An Ocean Apart

A galvanizing love triangle lights up this standalone dystopian romance from Tew (The Dividing Sky). In 2190, Eden Lowell lives in the impoverished Marshes of flooded former Miami. Meanwhile, the wealthy Cruisers indulge in carefree luxury on ocean liners while hoarding the nation’s resources. When the father of Henry Turner, Eden’s best friend-turned-crush, is gravely injured while scavenging to make ends meet—and, combined with ever-increasing inflation, the financial strain from the incident threatens the family’s livelihood—she decides to fight back by overturning the system responsible for these inequities. With help from a rebel vigilante called the Ringmaster, Eden poses as a wealthy heiress to infiltrate a Cruiser dating competition that promises a cash prize sufficient to revolutionize Marsh life—plus a chance to break the heart of Theo Dejardins, heir to the corporation that controls fresh water. But when the Ringmaster raises the game’s stakes and Theo proves kinder (and more dashing) than Eden anticipates, her loyalties falter. Fake relationship tropes tantalize across Eden’s keen, cutting narration as she weighs her allegiances to the Marshes—and Henry—against her future and Theo’s magnetism. It’s an eco-aware, slow-burning love story layered with deftly distilled political intrigue. Eden is Black; supporting characters are intersectionally diverse. Ages 12–up. Agent: Jennifer Azantian, Azantian Literary. (Oct.)