H2O (H2O Series #1)

by Virginia Bergin

Overview

In the first book in a terrifying post-apocalyptic duology, it's in the rain…and just one drop will kill you. Perfect for fans of dystopian books!

.27 is a number Ruby hates. It's a number that marks the percentage of the population that has survived. It's a number that means she's one of the "lucky" few still standing. And it's a number that says her father is probably dead.

Against all odds, Ruby has survived the catastrophic onset of the killer rain. Two weeks after the radio started broadcasting the warning, "It's in the rain. It's fatal and there's no cure," the drinkable water is running out. Ruby's left with two options: persevere on her own or embark on a treacherous journey across the country to find her father—if he's even still alive.

Don't miss the breathless conclusion to the H2O duology, The Storm.

Perfect for those looking for:

• Post-apocalyptic survival fiction
• Intriguing and unique takes on a bestselling genre
• Young adult dystopian fiction
• A strong female narrative

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781492615323
Publisher:	Sourcebooks
Publication date:	09/01/2015
Series:	H2O Series , #1
Pages:	352
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.20(h) x 1.30(d)
Age Range:	14 - 17 Years

About the Author

Virginia Bergin is the author of H2O, which The Horn Book Magazine called “Inspiring.” She lives in Bristol (UK). Visit her online at virginiabergin.com and on Twitter @VeeBergin.

Editorial Reviews

09/15/2014
There’s a space bacterium raining down on England, infesting the water supply and fatally infecting everyone it touches. Through a mix of careful planning and sheer luck, 15-year-old Ruby Morris is one of the lone survivors, teaming up with a nerdy classmate and a traumatized mute girl to find her father in London. Writing from Ruby’s perspective, debut novelist Bergin treats the story as the girl’s recollection of the history of the epidemic and a handbook of sorts for other survivors. But Ruby’s character development remains stunted even through life-altering trauma and devastation. Despite the deaths of Ruby’s baby “brother-brat beloved,” her mother, and all her friends, as well as becoming the caretaker for several dogs and a young girl, Ruby shows little growth. She is so preoccupied with her appearance that she stops for a makeover amid the chaos, lugs around cosmetics, and loots designer duds instead of focusing on potable water and protective gear. Although the most accessible characters are often flawed, Ruby becomes increasingly unsympathetic as the story progresses. Ages 14–up. Agent: Louise Lamont, LBA Books. (Oct.)

Publishers Weekly

"The diary-style narration emphasizes Ruby's distinctly teenage response to society's end and her strong, spontaneous voice lends a touch of dark comedy to the post-apocalyptic doom and gloom... watching Ruby draw strength from her ability to tell her own story is as inspiring as it is harrowing" - The Horn Book Magazine

"Attention to detail, coupled with a very strong main character, will draw readers in and make them think twice about leaving the house-at least not before checking the sky for signs of rain." - School Library Journal

"A gripping concept... Ruby's narrative voice is exceptional." - The Bulletin

"This entry in the teen dystopian genre brings life and humor to an otherwise dark situation... a great, high-interest read for contemporary teens." - VOYA

From the Publisher

09/01/2014
Gr 6 Up—How hard could it possibly be to avoid the rain? According to the account of Ruby Morris, it's a lot harder than one might think: Ruby hails from the wet and dreary United Kingdom. After an imminent meteor strike is avoided, events lead to an alien bacterium-laced rain that is fatal and contagious. Stranded and devoid of any parental guidance, Ruby must cross vast distances and make choices even when no right answer exists. The first-person narrative allows for a unique perspective. The story and language will provide readers with an international scope and convey the tragic impact of the apocalyptic events. Young teens will find the protagonist entertaining and relatable. The beauty of the text lies in Bergin's ability to realistically explore the horrors of the world she's created. Attention to detail, coupled with a very strong main character, will draw readers in and make them think twice about leaving the house—at least not before checking the sky for signs of rain.—Chad Lane, Easton Elementary, Wye Mills, MD

School Library Journal

2014-07-29
Grab an umbrella: The latest fictional civilization-ending threat is deadly rain. Ruby's having the best night of her life, drunkenly making out with her crush in a hot tub at a party. Suddenly, the host's parents arrive and, panicking, drag everyone indoors. The radio broadcasts an emergency message about fatal rain. Space bacteria have entered the atmosphere on an asteroid, replicated in the clouds' moisture and now rain death upon humanity. Just humanity, though—inexplicably, this bacteria's apparently harmless to plants and other animals. After struggling to live through the first few days—finding uncontaminated water sources is a particular challenge—Ruby decides to travel across the country to find her father. The situation's horrifying, but what gives the deaths resonance is how sad they are, rather than simply scary (although they are plenty gory). Ruby's narration is unsophisticated and, especially in the beginning, self-conscious, keeping readers from immersing themselves in the story, much as the strange butterfly graphic that censors curse words does. Additionally, Ruby's progressively vapid characterization makes her hard to root for. Her biggest redeeming trait's her love of animals. The novel also has the usual post-apocalyptic tropes—nerdy companion, military of dubious trustworthiness, human threats, a young child to take care of and so forth. The ending is immensely unsatisfying. Only for readers who are really good at suspending disbelief. (Post-apocalyptic adventure. 14-17)

Kirkus Reviews