All the Water in the World is set in a dystopian, post-apocalyptic world that is being ravaged by the effects of climate change. Told from the perspective of Nonie, this is a haunting preview of what could be, blended with a coming-of-age story.

Nonie and her family are some of the remaining survivors in post-apocalyptic New York City. They have created a community on the roof of the American Museum of Natural History and work to preserve the artifacts, while trying to survive in a changed climate and lawless city. When a storm hits and the flood walls fail, they escape North on the Hudson.

I was so excited to read about Nonie's time in the AMNH but was disappointed to find that the book begins with the storm and their escape. There are still flashbacks - moments where Nonie recalls a memory that provides more insight into their life and work inside the museum - and these were my favorite.

The pacing is a bit slow as we follow their escape North and the dangers they run into, but the descriptions of a destroyed coastline, deadly and sudden storms, and sense of lawlessness is so chilling and realistic that my curiosity for more information kept my interest.

3.5 stars, definitely recommend if you don't mind a slower read.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the copy of the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

4 🌟

I really loved this - ponderous and ultimately hopeful, with moments of hard reality and devastation. The determination of a found family to stay together, a world that's trying to build itself up again after falling apart, all narrated by a girl who's been forced to grow old before her time made for one cozy winter read that really tugged on my heartstrings.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

9/10

Wow.
This may be the best book I’ve read all year.
It is Eiren Caffalls first novel and if this doesn’t hit The NY Times Best Sellers list then something is wrong.

This book is not just great because of the incredible (and realistic and scary) premise, but because of Eirens incredible talent with words. I’m in awe of her writing.

Ok, here’s the premise.

The glaciers have melted and sea levels rise by 80 meters. New York City is mostly flooded, though there are sea walls that were put up to help stop the devastation. Until the sea walls burst in a hypercane (which is a hurricane that is way beyond).

Most of NYC is abandoned. Or, rather, most people have died. Nonie (who I think is around 10 or 12 years old) and her family live in the roof of the American Museum of Natural History.

But one thing leads to another and they have to leave.

Nonie is deeply connected to water. She keeps a journal about water. It’s called the water logbook.

This is their story of survival in the dystopian world of tomorrow.

It is all written from Nonies perspective.
It is all so vivid in its descriptiveness. I feel like I’ve been there with her.

Incidentally, Eiren herself has a pretty amazing - and pretty frightening - story that tangentially relates to a character or two in this book. Go to her website and watch the video. It’s worth it.

Anyway, this book comes out in Feb 2025.
Order it now.
Thank me later.

And thank you Eiren for bringing this book to life.
It’s beautiful and important.

#netgalley #allthewaterintheworld

All the Water in the World is a post-apocalyptic novel that follows Nonie, a precocious preteen on her escape from a flooded New York city. The blurb I read cited Station Eleven, but this reminded me more of The Light Pirate and The Road. It is gripping, and the plot moved forward. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the galley.

An excellent if very grim view of a possible future where the waters of the world have risen to the point that life on the coasts of the United States is untenable. New York City is almost entirely under water and periodic storms cause surges that threaten even those places above water.

An intrepid group of people, mostly scientists who had worked there, gather at the American Museum of Natural History with their families, both to have a safe place to be and to try to preserve what they can. Soon that refuge, too, becomes perilous, and those who remain must make the hardest choices of their lives if they wish to survive.

I have read a great deal of post-apocalyptic fiction and admire most those that, as here, refuse to shy away from the tragedy inherent in the situation, yet do not lean into an excessive sense of dread. It is an admittedly difficult line to walk, and Caffall does so masterfully.

This is clearly a first novel, the prose a bit stiff and the plot overdetermined (you can sense the outline that was undoubtedly used to write it). But the heart in the center of this book, the author's affection for her characters, her deep concern for their plight, and her grief at what we are doing to our planet, shines through and makes this book a joy to read.

When I began reading All the Water In the World, I was immediately transported to a dystopian society in which vast portions of the United States have been flooded and storms are frequent enough to make things very dangerous for those still living.

Told through the eyes of Nonie, a young girl just entering her teen years who has the ability to predict an upcoming storm. Readers learn a bit about the past and about what has happened in Nonie’s life thus far. As another bad storm bears down on the area where they live, their shelter is destroyed. The small group consisting of Nonie, her father and sister, and family friend Keller, make the decision to try and go north to a farm owned by a family member.

The journey North was a treacherous one and I found myself unable to put the book down at times. A dystopian world is a sad world and this was no exception. But sometimes a tragedy can bring out the best in people and by the book’s end, readers will see this can happen.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for allowing me to read an advance copy. I am happy to offer my honest review and recommend this to other readers.

Set in a dystopian future where severe climate change has all but destroyed civilization, Nonnie, her family, and what few remain in what's left of New York City. They've taken shelter in the Museum of Natural History, balancing what they need to do to survive and trying to preserve what they can of what's left of the world that once was. They are faced with the constant threat of devastating and toxic floods, and eventually, they must evacuate the city.

The author does a terrific job of capturing the atmosphere of what a, more or less, post-apocalyptic New York City might look like. Most of the dystopian novels I've read tend to take place in some unknown, often fictional place, so imagining a place as familiar as New York City underwater makes the reading all the more unsettling.

I struggled to connect with the characters, finding a lot of the narration repetitive and not engaging compared to the world-building. The plot was interesting, but missing something for me. I wish I knew exactly what. It may come to me after some further reflection. Still, very much worth the read with such a haunting, well-crafted atmosphere.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for providing a free digital ARC!

This book was so interesting. A new way to look at the future, at New York City, and at the world in general. It really left me thinking, and I thoroughly enjoyed this perspective.

In this captivating dystopian novel, we encounter Nonie Mayo, a truly unique child with an extraordinary affinity for water. The world as we know it has vanished, and history reveals humanity’s desperate attempts to preserve replicas during catastrophic events. This gripping tale centers around Nonie, her father, and sister, as well as a researcher, all driven by an unwavering determination to prevent their lives and histories from being erased forever.

The world is plagued by relentless storms, known as hypercanes, which wreak havoc and cause widespread devastation. The polar ice caps are melting, and Nonie possesses an uncanny ability to sense impending danger, yet lives continue to be lost as people descend into a state of utter panic and uncertainty. Anarchy and violence reign supreme, creating a chaotic and dangerous landscape.

As the story unfolds, a small group of survivors finds refuge on the roof of the American Museum of Natural History, referred to as “Amen” within the narrative. I was captivated by the unique perspective from which the story is told, which at times reminded me of a well-crafted YA novel with a dystopian twist. However, beware, this is no ordinary tale.

Eiran Caffall’s magnificent book delves into a multitude of profound themes. Not only do the storms and subsequent loss of life result in mass casualties, but the desperation of a specific virus, coupled with the willingness of individuals to resort to any means necessary to survive, adds another layer of tension and complexity to the narrative. Moreover, the pervasive presence of violence, coupled with the absence of any effective authority, underscores the profound transformation of civilization as we know it, leaving our characters in a desperate struggle for their very existence.

From the very first page, I was captivated by this captivating story and felt the palpable desperation of Nonie and her family. Honestly, the thought of a similar scenario unfolding in my lifetime sent shivers down my spine. Considering that I had this novel as an audiobook, expertly narrated by Eunice Wong, only heightened my appreciation for this fabulous story.

All the Water in the World is an exceptional read that I wholeheartedly recommend. I envision this book sparking long and thought-provoking discussions within book clubs, as readers grapple with its profound themes and implications.

Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press, Macmillan Audio and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

This is one of those books that’s going to stay with me for a while.

I think the setting of this book (some time in the future after climate change has made sea levels rise dramatically) felt a little too close to home at some points😅 but also why it felt so powerful and poignant; dystopian, but not totally unbelievable.

There’s an adventure/quest element to the story, but it was mostly about community. These characters felt so special, and reading about the ways they worked together to build what they had brought some levity to an otherwise sad situation. It’s hard to say much without giving things away, but the journey this group took was emotional, thrilling, tense, and hopeful, and the beautiful writing brought it all together.

This boom was really heavy and emotional. It’s set in a not too distance future where climate change has wreaked havoc on the world. You follow the story of a family fleeing the place they had made home after the world was changed to try and find a new place of safety. There’s lots of backstories and reflections weaved throughout the story. My heart hurt so much for the characters in book.

The description of this book was right up my alley, so I was very excited to dive into it! The premise was interesting and the initial world building had me intrigued.

I really enjoyed the narrators voice and the style of the writing. The main character, Nonnie’s inner monologue definitely pulled me in and I really liked her stories when she went into the past.

The first 2/3 of this book were really great and kept my interest the entire time, but the last 1/3 felt really off. Too many new characters were brought in without us getting to know them at all and the pacing was too quick. Way too much happened in too short a time with not enough description and storytelling happening. If this is the entire story that the author wanted to tell I feel like it should have maybe been closer to a 400 page book or maybe even a duology.

While this isn’t a book that will probably stick in my memory for long, overall it was an enjoyable read.

I received a a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and statements are my own.

I'm a sucker for a dystopian book (because it feels so far beyond my comprehension). This one, unfortunately, felt a bit too close to home. it was haunting and poignant, but did lean a bit with a heavy hand. Overall, super good read that will definitely provoke conversation.

All the Water in the World by Eiren Caffall is a captivating and tense novel that is rich with resonance. The detailed emotive descriptions, nail-biting adventure, and vivid setting make this book truly incandescent.

“All the Water in the World” initially grabbed my interest with a unique post-apocalyptic vibe, but fell flat throughout. Slow to medium pace with nothing big to drive the plot in any exciting direction to earn its “thriller” tag.

The MFC was quirky and endearing, and supporting characters had the makings of something better, but needed to be fleshed out a bit more. Writing itself is strong, just needed more oomph to the plot.

Overall, 3.5 stars. Interesting and unique, but could have been stronger. If you like post-apocalyptic stories, “All the Water in the World” brings a creative voice, just without some of the thrill and tension its rival’s provide.

Thank you St. Martin’s Press for this advanced digital copy.

Wow, this book explored so many great topics including climate change and human connection. It will leave you thinking! If you like Emily St. John Mandel, you should definitely check this book out.

Nonie and her family have made a refuge on the top of the American Museum of National History in New York City after the vast majority of the world is now underwater. The glaciers have melted, creating a new survivalist world full of turbulent storms. When a superstorm hits, Nonie and her family must take to the river to try and make it to a family farm, where they think they will be safe.

This book reminded me of The Road by Cormac McCarthy in some ways as a parent is trying to save a child in the dystopian world. The book is told from Nonie’s POV, and she is very loveable in that she is so tenacious. This book was very cinematic, I can totally see it becoming a movie. I loved the cast of characters and the world that Caffall created. The ending was not my favourite, but it still left me satisfied. The first page takes off running and it was very hard to put down!

Poetic and haunting, this novel brings us into a world ravaged by climate change, and the people trying to survive amidst it.

Caffall doesn’t hold back on the imagery through the eyes of Nonie. Deadly storms, extinct icebergs, massive flooding, cities nonexistent, and necessities scarce. Nonie gives us memories from before, and the reality of living in The World As It is.

As we take this journey with Nonie, her sister, her father, and family friend, Keller, we are taken through a journey of longing, sadness, pain, but determination. They are leaving the only home Nonie has ever known-Amen-and heading for a farm up north that may or may not be there. Their path leads them through dangerous waters, and something even more so-people. But along the way, they fight and refuse to give up-despite death nipping at their heels.

A word of advice-don’t go into this novel thinking you’ll be reading a fast-paced story of danger and adventure. It’s quite the opposite. It’s more of a slow walk, full of detours, but beautifully painted for us. You get to know the characters, their back story, and walk along this new world with them. It is also a cautionary tale of what could happen if we do not change course to save our planet. I enjoyed this novel, and if you like slower dystopian, you will, too.

This book was an emotional rollercoaster from start to finish. The depth of loss was overwhelming, yet the bond within the family—how they supported and cared for each other—was incredibly moving. Their unwavering commitment to preserving human history amidst such devastation was truly inspiring. The impact of the rising waters from the melting glaciers was heart-wrenching, and I can’t even imagine the pain they endured. The occasional flashbacks to happier times brought moments of joy and contrast, offering some light amid the darkness. Overall, I found the book to be deeply affecting, blending themes of loss, survival, and hope in a unique post-apocalyptic setting that explores the consequences of global warming in a fresh way.

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Eiren Caffall for the e-ARC.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for allowing me to read this book early.Very dystopian and a future "what if" scenario.