The Water Knife by Paolo Bacigalupi

The Water Knife explores a world where water is scarce making those with access to it powerful.  I learned about this book at ALA Midwinter and was excited to read it. 

• The story is told from the vantage points of three characters.  Their stories interact in several ways.
• These three characters offer a view into the experiences of three tiers of this struggling and violent society.
• The characters are real and likable.  The character Angel could have easily been a tough guy with little depth.  Instead, Bacigalupi crafts a character who is strong, tough, and has weaknesses.
• This is a quick read that balances plot action with character development.

Overall, it was an engaging and enjoyable read for this reader, who isn't typically drawn to thrillers.