In her debut novel, “After the Flood,” Kassandra Montag explores the social impact of climate change in a dystopian future where the Earth’s surface is covered in water. Readers can expect adventure, suspense and harrowing tales on the high seas through this watery journey.

With invaluable instruction from her grandfather, Myra and her family were able to somewhat prepare for the flood. After enduring the devastating, life-changing event, Myra is gutted when her husband cracks under the pressure of the new world. He takes their daughter, Row, to escape to higher ground, leaving Myra pregnant with their second child.

Myra uses the fishing and boating skills her grandfather taught her to survive. With one daughter by her side, Myra and young Pearl sail over regions of what used to be the United States, hoping for a hearty catch that can be traded for basic needs.

While on land, Myra learns through dangerous circumstances that Row has been spotted in The Valley. It becomes her life mission to find Row and bring her home. Unfortunately, in order to get to The Valley, rumor has it that sailors must cross treacherous waters and evade raiders while withstanding freezing temperatures.

Myra knows she can’t do it alone, but in a serendipitous moment, she, Pearl and a new navigator friend named Daniel are rescued by a crew looking to develop a new colony. Myra convinces the captain to move north, even though everyone aboard questions if the risk is too great. As it turns out, the rumors were true and danger awaits at every turn.

Although “After the Flood” is a dystopian survival story, Montag masters the art of investigating the intricacies of everyday life. Who can you trust? What will you risk? What is your definition of family? And how much will you sacrifice to protect the ones you love?