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Seabound Chronicles #1
Seabound
When an apocalyptic catastrophe decimates the land, a lucky few escape to sea. 1,003 survivors make their home on a souped-up cruise ship called the Catalina. After sixteen years, the strain begins to show in a floating world of distrust and shifting allegiances.
Esther is a young mechanic who wants to prove herself, and she’s willing to take risks in the name of progress. But when the fresh water tanks explode, endangering the lives of everyone aboard the Catalina – it’s all Esther’s fault.
With only a little water left, the crew of the Catalina must use its last fuel to sail for help. They head to an unknown seabound metropolis called the Galaxy Flotilla. The inhabitants of the Galaxy are keen to parade their lives of luxury, but what do the saviors really want in return for their warm welcome? And what is really going on below decks?
When disaster strikes again, Esther must fight to save the lives of her friends aboard the Catalina before it’s too late.
Find out how far Esther is willing to go to save her home in Seabound, the fast-paced first novel of the Seabound Chronicles.
Esther is a young mechanic who wants to prove herself, and she’s willing to take risks in the name of progress. But when the fresh water tanks explode, endangering the lives of everyone aboard the Catalina – it’s all Esther’s fault.
With only a little water left, the crew of the Catalina must use its last fuel to sail for help. They head to an unknown seabound metropolis called the Galaxy Flotilla. The inhabitants of the Galaxy are keen to parade their lives of luxury, but what do the saviors really want in return for their warm welcome? And what is really going on below decks?
When disaster strikes again, Esther must fight to save the lives of her friends aboard the Catalina before it’s too late.
Find out how far Esther is willing to go to save her home in Seabound, the fast-paced first novel of the Seabound Chronicles.
400 pages, Paperback
First published October 30, 2014
541 people are currently reading
1030 people want to read
About the author
Jordan Rivet
36 books528 followersJordan Rivet is an American author of YA science fiction and fantasy featuring determined heroines, vivid worlds, and daring missions. Originally from Arizona, she lives in Hong Kong with her husband.
Jordan's YA fantasy series include Steel and Fire, Empire of Talents, The Fire Queen’s Apprentice, and Art Mages of Lure. Her science fiction includes Wake Me After the Apocalypse, The Seabound Chronicles, and The Lost Clone.
Jordan's YA fantasy series include Steel and Fire, Empire of Talents, The Fire Queen’s Apprentice, and Art Mages of Lure. Her science fiction includes Wake Me After the Apocalypse, The Seabound Chronicles, and The Lost Clone.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
September 4, 2019
Re-read: Such a great story, on to Book 2 I go!
July 5, 2021
I have never read a dystopian where the characters live on the water after an apocalyptic event, and I found that element very interesting. Living in close quarters like a cruise ship with the same people for many years would certainly result in strange dynamics and I liked how we got to see that throughout the first half of this book.
Then I liked how the second half brought in some new conflicts that kept the plot moving (trying to be vague so I don't give away any spoilers). It was refreshing that this was a dystopian following a young protagonist (still an adult, but in her younger twenties) and it didn't focus on romance or a love triangle. Esther was much more focused on survival and taking care of the people on her ship. Overall, I would recommend this book and I am definitely interested in seeing where the series goes.
Then I liked how the second half brought in some new conflicts that kept the plot moving (trying to be vague so I don't give away any spoilers). It was refreshing that this was a dystopian following a young protagonist (still an adult, but in her younger twenties) and it didn't focus on romance or a love triangle. Esther was much more focused on survival and taking care of the people on her ship. Overall, I would recommend this book and I am definitely interested in seeing where the series goes.
March 12, 2016
Nice setting at sea, ships and weird clouds and storms, very little sunlight, but would it really be too dangerous to go back to living on land after a volcano? Not sure if it was meant to be uninhabitable because of the storms or because the land is toxic. Good job with the setting, but not sure if the author sold the reasons for the lifestyle well enough.
Dissapointed in the whole utopian feel of the galaxy city of cruise ships. Surprisingly so because I was really rooting for Esther to be able to get off the Catalina.
Understand they could grow vegetables in a garden with imported dirt, but if land could be too poisonous, wouldn't the dirt be as well? Again, not enough explanation as to why after 16 years, they still couldn't go back to living on land. Where did they get the potatoes to use to grow more potatoes? Seeds to grow more vegetables? How is it possible to have butter with no cows? Just what kind of milk is available? These are the types of questions that keep popping up in my head and the explanations aren't given except as in Esther's random thoughts several chapters after I first became annoyed by the lack of information. But rather than being satisfied with the explanation, I found that it just caused more questions that were not answered.
As to the butter, it's from goats. Okay. Where the hell did they get goats? I guess it's possible. Goats can eat almost anything. So okay, I grudgingly accept that explanation, just in time for a random thought/explanation that the butter comes from cows. Really, cows on a cruise ship. Eating what? Corn I suppose. Grown in the imported dirt.
Maybe they found them running wild on some island. But if goats or cows survived, couldn't people?
I liked that there was no starry-eyed romance, just a non serious type relationship based on mutual comfort.
Didn't like it that they say salt and rust instead of fuck or damn or shit or any other swear words, take your pick. I don't understand why authors do this. It happens a lot and it gives a child like censored vibe to the book and it annoys me. Also they haven't been gone long enough to have forgotten the old standard swear words.
I really liked the feel of the setting. There were some very descriptive storms, and some entertaining action scenes. Esther was a pretty decent lead character, but she was a bit immature. Overall, I enjoyed the book but just found so many things that I feel weren't very plausible. I might continue reading to see how it all ends, but with high hopes that some realistic explanations might be forthcoming.
Dissapointed in the whole utopian feel of the galaxy city of cruise ships. Surprisingly so because I was really rooting for Esther to be able to get off the Catalina.
Understand they could grow vegetables in a garden with imported dirt, but if land could be too poisonous, wouldn't the dirt be as well? Again, not enough explanation as to why after 16 years, they still couldn't go back to living on land. Where did they get the potatoes to use to grow more potatoes? Seeds to grow more vegetables? How is it possible to have butter with no cows? Just what kind of milk is available? These are the types of questions that keep popping up in my head and the explanations aren't given except as in Esther's random thoughts several chapters after I first became annoyed by the lack of information. But rather than being satisfied with the explanation, I found that it just caused more questions that were not answered.
As to the butter, it's from goats. Okay. Where the hell did they get goats? I guess it's possible. Goats can eat almost anything. So okay, I grudgingly accept that explanation, just in time for a random thought/explanation that the butter comes from cows. Really, cows on a cruise ship. Eating what? Corn I suppose. Grown in the imported dirt.
Maybe they found them running wild on some island. But if goats or cows survived, couldn't people?
I liked that there was no starry-eyed romance, just a non serious type relationship based on mutual comfort.
Didn't like it that they say salt and rust instead of fuck or damn or shit or any other swear words, take your pick. I don't understand why authors do this. It happens a lot and it gives a child like censored vibe to the book and it annoys me. Also they haven't been gone long enough to have forgotten the old standard swear words.
I really liked the feel of the setting. There were some very descriptive storms, and some entertaining action scenes. Esther was a pretty decent lead character, but she was a bit immature. Overall, I enjoyed the book but just found so many things that I feel weren't very plausible. I might continue reading to see how it all ends, but with high hopes that some realistic explanations might be forthcoming.
March 28, 2018
Great start
Really enjoyable first chapter. Seabound is a different and interesting look at a possible apocalyptic event, filled with good characterization and a plausible storyline. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
Really enjoyable first chapter. Seabound is a different and interesting look at a possible apocalyptic event, filled with good characterization and a plausible storyline. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
August 29, 2015
Sixteen years after The Event that changed the face of our planet, we meet a group of survivors who live on an old cruise ship named the Catalina. Our heroine in this story is Esther who has lived most of her live on this ship after she and her father escaped the cloud of toxic ash that covered the world. She and her father share a former crew cabin and although the space is tight they do have a small porthole and their own lavatory. Over the years Esther has become the mechanic on the ship; her main job is keeping the desalination system operative. She is training a young girl named Cally as her apprentice. Cally doesn't seem to have a head for mechanics and this vexes Esther who is serious about her work. In fact, one might call Esther zealous as she's always got an idea on how to make things better.
As the story progresses the reader is introduced to a cast of varied characters in this microcosm of live: there is Judith the hard-nosed self-appointed captain; Esther's father Simon who is very calm and understanding, Neal who lives in the Communications Tower and spends his days contacting other vessels and is Esther's best friend; and a dozen or so unique individuals who impact Esther's life on a daily basis. When Esther literally destroys the desalination system in a bid to make it better, she forces the Catalina to seek help from the Galaxy Flotilla - a small floating city of mega cruise ships from the Galaxy Cruise Line. What follows is pure suspense as life with the Galaxy Flotilla is not as great as it seems. The underlying currents are palpable. But Captain Judith knows the Catalina can't survive without drinking water so she agrees to dock with the mega liners and attempt to trade for the parts needed for repair.
Author Rivet has done a terrific job of envisioning a future at sea. Descriptions of a once vibrant and beautiful leisure cruise ship that has become the center of the world for a thousand survivors and their descendants (yes, some children were born at sea) show how determined people can be to survive against all odds: one time lawyers can become cooks, society wives can learn to sew, etc. Nothing on the ship is wasted either. Lounge curtains become clothing and what isn't used can be traded with other ships for medicine or spare parts. The old bowling alley is converted as a desalination room and bowling shoes are issued, one pair to a person, for use. For good measure we do have a bit of romance thrown in along with plenty of tension-filled scenes and possible disasters.
As a veteran of almost fifty cruises, I found this book extremely interesting as I imagined myself and my family having to live on such a vessel for a number of years without the daily turn-down service or having a varied menu to choose from. I'm also not sure I could survive on a diet of seaweed wraps with the occasional fish meal. But in Seabound the survivors do just that. I found the story to be riveting (no pun intended) and couldn't put the book down. Thankfully, I've already started reading the second book in the series.
As the story progresses the reader is introduced to a cast of varied characters in this microcosm of live: there is Judith the hard-nosed self-appointed captain; Esther's father Simon who is very calm and understanding, Neal who lives in the Communications Tower and spends his days contacting other vessels and is Esther's best friend; and a dozen or so unique individuals who impact Esther's life on a daily basis. When Esther literally destroys the desalination system in a bid to make it better, she forces the Catalina to seek help from the Galaxy Flotilla - a small floating city of mega cruise ships from the Galaxy Cruise Line. What follows is pure suspense as life with the Galaxy Flotilla is not as great as it seems. The underlying currents are palpable. But Captain Judith knows the Catalina can't survive without drinking water so she agrees to dock with the mega liners and attempt to trade for the parts needed for repair.
Author Rivet has done a terrific job of envisioning a future at sea. Descriptions of a once vibrant and beautiful leisure cruise ship that has become the center of the world for a thousand survivors and their descendants (yes, some children were born at sea) show how determined people can be to survive against all odds: one time lawyers can become cooks, society wives can learn to sew, etc. Nothing on the ship is wasted either. Lounge curtains become clothing and what isn't used can be traded with other ships for medicine or spare parts. The old bowling alley is converted as a desalination room and bowling shoes are issued, one pair to a person, for use. For good measure we do have a bit of romance thrown in along with plenty of tension-filled scenes and possible disasters.
As a veteran of almost fifty cruises, I found this book extremely interesting as I imagined myself and my family having to live on such a vessel for a number of years without the daily turn-down service or having a varied menu to choose from. I'm also not sure I could survive on a diet of seaweed wraps with the occasional fish meal. But in Seabound the survivors do just that. I found the story to be riveting (no pun intended) and couldn't put the book down. Thankfully, I've already started reading the second book in the series.
January 20, 2017
My original Seabound audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.
Seabound by Jordan Rivet is the first novel in a series called The Seabound Chronicles. Civilization has been pushed to the sea and people live in communities on a diversity of ships, barges, and other vessels. Esther is a young mechanic on a solitary cruise ship called the Catalina. Over the years, resources have become strained and the crew of the Catalina have needed to trade with other ships or groups of ships, regardless of the potential danger of these interactions. Further, politics on the Catalina have also become turbulent as differences arise on how to use resources and interact with strangers. When a critical life supporting piece of equipment on the Catalina is destroyed, the crew of the Catalina is forced to interact with an unknown and seemingly idyllic group of ships called the Galaxy flotilla. As Esther attempts to obtain the resources needed to fix her ship, she and her crewmates begin to realize that the Galaxy flotilla may not be as generous and accommodating as it initially appears. Esther must figure out a way to repair their equipment while trying to retain the Catalina’s independence from the Galaxy flotilla.
This is a fast paced post-apocalyptic novel filled with friendly banter, politics, action, and even some romance. The post-apocalyptic setting of the sea is a pretty unique premise and allowed the characters to deal with challenges differently than would have occurred in a similar story but on land. While there was not a lot of discussion regarding the apocalypse that caused this migration to the sea, there were hints of where the story may be going in the next few books. It also would have been nice to see more of the early, more turbulent, life of the survivors. The glimpses helped add depth to the story and the characters. The interactions between most of the characters really felt true to how people behave and the main characters were all well developed. Esther, especially, grew a lot as the novel progressed. She was a good female protagonist in that she is not above reproach, which gives her room to grow. I look forward to seeing how the story progresses.
The narration by Ray Greenly was well done. The voice characterization of the different characters was spot-on. The production quality was also good. I would recommend this novel to readers who like strong female protagonists, young adult novels, and post-apocalyptic stories.
Audiobook was provided for review by the author.
Seabound by Jordan Rivet is the first novel in a series called The Seabound Chronicles. Civilization has been pushed to the sea and people live in communities on a diversity of ships, barges, and other vessels. Esther is a young mechanic on a solitary cruise ship called the Catalina. Over the years, resources have become strained and the crew of the Catalina have needed to trade with other ships or groups of ships, regardless of the potential danger of these interactions. Further, politics on the Catalina have also become turbulent as differences arise on how to use resources and interact with strangers. When a critical life supporting piece of equipment on the Catalina is destroyed, the crew of the Catalina is forced to interact with an unknown and seemingly idyllic group of ships called the Galaxy flotilla. As Esther attempts to obtain the resources needed to fix her ship, she and her crewmates begin to realize that the Galaxy flotilla may not be as generous and accommodating as it initially appears. Esther must figure out a way to repair their equipment while trying to retain the Catalina’s independence from the Galaxy flotilla.
This is a fast paced post-apocalyptic novel filled with friendly banter, politics, action, and even some romance. The post-apocalyptic setting of the sea is a pretty unique premise and allowed the characters to deal with challenges differently than would have occurred in a similar story but on land. While there was not a lot of discussion regarding the apocalypse that caused this migration to the sea, there were hints of where the story may be going in the next few books. It also would have been nice to see more of the early, more turbulent, life of the survivors. The glimpses helped add depth to the story and the characters. The interactions between most of the characters really felt true to how people behave and the main characters were all well developed. Esther, especially, grew a lot as the novel progressed. She was a good female protagonist in that she is not above reproach, which gives her room to grow. I look forward to seeing how the story progresses.
The narration by Ray Greenly was well done. The voice characterization of the different characters was spot-on. The production quality was also good. I would recommend this novel to readers who like strong female protagonists, young adult novels, and post-apocalyptic stories.
Audiobook was provided for review by the author.
May 5, 2015
I wish decimals were possible for reviews. I actually give Seaboun 3.6 stars.
I was hoping and expecting a little more due to rave reviews. While I do feel the book is worth reading (Jordan Rivet has great potential), I will say that you should expect to muddle through the first 125 pages as they're kind of dull. Once you've made it past the first fourth of the book, the action picks up and the story gets better.
For a more detailed explanation, check out my ARC Review Video on BookTube.
I was hoping and expecting a little more due to rave reviews. While I do feel the book is worth reading (Jordan Rivet has great potential), I will say that you should expect to muddle through the first 125 pages as they're kind of dull. Once you've made it past the first fourth of the book, the action picks up and the story gets better.
For a more detailed explanation, check out my ARC Review Video on BookTube.
September 8, 2016
Really, really gripping story, kept my interest from beginning to end. Very different, original story.
Author did an excellent job of placing me into the scenes, and made me care about the MCs.
Only two mild curses and two undetailed sexual situations.
Very anxious to read book#2~Seaswept.
Author did an excellent job of placing me into the scenes, and made me care about the MCs.
Only two mild curses and two undetailed sexual situations.
Very anxious to read book#2~Seaswept.
Want to read
March 15, 2017Found her videos on quitting her job and writing full time in Hong Kong. Real name Shannon Young. Figured it sounds interesting enough and I could buy it sometime to support a bit.
UPDATE 10-6-16: Kindle version purchased. (Audio available for $1.99, btdubs.)
UPDATE 10-6-16: Kindle version purchased. (Audio available for $1.99, btdubs.)
August 4, 2015
An amazing read
An amazing story with great characters. Highly recommend this novel and am keeping a look out for other novels by this author.
An amazing story with great characters. Highly recommend this novel and am keeping a look out for other novels by this author.
November 14, 2019
Esther is a young woman who is an engineer on a small cruise ship. Her world flooded 16 years ago and when lawlessness broke out in a very ugly way, many took to boats, yachts and ships. Some were already on cruise ships when it happened and many years later they are still on those ships.
Esther's ship Catalina meets up once a year with the Amsterdam to trade for goods they need. Esther's ship has a serious problem in that the desalination system that removes the salt from the salt water so they can drink it needs new filters. Then it becomes critical when there is a accident and she needs to rebuild the desalination system but hasn't the parts she needs.
I know, this doesn't sound like your typical apocalypse story and it isn't. I know nothing about boats or ships, but this story was exciting and I could barely put it down to deal with life.
The Catalina is captained or rules by Judith who talks down to Esther and doesn't value her talents or experience. In fact Judith talks down to everyone. Esther has considered leaving when they meet up with the Amsterdam. But Judith is not clear that they will be meeting up with them this year.
Yes there are other characters that play a huge part in this story. Esther seems to have no confidence in herself and has made her work on the ship her focus. When she gets her chance to accept affection she can't believe anyone would care about her. She is very awkward in that department. A little too much but I remember being there at a point in my life so it is real.
I am already into the second book. Go for it. It's a good story.
Esther's ship Catalina meets up once a year with the Amsterdam to trade for goods they need. Esther's ship has a serious problem in that the desalination system that removes the salt from the salt water so they can drink it needs new filters. Then it becomes critical when there is a accident and she needs to rebuild the desalination system but hasn't the parts she needs.
I know, this doesn't sound like your typical apocalypse story and it isn't. I know nothing about boats or ships, but this story was exciting and I could barely put it down to deal with life.
The Catalina is captained or rules by Judith who talks down to Esther and doesn't value her talents or experience. In fact Judith talks down to everyone. Esther has considered leaving when they meet up with the Amsterdam. But Judith is not clear that they will be meeting up with them this year.
Yes there are other characters that play a huge part in this story. Esther seems to have no confidence in herself and has made her work on the ship her focus. When she gets her chance to accept affection she can't believe anyone would care about her. She is very awkward in that department. A little too much but I remember being there at a point in my life so it is real.
I am already into the second book. Go for it. It's a good story.
April 13, 2023
This was not a bad read but could have been much better. Right idea poor execution. The story of life on a ship after an apocalyptic event that doesn’t get explained much so everyone lives on a cruise ship for like 16 years. The troubles of living with the same people in a contained setting and little to do except work to stay alive with little options of food and water and fuel in short supply. Unfortunately we have a headstrong 23(?) year old fighting an aging group of people headed by a women who keeps things tightly controlled. No ideas are allowed nor changes made. My problem is when they try to trade with another water contained community (apparently there are several and see what life could be like ( which is a false sense). It appears that thousands of people are run by a ruthless group only out for themselves and it takes the 23 year old from a smaller ship to incite a rebellion. Someone actually hears a rumor that people are back on land and starting to homestead so that may be a future option (really? I’d be running for land ) why would you not be checking that regularly? anyway it was an interesting read but I just felt it could have had a stronger storyline regarding the actual apocalypse and people’s reactions to it. It feels like we walked in years later to a complacent group of people. May read the 2nd book somewhere down the line but not excited enough to do it now.
June 18, 2017
16-year-old Esther is a mechanic on the Catalina, a cruise ship that ends up being home to all aboard her when an apocalyptic event makes the seas the safest place to be and I use the term “safest” loosely! Running low on water Esther makes desperate decisions to help keep the community she’s come to call her family alive.
The apocalypse has definitely hardened this 16-year-old who through circumstance has become wise, way beyond her years. It makes the Esther character difficult to love, although she does have many redeeming qualities, foremost among them a staunch loyalty that never wavers. She reminds me of a lion, best admired from afar because this girl has claws! I love a strong hero though, and Esther delivers on that point. It’s easy to forget she’s only 16.
Ray Greenley has fully voiced this nearly 8-hour production and I think he did a wonderful job. Having him narrate definitely helps elevate this story to four stars. I will add author Jordan Rivet’s next installment to my list, I need to know what happens next!
This audiobook was received in exchange for an unbiased review!
The apocalypse has definitely hardened this 16-year-old who through circumstance has become wise, way beyond her years. It makes the Esther character difficult to love, although she does have many redeeming qualities, foremost among them a staunch loyalty that never wavers. She reminds me of a lion, best admired from afar because this girl has claws! I love a strong hero though, and Esther delivers on that point. It’s easy to forget she’s only 16.
Ray Greenley has fully voiced this nearly 8-hour production and I think he did a wonderful job. Having him narrate definitely helps elevate this story to four stars. I will add author Jordan Rivet’s next installment to my list, I need to know what happens next!
This audiobook was received in exchange for an unbiased review!
February 25, 2022
Different kind of Dystopian
Never have I read a dystopian novel where everyone ends up on cruise ships! It was completely new and different and didn't include the typical anarchy that most dystopian novels include. And yet, there were tensions and political intrigues and a few action scenes. Esther just wanted what was best for her people, her makeshift family that she found after a volcano eruption destroyed her world.
When nobody appreciated her talents, she'd made up her mind to leave, only to discover....there's no place like home and she'd do anything to save her family.
I felt kind of bad for David, since he seems to have fallen for her, a bit quickly, but....that makes sense too. Probably not the best idea to tie yourself to someone you've only known for about a week or two lol
A lot of characters annoyed me, but the story remained interesting and I enjoyed it 😊
Looking forward to the next one.
Never have I read a dystopian novel where everyone ends up on cruise ships! It was completely new and different and didn't include the typical anarchy that most dystopian novels include. And yet, there were tensions and political intrigues and a few action scenes. Esther just wanted what was best for her people, her makeshift family that she found after a volcano eruption destroyed her world.
When nobody appreciated her talents, she'd made up her mind to leave, only to discover....there's no place like home and she'd do anything to save her family.
I felt kind of bad for David, since he seems to have fallen for her, a bit quickly, but....that makes sense too. Probably not the best idea to tie yourself to someone you've only known for about a week or two lol
A lot of characters annoyed me, but the story remained interesting and I enjoyed it 😊
Looking forward to the next one.
April 13, 2023
Seabound
Seabound Chronicles #1
Fantasy
Jordan Rivet
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
This book has an interesting premise. While some parts were slightly predictable, it still made me curious enough to keep reading.
Esther is a great character. She is driven and has plans for the future. I wish she was allowed to focus more on her mechanics and trying to make life easier for everyone on board. I didn't like how quickly she was blamed when something went wrong because it was actually due to another character making larger, more dangerous mistakes.
The writing style was great and I liked the descriptions of the Galaxy and the rest of the flotilla. It helped to make them seem so much more opulent and elegant compared to the Catalina.
I'd love to know more about what is happening on land. Are there any survivors? Is is possible to live on land again? I hope these questions will be explored more in the next book and I can't wait to find out.
Seabound Chronicles #1
Fantasy
Jordan Rivet
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
This book has an interesting premise. While some parts were slightly predictable, it still made me curious enough to keep reading.
Esther is a great character. She is driven and has plans for the future. I wish she was allowed to focus more on her mechanics and trying to make life easier for everyone on board. I didn't like how quickly she was blamed when something went wrong because it was actually due to another character making larger, more dangerous mistakes.
The writing style was great and I liked the descriptions of the Galaxy and the rest of the flotilla. It helped to make them seem so much more opulent and elegant compared to the Catalina.
I'd love to know more about what is happening on land. Are there any survivors? Is is possible to live on land again? I hope these questions will be explored more in the next book and I can't wait to find out.
January 4, 2018
I had really liked the prior book (Book #0) and hoped this was a continuation of the same. While it was a continuation, it was 16 years later which I found to be quite a gap. I would have liked more about the aftermath of the first book rather than such a large expanse of time elapsed. I hate what Judith has become. Esther is interesting but somewhat erratic. Simon was such a growth character in the first book and here is a shadow. Nonetheless, if I try to forget there was a first book and just assess this on individual merit, it was a decent story. The writing is general good and there is a lot of development in the story. I hope the next book is not another 16 years in the future.
June 29, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed the author’s YA dystopian series about the meteor collision with Earth and people cryogenically hidden for 200 years in bunkers. This time we have a devastating volcanic eruption from Yellowstone causing people to flee the ash on boats, cruise ships to be exact. Love mechanic Esther as she tries to improve her systems and her spunkiness when things go awry. Having just been on a cruise this was very interesting as the folks of the Catalina try to survive, especially their reactions to the Galaxy group. You just know nothing good is gonna come of it. Lots of action leads to book 2, already downloaded, as is the prequel.
October 3, 2017
This was a different setting being it took place out to sea far from land with problems unique to that environment. The biggest problem of course being the need to produce fresh water from saltwater, a need that grows critical later on in the narrative.
For me this was too slow at the beginning and did not honestly ever become too invested in many of the characters until way late in the story.
The first book in a post apocalyptic series and it had a good hook, just not good enough to make me interested in following any further on to see what happens next.
For me this was too slow at the beginning and did not honestly ever become too invested in many of the characters until way late in the story.
The first book in a post apocalyptic series and it had a good hook, just not good enough to make me interested in following any further on to see what happens next.
June 5, 2017
I really liked this book.The story of a land apocalypse that leaves people to make homes on ships is very intriguing.Some of the characters were very stereotypical, but maybe they will flesh out in the other books.Ray Greenley did a good job narrating.I was provided this book free by the author, narrator or publisher.
September 25, 2018
41/2 stara
I would absolutely recommend this book. I enjoyed the plot and characters in this story and am looking forward to reading the rest of the series. I was very pleased with the progress of the story and how quickly everything unfolds and draws you into this fictional world created by the author.
I would absolutely recommend this book. I enjoyed the plot and characters in this story and am looking forward to reading the rest of the series. I was very pleased with the progress of the story and how quickly everything unfolds and draws you into this fictional world created by the author.
September 27, 2019
Ever thought of living on a boat?
The first few chapters are building the story so kinda slow. The mystery parts are successful but a little drawn out. The action parts good, but not really detailed. All in all it is interesting read. Unfortunately not good at timing and meter, I wasn't drawn back to read it. So it took me longer to read than I like.
The first few chapters are building the story so kinda slow. The mystery parts are successful but a little drawn out. The action parts good, but not really detailed. All in all it is interesting read. Unfortunately not good at timing and meter, I wasn't drawn back to read it. So it took me longer to read than I like.
December 4, 2020
Inner workings of the ship were way to descriptive while the dialogue between the characters was flat. It read like “just the facts”. Got mildly interesting about 3/4 of the way through but was so incredibly predictable I basically skimmed through the last quarter. I will say I read this as a bookclub book and everyone else in my group really loved it. It was not for me though.
December 21, 2023
I stopped reading this book at about 58%. The first 45% of this book was very slow and boring. I get they are on an ocean so there aren’t a lot of outside forces, but even when the author was described a storm it felt so boring. I stopped reading this book because of a sex scene. While it was fade to black it made me uncomfortable so I stopped.
September 21, 2017
I became really attached to this cast of characters. For a post apocalyptic book, the story is intriguing and a bit original compared to what else I've read in the genre. This was a well written and masterful novel. I will be following the series.
May 12, 2024
Ok, this was good. At first I didn't think I was enjoying it as much as the prequel, Burnt sea, but it quickly got interesting. How they made a life on the open sea in a smallish cruise ship with 1000 occupants. I'll be reading Seaswept next.
March 21, 2017
Good
A goodl read. I recommend this author whose style and prose is interesting and engaging. I'm looking forward to reading more.
A goodl read. I recommend this author whose style and prose is interesting and engaging. I'm looking forward to reading more.
August 27, 2017
A possibly interesting concept fell into a mess.
September 2, 2017
Interesting
I like reading post apocalyptic novels. This was different since it was set on the sea. It's a very interesting concept and I enjoyed reading this book.
I like reading post apocalyptic novels. This was different since it was set on the sea. It's a very interesting concept and I enjoyed reading this book.
December 17, 2018
Good story
I enjoyed this story & the ideas behind it. The idea of survivors of an earth changing event surviving on cruise ships was new to me & very interesting.
I enjoyed this story & the ideas behind it. The idea of survivors of an earth changing event surviving on cruise ships was new to me & very interesting.
January 7, 2019
Very good.
Slow to start but nice turn at the end. Off to buy the sequel and prequel. Would recommend . Great dystopian
Slow to start but nice turn at the end. Off to buy the sequel and prequel. Would recommend . Great dystopian
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