When the Sun Returned

The rain took everything—now the sun will test what's left. From New York Times bestselling author Matt Eicheldinger comes the pulse-pounding sequel to When the Rain Came: a gripping survival story of truth, hunger, and the desperate will to live.

“Like Dry by Neal and Jordan Shusterman and Tilt by Emma Pattee, When the Rain Came is taut and terrifying. Fans of dystopian fiction won’t be able to put it down.”

–Megan E. Freeman, New York Times bestselling author of AWAY and ALONE

The rain is gone. The sun has come. And the world is burning.

Aurora and Kota journey toward Redfern—a refuge shelter that promises safety but demands obedience. Inside nothing is simple. Trust is currency, secrets are weapons, and The Hill is still out there. As the heat presses in, Kota slips further from Aurora's reach, but their survival depends on one another. The secret he's hiding could doom them all. • A blistering sequel to When the Rain Came • , critically renowned for teens and young adults • Perfect for fans of Dune • , Life as We know It • , and Neal Shusterman's Dry • A haunting, heart-racing tale of survival where bonds turn strangers into families

Survival isn't guaranteed—one mistake and everything burns.

© 2026 Simon & Schuster Audio (Audiobook): 9781668158555

Release date

Audiobook: 17 November 2026