Content levels
Hero archetypes
Heroine archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Tropes
Themes
Synopsis
In a dark future America that has devolved into unending civil wars, orphans Mahlia and Mouse barely escape the war-torn lands of the Drowned Cities, but their fragile safety is soon threatened and Mahlia will have to risk everything if she is to save Mouse, as he once saved her.
Is The Drowned Cities appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 14 and up.
This dystopian YA novel contains strong war violence including child soldiers, graphic injury/amputation, and mature themes about civil conflict. Language is moderately strong and the tone is dark throughout.
What to know going in
This book has strong violence, no sexual content, and moderate language. Content notes include death, grief, and war (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Teens will be gripped by this intense survival story about two war orphans risking everything to save each other in a devastated future America.