The Water Knife

Seeing this book on the shelf at my local used bookstore, and reading the hook on the inside cover, and found myself feeling that I couldn't leave the bookstore without it. I'm happy to say that I'm glad that I didn't.

This is a dark and depressing thriller that gives you a really good look at what the potential effects of climate change on the southwestern U.S. could be. There's some really fucked up stuff here, so reader be advised for sure. I personally was captivated, couldn't help but read more and more. There's a lot of great action scenes, some page-turny cliffhanger chapter endings, and relatable and morally gray characters that are each unique and interesting. The plot was evenly paced and believable. Phoenix is such an obvious choice for a book like this, but I haven't heard of it being used as a setting in one of these dystopia/speculative fiction type novels better. I thought the soft mystery/noir element to the plot really added to the story and setting as well.

A few nit picks, first of which pertains to the ending. I may have missed it, but why/how was Maria STILL on the Arizona side of the river? It must've been days? Why didn't she try to cross, or did she and she had to turn back? That's the confusing part, is that it was never really explained at all. It felt like a plot convenience, which was disappointing after the rest of the book. Also, the horny scene was a little cringe. I get it, they like each other. Understandable that two cracked and weary souls would try to find comfort in those around them. But why go into such detail? I guess it adds up that Bacigalupi would be that graphic with his sex scenes, because he's similarly detailed with his gore and violence. I guess my criticism here is that some of his writing feeling gratuitous and heavy handed.

Anyway, still a great read. Heartily enjoyed and recommended. Looking forward to reading more of his work in the future.