Flood and Fire

Set in 2216, Flood and Fire is based in the same future floodlands as Reavers’ Ransom and Flood Child. Having escaped the clutches of the Reavers, Lily seeks sanctuary in Cambridge. There’s a palpable sense of danger attached to the PSAI that Lily owns, the last handheld computer. It contains an ominous chip which, when attached to a mainframe by academics in Cambridge, sets in motion a series of chain reactions aimed at controlling terrorist activity through maximum, fiery control.

As with Diamand’s previous two novels the writing is spare with moments of crystalline clarity and beautiful phraseology. The plot here is fast-moving and agile keeping readers firmly on their toes. There’s a real sense of action, adventure and urgency running through the book and its comments on the dangers of terrorism and the fear of our acting out through extreme measures is both thought-provoking and chilling. The approach and concept is as fresh as Diamand’s future vision is fully formed in this impressive dystopian adventure.