I picked this one up (wait!!! I didn’t pick this up; I was gifted the ARC copy by the author as part of the tour)……So…. I was expecting a dystopian YA adventure with a sprinkle of romance and futuristic technology. What I got instead was anxiety…………………….with morally questionable adults,…………..and with suspiciously attractive mentors (because YA simply refuses to let us rest), and a story that kept asking one uncomfortable question: How much empathy is too much?
So, if you’re in the mood for futuristic conspiracies, complicated feelings, slow-burn tension, and a lot of emotional damage, you should pick this up. Here’s my review of The Same Water.
Blurb
Empathy is power.
For two years, Shaye Devereaux’s anxiety has consumed her life. Friends have drifted away, she’s given up on boys, and she’s failed her junior year. But an unbelievable offer gives Shaye hope of a fresh start.
Pathos Conservatory, an elite prep school founded on the business of empathy, believes Shaye is the perfect fit for their summer program. Pathos is building up a force of influencers, training them on the power of understanding human emotions. Guiding her on her journey is her nineteen-year-old mentor, Ephram. Irritatingly handsome, Ephram is flirty yet distant… until he isn’t.
While navigating her complicated feelings about Ephram, Pathos exposes Shaye and her new friends to the power of empathy. Delving into memories of others is just the beginning of their training. For Shaye, however, some memories should never be experienced twice.
But when Shaye’s awakened abilities catch the attention of leadership, it soon becomes clear there is much more going on with Pathos—and Ephram—than she knows. One choice could alter Shaye’s life forever – will she be ready to make it?
If you love the romantic chemistry and futuristic technology of Divergent and the provocative vibes of Delirium and The Darkest Minds, then you’ll be captivated by The Same Water.
Genre
Science Fiction Adventure Fantasy
Theme and Tone
Cool
Language/Writing Style
Easy to Read
Characters
Somewhat complex
Tropes
- School Drama
- Empathy-Based Magic/Abilities
- Portals
- Exclusive School / Academy Setting
- Slow Burn and Mutual Pining
- Not All Is as It Seems
- Anxious FMC
My Review
The first paragraph of chapter one drew me in…why? Because the person talking about paperbacks and how it made them feel…….I am a sucker for such things. Anyway, the story starts great. The setting and the plot were immaculate. There is an empathy-powered academy that’s definitely hiding something. Shaye Devereaux is an anxiety-riddled, heart-on-her-sleeve FMC. She isn’t looking for love, redemption, or a sci-fi-level existential crisis—but guess what? She is getting all three.
The Same Water is set in a world where empathy isn’t just a personality trait but something that can be studied, trained, and weaponized. The story blends science fiction, dystopian mystery, and emotional depth into a story that quietly sneaks up on you. It’s the kind of book that starts with a prestigious summer program and somehow ends with you questioning humanity while aggressively highlighting your favorite quotes……lol
Pathos Conservatory isn’t your typical prep school. It’s basically Hogwarts, but for empaths, and instead of wands, you get memory dives and suspiciously charming mentors. Then you also get Ephram: brooding, infuriating, hot enough to be illegal😅. He flirts like it’s his job (spoiler: it sort of is), but behind all that perfection, there is a lot of mystery and secrets. Overall, it was a great read. I enjoyed it very much. Highly recommend it!!!
My Rating
- Overall: ★★★★ | 4 Stars
- Plot: ★★★★| 4 Stars
- Romance: ★★★★ | 4 Star
- Characters:★★★★ | 4 Stars
- Pacing: ★★★★★| 5 stars
- Mystery: ★★★★★ | 5 star
The Best Part
- The book setting is really great
- I like the concept of empaths and how it is weaponized
