In a dystopian world, a working-class girl enters a dating competition to win the heart of a wealthy water heir and save her water-starved community, torn between her mission and her heart when her childhood best friend joins the fray. Set 180 years before The Dividing Sky, this sci-fi romance explores love, sacrifice, and societal divides in a captivating narrative.

Reader Review Summary

"An Ocean Apart" is a captivating young adult sci-fi romance novel that seamlessly blends genres and delivers an immersive, multi-layered reading experience. Set in a richly imagined dystopian world 180 years before the events of Tew's acclaimed "The Dividing Sky," this spellbinding tale follows the journey of a brave and resourceful working-class girl who embarks on an extraordinary mission to save her water-starved community.

At the heart of the narrative lies a ingenious and thrilling premise: our resilient heroine secretly enters a glamorous dating competition in the hopes of winning the heart of a wealthy water heir, believing that his love for her will be enough to convince him to provide aid to her drought-stricken people. However, her already complex mission takes an unexpected turn when her charming childhood best friend unexpectedly joins her, forcing her to grapple with the difficult choice between her noble cause and the stirrings of her own heart.

Tew's masterful worldbuilding is nothing short of awe-inspiring, immersing readers in a vividly realized dystopian landscape where water scarcity has reshaped society and elevated water as a coveted resource controlled by the powerful elite. Against this backdrop, the author deftly weaves a gripping tale of sacrifice, resilience, and the enduring power of love, creating a narrative that resonates with depth and emotional resonance.

The characters in "An Ocean Apart" are richly drawn and utterly captivating, each one imbued with distinct personalities, motivations, and emotional arcs that drive the story forward. The dynamic between the determined protagonist and her childhood friend crackles with chemistry and genuine affection, adding an irresistible layer of romantic tension to the high-stakes plot.

Tew's writing is both lyrical and immersive, effortlessly transporting readers into the heart of her meticulously crafted world. Her prose is evocative and vivid, painting vivid pictures and evoking a range of emotions that will resonate with readers long after the final page has been turned.

If the glowing reader reviews are any indication, "An Ocean Apart" is a triumph of storytelling that seamlessly blends genres and delivers a reading experience that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. With its compelling characters, intricate world-building, and emotionally resonant narrative, this book is sure to captivate readers of all ages and leave an indelible mark on the literary landscape.