Those We Drown

Goldsmith plots a slow-burn psychological thriller via paranormal elements and Greek mythology in this intense debut. Seventeen-year-old British Liv Larkin is ecstatic when she lands a full-ride scholarship to SeaMester, a study abroad program aboard luxury cruise liner the Eos. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for her to travel to places like New York and Barcelona that she couldn’t dream to afford otherwise. What’s more, she gets the chance to rekindle her relationship with shipmate and former best friend Will, also 17. But Liv soon learns that her affluent schoolmates—particularly arrogant and handsome Constantine—aren’t eager to associate with a “charity case” like her. Worse still, Will disappears after catching the attention of the Sirens, a trio of supernaturally attractive lifestyle influencers who seem to have undue sway over the Eos’s operations. Further haunted by disturbing nightmares of many-tentacled creatures, Liv is plunged into a sinister conspiracy that seems to involve everyone aboard the ship. Summarily explored issues surrounding class privilege, overconsumption, and patriarchy pervade atmospheric and moody prose. Through Liv’s snarky first-person narration, Goldsmith crafts a seafaring tale of grim horror. Liv and Will cue as white; Constantine has Greek heritage. Ages 12–up. Agent: Claire Friedman, InkWell Management. (July)