Scan barcode
missgnomers's review against another edition
dark
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
I really enjoyed this! Some reviews say the themes are heavy handed and that the setting feels awkwardly placed in time. While I believe it to be a thematic choice, it didn’t feel cohesive.
I think the themes are well handled in this lite thriller
I just adored the romance in this book. Also, I liked that the writer had only Effy and Anghadad see the Fairy King. Allies like Preston can hear and know, but they can’t experience it for themselves. The mystery itself was an easy guess but felt earned.
I think the themes are well handled in this lite thriller
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual harassment
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Grief
Minor: Animal death
maregred's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexism, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual assault, Sexual content, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Alcoholism, Grief, Death of parent, Alcohol, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
ramenfuneral's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
First absolute BANGER of the year. Who says you need a whole series. This book proves you can do it in a stand alone. First off, the writing with the spooky, gothic coastal town was just perfect. It was incredibly easy to put yourself there and get immersed in it.
The FMC was also written perfectly. Her trauma and struggles with mental illness were done so well. She’s vulnerable and soft also smart and courageous at times.
There is a romance subplot and it is perfectly fine. It’s nothing mind blowing. I had a good time reading their story but the chemistry was just fine but that’s okay cause the mystery and the main plot was what I was HERE FOR so I’m okay with the just fine subplot.
Definitely a feminist novel with lots of rage inducing misogynistic men, but that’s the goal so it works. Except for sweet, angel Preston. Whose name I don’t care for either but I won’t dock points for it. This book was advertised to me as dark academia, and while it’s dark and academics are definitely a point of this book, it didn’t feel like a dark academia book to me. Idk, maybe that’s just me.
Despite it being an early read, I anticipate this being in the top books of the year. Loved It.
The FMC was also written perfectly. Her trauma and struggles with mental illness were done so well. She’s vulnerable and soft also smart and courageous at times.
There is a romance subplot and it is perfectly fine. It’s nothing mind blowing. I had a good time reading their story but the chemistry was just fine but that’s okay cause the mystery and the main plot was what I was HERE FOR so I’m okay with the just fine subplot.
Definitely a feminist novel with lots of rage inducing misogynistic men, but that’s the goal so it works. Except for sweet, angel Preston. Whose name I don’t care for either but I won’t dock points for it. This book was advertised to me as dark academia, and while it’s dark and academics are definitely a point of this book, it didn’t feel like a dark academia book to me. Idk, maybe that’s just me.
Despite it being an early read, I anticipate this being in the top books of the year. Loved It.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Misogyny, Sexual assault, and Grief
Moderate: Alcohol
Minor: Death of parent
angelinanajel's review against another edition
dark
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
This book encompassed all the elements that truly resonate with my literary preferences: the engaging transformation from academic rivals to lovers, the allure of gothic mysteries, the enchanting fairytale ambience, the immersive experience of dark academia, and the eerie seclusion of a haunting manor setting.
I found the fusion of the magical and mundane within the narrative to be particularly enthralling. It left me in a constant state of intrigue, questioning whether the supernatural occurrences were genuine or merely figments of Effy's vivid imagination.
In my opinion, Reid exhibits a masterful touch in crafting a dark, haunting, and whimsical atmosphere. I formed deep connections with the characters, and the development of Preston and Effy's relationship was a highlight for me. Their journey from adversaries to inquisitive acquaintances, and ultimately to a full-fledged romance, was portrayed with finesse.
One noteworthy aspect is the book's unflinching exploration of profound and challenging themes such as institutional sexism, the abuse of power by men, and the pervasive ways in which women are marginalised and silenced by these 'powerful' figures.
it's important to note that the story may take a while to gain momentum, and there are instances where the plot's revelations can be somewhat predictable. However, "A Study in Drowning" successfully navigates a range of themes, seamlessly weaving them into a hauntingly beautiful narrative. What truly shines in this novel is the synergy among its various elements. From the narrative craftsmanship and the intricately developed characters to the rich world mythology, as well as the exploration of academic institutions and the complex issues of institutional sexism, everything converges harmoniously. The result is a deeply thought-provoking and immersive reading experience that is impossible to put down.
I found the fusion of the magical and mundane within the narrative to be particularly enthralling. It left me in a constant state of intrigue, questioning whether the supernatural occurrences were genuine or merely figments of Effy's vivid imagination.
In my opinion, Reid exhibits a masterful touch in crafting a dark, haunting, and whimsical atmosphere. I formed deep connections with the characters, and the development of Preston and Effy's relationship was a highlight for me. Their journey from adversaries to inquisitive acquaintances, and ultimately to a full-fledged romance, was portrayed with finesse.
One noteworthy aspect is the book's unflinching exploration of profound and challenging themes such as institutional sexism, the abuse of power by men, and the pervasive ways in which women are marginalised and silenced by these 'powerful' figures.
it's important to note that the story may take a while to gain momentum, and there are instances where the plot's revelations can be somewhat predictable. However, "A Study in Drowning" successfully navigates a range of themes, seamlessly weaving them into a hauntingly beautiful narrative. What truly shines in this novel is the synergy among its various elements. From the narrative craftsmanship and the intricately developed characters to the rich world mythology, as well as the exploration of academic institutions and the complex issues of institutional sexism, everything converges harmoniously. The result is a deeply thought-provoking and immersive reading experience that is impossible to put down.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Death of parent, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Grief
leonormsousa's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Interesting concept but I thought the execution was a bit meh.
Quite an atmospheric book with a nice setting but the plot was very very predictable.
Totally my fault on this one, but read way too much YA for me.
Thought the main character was a bit insufferable some times.
The topics of sexual assault and feminism were well woven and explored in the story, especially considering the target audience. Unfortunately, I cannot say the same for the romance, which I felt had a very weird progression and didn't feel natural.
Finally, would have loved if we had left the fantasy part more as an open ending, where we got to doubt the MC pov and make thr story more universal in a way.
Just a fun thing: some others can't stop mentioning blue eyes, apparently Ava Reid has an obsession with crown bones.
Rant with minor spoilers regarding something I didn't enjoy: I specifically thought that the scene where the MC and LI kiss for the first time and then immediately move on to having sex felt very out of character for the MC (and not because she is a SA victim). also why do they never kiss again in the entire book?! Also, can we have better sex representation in books?! I think the fade to black was a good decision for this book, but then did we have to mention how they only just had penetrative sex and it hurt a bit and then it was pleasurable?! Can we start showing young adults good examples, that focus on other types of stimulation as well, especially for women?!
Quite an atmospheric book with a nice setting but the plot was very very predictable.
Totally my fault on this one, but read way too much YA for me.
Thought the main character was a bit insufferable some times.
The topics of sexual assault and feminism were well woven and explored in the story, especially considering the target audience. Unfortunately, I cannot say the same for the romance, which I felt had a very weird progression and didn't feel natural.
Finally, would have loved if we had left the fantasy part more as an open ending, where we got to doubt the MC pov and make thr story more universal in a way.
Just a fun thing: some others can't stop mentioning blue eyes, apparently Ava Reid has an obsession with crown bones.
Rant with minor spoilers regarding something I didn't enjoy:
Content Warnings
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Bullying, Child abuse, Death, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, Violence, Xenophobia, Grief, Gaslighting, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
tired_cicada's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
There is something to say about a world and a magic system that feel lived in. And if there's one thing that I can appreciate it's an author who trusts her readers to be smart enough to figure things out. Reid doesn't waste unnecessary time on flowery exhibition about how her world works, you just get thrown into it and you sink or swim. Personally, I like that a lot. I don't need an author to hold my hand the entire time and so would an author just says "here you go, figure it out" I just know I'm going to have a great time. Particularly if it's a standalone that needs to be good on its own merit.
I think that this is magical realism at its finest. The world in "A Study in Drowning" is very similar to our own from the 50s and 60s. Many of us have a working knowledge of that time period so it's easy to fill in the blanks for what's going on. Furthermore, the magic system is so well entrenched into the culture that it feels like a natural part of the world. So often magic systems are slapped onto a world but don't seem to affect it down to a day-to-day.
Reid's writing is very poetic, almost to the point of being lyrical in some cases. In previous experience my main criticism with this writing style is that it seems the authors will get so attached to certain phrases that they're dialogue suffers. As in out of nowhere a character who was previously flamboyant and ridiculous is all the sudden preaching at a pulpit over tea. I do not have this criticism here. Each of Reid's characters have a distinct voice that they keep throughout the story. It's easy to know who's speaking as none of them sound the same.
anyway I'm glad that Mr Benett(I listen to the audio books I don't know how it's spelled) got fired or whatever but he deserved to go to jail at least and I'm so mad that he didn't
I think that this is magical realism at its finest. The world in "A Study in Drowning" is very similar to our own from the 50s and 60s. Many of us have a working knowledge of that time period so it's easy to fill in the blanks for what's going on. Furthermore, the magic system is so well entrenched into the culture that it feels like a natural part of the world. So often magic systems are slapped onto a world but don't seem to affect it down to a day-to-day.
Reid's writing is very poetic, almost to the point of being lyrical in some cases. In previous experience my main criticism with this writing style is that it seems the authors will get so attached to certain phrases that they're dialogue suffers. As in out of nowhere a character who was previously flamboyant and ridiculous is all the sudden preaching at a pulpit over tea. I do not have this criticism here. Each of Reid's characters have a distinct voice that they keep throughout the story. It's easy to know who's speaking as none of them sound the same.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Misogyny, and Sexism
Moderate: Death, Rape, Sexual assault, Stalking, Car accident, and Abandonment
Minor: Gun violence, Infidelity, Physical abuse, Grief, Death of parent, and War
dixiecarroll's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
this was so addicting. So lovely. So scary. So FUN! It carries some very heavy material, so please look up triggers- not nearly as heavy as juniper and thorn. I love books about faeries (real lore) and how evil and cunning they are. This felt like Emily Wilde but less goofy. Anyway I am not making sense but I loved this so much.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Bullying, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual assault, Blood, Grief, and Death of parent
wrensreadingroom's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Animal death, Body shaming, Bullying, Child death, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Mental illness, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Medical content, Grief, Car accident, Death of parent, Murder, Gaslighting, Abandonment, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
lovesickpages's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Mental illness, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, and Sexism
Moderate: Bullying and Grief
Minor: Alcoholism and Alcohol
honuzbubbles's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual violence, Xenophobia, Medical trauma, Gaslighting, Abandonment, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Bullying, Death, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Violence, Blood, Grief, Car accident, Death of parent, Colonisation, and Classism
Minor: War