read like an insanely long treatment rather than a novel. There were very few okay moments where I thought things might get better but it just felt rushed and not thought through (while still somehow feeling slow and boring). I really really wanted this to be a hit because of the author's past work on The Hunger Games films. I had some hope but I honestly should've known better.
July 10, 2026
i must be honest i was not at all a fan of the writing here.
i was really excited upon picking this up because i thought it would be a fun dystopian romeo and juliet retelling. it definitely did the romeo and juliet retelling thing, here’s the ones i puzzled out, whether the author intended them or not: crowns as capulets, rogues as montagues, jameson as friar lawrence , maude as mercutio (? or tybalt?), there is LITERALLY a count paris in romeo and juliet who asks for juliet’s hand in marriage (see: paris)— rafe and jule even had the same initials as r&j. so that’s fun
writing wise, though, this was literally 352 pages of repetitive fluff oh my GOD THE PLOT WAS WORTH LIKE 100 pages and the rest was just jule and rafe saying over and over again “but that was then… but now my bloodlust was gone, replaced with a yearning for him/her” and mind you we got minimal backstory as to why the war had started (beyond just the flood and the beech trees… like what about the flood caused the war? why did the flood occur? when did the factions begin? GIVE ME MORE DETAILS) and we got even SHALLOWER character depth— all we got was one singular two page story from each of their childhoods in the middle of the book and like yes being kidnapped is traumatic but that does not give me all the depth i want to be able to enjoy you or your story as a character also i saw like no proof that rafe nor jule was actually the ruthless bloodthirsty soldier they supposedly were before meeting like you gave me no time to get to know the characters as individuals BEFORE meeting versus after meeting like so early in the book jule was sparing rafe’s life and neither of them took any time at all warming up to eachother like jesus wouldn’t you be a tad more skeptical if the best soldier in your enemy’s army is hanging around like what you’re gonna get killed with this attitude especially didn’t rafe learn his lesson from being kidnapped after his people trusted the foreigners?? and while we’re at it the last like 50 pages felt so rushed and rocky because there was this weird time skip and then all of a sudden THE RUSSIANS and it felt like the author had finished the story and then had some sudden revelation it should be longer and tacked on another few chapters. like if you’re going to add in this whole new plotline please god at least flesh it out properly but luckily for us the author decided to spare us from reading any more of this writing. i would like to add that i really cringed any time they did the beethoven DUN DUN DUN DUNNNN thing
and additionally i want to emphasize how much of the book was just drawn out moments of r&j woefully yearning for eachother (even after they had only met like once) and i have also just remembered that they were eighteen meaning that within like the year they knew eachother they got married and were talking about having CHILDREN AT EIGHTEEN ANDD how on earth were yall so revered as such strong soldiers when you’re not even old enough to go to a bar bro
im really sorry because this concept has soooo much potential but this was absolutely not executed in the way it deserved to be 🤷♀️
i was really excited upon picking this up because i thought it would be a fun dystopian romeo and juliet retelling. it definitely did the romeo and juliet retelling thing, here’s the ones i puzzled out, whether the author intended them or not: crowns as capulets, rogues as montagues, jameson as friar lawrence , maude as mercutio (? or tybalt?), there is LITERALLY a count paris in romeo and juliet who asks for juliet’s hand in marriage (see: paris)— rafe and jule even had the same initials as r&j. so that’s fun
writing wise, though, this was literally 352 pages of repetitive fluff oh my GOD THE PLOT WAS WORTH LIKE 100 pages and the rest was just jule and rafe saying over and over again “but that was then… but now my bloodlust was gone, replaced with a yearning for him/her” and mind you we got minimal backstory as to why the war had started (beyond just the flood and the beech trees… like what about the flood caused the war? why did the flood occur? when did the factions begin? GIVE ME MORE DETAILS) and we got even SHALLOWER character depth— all we got was one singular two page story from each of their childhoods in the middle of the book and like yes being kidnapped is traumatic but that does not give me all the depth i want to be able to enjoy you or your story as a character also i saw like no proof that rafe nor jule was actually the ruthless bloodthirsty soldier they supposedly were before meeting like you gave me no time to get to know the characters as individuals BEFORE meeting versus after meeting like so early in the book jule was sparing rafe’s life and neither of them took any time at all warming up to eachother like jesus wouldn’t you be a tad more skeptical if the best soldier in your enemy’s army is hanging around like what you’re gonna get killed with this attitude especially didn’t rafe learn his lesson from being kidnapped after his people trusted the foreigners?? and while we’re at it the last like 50 pages felt so rushed and rocky because there was this weird time skip and then all of a sudden THE RUSSIANS and it felt like the author had finished the story and then had some sudden revelation it should be longer and tacked on another few chapters. like if you’re going to add in this whole new plotline please god at least flesh it out properly but luckily for us the author decided to spare us from reading any more of this writing. i would like to add that i really cringed any time they did the beethoven DUN DUN DUN DUNNNN thing
and additionally i want to emphasize how much of the book was just drawn out moments of r&j woefully yearning for eachother (even after they had only met like once) and i have also just remembered that they were eighteen meaning that within like the year they knew eachother they got married and were talking about having CHILDREN AT EIGHTEEN ANDD how on earth were yall so revered as such strong soldiers when you’re not even old enough to go to a bar bro
im really sorry because this concept has soooo much potential but this was absolutely not executed in the way it deserved to be 🤷♀️
April 5, 2026
This is a beautiful YA retelling of Romeo and Juliet, set 400 years in the future. The World has succumbed to climate change and has been flooded, killing millions and leaving the majority of the land uninhabitable. It’s a gritty, brutal and emotional reimagining of Shakespeare's tragedy with two young people at its heart.
About the Book 📖
On the streets of London two factions have emerged, the Crowns to the south and the Rogues to the north. The river having broken its banks centuries ago has become their border and bloody battles have become the norm.
Jule is the crown's fiercest Captain, niece of the current General and expected to succeed him she is the jewel of the crown army. Her rogue counterpart is Rafe, a brilliant strategist, responsible for training and leading the rogues to many victories. When the son of the Rogue General is killed Rafe crosses into Crown territory to retrieve his body. He expects an ambush but what he doesn't expect is Jule to spare him.
The pair begin meeting in secret and discover that they have more in common than their respective Generals would have them believe. Taught for generations that the other side started their brutal rivalry they are surprised to learn that the other side longs for peace and a quieter, less bloody existence. When things take a dark turn and all-out war is imminent, the two must act fast to try and salvage what little humanity their two houses have left and save their blossoming love.
My Thoughts 💭
If like me you studied Romeo and Juliet in school then you probably have some idea of what this book is going to entail. Romeo and Juliet are one of the original enemies-to-lovers couples and most people know that their love story is a tragedy. The love story of Rafe and Jule follows the same premise. Everyone is against them, their friends and family have been taught to hate the other for generations so of course there will be extreme reactions to finding out about their romance.
Rafe is the most hopeful character in the book. He speaks to Jule of his loneliness and desire to be a part of a family and not just an army. Jule is the more realistic of the two lovers, she is initially reluctant to admit her feelings for Rafe and struggles to embody his optimism. The opposites attract idea has always been a part of the Romeo and Juliet lore and Romeo is traditionally the character who declares his love first and it is no different in Burn the Water.
It's clear from the writing that the author is a screenwriter, as you really feel as though you as the reader are in on the action. You're witness to every event within the book, this omniscient perspective adds to the tension and you can feel the buildup towards the end of the book and it is truly devastating.
About the Book 📖
On the streets of London two factions have emerged, the Crowns to the south and the Rogues to the north. The river having broken its banks centuries ago has become their border and bloody battles have become the norm.
Jule is the crown's fiercest Captain, niece of the current General and expected to succeed him she is the jewel of the crown army. Her rogue counterpart is Rafe, a brilliant strategist, responsible for training and leading the rogues to many victories. When the son of the Rogue General is killed Rafe crosses into Crown territory to retrieve his body. He expects an ambush but what he doesn't expect is Jule to spare him.
The pair begin meeting in secret and discover that they have more in common than their respective Generals would have them believe. Taught for generations that the other side started their brutal rivalry they are surprised to learn that the other side longs for peace and a quieter, less bloody existence. When things take a dark turn and all-out war is imminent, the two must act fast to try and salvage what little humanity their two houses have left and save their blossoming love.
My Thoughts 💭
If like me you studied Romeo and Juliet in school then you probably have some idea of what this book is going to entail. Romeo and Juliet are one of the original enemies-to-lovers couples and most people know that their love story is a tragedy. The love story of Rafe and Jule follows the same premise. Everyone is against them, their friends and family have been taught to hate the other for generations so of course there will be extreme reactions to finding out about their romance.
Rafe is the most hopeful character in the book. He speaks to Jule of his loneliness and desire to be a part of a family and not just an army. Jule is the more realistic of the two lovers, she is initially reluctant to admit her feelings for Rafe and struggles to embody his optimism. The opposites attract idea has always been a part of the Romeo and Juliet lore and Romeo is traditionally the character who declares his love first and it is no different in Burn the Water.
It's clear from the writing that the author is a screenwriter, as you really feel as though you as the reader are in on the action. You're witness to every event within the book, this omniscient perspective adds to the tension and you can feel the buildup towards the end of the book and it is truly devastating.
May 19, 2026
Burn the Water by Billy Ray is a dystopian retelling of Romeo and Juliet set in the year 2425 after rising oceans have flooded much of England and left London underwater. Society is now divided between two rival Houses, the Crowns and the Rogues, who have been at war for centuries. The story follows Rafe, one of the Rogue army’s fiercest captains, and Jule, the Crown army’s deadliest soldier. Although they are sworn enemies, the two unexpectedly fall in love while their world continues collapsing around them. Their relationship creates tension within both Houses as war, violence, and outside threats continue escalating. Like Shakespeare’s original tragedy, the novel explores forbidden love, loyalty, revenge, sacrifice, and whether hatred passed down through generations can ever truly be broken.
I wanted to like this book more than I actually did because the premise honestly sounded incredible to me. A dystopian Romeo and Juliet with a flooded future London, rival factions, climate disaster, and war has so much potential. I also really appreciated how clearly the novel mirrored Shakespeare’s story in certain ways. Jule being expected to marry Paris was an obvious parallel that stood out immediately, and I enjoyed seeing how Billy Ray adapted familiar characters and conflicts into a futuristic setting. As an English teacher, I always appreciate when retellings still keep recognizable themes and relationships from the original text while making the story feel accessible to modern readers.
At the same time, I struggled to fully connect with the characters and pacing. The relationship between Rafe and Jule developed very quickly, and at times I felt like the emotional connection was being told to the reader more than naturally developed. I also think the novel tried to balance a lot of large ideas: climate change, war, politics, class conflict, violence, survival, and romance, without always exploring them deeply enough. There were sections that felt repetitive or slower than necessary, which made it harder for me to stay fully invested despite really liking the overall concept.
That being said, I do think there is still value in the novel, especially for readers who enjoy dystopian romance stories or modern retellings of classic literature. I also appreciated the larger themes involving cycles of violence, inherited hatred, and whether younger generations can choose a different path than the adults before them. I would probably recommend this book for older high school readers, likely grades 9–12, especially students who enjoy dystopian fiction mixed with romance and action.
I wanted to like this book more than I actually did because the premise honestly sounded incredible to me. A dystopian Romeo and Juliet with a flooded future London, rival factions, climate disaster, and war has so much potential. I also really appreciated how clearly the novel mirrored Shakespeare’s story in certain ways. Jule being expected to marry Paris was an obvious parallel that stood out immediately, and I enjoyed seeing how Billy Ray adapted familiar characters and conflicts into a futuristic setting. As an English teacher, I always appreciate when retellings still keep recognizable themes and relationships from the original text while making the story feel accessible to modern readers.
At the same time, I struggled to fully connect with the characters and pacing. The relationship between Rafe and Jule developed very quickly, and at times I felt like the emotional connection was being told to the reader more than naturally developed. I also think the novel tried to balance a lot of large ideas: climate change, war, politics, class conflict, violence, survival, and romance, without always exploring them deeply enough. There were sections that felt repetitive or slower than necessary, which made it harder for me to stay fully invested despite really liking the overall concept.
That being said, I do think there is still value in the novel, especially for readers who enjoy dystopian romance stories or modern retellings of classic literature. I also appreciated the larger themes involving cycles of violence, inherited hatred, and whether younger generations can choose a different path than the adults before them. I would probably recommend this book for older high school readers, likely grades 9–12, especially students who enjoy dystopian fiction mixed with romance and action.
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
May 17, 2026
Oh, I have so much to say about this book. I both liked it and found it deeply unsettling mostly because I hope humanity never becomes this broken for the sake of the future generations.
About a third of the way in, I was convinced it was a bad book. It seemed stripped of beauty: little description, few adjectives, almost no literary warmth. But as the story developed, I realized that this emptiness was intentional. The writing reflects a world that has lost its humanity, history, culture, and softness. An infertile, military-driven society should probably feel exactly this cold and hollow. Yet, small glimpses of humanity still survive within it. Here and there you get to notice different emotions, tenderness, fragments of beauty hidden underneath all the brutality.
It’s interesting, and honestly sad, how so many post-apocalyptic stories today focus on hatred, violence, and children or young people growing up inside endless cycles of conflict. Maybe that is what truly scares us about these futures. We are not afraid of the monsters, but the idea that hatred itself becomes inherited.
At its core, this is an action-driven apocalyptic Romeo and Juliet story, though somehow even sadder. There’s something especially tragic about all the lives, futures, and ordinary happiness that will never get the chance to exist.
Because of my background, I also found the final part unintentionally amusing at times. The “big, powerful, evil Russian” element as an added layer of fear felt almost surreal to read. I actually think the story would have been stronger without that additional storyline, mostly because it felt disconnected from the main narrative and appeared too late in the book. It almost seemed as if the author became overly influenced by current events while writing. It could have worked well if it had been integrated more naturally from the beginning, though. Or had been a separate book.
Despite my criticisms, the book stayed with me. That alone makes it worth reading.
About a third of the way in, I was convinced it was a bad book. It seemed stripped of beauty: little description, few adjectives, almost no literary warmth. But as the story developed, I realized that this emptiness was intentional. The writing reflects a world that has lost its humanity, history, culture, and softness. An infertile, military-driven society should probably feel exactly this cold and hollow. Yet, small glimpses of humanity still survive within it. Here and there you get to notice different emotions, tenderness, fragments of beauty hidden underneath all the brutality.
It’s interesting, and honestly sad, how so many post-apocalyptic stories today focus on hatred, violence, and children or young people growing up inside endless cycles of conflict. Maybe that is what truly scares us about these futures. We are not afraid of the monsters, but the idea that hatred itself becomes inherited.
At its core, this is an action-driven apocalyptic Romeo and Juliet story, though somehow even sadder. There’s something especially tragic about all the lives, futures, and ordinary happiness that will never get the chance to exist.
Because of my background, I also found the final part unintentionally amusing at times. The “big, powerful, evil Russian” element as an added layer of fear felt almost surreal to read. I actually think the story would have been stronger without that additional storyline, mostly because it felt disconnected from the main narrative and appeared too late in the book. It almost seemed as if the author became overly influenced by current events while writing. It could have worked well if it had been integrated more naturally from the beginning, though. Or had been a separate book.
Despite my criticisms, the book stayed with me. That alone makes it worth reading.
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.
April 27, 2026
It’s year 2425 polar ice caps have melted and London is pretty much underwater. 2 warring groups fight for control of resources with very limited technology when 2 captains discover each other just before a new group flies overhead! There are other living people? With machines? Dystopian Romeo and Juliet vibes.
Random thoughts:
2425 year in flooded London
No one can have metal - it’s all forged for (bullets) sluggers, mini balls for guns for rival gangs Rogues and Crowns in centuries long war.
2 rogue soldiers guarding a beech tree. Jule has no armband, she’s a Hab, unimportant, or is she? No, she’s a crown
It felt good not to hate, new and unfamiliar, but good, like a gift after they listened to records on an ancient victrola Beethoven and the Beatles
Rafe star captain for the rogues & Jule star captain for the crowns - someone said Romeo & Juliet type story
At peace treaty meeting Jameson , now blind, he had brought the beech bark remedy for the yellow sickness, said a pox on both your houses
She’s smarter, he’s braver
Here comes the sun
A Russian mig plane flies over with a boom. The future had come to this city, and flown headlong into the stone wall of the past..
Pretty graphic battle scenes
Confusing, but good ending!
Random thoughts:
2425 year in flooded London
No one can have metal - it’s all forged for (bullets) sluggers, mini balls for guns for rival gangs Rogues and Crowns in centuries long war.
2 rogue soldiers guarding a beech tree. Jule has no armband, she’s a Hab, unimportant, or is she? No, she’s a crown
It felt good not to hate, new and unfamiliar, but good, like a gift after they listened to records on an ancient victrola Beethoven and the Beatles
Rafe star captain for the rogues & Jule star captain for the crowns - someone said Romeo & Juliet type story
At peace treaty meeting Jameson , now blind, he had brought the beech bark remedy for the yellow sickness, said a pox on both your houses
She’s smarter, he’s braver
Here comes the sun
A Russian mig plane flies over with a boom. The future had come to this city, and flown headlong into the stone wall of the past..
Pretty graphic battle scenes
Confusing, but good ending!
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.
May 9, 2026
While I like a good Shakespeare adaptation just as much as anybody else, I felt like this one was slightly weird in the end. I liked the characters and the new take on Romeo and Juliet, but the invasion of the Russians and the ultimate heroism of Jule just didn’t feel like it was a coherent addition to the story. Like, I like having a strong female warrior character, but the encroachment of the outside, technological world just didn’t work for me. The wide time and space between New London and the 21st-century Russian ship and airplane didn’t really work. I felt like the rules of the world were broken. Especially since the outcome of attacking the Russians was essentially lopped off the end of the novel and the ultimate narrator being the daughter of the main characters, I felt like that was a letdown, and not the climax that the writer maybe thought it was. Ultimately, it was a decent read, but I was disappointed with the way it ended.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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.
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