Aquifer by Peter Philip
Only He Can Bring What They Need to Survive. In the year 2250, water is scarce, and those who control it control everything. Sixteen-year-old Luca has struggled with this truth, and what it means, his entire life. As the son of the Deliverer, he will one day have to descend to the underground Aquifer each year and negotiate with the reportedly ratlike miners who harvest the world’s fresh water. But he has learned the true control rests with the Council aboveground, a group that has people following without hesitation, and which has forbidden all emotion and art in the name of keeping the peace. And this Council has broken his father’s spirit, while also forcing Luca to hide every feeling that rules his heart. But when Luca’s father goes missing, everything shifts. Luca is forced underground, and discovers secrets, lies, and mysteries that cause him to reevaluate who he is and the world he serves. Together with his friends and a very alluring girl, Luca seeks to free his people and the Rats from the Council’s control. But Luca’s mission is not without struggle and loss, as his desire to uncover the truth could have greater consequences than he ever imagined.
In a dystopian world where emotions are monitored, Luca has never thrivedThough he wants to fit in, it isn’t possible. Luca is expected to inherit his father’s job---as a hero. Once a year, Luca’s father travels through an underground labyrinth, the way known only to his family, to ensure fresh water on the surface. Protectors of the Aquifer, the last fresh water source in the world, demand him to return annually to discuss the water. The day before his voyage, Luca’s dad judges a group of “criminals,” including one of Luca’s classmates. A government man lies to the civilians about his ruling, condemning them to death. Knowing all were pronounced innocent, Luca saves his classmate. Then, Luca awaits his father’s return from the Aquifer. His father doesn’t arrive on time, and the governing Council lies to cover their hero’s disappearance. When Luca discovers the Council is trying to become heroes by killing him and his father, he flees to safety---to the Aquifer. He discovers the truths about his father’s disappearance and the real story of the Aquifer. Led by a voice of peace, he returns to surface chaos. Will he listen to the voice and bring peace? Luca develops from timid kid into hero, becoming more likable with each page. Jonathan Friesen does a great job using dialogue and action to move the plot forward. There are moments when the mood darkens with ideas of suicide, mild violence, and discussions of fate, but the plot progresses quickly to lighten the mood and hold the reader’s attention. This world seems real enough that it could be our future, but it is fantastic enough to feel fictional. One major theme emphasizes the power of words, both encouraging and deceptive. Engaging, active writing allows readers to dive into Aquifer. Mystery from the outset lures readers into uncovering the truth with Luca. The final resolution leaves readers satisfied and may lead people to see things in their lives they have taken for granted. Rebecca A. Schriner, CLJ * Christian Library Journal *
Jonathan Friesen is an author, speaker, and youth writing coach from Mora, Minnesota. His first young adult novel, Jerk, California, received the ALA Schneider Award. When he’s not writing, speaking at schools, or teaching, Jonathan loves to travel and hang out with his wife and three kids.
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9780310731825 |
| ISBN 10 | 0310731828 |
| Title | Aquifer |
| Author | Peter Philip |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Publisher | HarperCollins Focus |
| Year published | 2013-08-06 |
| Number of pages | 304 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |