In 2250, water is scarce, and those who control it control everything. And they’ll do anything to maintain their power — deceiving, dividing families, banning love … even killing those who oppose them. But above all, they seek to control knowledge and communication — ensuring the truth that will bring their downfall will never be known.
But one person verges on discovering it all. Sixteen-year-old Paki becomes the Deliverer, the only one allowed to contact the people called ‘Water Rats,’ who mine the essential water deep underground and bring it to the ‘Toppers’ who desperately need it above. But when he meets a Water Rat who captures his heart and leads him to secrets — secrets about a vast conspiracy, and about himself — the net around him tightens. Paki and those around him must uncover and share the truth needed to overthrow tyranny — even as they fight for their lives.