Overall, I'm giving Seasick 4 stars because it delivers a binge-worthy and Hollywood-esque murder mystery plot.
But the careless writing leading to head-scratching moments plus the poorly concealed villain are definite letdowns. Still, if you think you can navigate tangled passages to unravel clues before the amateur sleuths, give this dramatic thriller a read for the premise alone - just don't expect major surprises at the conclusion.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Seasick lures you in with an enticing premise of a killer loose on a high seas voyage with former friends turned sleuths hunting them down. The plot itself is gripping - bringing together ex-best friends Naya and Yana amidst classmates with privilege and microaggressions galore. When one of their own is murdered, they have to navigate choppy waters to unmask the killer before becoming victims themselves.

The character dynamics and suspenseful storytelling are this book's strengths for sure. However, the confusing writing style sometimes unravels that good momentum. Scenes flip-flop suddenly at times in distracting ways. It requires rereading passages to follow the awkward transitions. This makes an otherwise exciting thriller a slower read than necessary.

Most disappointing is the fact that clues give away the villain’s identity earlier than ideal. Subtle hints make it clear who the killer likely is, lessening the impact of the eventual reveal. Readers will figure out the big twist beforehand, which dampens the suspense factor.

Overall, I’m giving Seasick 4 stars because it delivers a binge-worthy and Hollywood-esque murder mystery plot. But the careless writing leading to head-scratching moments plus the poorly concealed villain are definite letdowns. Still, if you think you can navigate tangled passages to unravel clues before the amateur sleuths, give this dramatic thriller a read for the premise alone - just don’t expect major surprises at the conclusion.

Thank you NetGalley for a free e-galley of this book in exchange for an honest review.

"Seasick" by Kristin Cast and Pintip Dunn is a riveting YA thriller set aboard a luxury yacht, where suspense and danger lurk around every corner. The story follows ex-best friends Naya Morgan and Yana Bunpraserit, who find themselves entangled in a deadly situation when they are invited on a trip to Bermuda as part of an exclusive society for top graduates from Yatesville High. Cast and Dunn masterfully weave a tale of murder, friendship, and survival in a high-stakes setting.

The novel's strength lies in its dynamic portrayal of Naya and Yana, whose complicated past and feelings of being outsiders in their Oklahoma town add depth to their characters. As they navigate the treacherous waters of their strained relationship and the mounting terror of being trapped with a killer, their development and resilience become central to the narrative.

Cast and Dunn's writing is taut and engaging, successfully maintaining a high level of suspense throughout the novel. The setting of the yacht adds an element of claustrophobia and urgency, heightening the tension as the body count rises. The authors skillfully handle themes of trust, betrayal, and the complexities of teenage friendships, making the story not only a thrilling ride but also a thoughtful exploration of interpersonal dynamics.

However, some readers might find the plot slightly predictable, with familiar tropes of the thriller genre. Despite this, the authors' adept handling of character development and the unique setting keep the story fresh and engaging.

"Seasick" is a compelling thriller that will appeal to fans of the genre, particularly those who enjoy stories that blend suspense with the nuanced exploration of teenage relationships. Kristin Cast and Pintip Dunn have created a gripping narrative that is both a page-turner and a poignant look at the challenges of rekindling a broken friendship under extraordinary circumstances.

I was disappointed by Seasick by Kristin Cast. I keep giving her books a chance, hoping they will improve, but they don't. I love YA books, but something about her writing feels like an unedited draft.