Arid
Series: The Wastelands
Publisher: Joyce Dragon Publications
Published: 2/12/2022
Format: paperback
Number of pages: 270
ISBN-13: 9798416445751
First sentence: Joshua opened his eyes wide, jarred awake by shrill screams and cold clammy hands shackled around his throat
Description: It's the distant future. The earth is scourged by nuclear warfare and natural resources have become scarce. The country is overtaken by wealthy moguls who dominate the water supply and sell it back to the public at ridiculous prices. After a drastic crime increase "indigents" who can't afford water are stripped of their belongings and forced out of town by an army of brutes called Purifiers.

Life becomes harsh and ominous for the bright, ambitious Joshua Wyman and his group until they begin to occasionally receive food and other basic amenities after Joshua is deemed useful. When a blatant abuse of Purifier power during a routine visit leaves them reeling, Joshua and his friends reach their breaking point.

They devise a plan to steal the Purifiers' vehicle during their next visit and escape their hell. Their journey across the uncharted wastelands filled with murderers and thieves proves to be far more than this civilized, benevolent crew bargained for. This tense, divided city will soon face its greatest fear-uprising!