Into the Sunken City
My debut novel…
… is out now with HarperCollins!
Advance praise
"Steal-your-breath adventure meets a uniquely forlorn futuristic world and a cast of characters so memorable you just might find yourself speaking with a sailor's brogue. Add in the most clever nods to Treasure Island, and this is the retelling I didn't know I was craving!" — Marissa Meyer, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Lunar Chronicles
★ "The cinematic story line, electric prose, and creative and lived-in worldbuilding make Thiru’s debut a thrilling adventure on the high seas, a striking portrayal of trauma and hope in dystopian times, and a thoroughly compelling read." — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
★ "This futuristic adventure features nonstop thrills and action and an unpredictable, compelling, twist-filled plot. Forced to grow up too soon, Jin struggles with trust, courage, grief, love, and family.... A riveting fantasy adventure debut that pulls readers into the deep." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
★ "Charming characters and multilayered mysteries will keep readers hooked from beginning to end in this well-developed eco-thriller with a lot of heart..... Into the Sunken City is about learning what it means to stay hopeful—and learning how to keep going when that hope is broken." — BookPage (starred review)
★ "The fresh premise, immersive, waterlogged atmosphere, and cinematic action..... combine for an unforgettable read perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo’s Six of Crows or Adrienne Young’s Fable." — School Library Journal (starred review)
"Into the Sunken City is the definition of swashbuckling—a gripping underwater adventure set in a fantastically full-bodied world of storms, sea, and cephalopods. Sisters Jin and Thara are the heart of this story, and their relationship—in Jin’s words—makes the whole spirit glow." — Nina Varela, author of Crier’s War
“A high-stakes, deep-diving adventure with twists that will keep you turning the pages to the very last! This retelling charts a course into new, exciting waters." — Natalie C. Parker, award-winning author of the Seafire series
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
about Me
Dinesh Thiru is a writer and stay-at-home dad currently living in Barcelona. He grew up in North Carolina, married his college sweetheart from the University of Pennsylvania, and spent over a decade in San Francisco. Dinesh is half-Indian, half-white. He loves the ocean. He used to have other interests, but he swapped them for kids. Those kids are eight, five, and a dog.
INTO THE SUNKEN CITY
"Steal-your-breath adventure." —Marissa Meyer, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Lunar Chronicles
Perfect for fans of Fable and House of Salt and Sorrows, this spectacular YA fantasy adventure debut is like nothing else, featuring a unique twist on Treasure Island, a magnetic second chance romance, and a thrilling heist where the reward is great—but the risks are even greater.
In the slowly sinking city of Coconino, Arizona, the days are long, the money is tight, and the rain never stops.
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.
Content Warnings FOR INTO THE SUNKEN CITY
This book contains references to: graphic violence, death of a loved one, gun violence, drowning, blood and gore, panic attacks, claustrophobia, and discussions of assault. Please read with care.