The best treasure island dystopian retelling. I absolutely loved every part of this book the plot, to the characters, and writing it was just perfection.

Jin hasn’t had it easy. After her father dies wrecking in a drown city, she is left to grieve, support, and survive in a world that has been drowned by never ending rainfall. When a suspicious character shows up at their inn talking of treasure buried in what used to be Las Vegas, Jin is both reserved and excited about the possibilities. A journey to not only find the gold but also a self discovery.

I love underwater world-building and a good pirate story and this is exactly that. I enjoyed the unique storyline with recognizable areas underwater to explore and creepy creatures who live underwater. I look forward to reading the continuing adventures of Jin, Thara and Taim. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

YA dystopian isn't a genre I tend to gravitate to - post hunger games, I think the market is oversaturated. It's difficult to come across YA dystopians that feel really, completely fresh. But Into the Sunken City definitely manages that with this highly readable blend of dystopian, classic retelling, and climate fiction.

The story kicks off in a future world under constant cloud cover, where the rain literally never stops falling and most of the map as we know it now is underwater. Two teenage sisters are eking out a meager living as innkeepers in a small town on the Arizona coast, mourning the death of their father a few years prior, when a mysterious stranger arrives seeking refuge. Eventually, their guest tells them about an opportunity to retrieve a life-changing amount of treasure from Las Vegas - which is at the bottom of the ocean.

The first quarter or so of this book takes its time ramping up and moving the characters into place, but once the plot takes off, this is an extremely fast-paced, exciting story. The journey to Vegas-lost takes the band of adventurers up against sea monsters, thieves, pirates, and scariest of all, the ocean itself - intensely hostile to human life.

I really appreciated the Hindu influence and casually queer secondary characters, but beyond that I have to admit I was frequently frustrated with the cast. They’re one-dimensional and often irrational, the main character particularly so - I think multiple POVs would have been great to offer some reprieve from Jin’s bitter, grief-warped perspective, which honestly becomes a bit grating.

I also do have to say, I had a LOT of unanswered questions about holes in the worldbuilding, choices characters made that didn't really make sense, and plot holes that we quickly glossed over. Like, to start with, why is mandatory conscription into the Navy such a looming threat when there's no war? What is this Navy for? Apparently people regularly drown while serving - what are they doing? Why is the Navy so bad at keeping people alive, when our characters were diy traipsing around the ocean floor? And for a fairly technologically advanced world, why haven't they built any houseboats, rafts, or floating islands to live on? Why not, I don’t know, just a simple system of covered walkways around town? The entire premise of this rain-drenched, drowning world is also hand-waved away early on, and I didn't want it to bother me but it kind of did. There is a finite amount of water that exists on our planet, constantly cycling, right? "Where is the water coming from" was a very real question I wanted the book to at least take a stab at answering, because... yeah. Where IS all this water coming from?

3.5. Altogether, this was still a quick and enjoyable read! The ending leaves the story open for more potential adventures, and if Dinesh Thiru chooses to keep writing in this world, I will be reading.

Into the Sunken City is a dystopian, almost post-apocalyptic Treasure Island reimagining. As someone who isn't too familiar with the source material, you only have to like pirates, deep sea diving, and love the idea of a dystopian world. Into the Sunken City is probably best for fans of diving and love the idea of exploring underwater worlds and also those who are terrified of diving, but love the idea of what lies beneath. If you haven't guessed which I am, I love the idea of diving, but could never!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book stressed me out SO MUCH, but in a good way. First of all, I went into this not knowing it was a Treasure Island retelling, and when certain events started happening I thought, "waaiiittt... is this...?" and of course it is, and I adore that. Taking Treasure Island and making it a dystopian near-future adventure (that seems all too plausible in this age of climate change), with a diverse cast of characters is such a great premise, and the author certainly follows through on that promise. It's a fast-paced adventure with romance, heart, thrills, and did I mention the stress? (it's all those underwater scenes. I don't do well with underwater scenes). It wraps up quite satisfyingly, but in a way that leaves room for a sequel (which I would definitely read).

This debut book offers the reader an escape to an undersea world complete with action, adventure, suspense and even pirates!

Two orphaned sisters, Jin and Thara, operate an inn after a diving accident claimed their father's life. The issue is that the inn is located in a sinking city where it never stops raining and their inn will soon be underwater. Unless... they can agree upon whether or not to join a stranger and his not-so-merry band of merchants and dive to an underwater casino in Las Vegas and raid it. Their decision and the adventure, twists and turns that they encounter upon the way, are very unique and creative, illustrating the author's gifted imagination. Highly enjoyed this one and recommend!

I thank the author, publisher and Net Galley for my ARC.

Hindu culture meets Atlantis and Treasure Island in this YA dystopian coming of age novel where two orphaned sisters join a not-so-merry band of pirates and deep divers in a heist to raid an under water casino in Las Vegas. I loved this unique and absolutely interesting world that that doesn't stop raining, where the American Archipelago is sinking and people are being taxed heavily just to be able to exist in land that isn't underwater. I loved the strong and resilient FMC and the wildcard that is Bhili. I loved the exploration on grief between the two sisters, especially towards their father and how the water was both traumatic and healing.

What I didn't quite enjoy is how the feelings of the FMC seemed to be disregarded and deemed as unimportant throughout the novel. Or, how there was a lack of acknowledgement that her feelings were valid and significant by the other characters. I also very much did not enjoy the romance. Far too often this fierce FMC was derailed by her own lust for her ex boyfriend, rather than love, up to the very end of the novel. I didnt like how often it mentioned that she wanted to climb him, or how how good his chest looked, etc etc, took away the focus from why she actually loved and cared for him as a human being and instead objectified the love interest greatly.

Nonetheless, I had quite a bit of fun with this action packed novel and am definitely interested in reading the next book, if there is another adventure after.

(+) half Indian author, sapphic secondary romance, Indian mythology and beliefs

Okay so I am going to be a bit of a fangirl here for several reasons. First of all this book is amazing on it’s own. Second of all it has elements of some of my favourite things, heists, underwater cities like in a sort of love child of bioshock and waterworld and of course deep sea diving which both excites and terrifies me. I was excited for this one but I had no idea just how good it was going to be.

Thiru’s world is amazing. A vision of our own world but were most of the cities are sinking and those above the water struggle to stay alive. Jin and Thara were dream protagonists and I have never fallen in love with a main character so fast. But it doesn’t stop there we have a host of amazing characters to enjoy, even the bad guys!

On top of amazing characters we have a brilliant plot with superb pacing. Add into this the rag tag group becoming a sort of found family, romance done how I like it (a little subplot that didn’t really take over the whole story), action, adventure, sea creatures and a host of other things you have a win from me. It ticks a lot of boxes and I honestly think any dystopian fantasy fan will love this one but if you love pirates, heists and amazing characters you cannot miss this one!

I'm really glad I picked this one up! Into the Sunken City was a rollicking adventure story with pirates, treasure, and action galore.

The characters: Jin was a great heroine- strong, determined, and flawed. She's consumed with grief but does everything in her power to care for her sister. I have a hard time getting past the spoiled younger sibling trope, especially when a lot is on the line, but the family bond here is the core of the story and the motivation behind all of Jin's actions, good and bad. The tension between the sisters makes the story even more compelling. The secondary characters like Taim, Silva, and Bhili are all very distinct, with clear voices and their own motivations that you discover throughout the novel, keeping you guessing.

The setting is one that's eerily plausible, and the descriptions of this nearly-drowned world is stunning. I was immediately captured by the opening chapter, setting us up for a world that's recognizable, but only just. I wish we could have explored it more and seen more of the creatures that inhabit that underwater world, because they really added the splash (pun intended)

This is a very fast-paced book with lots of twists and turns. You're never really sure who to trust, and that kept me turning pages- I finished this in less than a day. You won't regret this one if you're a fan of clear world-building, strong characters, and lots of surprises.

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I really enjoyed this book! The world building was excellent. I was sucked in to the world, and vividly visualized everything. I also enjoyed the bong between Jin and her sister. The diving portions of the book were the strongest for me. I felt a little suffocated and tense, and I loved it. The only downside was the pacing. Overall a solid read!

I thought this was such a promising premise and it did not disappoint. It's exactly the high stakes, nonstop pirate-y action/adventure story I was hoping it would be, set in an intriguing dystopian future that's described in immersive detail, and featuring a delightfully diverse cast of characters. A lot of retellings struggle to strike the right balance between staying true enough to the original and offering something new and interesting, and I thought this one did a great job of that. Between the action, romance, family drama, and dystopian setting, I feel like this has a little something for everyone and I can't wait to share it with all the ya readers at my library, especially heist and/or pirate fans!

A big thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollin's for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

A Treasure Island retelling? Sign me up!

Into the Sunken City by Dinesh Thiru is a YA fantasy retelling of the beloved classic Treasure Island. For Jin Haldar, this life is nothing new—ever since her father died in a diving accident, she’s barely made ends meet for her and her younger sister, Thara. Enter Bhili: a drifter who offers Jin and Thara the score of a lifetime—a massive stash of gold hidden in the sunken ruins of Las Vegas. Jin knows it’s too dangerous. She stopped diving after her father’s accident. But when her sister decides to go, Jin’s left with only one choice: to go with her. A ragtag crew is assembled—including Jin’s annoyingly hot ex-boyfriend. From there, a high-stakes heist ensues that’s beyond even Jin’s wildest fears. Crumbling ruins, sea beasts, corsairs, and a mysterious figure named João Silva all lie in wait. To survive, Jin will have to do what she promised herself she’d never do again: dive.

I kind of wished this book was out and in my possession when I first finished reading Adrienne Young's Fable duology. Because it surely would have helped with the book hangover I had. Into the Sunken City is the perfect blend of familiar story elements and general uniqueness. Also, I may never look at water the same way ever again.

I just finished reading this and found it so good! Excellent world building and what a plot! It reminded me of Fable and All The Stars and Teeth..

Heists are one of my favourite tropes and it's done so well. I love the added element of treasure hunting and pirates.

“Without judgment, the rain washes away all sins, and this grisly trawl deck will soon be clean again.”

Into the Sunken City by Dinesh Thiru is a dystopian reimagining of Treasure Island where climate change has altered the atmosphere to create a continuous rain across the planet resulting in terrible flooding and creating archipelagos instead of solid land mass. The tale opens with two orphaned sisters running a seaside inn where they accept any kind of traveler just to scrape by together, often supplementing income with raiding the flooded, sunken cities below. They long to see the sun though it is a hopeless dream. It is through the call to adventure, diving to find one of the largest sunken treasures imaginable still untouched in the treacherous remains of Las Vegas, that they leave their home on a dangerous journey leading to potential riches and certain peril.
The story is brutal throughout with deep sea dives, gigantic sea creatures, and, of course, pirates. It seems so bleak for our main characters from the start, and our primary protagonist, Jinny, is so jaded and heartbroken from her own trust issues and fears, it seems like she will never heal from the very deep wounds of her past, especially when tensions escalate.
This story weaves in Hindu mythology and world history like a comforting undertow pulling our protagonist repeatedly below the surface of the water she fears, and somehow each time she surfaces stronger.
This book is best suited for teens and older. Though this is a society where pirate rum is replaced by tea due to the outlawed, depressive alcohol (disastrous in a society with no sun and oppressive year-long seasonal affective disorder), the author does not shy away from mature themes such as murder, murder plots, and violent death of even significant characters.
I really enjoyed reading this; it was a very unique take on a traditional tale filled with adventure. I found the ending to be extremely and unexpectedly satisfying.

Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children’s for an advanced copy of this book to review!

I have seen a lot of hype surrounding this book and it is deserved. It was action-packed and fast paced. I loved the idea of an underwater heist. Not to mention the eerie-ness of underwater scenes. Really good!

Into the Sunken City by Dinesh Thiru was a spellbinding story set in a captivating dystopian future.
The vivid characters are diverse and interesting.
The world building was very well done and made the Sci-fi story truly come alive.
I was completely enthralled from page one of this book and the pacing and structure was phenomenal.

Thank You NetGalley and HarperTeen for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

This was so much fun! Into the Sunken City is a unique YA retelling of Treasure Island set in a drowned world covered in clouds and flooded by rain. The world and the diving were some of my favourite aspects of this book and is truly what made it so fun and unique.

I loved following Jin along under the water and exploring these ruins alongside her. It really felt like I was right next her to throughout these adventures. I wish we had gotten to explore the ruins and the monsters that lurk in the deep more, it would have added so much more to the world.

The only thing that somewhat irked me about the book was how stubborn Jin was. She refused to trust people and hear them out. While there was character growth by the end, it was difficult and infuriating to read at times.

Despite this I still loved this book and just had such a fun time reading it! I'll definitely be recommending this to friends and picking up a physical copy as soon as I can!

If you love pirates, sister dynamics, sunken treasure, stunning underwater scenes and a queer-normative world, then I highly suggest picking this up!

This book was like Disney Treasure Island meets Waterworld. The setting is dystopian and the sister FMCs are struggling to survive. Their fragile existence gets turned upside by a visitor to their inn. This paves the way for adventure, pirates, betrayal and (the best parts of the book for me) deep sea diving. The settings are amazing, it constantly rains and you are immersed so vividly. The dives are nail-biting and treacherous. I loved the FMCs, the dynamics of the sisterly relationship were great to read and you understood their decision making. There’s also a subplot that’s romance that was a nice touch. Overall a great YA adventure book with a message about climate change. Thank you to NetGalley and HarperTeen for an E-ARC. This is a voluntary review of my own thoughts.

This was the most unique concept for a story I’ve read in a while. Into The Sunken City is set in a post-apocalyptic world covered in clouds that cause never-ending rain. Two sisters struggle to keep their inn afloat after their father passed away while deep sea diving, until a stranger shows up promising a haul of underwater treasure that will change their lives forever.

If you love the ocean and are a thrill-seeker, this book is for you. Dangerous dives, morally grey pirates, gigantic sea creatures, and underwater cities made this plot so interesting. I had an issue with the slow pacing around the 20%-40% mark where I was waiting for things to get going, but once they did, I couldn’t put it down.

I loved Jin as a main character. Her clear motivations made her compelling and relatable, especially since I have a younger sister myself. I really appreciated Jin’s character development and how she learned things from other characters that she then used along the adventure.

The writing is simple and easy to follow, but I wanted some more vivid descriptions of the atmosphere, especially during the diving scenes in the last few chapters. The fantasy elements were very few, so I would’ve loved some more exploration into why the world is the way it is now.

Sometimes you just kind of want a dystopian/post apocalyptic book, and Thiru delivered quite well on that front. He's created a fascinating post-flooded world that isn't getting any better - in fact it's only getting worse. And the most terrifying thing about this book is that the world that Thiru has created is one that's, more or less, possible. It's just our world where the sea-level has risen insanely high. Granted, his is from a never-ending rain, and is probably more extreme than what we will almost certainly see because of global warming, but still, the basis for it isn't far-fetched at all, and that makes it all the more interesting. The other thing I really loved is that with most dystopian/post apocalyptic stories your main character is generally working to stop some big conspiracy and that's not the case here. The entire plot revolves around our main character working to make a better world almost solely for herself and her sister, and I kind of love that. I also loved the found family aspect of this story, and how we see Jin evolve over the course of it to realize that she's not living, she's merely surviving. Honestly I think the only thing I didn't 100% love was the addition of the love interest. And that's not to say that it's a bad thing; he rounded out the characters nicely and there was nothing wrong with him at all, I just feel like a romantic subplot was wholly unneeded. But then again this is YA; and even if it wasn't it's not uncommon for most stories to have a romantic element to them, so I can't really complain. The book moved along at a quick clip and while it took a little while to get to the main "heist" that the summary billed it was fast paced enough that I didn't really mind. This is billed as a stand-alone and while the story does wrap up neatly there's undoubtedly room for a sequel, so I'll be curious to see if anything develops there. I certainly wouldn't be opposed to seeing these characters again for another adventure. Either way I'll certainly be more than happy to recommend this to teens and adults alike looking for something a little different, or just for something action-oriented and thrilling. Thiru has talent and I'm curious to see what he comes up with next.