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The Water Planet: A Dystopian Sci-Fi Thriller
We wasted Earth. But we got a second chance. Will we waste that too?
Beneath a violet sky, humanity has found a new home on a planet covered in water.
Joshian is about to inherit responsibility for its future. Raised to rule, he believes in the city his father built—and the order that keeps its people alive.
Then a girl from the islands makes him question everything.
Sikiri has seen what that order costs the people forced to live outside it. She enters the city on a dangerous mission, certain she knows who the enemy is. But when her fate becomes entangled with Joshian’s, neither can afford the certainty they once had.
Back in the city, General Stark faces a colony on the brink. He has spent his life protecting humanity, and he will do whatever it takes to keep it safe. Even from its own people.
As unrest grows and the ocean reveals signs of a threat none of them understands, a young ruler, an islander, and an old soldier must decide what they are willing to sacrifice.
Their new home is changing.
And the beliefs that helped them survive may be the very things that destroy them.
The Water Planet is a standalone dystopian science fiction thriller about survival, divided loyalties, and humanity’s second chance—from international bestselling author Nick Clausen.
Beneath a violet sky, humanity has found a new home on a planet covered in water.
Joshian is about to inherit responsibility for its future. Raised to rule, he believes in the city his father built—and the order that keeps its people alive.
Then a girl from the islands makes him question everything.
Sikiri has seen what that order costs the people forced to live outside it. She enters the city on a dangerous mission, certain she knows who the enemy is. But when her fate becomes entangled with Joshian’s, neither can afford the certainty they once had.
Back in the city, General Stark faces a colony on the brink. He has spent his life protecting humanity, and he will do whatever it takes to keep it safe. Even from its own people.
As unrest grows and the ocean reveals signs of a threat none of them understands, a young ruler, an islander, and an old soldier must decide what they are willing to sacrifice.
Their new home is changing.
And the beliefs that helped them survive may be the very things that destroy them.
The Water Planet is a standalone dystopian science fiction thriller about survival, divided loyalties, and humanity’s second chance—from international bestselling author Nick Clausen.
590 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 2, 2026
About the author
Nick Clausen
78 books432 followersI write stories about the apocalypse so that I don't need to work a real job. I grew up reading Stephen King and still haven't fully recovered. I'm currently ending the world in my new series Under the Breaking Sky.
Join my reader club to be kept in the loop -> nick-clausen.com
Join my reader club to be kept in the loop -> nick-clausen.com
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
October 6, 2026
Absolutely Epic In Every Way!
The Water Planet is a genre blending thriller mixing apocalyptic thriller, science fiction, fantasy, and dystopian thriller to create a book that is absolutely epic. I can understand how intimidating writing something with such complexity and beauty could be. Taking place on a planet where the last of humanity ended up crashing on, which is only 1.1% land, with ocean covering the rest. Humans are trying to terraform the planet with highly unpredictable consequences that effect the city, the exiles living outside of it and the local flauna. The primary characters, Joshian, Piciatris, Sikiri, and Akondo, along with Stark and other supporting characters (and creatures called Siranas) are remarkably resilient, dynamic and believable, with every character trying to do what they know to be right, even when it is at cross purposes with the others. The characters develop more in The Water Planet than almost any single book I can recall, and do so completely naturally and in believable ways given what each experiences. The rest of the writing is top notch, but the characters are the true heart of the story. Overall, 5/5 stars, highly recommended to almost any reader, there is something for everyone to be found in The Water Planet!
The Water Planet is a genre blending thriller mixing apocalyptic thriller, science fiction, fantasy, and dystopian thriller to create a book that is absolutely epic. I can understand how intimidating writing something with such complexity and beauty could be. Taking place on a planet where the last of humanity ended up crashing on, which is only 1.1% land, with ocean covering the rest. Humans are trying to terraform the planet with highly unpredictable consequences that effect the city, the exiles living outside of it and the local flauna. The primary characters, Joshian, Piciatris, Sikiri, and Akondo, along with Stark and other supporting characters (and creatures called Siranas) are remarkably resilient, dynamic and believable, with every character trying to do what they know to be right, even when it is at cross purposes with the others. The characters develop more in The Water Planet than almost any single book I can recall, and do so completely naturally and in believable ways given what each experiences. The rest of the writing is top notch, but the characters are the true heart of the story. Overall, 5/5 stars, highly recommended to almost any reader, there is something for everyone to be found in The Water Planet!
October 14, 2026
Another Brilliant Read from an Amazing Storyteller!!
I have read almost all of the books and series by Nick Clausen (still a few to go), and have yet to come across one that fails to draw me in all the way to the deep end.
The Water Planet is totally consuming; the further you dive, the more gripping it is and the more you fear for the characters in the story as you get to know each one personally.
Nick, it must be said, is definitely my #1 author, and I highly recommend his books.
I have read almost all of the books and series by Nick Clausen (still a few to go), and have yet to come across one that fails to draw me in all the way to the deep end.
The Water Planet is totally consuming; the further you dive, the more gripping it is and the more you fear for the characters in the story as you get to know each one personally.
Nick, it must be said, is definitely my #1 author, and I highly recommend his books.
October 29, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. Some parts reminded me of Avatar. Though, some places in the book I was starting to get a little lost.
I’m happy Stark did not get a redemption period even with his backstory, and how Joshian changed. The lightbringers were a very interesting concept, I wish we got more backstory on them.
Overall, I recommend this book😊
I’m happy Stark did not get a redemption period even with his backstory, and how Joshian changed. The lightbringers were a very interesting concept, I wish we got more backstory on them.
Overall, I recommend this book😊
October 13, 2026
What a Thought Provoking Story
This is a well written story that made me care about what happened to the characters and the planet they were on. The characters were well written and you could understand why they felt the way they did.
This is a well written story that made me care about what happened to the characters and the planet they were on. The characters were well written and you could understand why they felt the way they did.
October 11, 2026
Amazing story! I recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews