Following the success of her debut middle-grade novel Boy Underground, author Isabelle Marinov returns with Boy Overboard, an action-packed new story set along Croatia’s Adriatic coast.
In this second instalment of Marinov’s heartfelt trilogy, Hugo, an autistic boy who loves maps, reunites with his best friends Alex and Julie at a scuba-diving camp in Split. Their goal? To uncover a legendary Roman shipwreck and an emperor’s lost crown. Standing in their way are a ruthless businessman, his terrifying bodyguard and Hugo’s fear of the unpredictable sea.
But as the friends soon learn, the greatest treasures often lie just outside one’s comfort zone.
Described as “a modern-day The Goonies set throughout Europe”, the series takes readers from the catacombs of Paris to the Mediterranean Sea, blending high-stakes adventure with emotional depth. Perfect for readers aged 9 and up, the trilogy continues with a third and final volume planned for 2026.
Meanwhile, Boy Underground, the first book in the series, is currently being adapted for the big screen.
Marinov, who has Croatian roots, celebrated the book’s launch in Split this September with a seaside photo session. Earlier this year, she made headlines for her plan to run for autism awareness in Split, an initiative covered by Croatia Week. She also appeared on Croatians Online, where she spoke about her passion for storytelling, inclusion, and neurodiversity.
Boy Overboard is published by Sweet Cherry Publishing (ISBN: 9781802636253) is now available and can be bought via our website.
http://sweetcherrypublishing.com/boy-overboard/
“I’d love to see Boy Overboard published in Croatian one day,” Marinov shares. “I truly hope a local publisher will acquire the rights so young readers here can enjoy it in their own language.”
About the Author
Isabelle Marinov is a Luxembourg-born author of Croatian descent. Her work spans picture books, middle-grade fiction, and screenwriting, often exploring themes of friendship, courage, and belonging. Her debut picture book, Leo and the Octopus was translated into multiple languages, including Korean and Chinese. Boy Underground, her first middle grade book is one of three books currently in development for a film adaptation.
Press Contact
Press Office – Sweet Cherry Publishing
press@sweetcherrypublishing.com
Literary Agent – Silvia Molteni