An Ocean Apart

Gr 9 Up–A dystopian romance with a heart for social justice and a good dose of action. Eden Lowell struggles to survive and support her adoptive family in the flooded Marshes of old Miami, where nutritious food and water are scarce. She blames the Cruisers, the corrupt wealthy in power who have abandoned the land and live on vast ships. Seeking vengeance, she partners with the mysterious anti-Cruiser rebel, the Ringmaster, to infiltrate the dating show being held for corporate heir Theo Desjardins. Eden will seize his heart and disappear with the prize money for the Marshes. But Theo challenges Eden’s assumptions and prejudices, and she soon finds herself pulled apart, facing decisions between different identities, loves, and futures. The story offers a smart, driven, and flawed heroine surrounded by a diverse cast of characters. Eden is described as having dark brown arms and black curls, and many of the characters are described as having tan or dark skin. Action and issues of social justice are integrated with character and relationship development, mixed with a love triangle and an enemies-to-lovers trope blend.