Book Info
Seasick by Kristin Cast and Pintip Dunn
Genre: Young Adult Mystery/Thriller
Publishing Date: June 11, 2024
Synopsis:
There’s a killer on board a luxury yacht, and two former friends must team up to figure out which of their privileged classmates has a penchant for murder before they become victims themselves. Don’t miss out on this gripping thriller from New York Times bestselling authors Kristin Cast and Pintip Dunn!
Ex–best friends Naya Morgan and Yana Bunpraserit have always felt like outsiders in their small Oklahoma town. But this year, everything changes when they’re inducted into an exclusive society of Yatesville High’s top recent graduates. Unimaginable opportunities await them, starting with a celebratory yacht trip to Bermuda. Despite the likely onslaught of microaggressions and backhanded compliments from their peers—in addition to their own rocky past—Yana and Naya are ready for an epic voyage.
Then one of their classmates is brutally murdered, leaving them stuck at sea with a killer. Yana and Naya may have avoided each other for years, yet as the body count rises, rekindling their friendship might be the only way they’ll both survive.
Content Warning: murder, death, microaggressions, racism, blood
Book Links:
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199004948
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0593649303
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/seasick-kristin-cast/1144059680
IndieBound: https://bookshop.org/p/books/seasick-kristin-cast/20601323
Why Should You Read It?
Seasick by Kristin Cast and Pintip Dunn earns a solid three stars for its engaging premise and tense atmosphere, though it doesn’t quite deliver the depth or originality needed to elevate it to a higher rating. This gripping thriller, set aboard a luxury yacht, follows ex-best friends Naya Morgan and Yana Bunpraserit as they navigate a deadly game of cat and mouse among their privileged classmates.
The novel kicks off with an intriguing setup: Naya and Yana, two outsiders from a small Oklahoma town, find themselves part of an exclusive society of recent graduates from Yatesville High. Their induction promises unimaginable opportunities, beginning with a lavish yacht trip to Bermuda. However, the celebration turns deadly when a classmate is brutally murdered, trapping them at sea with a killer.
One of the strengths of Seasick lies in its claustrophobic setting. The luxury yacht, with its confined spaces and opulent but isolating environment, creates a perfect backdrop for the unfolding tension. The authors effectively use this setting to build suspense, making readers feel the mounting paranoia as the body count rises.
The dynamic between Naya and Yana adds an interesting layer to the story. Their complicated history and the need to rekindle their friendship for survival provides emotional depth and keeps the narrative moving. The portrayal of their relationship, filled with past grievances and newfound solidarity, is one of the more compelling aspects of the book.
However, Seasick falters in its character development and plot execution. Many of the secondary characters feel one-dimensional, serving more as plot devices than fully fleshed-out individuals. This lack of depth makes it difficult for readers to become fully invested in the fates of these characters.
Additionally, while the plot is engaging, it suffers from predictability. Experienced thriller readers may find the twists and turns somewhat telegraphed, reducing the overall impact of the revelations. The resolution, while satisfying, lacks the punch needed to leave a lasting impression.
In conclusion, Seasick is a decent thriller with a captivating premise and a well-executed setting, but it falls short in delivering memorable characters and unexpected plot developments. Fans of locked-room mysteries and YA thrillers will find enough to enjoy, but it may not stand out among the genre’s best.
Author Information
About the Kristin Cast:
Kristin Cast is a #1 USA Today bestselling author with over 25 million books in print and has spent over 250 weeks on the NYT bestseller list, peaking at #1.
She is neurodivergent (ASD + OCD), was born on an Air Force base in Japan, and grew up in Oklahoma where she explored everything from tattoo modeling to broadcast journalism. After battling addiction, Kristin made her way to the Pacific Northwest and landed in Portland. She rediscovered her passion for storytelling in the stacks at dusty bookstores and in rickety chairs in old coffeehouses.
For as long as she can remember, Kristin’s been telling stories. Thankfully, she’s been writing them down since 2005.
Kristin’s Links:
Website: https://www.kcastauthor.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kcastauthor/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17010
About Pintip Dunn:
Pintip Dunn is a New York Times bestselling author of young adult fiction. She graduated from Harvard University, magna cum laude, with an A.B., and received her J.D. at Yale Law School.
Her novel FORGET TOMORROW won the 2016 RWA RITA® for Best First Book, and SEIZE TODAY won the 2018 RITA for Best Young Adult Romance. Her books have been translated into four languages, and they have been nominated for the following awards: the Grand Prix del’Imaginaire; the Japanese Sakura Medal; the MASL Truman Award; the TomeSociety It list; and the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award.
Her other titles include REMEMBER YESTERDAY, THE DARKEST LIE, GIRL ON THE VERGE, STAR-CROSSED, and MALICE.
Pintip’s Links:
Website: https://www.pintipdunn.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pintip_dunn
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13442212