I had to take a break several times while reading this. Finding out who you are is always difficult, throw in Shay's let's say special family dynamics, it was sometimes hard to read.
You explained the various 'problems' in detail so we knew better why some of the characters did what they did.
To be honest, I was glad when the end was near, but it made me smile.
A parched German countryside and climate change making much of Southern Europe unlivable is very close to reality, the political changes you described unfortunately too. You packed all this into an action-filled setting. I couldn't scroll fast enough to get to the ending.
You have to explain this to me.
Anyway, I'm glad you liked my idea for the story. Thank you for reading and commenting especially with all vacation stress.