The Water Carriers
BookFest first place award for Climate-fiction
Literary Titan Gold Book Award for Fiction
"Fans of The Power, The Ministry of the Future, or Dark Mirror will love this novel."
When two oligarchs control all the water in the world, how far will they go to stay in power?
Seventeen years without rain have shifted the global balance of power. First-world nations are crumbling, while the Ivory Coast and Cambodia dominate the world stage by shipping water in massive, retrofitted oil tankers.
Kasemchai, heir to Cambodia’s water empire, lives fast and is more interested in AI and supercars until he meets Liv, a brilliant Dutch engineer designing solar-powered tankers that could disrupt the industry—and the world.
As he’s pulled deeper into a high-stakes power struggle, Kasemchai is pitted against Angélique, a cunning rival who weaponizes faith and fear to cement her family’s grip on power. To stand against her, Kasemchai must risk everything: his fortune, his ideals, and possibly his life.
Reviews
“Greunke is a splendid writer. Adroitly crafted, The Water Carriers is a dizzying, dazzling depiction of a thirsty Earth, a kick-in-the-pants reminder of what’s at stake if we don’t act now. Highly recommended for fans of Paolo Bacigalupi’s The Windup Girl and Naomi Alderman’s The Power.” – BlueInk STARRED REVIEW
“…serious Bond villain energy…If you’re into stories like The Ministry for the Future or Black Mirror, you’ll enjoy this story.” – Thomas Anderson Literary Titan STARRED REVIEW
“First-time author Greunke crossbreeds “cli-fi” SF with the “business novel” genre…the narrative is disquietingly persuasive; read with a cool beverage on hand for best effect.” – Kirkus
“The Water Carriers is a smart, thrilling read that will stick with anyone who loves environmental fiction, political intrigue, or just a well-crafted, high-stakes story.” – K.C. Finn Readers’ Favorite STARRED REVIEW
“The Water Carriers is a thought-provoking book that kept me wondering about possibilities for the future of humanity.” – Gabriel Santos Readers’ Favorite STARRED REVIEW
“The Water Carriers is a sweeping, urgent science fiction novel set in a future that’s devastated by climate disaster but that inches toward the rediscovery of hope.” – Foreword Reviews
“The Water Carriers is both an engaging and cautionary read; I felt it was encouraging me to reflect on the real-world implications of climate change and resource control.” – Mary Clarke Readers’ Favorite STARRED REVIEW
Interviews
My Story Evolved Literary Titan April 2, 2025
Awards
AI Review Video
I wrote a lot about AI in my book, so I thought I’d ask an AI named NotebookLM to read the first chapter of “The Water Carriers.” The two co-hosts will provide plenty of food for thought, especially when you consider that an AI is discussing its concerns about AI in this future world.
Read The Water Carriers for free with Kindle Unlimited. Also available in paperback and hardcover.