Global warming and climate change have produced irreversible changes. New York City, once the largest metropolis in the United States, finds itself partially flooded as neighborhoods disppeared underneath rising sea levels. Real-estate is so expansive, however, and investments so large that billions of private and government monies have been spent ensuring that the large buildings in Manhattan survive, turning the island into a modern Venice. Canals now replace streets, and small powerful watercrafts mix with large transport boats, while a network of enclosed aerial walkways allow walkers to travel from one side of the city to the other without getting wet.
Residents of the Met Life Tower have adapted to the changes, and continue to live their lives. Vlade, the building manager, is in charge of ensuring that the lower levels of the building, which are submerged in water, do not flood. He maintains the equipment, the pumps, and even the farms on top of the building that provide food for the inhabitants. Charlotte, who works as a lawyer for the city, also serves on the Met's board of residents, and they must consider whether to sell their building. Franklin is a financial wizard who created an index that is used for trading futures on whether a piece of land will be worth something as waters continue to rise. Amelia is an Internet star, owns an airship, and travels the world. She's rarely here, but when she is she's the lift of the building. Stefan and Roberto are two homeless boys who are under Vlade's wing, as he has a soft spot for those two. Mr. Hexter, Stefan and Roberto's friend, remembers what the city was like before it flooded, and he has many maps and memories worth exploring. Finally, Mutt and Jeff are two coders living atop the building, keeping an eye on the farm, and attempting to crash the financial markets.
When Mutt and Jeff go missing, a cascade of events throws these residents together to defend their building and their home, and in the process they find that they are more family than they ever cared to admit before.
Fans of dystopia will appreciate this climate tragedy of a world that hints at our own not too far future. The mystery moving the plot along is well-crafted, and each character brings a unique perspective to the story.
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