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."
Seventeen years without rain have broken the world—except for two nations
While the old powers crumble into dust, Cambodia and the Ivory Coast rule the globe. From their rain-drenched shores, they ship the world’s only lifeblood across the oceans in massive, retrofitted oil tankers. Kasemchai, the insulated heir to Cambodia’s water empire, lives at the peak of this liquid dynasty. He doesn’t want to save the world; he just wants his father’s approval.
But when a Dutch engineer pulls back the curtain on the empire, Kasemchai’s golden cage shatters. The leaders he idolized aren’t saviors—they are the architects of a controlled catastrophe.
Now, the man who has everything must decide what he is willing to lose. To stop a global monopoly, Kasemchai must risk his family’s immense fortune and his own survival. In a world of state-sponsored piracy and a dying planet’s last gasp, the choice is clear: the safety of a corrupt empire, or the chaotic, terrifying hope of the rain.
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 (Our verdict: Get it)
“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
Amazon #1 Best Seller in Water Supply June 28, 2025
The BookFest first place award for Dystopian and Climate Fiction categories April 5, 2025
Literary Titan Gold Book Award for Fiction April 4, 2025
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.