Hot on the heels of Kenneth Oppel’s latest blockbuster, Airborn , comes the mass market release of Dead Water Zone , a gripping science-fiction thriller, perfect for its young adult audience. Set in the very near future, in a world where the haves and have nots are segregated by their neighbourhood’s level of environmental degradation, Dead Water Zone is the haunting story of 15-year-old Paul, who leaves his orderly suburban home to search for his younger brother, Sam. Sam has disappeared in the murky slum of Watertown, and Paul believes that he knows something dangerous about the toxic waters surrounding the shantytown.Can Paul find out the truth? Or does the dead water zone devour everyone who dares to enter it? Oppel’s sensitive characterization and treatment of adolescent rivalry, love and self-worth enhance this action-packed, totally satisfying story. Dead Water Zone will capture a brand-new adolescent audience.