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Like Light Through Water
In a dust-choked world where the sun has not been seen in generations, the people of Tabrass survive beneath the Shroud, kept alive by engineered weather, regulated crops, and the watchful control of the governing Taxalis. Each year, the Sun Shower ceremony identifies a rare few with genetic immunity to the deadly Cloud Coughs. Those chosen are called Epitopes. They are celebrated. They are claimed.
Iridienne Voht quietly hoped but never expected to be one of them.
Thrust overnight into a world of polished corridors and hidden power, her blood becomes data and her body a resource for humanity’s future. As unexplained attacks and whispers of sabotage fracture the illusion of control, Iridienne begins to see the system for what it truly is: not salvation, but selection.
Caught between loyalty to the people she loves and the unsettling truth behind humanity’s planned escape to a new world, she must decide whether being chosen means being saved…or being sacrificed.
Like Light Through Water is the first novel of The Sun Shower Series, a haunting dystopian story about survival, sacrifice, and the cost of hope.
Iridienne Voht quietly hoped but never expected to be one of them.
Thrust overnight into a world of polished corridors and hidden power, her blood becomes data and her body a resource for humanity’s future. As unexplained attacks and whispers of sabotage fracture the illusion of control, Iridienne begins to see the system for what it truly is: not salvation, but selection.
Caught between loyalty to the people she loves and the unsettling truth behind humanity’s planned escape to a new world, she must decide whether being chosen means being saved…or being sacrificed.
Like Light Through Water is the first novel of The Sun Shower Series, a haunting dystopian story about survival, sacrifice, and the cost of hope.
- GenresDystopiaScience Fiction
222 pages, Paperback
Published April 1, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
May 3, 2026
ARC Review - Thank you to the wonderful author and Rattle the Stars PR <3
*Me internally screaming* WHAT QUOTE DO I PICK, THERE WERE SO MANY GOOD ONES. I think this one sums it up perfectly though:
"But if someone can navigate the coming storms and not lose sight of what's at stake, it's you." -Like Light Through Water
But really, there were so many amazing quotes from this book, that I think I highlighted half of the book.
Tropes:
Dystopian World
Found Family
Sci-Fi
Tyranny
I honestly want to cry because the book is over. I loved it that much. In a world where generations of humanity has never seen the sun, they rely off of engineered weather. Because of this, only a select amount of the population has an immunity to the cloud cough - which kills anyone who starts having it. The story starts off with our girl, Iridienne (Rids for short), finding out that she's one of these people with immunity. This starts the plot of the story, and we quickly learn that not everything is what it seems to be.
Coming off of other dystopian novels, most of us are set up to be distrustful of most governments, we soon eventually find out if we are wrong or right to do so.
Whitford's writing style is gorgeous. Like I stated above, there were so many things that I highlighted just simply because I loved the meaning behind it (I'm not kidding, there's a lot). I appreciated beyond belief that Rids was already in an established relationship and that there was no smut. This made the book really about the dystopian aspect and not all about the romance. Often, we forget that our lives don't begin and end at a relationship, but that we continue to live throughout it. It also appreciated that this was not an attempt at a sci Fi romantasy flick - it stayed true to what it was supposed to be. That being said, there is still romance, but it's sub plot, not the main plot.
The premise of the plot was super fun. Dystopian world where they have to engineer the weather so that they can survive. Then enter some type of anarchy to it? Absolutely perfect. I genuinely loved this. While I never really cared too much to learn about the weather outside of middle school science, I actually found myself wanting to learn more about it!
I genuinely loved all of the characters -except a very few obvious ones. I loved that while Rids made some new friends along the way, she very much stayed with her friends from before the book begins. I loved just diving right in and not having to go through the painstaking process of establishing even more friendships. I got to see her friends through her eyes, and I loved that. It was nice to read a book that didn't feel like everything was new. That things were already the way they needed to be, and it was perfect.
I'm leaving y'all with a second quote because I loved it so much:
It became clear that the most precious resource wasn't something we could engineer. It was something inherent in the people themselves. - Like Light Through Water
*Me internally screaming* WHAT QUOTE DO I PICK, THERE WERE SO MANY GOOD ONES. I think this one sums it up perfectly though:
"But if someone can navigate the coming storms and not lose sight of what's at stake, it's you." -Like Light Through Water
But really, there were so many amazing quotes from this book, that I think I highlighted half of the book.
Tropes:
Dystopian World
Found Family
Sci-Fi
Tyranny
I honestly want to cry because the book is over. I loved it that much. In a world where generations of humanity has never seen the sun, they rely off of engineered weather. Because of this, only a select amount of the population has an immunity to the cloud cough - which kills anyone who starts having it. The story starts off with our girl, Iridienne (Rids for short), finding out that she's one of these people with immunity. This starts the plot of the story, and we quickly learn that not everything is what it seems to be.
Coming off of other dystopian novels, most of us are set up to be distrustful of most governments, we soon eventually find out if we are wrong or right to do so.
Whitford's writing style is gorgeous. Like I stated above, there were so many things that I highlighted just simply because I loved the meaning behind it (I'm not kidding, there's a lot). I appreciated beyond belief that Rids was already in an established relationship and that there was no smut. This made the book really about the dystopian aspect and not all about the romance. Often, we forget that our lives don't begin and end at a relationship, but that we continue to live throughout it. It also appreciated that this was not an attempt at a sci Fi romantasy flick - it stayed true to what it was supposed to be. That being said, there is still romance, but it's sub plot, not the main plot.
The premise of the plot was super fun. Dystopian world where they have to engineer the weather so that they can survive. Then enter some type of anarchy to it? Absolutely perfect. I genuinely loved this. While I never really cared too much to learn about the weather outside of middle school science, I actually found myself wanting to learn more about it!
I genuinely loved all of the characters -except a very few obvious ones. I loved that while Rids made some new friends along the way, she very much stayed with her friends from before the book begins. I loved just diving right in and not having to go through the painstaking process of establishing even more friendships. I got to see her friends through her eyes, and I loved that. It was nice to read a book that didn't feel like everything was new. That things were already the way they needed to be, and it was perfect.
I'm leaving y'all with a second quote because I loved it so much:
It became clear that the most precious resource wasn't something we could engineer. It was something inherent in the people themselves. - Like Light Through Water
May 27, 2026
I have always loved dystopian themed books, and there was a lot going on in this one. I really liked the ending. It was just enough to be satisfying, but didn't quite leave you with all the answers. I really like when the book hits a little too close to home. There is a very real possibility that something could happen like this in the future. Overall, this was written really well. I liked the friendly nature of the characters and how well they worked together when stuff started to go down. There is some tragedy sprinkled in too, so read with caution. It's easy to follow and still haunting.
I received an ARC of this book through Rattle the Stars PR and am leaving my review voluntarily.
I received an ARC of this book through Rattle the Stars PR and am leaving my review voluntarily.
April 24, 2026
**Thank you Rattle the Stars PR for the opportunity to read this in advance of release. This is my personal opinion on this book. **
This book releases on April 30th & you really need to add this to your TBR. This book is unlike any other dystopian I’ve read and it’s only book 1 in the Sun Shower Series.
This is a haunting dystopian where your FMC Iridienne lives in a climate controlled environment where those that live here haven’t seen the sun/sky in ages. Everything changes for our FMC when she’s blood/DNA is chosen to join the society of the Taxalis.. sort of the elite group controlling such environment and way of life.
This book captures your attention quickly as it has a bit of a mystery element as Iridienne and the elite work to find the cause behind several climate attacks.
This book has it all tyranny, controlled govt, politics, hidden agendas, found family and a sprinkle of romance. The sprinkle of romance is done so well that I literally cried more than once in this book & that’s not common for me. Do yourself a favor bookmark the release date.. you do not want to miss this one.
This book releases on April 30th & you really need to add this to your TBR. This book is unlike any other dystopian I’ve read and it’s only book 1 in the Sun Shower Series.
This is a haunting dystopian where your FMC Iridienne lives in a climate controlled environment where those that live here haven’t seen the sun/sky in ages. Everything changes for our FMC when she’s blood/DNA is chosen to join the society of the Taxalis.. sort of the elite group controlling such environment and way of life.
This book captures your attention quickly as it has a bit of a mystery element as Iridienne and the elite work to find the cause behind several climate attacks.
This book has it all tyranny, controlled govt, politics, hidden agendas, found family and a sprinkle of romance. The sprinkle of romance is done so well that I literally cried more than once in this book & that’s not common for me. Do yourself a favor bookmark the release date.. you do not want to miss this one.
May 14, 2026
Thank you to RattletheStarsPR and the author for the eARC!
If you’ve been craving a dystopian that feels both eerily timely and deeply human, Like Light Through Water absolutely delivers. Erin Whitford created a world that feels suffocating in the best way: engineered weather, government control, climate collapse, and the quiet horror of realizing survival has a price. But what really made this stand out for me was the emotional core running beneath all the sci-fi elements.
The found family dynamics and the tenderness between the characters gave this story so much heart, especially against such a bleak backdrop. I also appreciated that the romance stayed a subplot instead of overtaking the dystopian tension. The closed door made this emotional impact of the suppressive government and the world that much more impactful for me. The focus remained on sacrifice, loyalty, and the ethical questions at the center of the story, which made the emotional moments hit even harder.
Whitford’s writing has this thoughtful, almost lyrical quality to it that made me highlight line after line. The atmosphere felt immersive from start to finish, and the tension kept building in a way that made it impossible not to keep turning pages. And that ending? Absolutely brutal in the best way.
"I've always thought the blue in your eyes was the last bit of sky left. Now everyone will have a chance to see what I've seen all along. Like light through water, Rids." - The way I was sobbing!
That cliffhanger left me staring at the wall needing the next book immediately. If you love atmospheric dystopians with climate anxiety, political control, morally gray systems, and characters you genuinely root for, this is absolutely worth picking up.
Where do we go from here Erin??
If you’ve been craving a dystopian that feels both eerily timely and deeply human, Like Light Through Water absolutely delivers. Erin Whitford created a world that feels suffocating in the best way: engineered weather, government control, climate collapse, and the quiet horror of realizing survival has a price. But what really made this stand out for me was the emotional core running beneath all the sci-fi elements.
The found family dynamics and the tenderness between the characters gave this story so much heart, especially against such a bleak backdrop. I also appreciated that the romance stayed a subplot instead of overtaking the dystopian tension. The closed door made this emotional impact of the suppressive government and the world that much more impactful for me. The focus remained on sacrifice, loyalty, and the ethical questions at the center of the story, which made the emotional moments hit even harder.
Whitford’s writing has this thoughtful, almost lyrical quality to it that made me highlight line after line. The atmosphere felt immersive from start to finish, and the tension kept building in a way that made it impossible not to keep turning pages. And that ending? Absolutely brutal in the best way.
"I've always thought the blue in your eyes was the last bit of sky left. Now everyone will have a chance to see what I've seen all along. Like light through water, Rids." - The way I was sobbing!
That cliffhanger left me staring at the wall needing the next book immediately. If you love atmospheric dystopians with climate anxiety, political control, morally gray systems, and characters you genuinely root for, this is absolutely worth picking up.
Where do we go from here Erin??
May 14, 2026
Thank you to the author and Rattle the Stars PR for an advanced reader copy. This is my honest review
This is an incredible story that completely took me by surprise, and I’m so grateful I was chosen as an early reader.
The story unfolds in a world where survival depends on weather manipulation and immunity to a deadly disease. We begin our journey with Irenne, one of the immune, whose life changes when she is suddenly drawn into a higher political sphere. From there, the story unravels secrets surrounding the current government and the long-term implications of its actions.
While there are romantic undertones through the story, the romance remains secondary to the larger narrative, which allows the political intrigue, worldbuilding, and character development to take center stage.
One of my favorite aspects of this book is the author’s writing style. It’s immersive, elegant, and deeply captivating. The prose pulled me into the world effortlessly and made me emotionally invested in every character.
The plot itself feels focused and intentional. It’s clear, impactful, and emotionally resonant without trying to overcomplicate itself.
Overall, a beautifully crafted and emotionally engaging read with fascinating worldbuilding, strong political intrigue, and exceptional writing.
This is an incredible story that completely took me by surprise, and I’m so grateful I was chosen as an early reader.
The story unfolds in a world where survival depends on weather manipulation and immunity to a deadly disease. We begin our journey with Irenne, one of the immune, whose life changes when she is suddenly drawn into a higher political sphere. From there, the story unravels secrets surrounding the current government and the long-term implications of its actions.
While there are romantic undertones through the story, the romance remains secondary to the larger narrative, which allows the political intrigue, worldbuilding, and character development to take center stage.
One of my favorite aspects of this book is the author’s writing style. It’s immersive, elegant, and deeply captivating. The prose pulled me into the world effortlessly and made me emotionally invested in every character.
The plot itself feels focused and intentional. It’s clear, impactful, and emotionally resonant without trying to overcomplicate itself.
Overall, a beautifully crafted and emotionally engaging read with fascinating worldbuilding, strong political intrigue, and exceptional writing.
May 3, 2026
LOVE this unique dystopian! You get all the feels of our favorite early 2000’s dystopians but with a twist. The government cloud seeding has changed the environment and may even be their way of controlling the people. You get corrupt leadership filled with secrets. You get chosen ones selected by blood testing. You get found family. A protective romance that brings all the feels. If you love a strong golden retriever MMC, this is your read 😍 If you love people rising against the corruption, this is your read.
❤️ Sweet Romance
❤️ Protective MMC
❤️ Weaponized Cloud Seeding
❤️ Dystopian with Adult Characters
❤️ No Spice Romance
❤️ Found Family that gives Squad Goals
❤️ Easter Eggs for all the Theories along the way
❤️ Will pull your heart strings
🫑🫑🫑 Light Fade to Black
No Language
❤️ Sweet Romance
❤️ Protective MMC
❤️ Weaponized Cloud Seeding
❤️ Dystopian with Adult Characters
❤️ No Spice Romance
❤️ Found Family that gives Squad Goals
❤️ Easter Eggs for all the Theories along the way
❤️ Will pull your heart strings
🫑🫑🫑 Light Fade to Black
No Language
May 10, 2026
This is an emotional rollercoaster that feels like a unique voice in the dystopian genre. Explored the dangers of government control and what happens when humanity is told who is being "saved" vs. "sacrificed".
If you love high stakes sci-fi with emotional depth and a strong FMC, you need this on your shelf. I am officially reeling and I need book two!
Thank you to Rattle The Stars PR and the author for the eARC!
If you love high stakes sci-fi with emotional depth and a strong FMC, you need this on your shelf. I am officially reeling and I need book two!
Thank you to Rattle The Stars PR and the author for the eARC!
April 24, 2026
Iridienne Voht lives in a world covered by the Shroud where sunlight hasn’t been seen in generations. Cloud Coughs are a danger to everyone as those who get sick die. The government takes blood samples once a year to determine those who have a genetic immunity to the Coughs & put them into the heart of those looking for a solution. As time goes on, Iridienne discovers not all is as it seems. The world she knew is all a lie.
As a lover of dystopian I was so excited to get into this read. In a very saturated market, I thought the premise was very unique & was very intrigued by the world. You can see the inspiration that was in certain scenes but overall it felt like a fresh new world.
The writing style is also very beautiful. It felt very lyrical while also being easy to follow along at the same time.
I loved the found family & romance subplots, however it was hard for me to connect with them. When the book starts all of these relationships are already established. We don’t get to grow with the trust of these characters or see these relationships get tested in any way. And without that connection I had a hard time getting invested in the characters as a whole.
As this is the first book in a series it wraps up the plot for this book but also leaves us on a little cliffhanger ending. Very curious to see what happens next.
I recommend this book for anyone who loves dystopian series starters with no spice, strong relationship bonds & an fmc who will stop at nothing to learn the truth.
Thank you to the author & Rattle the Stars PR for the arc!!
As a lover of dystopian I was so excited to get into this read. In a very saturated market, I thought the premise was very unique & was very intrigued by the world. You can see the inspiration that was in certain scenes but overall it felt like a fresh new world.
The writing style is also very beautiful. It felt very lyrical while also being easy to follow along at the same time.
I loved the found family & romance subplots, however it was hard for me to connect with them. When the book starts all of these relationships are already established. We don’t get to grow with the trust of these characters or see these relationships get tested in any way. And without that connection I had a hard time getting invested in the characters as a whole.
As this is the first book in a series it wraps up the plot for this book but also leaves us on a little cliffhanger ending. Very curious to see what happens next.
I recommend this book for anyone who loves dystopian series starters with no spice, strong relationship bonds & an fmc who will stop at nothing to learn the truth.
Thank you to the author & Rattle the Stars PR for the arc!!
May 22, 2026
Like Light Through Water by Erin Whitford
Rating: 4/5
Wow, this book was fantastic! It started a bit slowly, so I wasn’t sure where the story was headed, but once it picked up, oh man, was it good! The concept of the book was incredibly unique. It followed Iridienne and her friends in the city of Tabrass, where due to a generational climate crisis, they no longer saw the sun, and their weather was engineered by the government.
In this book, there was a sickness that claimed the life of anyone who fell ill with it. There were also people with a certain genetic makeup that made them immune to this sickness. When Iridienne discovered that the life she had always known and the government she had trusted were lies, she had to piece everything together to help save her people.
Spoilers below!
I love romance, but with this being a sci-fi/ dystopian book I appreciated it being a small subplot as it made room for the story to grow in other ways. There was a lot of found family dynamics, and the book also touched on themes of grief and loss in an emotional and impactful way. The author’s descriptions and metaphors were honestly very beautiful. I loved so many quotes that my Kindle is literally riddled in highlights.
The politics in the book were very relatable to today’s politics and government, which made it very relatable. With that, the book really focused on friendships, both old and new, and loyalty between not only friends but also between people who were fighting for the same cause.
Now, I need to talk about the last bit. The quote that turned my eyes into a leaky faucet: “I’ve always thought the blue in your eyes was the last bit of sky left. Now everyone will have a chance to see what I’ve seen all along. Like light through water, Rids.” Yeah, I couldn’t handle that one, especially since I had already been on the edge of my seat for a hot minute!
The cliffhanger has me tossing and turning at night, so thanks for that! If you’re seeking a page-turning dystopian novel, this is the one for you! It’s available now! Also Be sure to follow @erinwhitford_writes and @rattlethestarspr for updates on upcoming releases and important announcements!
Tropes: Found family | Climate collapse | Tyranny | Controlling government | Romance subplot | Betrayal | Rituals | Closed door
Rating: 4/5
Wow, this book was fantastic! It started a bit slowly, so I wasn’t sure where the story was headed, but once it picked up, oh man, was it good! The concept of the book was incredibly unique. It followed Iridienne and her friends in the city of Tabrass, where due to a generational climate crisis, they no longer saw the sun, and their weather was engineered by the government.
In this book, there was a sickness that claimed the life of anyone who fell ill with it. There were also people with a certain genetic makeup that made them immune to this sickness. When Iridienne discovered that the life she had always known and the government she had trusted were lies, she had to piece everything together to help save her people.
Spoilers below!
I love romance, but with this being a sci-fi/ dystopian book I appreciated it being a small subplot as it made room for the story to grow in other ways. There was a lot of found family dynamics, and the book also touched on themes of grief and loss in an emotional and impactful way. The author’s descriptions and metaphors were honestly very beautiful. I loved so many quotes that my Kindle is literally riddled in highlights.
The politics in the book were very relatable to today’s politics and government, which made it very relatable. With that, the book really focused on friendships, both old and new, and loyalty between not only friends but also between people who were fighting for the same cause.
Now, I need to talk about the last bit. The quote that turned my eyes into a leaky faucet: “I’ve always thought the blue in your eyes was the last bit of sky left. Now everyone will have a chance to see what I’ve seen all along. Like light through water, Rids.” Yeah, I couldn’t handle that one, especially since I had already been on the edge of my seat for a hot minute!
The cliffhanger has me tossing and turning at night, so thanks for that! If you’re seeking a page-turning dystopian novel, this is the one for you! It’s available now! Also Be sure to follow @erinwhitford_writes and @rattlethestarspr for updates on upcoming releases and important announcements!
Tropes: Found family | Climate collapse | Tyranny | Controlling government | Romance subplot | Betrayal | Rituals | Closed door
May 26, 2026
Okay this one snuck up on me… It’s been a long while since I’ve read a Dystopian or Science Fiction book, and I wasn’t sure of I would enjoy Like Light Through Water when I applied to be an ARC reader. However, I have to say, I really enjoyed it.
I thought the general premise was really good and the execution by Erin Whitford was really well done. I enjoyed it that much that I ate it up in just a few hours! I’m really looking forward to the next book and seeing if some of my suspicions are confirmed. Most importantly, the identity of the figure that appears at the end of this book.
The relationships that evolve on the pages are so good, and the way Rids has a way with (almost) everyone she comes across is amazing. I think we would be besties if she truly existed because she is utterly tenacious! She’s been through so much and still wants to do the right thing, and she manages to build a small army of people around her that love and support her. She’s amazing!
I always judge a book on whether it affects me emotionally and this one certainly made me cry! Maybe I’m just soft? I dunno, tell me what you think in the comments!
I thought the general premise was really good and the execution by Erin Whitford was really well done. I enjoyed it that much that I ate it up in just a few hours! I’m really looking forward to the next book and seeing if some of my suspicions are confirmed. Most importantly, the identity of the figure that appears at the end of this book.
The relationships that evolve on the pages are so good, and the way Rids has a way with (almost) everyone she comes across is amazing. I think we would be besties if she truly existed because she is utterly tenacious! She’s been through so much and still wants to do the right thing, and she manages to build a small army of people around her that love and support her. She’s amazing!
I always judge a book on whether it affects me emotionally and this one certainly made me cry! Maybe I’m just soft? I dunno, tell me what you think in the comments!
May 24, 2026
First of all, thank you to Erin Whitford and Rattle the stars PR for this ARC.
" No one in Tabrass has seen a natural Sunbeam in a generation".
In Like Light Through Water Whitford takes you on a dystopian journey filled climate disaster, love, genetic selection, betrayal, and found family. We follow Iridienne as she is one of few to be selected during the yearly sun shower thanks to her blood, to be part of the Epitopes. As an Epitope she will work closely with the governing body to help find a cure for the coughs, a sickness that has been ravishing the surrounding area and assist in preparations for a new societal future. But it's not soon before she discovers that not all is what it seems and deception runs deep. Hope is precious, but it will come at a cost, especially for those who are heading the uprising to ensure all have a chance at survival.
This first book in the Sun Shower series is a medium paced adventure that will have you falling in love with the dystopian genre all over again.
" No one in Tabrass has seen a natural Sunbeam in a generation".
In Like Light Through Water Whitford takes you on a dystopian journey filled climate disaster, love, genetic selection, betrayal, and found family. We follow Iridienne as she is one of few to be selected during the yearly sun shower thanks to her blood, to be part of the Epitopes. As an Epitope she will work closely with the governing body to help find a cure for the coughs, a sickness that has been ravishing the surrounding area and assist in preparations for a new societal future. But it's not soon before she discovers that not all is what it seems and deception runs deep. Hope is precious, but it will come at a cost, especially for those who are heading the uprising to ensure all have a chance at survival.
This first book in the Sun Shower series is a medium paced adventure that will have you falling in love with the dystopian genre all over again.
May 1, 2026
Thank you to author Erin Whitford and Rattle the Stars PR for providing an advanced reader copy of Like Light Through Water in exchange for an honest review.
Like Light Through Water is the first installment of the Sun Shower Series, and it’s one of those dystopians that lingers in your mind long after you put it down.
Set in a world buried under endless dust, where the sun hasn’t been seen for generations, survival depends on engineered weather systems and carefully controlled crops. The government of Tabrass holds an annual Letting, where citizens mix their blood with seedlings, both to sustain life and to identify those immune to the deadly Cloud Cough.
When Iridienne is declared Immune, she’s taken to Taxalis, the center of power, where leaders are supposedly holding things together until humanity can escape to a new planet. But as she digs deeper, strange weather attacks and hidden truths begin to surface, revealing a system built on corruption, control, and sacrifice.
What really stood out to me was the premise.. it feels uncomfortably plausible. A world undone by environmental neglect and sustained by fragile, artificial fixes hits close to home. The tension builds steadily as Iridienne uncovers more, and the sense of unease never really lets up.
If you like dystopian stories with environmental themes, political intrigue, and a slow unraveling of truth, this is definitely worth picking up. Looking forward to seeing where the series goes next.
Like Light Through Water is the first installment of the Sun Shower Series, and it’s one of those dystopians that lingers in your mind long after you put it down.
Set in a world buried under endless dust, where the sun hasn’t been seen for generations, survival depends on engineered weather systems and carefully controlled crops. The government of Tabrass holds an annual Letting, where citizens mix their blood with seedlings, both to sustain life and to identify those immune to the deadly Cloud Cough.
When Iridienne is declared Immune, she’s taken to Taxalis, the center of power, where leaders are supposedly holding things together until humanity can escape to a new planet. But as she digs deeper, strange weather attacks and hidden truths begin to surface, revealing a system built on corruption, control, and sacrifice.
What really stood out to me was the premise.. it feels uncomfortably plausible. A world undone by environmental neglect and sustained by fragile, artificial fixes hits close to home. The tension builds steadily as Iridienne uncovers more, and the sense of unease never really lets up.
If you like dystopian stories with environmental themes, political intrigue, and a slow unraveling of truth, this is definitely worth picking up. Looking forward to seeing where the series goes next.
April 17, 2026
Like Light Through Water by Erin Whitford was everything my dystopian-loving heart needed. The build up of this climate collapsed world that has everything including weather cycles monitored/scheduled and the FMC, Iridienne finds herself in the midst of it all when an attack takes place. What she thought she knew changes and who she thought she could trust does as well. You find yourself in her shoes unraveling tyranny and betrayal (I was all in my feels). If I wasn’t so busy in life while reading this I would have read it in one sitting, that’s just how much I enjoyed the read. Also the ending?! I need book two already SO BAD lol. I am REELING!!!! 10/10 would recommend.
Thank you to Erin and Rattle The Stars PR for providing me an eARC to read. All thoughts and opinions are honest and my own
Thank you to Erin and Rattle The Stars PR for providing me an eARC to read. All thoughts and opinions are honest and my own
May 20, 2026
"𝙸'𝚖 𝚓𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚜𝚊𝚢𝚒𝚗𝚐, 𝚁𝚒𝚍𝚜, 𝚋𝚎𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚗𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚎𝚛 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚒𝚗𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚖𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝚍𝚘𝚎𝚜𝚗'𝚝 𝚖𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚜𝚊𝚏𝚎𝚛; 𝚒𝚝'𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚘𝚙𝚙𝚘𝚜𝚒𝚝𝚎. 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚖𝚘𝚛𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠, 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚖𝚘𝚛𝚎 𝚛𝚎𝚜𝚙𝚘𝚗𝚜𝚒𝚋𝚒𝚕𝚒𝚝𝚢 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚌𝚊𝚛𝚛𝚢."
𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 was such a unique adventure! I've never read anything like it before. And that simplistic cover design is truly captivating, setting the mood of this story perfectly.
Climate collapse was the main theme in this dystopian sci-fi novel that felt way too real at times. Like it could happen in real life if we're not mindful enough of our planet, it was terrifying to imagine but also eye-opening. It was so interesting to learn more about the government and how they even control the weather.
Ohh, and the romance subplot was the absolute sweetest, Iridienne and Cyrus were perfect together and they made the story even more special.
I highly recommend reading this powerful book to everyone!
𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 was such a unique adventure! I've never read anything like it before. And that simplistic cover design is truly captivating, setting the mood of this story perfectly.
Climate collapse was the main theme in this dystopian sci-fi novel that felt way too real at times. Like it could happen in real life if we're not mindful enough of our planet, it was terrifying to imagine but also eye-opening. It was so interesting to learn more about the government and how they even control the weather.
Ohh, and the romance subplot was the absolute sweetest, Iridienne and Cyrus were perfect together and they made the story even more special.
I highly recommend reading this powerful book to everyone!
May 22, 2026
Thank you to Rattle the Stars PR for this eARC!
As soon as I heard dystopian, I said 🪂🪂🪂
The premise is really intriguing (and a lil scary bc while it doesn't necessarily hit close to home, it could be a future if that makes sense?..)
"Like light," "through water".... Set in a world hidden beneath the Shroud, survival depends on engineered weather and the testing of immune blood. I really enjoyed uncovering the mysteries alongside Iridienne, and I loved meeting new characters and trying to piece together their involvement in... certain questionable activities.
I loved the writing style, at times it felt poetic which I really enjoyed. I will say the ending felt a bit abrupt, but it left me curious to see where the series goes next!
As soon as I heard dystopian, I said 🪂🪂🪂
The premise is really intriguing (and a lil scary bc while it doesn't necessarily hit close to home, it could be a future if that makes sense?..)
"Like light," "through water".... Set in a world hidden beneath the Shroud, survival depends on engineered weather and the testing of immune blood. I really enjoyed uncovering the mysteries alongside Iridienne, and I loved meeting new characters and trying to piece together their involvement in... certain questionable activities.
I loved the writing style, at times it felt poetic which I really enjoyed. I will say the ending felt a bit abrupt, but it left me curious to see where the series goes next!
April 16, 2026
ARC review
It’s been a while since I’ve read a dystopian novel, and I forgot how much I love them. This book immediately pulled me in from the start. I really connected with the characters and the found-family dynamic they built. I genuinely was invested in their relationships and felt like I was walking with them in their journey.
Coming from dystopian reads like The Hunger Games and Divergent, I’ve learned to be skeptical of anyone in power, especially government figures controlling the narrative. So going into this, I already had my guard up. Even though the “bad guy” feels somewhat obvious, the story still keeps you hooked and leaves you wanting more. You truly feel like you’re right there with them, experiencing everything alongside them.
“Others, though, said that the first real sign of change wasn’t a new law or an impending launch, ….. carrying something none of them had dared to name: hope.”
It’s been a while since I’ve read a dystopian novel, and I forgot how much I love them. This book immediately pulled me in from the start. I really connected with the characters and the found-family dynamic they built. I genuinely was invested in their relationships and felt like I was walking with them in their journey.
Coming from dystopian reads like The Hunger Games and Divergent, I’ve learned to be skeptical of anyone in power, especially government figures controlling the narrative. So going into this, I already had my guard up. Even though the “bad guy” feels somewhat obvious, the story still keeps you hooked and leaves you wanting more. You truly feel like you’re right there with them, experiencing everything alongside them.
“Others, though, said that the first real sign of change wasn’t a new law or an impending launch, ….. carrying something none of them had dared to name: hope.”
May 26, 2026
absolutely stellar start to ‘the suns shower’ series. the end of this book absolutely gutted me but also left me with so many questions. i’m gonna need the sequel basically immediately because WHO WAS THAT?!
🌾 found family
🌾 climate collapse
🌾 tyranny
🌾 controlling government
🌾 romance subplot
🌾 betrayals
🌾 rituals
🌾 closed door spice
another quick, unputdownable read where the twists will keep you guessing until the very last page. thank you to the author and rattle the stars PR for the chance to ARC read!!
🌾 found family
🌾 climate collapse
🌾 tyranny
🌾 controlling government
🌾 romance subplot
🌾 betrayals
🌾 rituals
🌾 closed door spice
another quick, unputdownable read where the twists will keep you guessing until the very last page. thank you to the author and rattle the stars PR for the chance to ARC read!!
May 22, 2026
I had the privilege of reading this ARC and let me tell you… dystopian bangers are here for 2026 and not taking any prisoners. This was a fantastic read and an amazing good time. Definitely recommend to all my girlies enjoying this subgenre
April 19, 2026
I received this book from Rattle the stars PR and the author for an honest review ☺️
I also really wish that Goodreads allows for half a star because this book is more of a 3.5/3.75 on the star scale.
First of all, I just want to say how stunning Erin's writing is and how everything on the page was lyrical and flowing and how nothing felt stilted and dry with used metaphors or wordings that you find in other books.
I did like Iridienne as the main character, she grew on the page and she had a strong friendship ethic and never strayed from her loyalty. Soleil and Rhomy were the girl's friendship that you need in a Dystopian world and they worked so well with Iridienne.
The book itself featured a very up to date crisis with the climate change and the government trying to downplay the effects and making decisions that aren't always for the best of the people!
I found that the friendship and found family was very strong in the book too and they all had a tight bond.
And this is my niggle almost, while I loved the found family element, I think because we went straight into the book with these characters already established, I missed the whole getting to know each other and seeing that bond that I love to read about.
And then there's Iridienne and Cyrus. While I love romance in a book, I found again, that because they were already established when we started the book, I missed them yearning for each other and the whole build up of them getting together. It might just be a me thing, but I couldn't quite root for them as I hadn't seen them before. (Maybe a little novella of them before would be good!)
I also felt that it resolved a little quickly at the end, however, it is left open for another book (because hello, thank you for the cliffhanger ending!) so I'm wondering what other trials the characters are going to face and who the next big bad will be.
Thank you for giving me a chance to read and review!
I also really wish that Goodreads allows for half a star because this book is more of a 3.5/3.75 on the star scale.
First of all, I just want to say how stunning Erin's writing is and how everything on the page was lyrical and flowing and how nothing felt stilted and dry with used metaphors or wordings that you find in other books.
I did like Iridienne as the main character, she grew on the page and she had a strong friendship ethic and never strayed from her loyalty. Soleil and Rhomy were the girl's friendship that you need in a Dystopian world and they worked so well with Iridienne.
The book itself featured a very up to date crisis with the climate change and the government trying to downplay the effects and making decisions that aren't always for the best of the people!
I found that the friendship and found family was very strong in the book too and they all had a tight bond.
And this is my niggle almost, while I loved the found family element, I think because we went straight into the book with these characters already established, I missed the whole getting to know each other and seeing that bond that I love to read about.
And then there's Iridienne and Cyrus. While I love romance in a book, I found again, that because they were already established when we started the book, I missed them yearning for each other and the whole build up of them getting together. It might just be a me thing, but I couldn't quite root for them as I hadn't seen them before. (Maybe a little novella of them before would be good!)
I also felt that it resolved a little quickly at the end, however, it is left open for another book (because hello, thank you for the cliffhanger ending!) so I'm wondering what other trials the characters are going to face and who the next big bad will be.
Thank you for giving me a chance to read and review!
May 6, 2026
Rating: 3
E-book
ARC Read
I absolutely love dystopian books. 1984, Fahrenheit 451, The Giver, and even more modern day dystopian books such as The Hunger Games, Divergent, and Red Rising all occupy space on my bookshelves. So when given the opportunity to read Like Light Through Water, I didn’t hesitate.
Iridienne Voht’s world is turned completely upside down in the span of minutes. For the next few months, she’s thrown into a new career (which she thrives in despite having no known background in anything but crop field work) and navigates new challenges and unsettling secrets. Every story has three sides to it; yours, mine, and the truth and we see them all within this novel.
Overall, for ME as a reader, this was a good book. Our FMC is unlike many others and has no issues showing her sensitive side. The villain(s) were a bit predictable and I was begging to be wrong about my guess. All of the characters in the novel love tea (for some reason?) and our author does have some crutch words that came up often enough to notice.
Based on personal preference, I was hoping we got MORE. More background on our characters especially our main two, more twists, more fear! It just didn’t deliver that for me personally. Despite that, this was a solid (iykyk😉) dystopian book, especially for a debut novel!
E-book
ARC Read
I absolutely love dystopian books. 1984, Fahrenheit 451, The Giver, and even more modern day dystopian books such as The Hunger Games, Divergent, and Red Rising all occupy space on my bookshelves. So when given the opportunity to read Like Light Through Water, I didn’t hesitate.
Iridienne Voht’s world is turned completely upside down in the span of minutes. For the next few months, she’s thrown into a new career (which she thrives in despite having no known background in anything but crop field work) and navigates new challenges and unsettling secrets. Every story has three sides to it; yours, mine, and the truth and we see them all within this novel.
Overall, for ME as a reader, this was a good book. Our FMC is unlike many others and has no issues showing her sensitive side. The villain(s) were a bit predictable and I was begging to be wrong about my guess. All of the characters in the novel love tea (for some reason?) and our author does have some crutch words that came up often enough to notice.
Based on personal preference, I was hoping we got MORE. More background on our characters especially our main two, more twists, more fear! It just didn’t deliver that for me personally. Despite that, this was a solid (iykyk😉) dystopian book, especially for a debut novel!
April 19, 2026
3.5 stars
Like Light Through Water is a dystopian book making a statement about controlling weather, climate change and the dangers of governmental control. The writing style is great and easy to read.
Iridienne as an FMC is a bit naive but manages to muddle through. She gets stronger throughout the book. Her relationship with Cyrus is sweet though, but I woukd have liked more of their relationship. It is already established when the book starts so there is no yearning or build up.
It was also quite obvious who the villains were, Iridienne probably should have put it together sooner which is why I feel she is a bit naive.
I felt at times the pacing was too fast to enable character depth, meaning some of the characters felt a bit flat but some of the standout characters were Rhomey and Soleil. They are side characters but they are loyal, supportive and great friends.
Thank you Erin Whitford and Rattle the Stars PR for the opportunity to read this book, I enjoyed getting back into the dystopian genre.
Like Light Through Water is a dystopian book making a statement about controlling weather, climate change and the dangers of governmental control. The writing style is great and easy to read.
Iridienne as an FMC is a bit naive but manages to muddle through. She gets stronger throughout the book. Her relationship with Cyrus is sweet though, but I woukd have liked more of their relationship. It is already established when the book starts so there is no yearning or build up.
It was also quite obvious who the villains were, Iridienne probably should have put it together sooner which is why I feel she is a bit naive.
I felt at times the pacing was too fast to enable character depth, meaning some of the characters felt a bit flat but some of the standout characters were Rhomey and Soleil. They are side characters but they are loyal, supportive and great friends.
Thank you Erin Whitford and Rattle the Stars PR for the opportunity to read this book, I enjoyed getting back into the dystopian genre.
May 26, 2026
A Haunting, Emotional Dystopian That Completely Broke Me
⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ 4.75/5
Plot / Story ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Characters ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Writing Style ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Atmosphere/Vibes ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice 🫑
There’s something really special about finding a dystopian novel that doesn’t just pull you into the world, but makes you feel everything right alongside the characters. Like Light Through Water did exactly that for me.
This book wrecked me emotionally in the best possible way.
Set in a dust-covered world where the sun hasn’t been seen in generations, humanity survives beneath something called the Shroud, an engineered protective layer shielding people from the toxic climate outside. Society is rigidly divided between the struggling citizens of Tabrass and the elite ruling class known as the Taxalis. Every year, a ceremony called the Sun Shower identifies rare individuals with immunity to the deadly Cloud Cough illness. Those selected are called Epitopes. They are celebrated. Elevated. Claimed.
And when Iridienne Voht unexpectedly becomes one of them, her entire life changes overnight.
What starts as a beautifully atmospheric dystopian story slowly unfolds into something much deeper - a story about grief, sacrifice, systemic control, loyalty, survival, and what it really means to hold onto hope in a broken world. And honestly? I was completely captivated from beginning to end.
One of the strongest things about this novel is the emotional realism of the characters and their relationships. The found family dynamics in this book are phenomenal. Every interaction felt authentic and grounded, and the relationships carried so much emotional weight that by the end of the story, I felt deeply attached to these people. Their grief felt real. Their fear felt real. Their love and loyalty toward each other felt real.
And Cyrus? We love a genuinely supportive male lead.
If you’re someone who is tired of toxic romance dynamics or characters who mistake cruelty for chemistry, Cyrus is such a refreshing change. His relationship with Iridienne feels protective, steady, loyal, and deeply human. The romance here is clean with no spice, but honestly, it doesn’t need it. The emotional intimacy between these characters carries the story beautifully.
The writing itself is stunning. Erin Whitford has this ability to completely immerse you in the atmosphere of the story. The world feels heavy with dust, grief, fear, and quiet resilience. You can almost feel the suffocating pressure of living beneath the Shroud and the eerie sterility of the Taxalis elite. It’s the kind of writing that quietly sneaks up on you emotionally until suddenly you realize you’re sitting there with tears in your eyes because the story has settled so deeply under your skin.
And yes… this book absolutely had me crying.
The pacing is more of a thoughtful slow burn at first, especially if you love immersive world-building and character-focused dystopian stories. The beginning spends time building relationships, exploring the political structure of this world, and slowly unraveling the truth behind the society Iridienne has been pulled into. Then, once the secrets and betrayals start surfacing, the tension ramps up dramatically and the final portion of the book becomes almost impossible to put down.
The political intrigue was another huge highlight for me. I loved uncovering the layers of manipulation, corporate-style control, genetic selection, and hidden agendas alongside Iridienne. The story raises so many questions about who gets saved, who gets sacrificed, and whether humanity’s survival is worth the moral cost being demanded.
It also gave me some major vibes of The Hunger Games, Shatter Me, and Silo — especially in the way the characters slowly begin questioning the systems controlling their world. But despite those familiar dystopian elements, “Like Light Through Water” still feels entirely its own because of how emotionally intimate and character-focused it is.
And that ending.
WHY would you do that to me?!
Thankfully this is the first book in a series because there is absolutely no way I could walk away from these characters after that cliffhanger. I need more of Iridienne, Cyrus, and this world immediately. I want to see what they become, what survives, and what kind of future they fight to build from the ruins of everything they’ve known.
This was my first time reading Erin Whitford, but it definitely will not be my last. The greatest strength of this novel is how profoundly it makes you feel. It’s emotional without being melodramatic, hopeful without ignoring the darkness of the world, and deeply human in a way that stayed with me long after I finished reading.
If you love atmospheric dystopian fiction, found family dynamics, emotional character-driven sci-fi, political intrigue, clean romance, and stories that absolutely punch you in the heart emotionally, I highly recommend picking this one up.
⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ 4.75/5
Plot / Story ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Characters ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Writing Style ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Atmosphere/Vibes ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice 🫑
There’s something really special about finding a dystopian novel that doesn’t just pull you into the world, but makes you feel everything right alongside the characters. Like Light Through Water did exactly that for me.
This book wrecked me emotionally in the best possible way.
Set in a dust-covered world where the sun hasn’t been seen in generations, humanity survives beneath something called the Shroud, an engineered protective layer shielding people from the toxic climate outside. Society is rigidly divided between the struggling citizens of Tabrass and the elite ruling class known as the Taxalis. Every year, a ceremony called the Sun Shower identifies rare individuals with immunity to the deadly Cloud Cough illness. Those selected are called Epitopes. They are celebrated. Elevated. Claimed.
And when Iridienne Voht unexpectedly becomes one of them, her entire life changes overnight.
What starts as a beautifully atmospheric dystopian story slowly unfolds into something much deeper - a story about grief, sacrifice, systemic control, loyalty, survival, and what it really means to hold onto hope in a broken world. And honestly? I was completely captivated from beginning to end.
One of the strongest things about this novel is the emotional realism of the characters and their relationships. The found family dynamics in this book are phenomenal. Every interaction felt authentic and grounded, and the relationships carried so much emotional weight that by the end of the story, I felt deeply attached to these people. Their grief felt real. Their fear felt real. Their love and loyalty toward each other felt real.
And Cyrus? We love a genuinely supportive male lead.
If you’re someone who is tired of toxic romance dynamics or characters who mistake cruelty for chemistry, Cyrus is such a refreshing change. His relationship with Iridienne feels protective, steady, loyal, and deeply human. The romance here is clean with no spice, but honestly, it doesn’t need it. The emotional intimacy between these characters carries the story beautifully.
The writing itself is stunning. Erin Whitford has this ability to completely immerse you in the atmosphere of the story. The world feels heavy with dust, grief, fear, and quiet resilience. You can almost feel the suffocating pressure of living beneath the Shroud and the eerie sterility of the Taxalis elite. It’s the kind of writing that quietly sneaks up on you emotionally until suddenly you realize you’re sitting there with tears in your eyes because the story has settled so deeply under your skin.
And yes… this book absolutely had me crying.
The pacing is more of a thoughtful slow burn at first, especially if you love immersive world-building and character-focused dystopian stories. The beginning spends time building relationships, exploring the political structure of this world, and slowly unraveling the truth behind the society Iridienne has been pulled into. Then, once the secrets and betrayals start surfacing, the tension ramps up dramatically and the final portion of the book becomes almost impossible to put down.
The political intrigue was another huge highlight for me. I loved uncovering the layers of manipulation, corporate-style control, genetic selection, and hidden agendas alongside Iridienne. The story raises so many questions about who gets saved, who gets sacrificed, and whether humanity’s survival is worth the moral cost being demanded.
It also gave me some major vibes of The Hunger Games, Shatter Me, and Silo — especially in the way the characters slowly begin questioning the systems controlling their world. But despite those familiar dystopian elements, “Like Light Through Water” still feels entirely its own because of how emotionally intimate and character-focused it is.
And that ending.
WHY would you do that to me?!
Thankfully this is the first book in a series because there is absolutely no way I could walk away from these characters after that cliffhanger. I need more of Iridienne, Cyrus, and this world immediately. I want to see what they become, what survives, and what kind of future they fight to build from the ruins of everything they’ve known.
This was my first time reading Erin Whitford, but it definitely will not be my last. The greatest strength of this novel is how profoundly it makes you feel. It’s emotional without being melodramatic, hopeful without ignoring the darkness of the world, and deeply human in a way that stayed with me long after I finished reading.
If you love atmospheric dystopian fiction, found family dynamics, emotional character-driven sci-fi, political intrigue, clean romance, and stories that absolutely punch you in the heart emotionally, I highly recommend picking this one up.
May 21, 2026
Like Light Through Water was such an interesting and unique dystopian read that immediately pulled me into its world.
This was my first book by Erin Whitford, and one of the things I enjoyed most was how different the premise felt from many dystopian stories I’ve read before.
Generations of humanity have lived without ever seeing the sun, surviving beneath engineered weather systems while a deadly illness known as Cloud Cough threatens the population. Only a small percentage of people possess immunity, making them incredibly valuable to society.
That concept alone had me hooked.
The world-building was one of the strongest aspects of the book. Learning how society functioned under a controlled government and seeing how deeply politics, power, and hidden agendas influenced everyday life made the story feel layered and engaging.
The FMC, Iridienne (Rids), was easy to root for throughout the story.
After discovering she possesses immunity to Cloud Cough, her life changes dramatically as she becomes caught in a system that isn’t quite what it appears to be on the surface. Watching her slowly uncover truths about the world around her and question everything she thought she knew kept me invested from beginning to end.
One thing I appreciated was the mystery woven throughout the story. Every answer seemed to lead to more questions, and uncovering the secrets behind the government and the society they created kept me turning pages.
I also enjoyed the found family elements that developed throughout the story. Those relationships added emotional depth and balance to a world filled with uncertainty, manipulation, and political tension.
For readers wondering about romance, this is not a romance-focused story. Iridienne is already in a relationship when the book begins, and while there are small romantic moments throughout the story, there is no spice and romance is not the primary focus.
Instead, the heart of the book lies within its dystopian world-building, political intrigue, mystery, survival themes, and the questions it raises about power and control.
The ending left me curious to see where the series goes next, and I’ll definitely be interested in continuing with future books.
What You Can Expect
☀️ Dystopian world
🌫️ Humanity surviving without sunlight
🧬 Rare immunity & survival themes
🏛️ Controlled government
🖤 Hidden agendas & conspiracies
🔍 Mystery & secrets
🤝 Found family
⚖️ Political intrigue
🌎 Unique world-building
💕 Light romance elements (no spice)
My Ratings
⭐️ 4/5
🔥 World-Building: 4.5/5
🧠 Intrigue: 4/5
💧 Emotional Impact: 3.5/5
Thank you to Rattle the Stars and Erin Whitford for the review opportunity. All opinions are my own.
This was my first book by Erin Whitford, and one of the things I enjoyed most was how different the premise felt from many dystopian stories I’ve read before.
Generations of humanity have lived without ever seeing the sun, surviving beneath engineered weather systems while a deadly illness known as Cloud Cough threatens the population. Only a small percentage of people possess immunity, making them incredibly valuable to society.
That concept alone had me hooked.
The world-building was one of the strongest aspects of the book. Learning how society functioned under a controlled government and seeing how deeply politics, power, and hidden agendas influenced everyday life made the story feel layered and engaging.
The FMC, Iridienne (Rids), was easy to root for throughout the story.
After discovering she possesses immunity to Cloud Cough, her life changes dramatically as she becomes caught in a system that isn’t quite what it appears to be on the surface. Watching her slowly uncover truths about the world around her and question everything she thought she knew kept me invested from beginning to end.
One thing I appreciated was the mystery woven throughout the story. Every answer seemed to lead to more questions, and uncovering the secrets behind the government and the society they created kept me turning pages.
I also enjoyed the found family elements that developed throughout the story. Those relationships added emotional depth and balance to a world filled with uncertainty, manipulation, and political tension.
For readers wondering about romance, this is not a romance-focused story. Iridienne is already in a relationship when the book begins, and while there are small romantic moments throughout the story, there is no spice and romance is not the primary focus.
Instead, the heart of the book lies within its dystopian world-building, political intrigue, mystery, survival themes, and the questions it raises about power and control.
The ending left me curious to see where the series goes next, and I’ll definitely be interested in continuing with future books.
What You Can Expect
☀️ Dystopian world
🌫️ Humanity surviving without sunlight
🧬 Rare immunity & survival themes
🏛️ Controlled government
🖤 Hidden agendas & conspiracies
🔍 Mystery & secrets
🤝 Found family
⚖️ Political intrigue
🌎 Unique world-building
💕 Light romance elements (no spice)
My Ratings
⭐️ 4/5
🔥 World-Building: 4.5/5
🧠 Intrigue: 4/5
💧 Emotional Impact: 3.5/5
Thank you to Rattle the Stars and Erin Whitford for the review opportunity. All opinions are my own.
May 21, 2026
Like Light Through Water is a dystopian novel with a backdrop of a climate-controlled society that has never seen sunlight. Most dystopian novels I’ve read focus more on the disparity of rich and poor in the book’s outlined social hierarchical structure, but I’ve never read one that focuses primarily on the control and manipulation of weather, and I thought it was a fresh take on the genre. The presence of new technology for genetic tracking through blood sampling, accompanied by archaic-feeling blood rituals, creates a unique setting that feels both new and eerily familiar.
I loved following the FMC, Iridienne, or “Rids,” as she shifts from a naive, humble fieldworker eager to help Taxalis to a risk-taking, passionate individual willing to do anything to help her friends and the greater Tabrass community. Her personality never wavers, and it is clear that her quiet strength is driven by loyalty and love despite her anxiety.
There were several already-established relationships in the novel that felt real and intimate from the very beginning. These characters have history, and the reader can sense it. Iridienne’s friend group’s playful interactions and care for one another are so obvious that I felt like I was sitting around the pit with them, receiving a warm hug after a long day. Similarly, Iridienne’s and Cyrus’s relationship began long before the start of the novel. Their love for each other is portrayed as complete, gentle, and trusting. Their romance grounds the novel without overpowering the plot.
Like most dystopian novels, the reader is ready to question the government. The question isn’t if they are lying, but why and how. Iridienne was such a perfect FMC to follow because she isn’t the fiery-tempered rebel featured in many other popular dystopians. She wants to believe the government is doing the right thing. And when she discovers the truth, the reader feels her crisis as a normal person caught in an extraordinary circumstance. Her feeling of helplessness, coupled with her determination to help her community, draws the reader deeper into the story.
And the writing—the author writes in beautiful, almost lyrical prose. Even though this world is covered in dust by the ominous shroud, the reader sees beauty and hope in the rugged landscape through Iridienne’s eyes. This is a world that is worth saving because the people she loves live and breathe in it.
This captivating novel delivers a satisfying end while setting the stage for its sequel. With its unique setting and memorable characters, Dystopian fans will be eager to devour this story and the rest of the series.
I loved following the FMC, Iridienne, or “Rids,” as she shifts from a naive, humble fieldworker eager to help Taxalis to a risk-taking, passionate individual willing to do anything to help her friends and the greater Tabrass community. Her personality never wavers, and it is clear that her quiet strength is driven by loyalty and love despite her anxiety.
There were several already-established relationships in the novel that felt real and intimate from the very beginning. These characters have history, and the reader can sense it. Iridienne’s friend group’s playful interactions and care for one another are so obvious that I felt like I was sitting around the pit with them, receiving a warm hug after a long day. Similarly, Iridienne’s and Cyrus’s relationship began long before the start of the novel. Their love for each other is portrayed as complete, gentle, and trusting. Their romance grounds the novel without overpowering the plot.
Like most dystopian novels, the reader is ready to question the government. The question isn’t if they are lying, but why and how. Iridienne was such a perfect FMC to follow because she isn’t the fiery-tempered rebel featured in many other popular dystopians. She wants to believe the government is doing the right thing. And when she discovers the truth, the reader feels her crisis as a normal person caught in an extraordinary circumstance. Her feeling of helplessness, coupled with her determination to help her community, draws the reader deeper into the story.
And the writing—the author writes in beautiful, almost lyrical prose. Even though this world is covered in dust by the ominous shroud, the reader sees beauty and hope in the rugged landscape through Iridienne’s eyes. This is a world that is worth saving because the people she loves live and breathe in it.
This captivating novel delivers a satisfying end while setting the stage for its sequel. With its unique setting and memorable characters, Dystopian fans will be eager to devour this story and the rest of the series.
April 27, 2026
Thank you to author Erin Whitford and Rattle The Stars for allowing me the opportunity to read and review an ARC of Like Light Through Water, available April 30th.
“I’ve always thought the blue in your eyes was the last bit of sky left. Now everyone will have a chance to see what I have seen all along.”
In a world covered in dirt and dust, where the sun has been covered by the shroud, Iridienne discovers just how corrupt her government is and must dismantle everything she’s ever know to save her people.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🫑/5
Let’s talk about the three major points that make or break a book for me; characters including their personal development and relationships to one another, plot progression and pacing, and world building. This booked checked all those boxes and more!
First up characters! We have a group of friends who are loyal and brave. The trust each other, have open discussions and encourage each other to fight for what is right. Theres a love interest who is charming, respectful, only has eyes for the FMC and no miscommunication! And our FMC, Iridienne’s character growth is beautiful and gradual. She’s strong from the beginning and eases into her role as the chosen one with determination and perseverance. She’s presented with a position in her government and when she learns of the wrongdoing that has happened at the expense of her people, she immediately begins to fight for them. No questions asked.
Next plot! This story has one of the smoothest plot progression I’ve come across this year. There’s no unnecessary side quests, everything the characters do aides in the main story line with a steady pace. The objective is clear from the beginning and every character is moving towards that goal together which kept the story engaging and purposeful.
Finally, world building. The story is set in a dusty, gloomy world where the sun hasn’t been seen in years. We get a beautiful description of the characters environments, so we are full able to picture how empty and dry the world is without being distracted from the plot. We also get a strong distinction between the environment of the citizens compared to the environment of the elites, displaying the contrast between the two classes with striking clarity.
This is exactly what my Dystopian loving soul needed. A unique civilization with a strong group of friends working together to tackle a tyrannical government. Add to that a relationship with solid communication and characters you’ll love instantly. Like Light Through Water has easily made its way into my top five of this year!
🔅Tropes: Dystopian, Climate Crisis, Tyrannical Government, Found Family, Genetic Purity.
“I’ve always thought the blue in your eyes was the last bit of sky left. Now everyone will have a chance to see what I have seen all along.”
In a world covered in dirt and dust, where the sun has been covered by the shroud, Iridienne discovers just how corrupt her government is and must dismantle everything she’s ever know to save her people.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🫑/5
Let’s talk about the three major points that make or break a book for me; characters including their personal development and relationships to one another, plot progression and pacing, and world building. This booked checked all those boxes and more!
First up characters! We have a group of friends who are loyal and brave. The trust each other, have open discussions and encourage each other to fight for what is right. Theres a love interest who is charming, respectful, only has eyes for the FMC and no miscommunication! And our FMC, Iridienne’s character growth is beautiful and gradual. She’s strong from the beginning and eases into her role as the chosen one with determination and perseverance. She’s presented with a position in her government and when she learns of the wrongdoing that has happened at the expense of her people, she immediately begins to fight for them. No questions asked.
Next plot! This story has one of the smoothest plot progression I’ve come across this year. There’s no unnecessary side quests, everything the characters do aides in the main story line with a steady pace. The objective is clear from the beginning and every character is moving towards that goal together which kept the story engaging and purposeful.
Finally, world building. The story is set in a dusty, gloomy world where the sun hasn’t been seen in years. We get a beautiful description of the characters environments, so we are full able to picture how empty and dry the world is without being distracted from the plot. We also get a strong distinction between the environment of the citizens compared to the environment of the elites, displaying the contrast between the two classes with striking clarity.
This is exactly what my Dystopian loving soul needed. A unique civilization with a strong group of friends working together to tackle a tyrannical government. Add to that a relationship with solid communication and characters you’ll love instantly. Like Light Through Water has easily made its way into my top five of this year!
🔅Tropes: Dystopian, Climate Crisis, Tyrannical Government, Found Family, Genetic Purity.
April 23, 2026
Wow. I am truly speechless, this book took my breath away!! Whitford you genius!!
The storyline was clear and concise, and covered a wide array of themes. I struggle with dystopians at times, but this book had me hooked from the first sentence. The difference of the Taxalis vs the regular world around it was eye-catching, I really enjoyed that stark contrast, especially as we dove more into the hidden secrets and whatnots with Iridienne.
I have to say, one of my favorite aspects of this book is Whitford’s writing style. The writing is so smooth and silky, the words blending and meshing incredibly, it’s insanely addictive and works magnificently. I think one one of my favorite lines is right in the beginning, when Iridienne and Cyrus are first introduced: “She grinned and turned to him, her blue eyes meeting his brown like the ground kissing the sky.” It’s a beautiful simile, in which Whitford continues to execute exceptionally throughout the novel. I’m a sucker for metaphors, analogies, and anything of the sort, so I was instantly drawn to the writing style. Also, I need to mention the main motto of this book, “light like, through water.” ABSOLUTELY GENIUS. I will be using this in my daily life, because I’m obsessed.
The characters in this novel are well thought-out and strongly curated, each playing a key role in the development of the story in their own unique manner. Aside from our main girl Iridienne, I’m obsessed with Soleil and cannot wait to learn more about her, as well as Maris. I hope to hear more about them in the next book, as the hints to their pasts weren’t enough!!! Each character was brought to life in a refreshing manner, and,regardless of how often they appeared, experienced some sort of development that was evident within the writing. It’s phenomenal to get development in so many characters without ever truly focusing solely on them. Of course, we saw our main protagonists and antagonists more frequently, their developments and changes more evident, but I’m truly in awe especially of characters like Cirrus, seeing how he changed throughout the book was exceptional.
Overall, I am officially a major fangirl, and am eagerly waiting for Whitford’s next masterpiece. Like Light Through Water is truly a book that should be appreciated, especially in the world we live in currently.
My rating | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The storyline was clear and concise, and covered a wide array of themes. I struggle with dystopians at times, but this book had me hooked from the first sentence. The difference of the Taxalis vs the regular world around it was eye-catching, I really enjoyed that stark contrast, especially as we dove more into the hidden secrets and whatnots with Iridienne.
I have to say, one of my favorite aspects of this book is Whitford’s writing style. The writing is so smooth and silky, the words blending and meshing incredibly, it’s insanely addictive and works magnificently. I think one one of my favorite lines is right in the beginning, when Iridienne and Cyrus are first introduced: “She grinned and turned to him, her blue eyes meeting his brown like the ground kissing the sky.” It’s a beautiful simile, in which Whitford continues to execute exceptionally throughout the novel. I’m a sucker for metaphors, analogies, and anything of the sort, so I was instantly drawn to the writing style. Also, I need to mention the main motto of this book, “light like, through water.” ABSOLUTELY GENIUS. I will be using this in my daily life, because I’m obsessed.
The characters in this novel are well thought-out and strongly curated, each playing a key role in the development of the story in their own unique manner. Aside from our main girl Iridienne, I’m obsessed with Soleil and cannot wait to learn more about her, as well as Maris. I hope to hear more about them in the next book, as the hints to their pasts weren’t enough!!! Each character was brought to life in a refreshing manner, and,regardless of how often they appeared, experienced some sort of development that was evident within the writing. It’s phenomenal to get development in so many characters without ever truly focusing solely on them. Of course, we saw our main protagonists and antagonists more frequently, their developments and changes more evident, but I’m truly in awe especially of characters like Cirrus, seeing how he changed throughout the book was exceptional.
Overall, I am officially a major fangirl, and am eagerly waiting for Whitford’s next masterpiece. Like Light Through Water is truly a book that should be appreciated, especially in the world we live in currently.
My rating | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 8, 2026
"I've always thought the blue in your eyes was the last bit of sky left. Now everyone will have a chance to see what I've seen all along."
Some books entertain you while you're reading them. Others stay with you long after you've turned the last page. Like Light Through Water was absolutely the latter.
This is one of the most unique dystopian novels I've read in years. The premise immediately hooked me: a world where the sun has disappeared, the weather is engineered, and a powerful government decides who is worthy of survival. It felt fresh, unsettling, and eerily believable without ever losing sight of the people at the center of the story.
Iridienne quickly became one of my favorite heroines. She isn't the loudest person in the room, but she's compassionate, determined, and quietly brave. Watching her question everything she believed about her world and slowly uncover the truth made her journey impossible to put down. Every revelation raised the stakes, and I found myself needing to know what was really happening behind the walls of Taxalis.
But the reason this book became a five-star read for me wasn't just the mystery or the worldbuilding.
It was the people.
I'm a sucker for found family, and this book delivered exactly that. Every friendship felt genuine, every relationship had purpose, and I loved watching this group choose each other again and again as everything around them began to fall apart. Their loyalty, hope, and willingness to fight for one another became the emotional heart of the story.
The romance was another highlight. It never overshadowed the plot, but instead added warmth and tenderness exactly when the story needed it. It felt earned, natural, and gave me plenty of moments that had me smiling through all the tension.
Underneath the dystopian setting is a story about truth, sacrifice, hope, and the courage to challenge a system built on control. It asks difficult questions without ever feeling preachy, and I couldn't stop thinking about the parallels to our own world.
And then there was that ending...
Let's just say I immediately needed book two.
If you love dystopian fiction with unforgettable found family, political intrigue, a beautifully woven romance, and a world that feels both hauntingly original and frighteningly plausible, I can't recommend Like Light Through Water enough. This one reminded me exactly why I fell in love with dystopian fiction in the first place.
Finally, a heartfelt thank you to Erin Whitford for so generously sending me signed copies of this beautiful book. It's one thing to write a story that stays with readers, but it's another to show such kindness to the people sharing it. One of these copies is getting a very special custom rebind because this is absolutely a book I want to treasure on my shelves for years to come. 💙
Some books entertain you while you're reading them. Others stay with you long after you've turned the last page. Like Light Through Water was absolutely the latter.
This is one of the most unique dystopian novels I've read in years. The premise immediately hooked me: a world where the sun has disappeared, the weather is engineered, and a powerful government decides who is worthy of survival. It felt fresh, unsettling, and eerily believable without ever losing sight of the people at the center of the story.
Iridienne quickly became one of my favorite heroines. She isn't the loudest person in the room, but she's compassionate, determined, and quietly brave. Watching her question everything she believed about her world and slowly uncover the truth made her journey impossible to put down. Every revelation raised the stakes, and I found myself needing to know what was really happening behind the walls of Taxalis.
But the reason this book became a five-star read for me wasn't just the mystery or the worldbuilding.
It was the people.
I'm a sucker for found family, and this book delivered exactly that. Every friendship felt genuine, every relationship had purpose, and I loved watching this group choose each other again and again as everything around them began to fall apart. Their loyalty, hope, and willingness to fight for one another became the emotional heart of the story.
The romance was another highlight. It never overshadowed the plot, but instead added warmth and tenderness exactly when the story needed it. It felt earned, natural, and gave me plenty of moments that had me smiling through all the tension.
Underneath the dystopian setting is a story about truth, sacrifice, hope, and the courage to challenge a system built on control. It asks difficult questions without ever feeling preachy, and I couldn't stop thinking about the parallels to our own world.
And then there was that ending...
Let's just say I immediately needed book two.
If you love dystopian fiction with unforgettable found family, political intrigue, a beautifully woven romance, and a world that feels both hauntingly original and frighteningly plausible, I can't recommend Like Light Through Water enough. This one reminded me exactly why I fell in love with dystopian fiction in the first place.
Finally, a heartfelt thank you to Erin Whitford for so generously sending me signed copies of this beautiful book. It's one thing to write a story that stays with readers, but it's another to show such kindness to the people sharing it. One of these copies is getting a very special custom rebind because this is absolutely a book I want to treasure on my shelves for years to come. 💙
April 17, 2026
It’s been so long since I picked up a dystopian novel, and I’m so glad Like Light Through Water was the one to break that streak.
From the start, I was pulled into this forever clouded world where the sun hasn’t been seen in generations, people live beneath what they call the Shroud, and survival depends on engineered weather, regulated crops, and the control of the Taxalis. The whole setup felt eerie and fascinating, and it gave me Maze Runner/Divergent vibes in the best way. There was always this underlying feeling of unease about the importance of immune blood and ousting the people who are doomed with the cloud coughs, which kept me questioning everyone’s motives and wanting to know what was really going on beneath the surface.
I really admired Iridienne throughout the story. She has such a soft presence, but there’s a quiet strength in her that comes through more and more as everything around her is unveiling truth. Watching her go from quietly hoping for a place in the world to suddenly being chosen as an Epitopes, celebrated, claimed, and turned into something the system sees as valuable, was both fascinating and unsettling. And then we have Cyrus, so sweet and such a great fit for her.
I also found myself growing attached to some of the side characters and wishing I had even more of them. A few really stood out to me, and I kept wondering what their roles would become as the story unfolded and the illusion of control started to crack and each of their fates went into different directions.
Overall, this was such a strong start to the series. I can’t wait to learn more about what’s beyond the Shroud and WHO THAT WAS AT THE END! I’m fully crossing my fingers and toes for who I’m hoping for.
From the start, I was pulled into this forever clouded world where the sun hasn’t been seen in generations, people live beneath what they call the Shroud, and survival depends on engineered weather, regulated crops, and the control of the Taxalis. The whole setup felt eerie and fascinating, and it gave me Maze Runner/Divergent vibes in the best way. There was always this underlying feeling of unease about the importance of immune blood and ousting the people who are doomed with the cloud coughs, which kept me questioning everyone’s motives and wanting to know what was really going on beneath the surface.
I really admired Iridienne throughout the story. She has such a soft presence, but there’s a quiet strength in her that comes through more and more as everything around her is unveiling truth. Watching her go from quietly hoping for a place in the world to suddenly being chosen as an Epitopes, celebrated, claimed, and turned into something the system sees as valuable, was both fascinating and unsettling. And then we have Cyrus, so sweet and such a great fit for her.
I also found myself growing attached to some of the side characters and wishing I had even more of them. A few really stood out to me, and I kept wondering what their roles would become as the story unfolded and the illusion of control started to crack and each of their fates went into different directions.
Overall, this was such a strong start to the series. I can’t wait to learn more about what’s beyond the Shroud and WHO THAT WAS AT THE END! I’m fully crossing my fingers and toes for who I’m hoping for.
April 19, 2026
“I’ve always thought the blue in your eyes was the last bit of sky left. Now everyone will have a chance to see what I’ve seen all along.”
You might not fully understand those lines of the story, unless you’ve already read it. But if you know, you know how hard those lines hit!!
This story completely sucked me in from the very beginning. It’s a dystopian story of trying to break generational curses & finding a cure for the sickness that seems inevitable for the people of Tabrass. These people basically live in a dome, a world where they don’t get to see a real sky, real clouds, or feel real rain. Everyone thinks they are being protected from the outside world. But are they really being protected or being test subjects?!
The Taxalis is where all of the important things go on. It’s where specifically picked people get to go to work, being on the inside of the operations. But it is also where secrets are held, and years or research and data are hidden. Iridienne will do all she can to uncover what’s hidden in those walls & help the people of Tabrass, along with the help of her lover, a pilot of the Taxalis, Cyrus.
I loved the world building in this book, along with the detailed interactions & well described conflicts throughout. The “who done it” & the intense action scenes towards the end, had me on the edge of my seat! The hide & seek situation between Cy & Iridienne was just perfection. It showed how much those two characters know one another. My emotions were all over the place, especially from chapter 28 through the end.
Crooked government, found family, climate collapse, found friendships, betrayal, & banter…what more can I say?! For this to be my first dystopian read, it definitely set the bar high for future books in this genre!
You might not fully understand those lines of the story, unless you’ve already read it. But if you know, you know how hard those lines hit!!
This story completely sucked me in from the very beginning. It’s a dystopian story of trying to break generational curses & finding a cure for the sickness that seems inevitable for the people of Tabrass. These people basically live in a dome, a world where they don’t get to see a real sky, real clouds, or feel real rain. Everyone thinks they are being protected from the outside world. But are they really being protected or being test subjects?!
The Taxalis is where all of the important things go on. It’s where specifically picked people get to go to work, being on the inside of the operations. But it is also where secrets are held, and years or research and data are hidden. Iridienne will do all she can to uncover what’s hidden in those walls & help the people of Tabrass, along with the help of her lover, a pilot of the Taxalis, Cyrus.
I loved the world building in this book, along with the detailed interactions & well described conflicts throughout. The “who done it” & the intense action scenes towards the end, had me on the edge of my seat! The hide & seek situation between Cy & Iridienne was just perfection. It showed how much those two characters know one another. My emotions were all over the place, especially from chapter 28 through the end.
Crooked government, found family, climate collapse, found friendships, betrayal, & banter…what more can I say?! For this to be my first dystopian read, it definitely set the bar high for future books in this genre!
May 14, 2026
Did this book wreck my emotions? Absolutely it did.
Wow talk about ✨emotional damage✨
This book was fast paced and I was racing to see how everything would play out. The stakes were high and never let up. I immediately fell in love with our set of main characters- each one played such a vital role and brought something so unique to the story and each others lives.
This book really reminded how much I love dystopian books and the lessons learned with each story. This book reminded me of Divergent and Scythe- which are two of my absolute favorite books.
Our FMC Iridienne (whose name I think is beautiful) gets thrown into chaos right off the start and is immediately faced with world shattering realties. She always stays true to herself and her values no matter how hard they are tested. Our girl really gets tested time and time again. She gets goes through it.
Her best friends Rhomy, Cirrus and Cirro really drive home the importance of good friends and found family.
Our MMC Cyrus- oh Cy- golden standard of what a partner should be until the very last pages of the book. He uplifts Iridienne and always has her back while allowing her to be her self.
The last 20% had me ugly crying. The loss, the devastation and desperation really was so well written and had me feeling like I was experiencing it all with them.
The ending also really did a beautiful job of depicting how even when the good people win, there’s a haunting grief that comes with that win. It’s not cute or clean or wrapped up nicely. There’s work to do that’s hard.
I’m going to need book 2 expeditiously because who was that? Wha is that person!?
Thank you to Erin Whitford and Rattle the Stars PR for the ARC!!
Wow talk about ✨emotional damage✨
This book was fast paced and I was racing to see how everything would play out. The stakes were high and never let up. I immediately fell in love with our set of main characters- each one played such a vital role and brought something so unique to the story and each others lives.
This book really reminded how much I love dystopian books and the lessons learned with each story. This book reminded me of Divergent and Scythe- which are two of my absolute favorite books.
Our FMC Iridienne (whose name I think is beautiful) gets thrown into chaos right off the start and is immediately faced with world shattering realties. She always stays true to herself and her values no matter how hard they are tested. Our girl really gets tested time and time again. She gets goes through it.
Her best friends Rhomy, Cirrus and Cirro really drive home the importance of good friends and found family.
Our MMC Cyrus- oh Cy- golden standard of what a partner should be until the very last pages of the book. He uplifts Iridienne and always has her back while allowing her to be her self.
The last 20% had me ugly crying. The loss, the devastation and desperation really was so well written and had me feeling like I was experiencing it all with them.
The ending also really did a beautiful job of depicting how even when the good people win, there’s a haunting grief that comes with that win. It’s not cute or clean or wrapped up nicely. There’s work to do that’s hard.
I’m going to need book 2 expeditiously because who was that? Wha is that person!?
Thank you to Erin Whitford and Rattle the Stars PR for the ARC!!
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