The coming-of-age story is set against the backdrop of a lakeside community of marginalized people impaired to varying degrees by their contact with contaminated water.

The main character, Paul, has a finely crafted interior life. The exterior of Paul's world could benefit from greater attention. Even the proper nouns, infrequently provided, have an oddly generic air: Governor's Hill, the City, Rat Castle.

Most of the young readers will be unfamiliar with Dune, so they won't cringe at the "Drink the water, Paul" scene, but given a choice I would change the name of the hero.

None of the themes -- misuse of technology, nefarious government, the hubris of scientists -- is new, but the novel is solidly crafted and an enjoyable read.