Scan barcode
chelbawamba's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
This is my second attempt with this author and sadly I don’t think I can be convinced to try again. Ava Reid relies heavily on simile and metaphor, to a point of excessiveness, does a lot of telling instead of showing, and everything happens to this main character “suddenly” or “for some reason.” Even when the reason was obvious to me as a reader, it happened “for some reason.”
Overall, the concept of the story was interesting, but the way it was executed was extremely predictable. I knew early on what most of the reveals at the end were going to be. In my opinion, there is a fine line between good foreshadowing and offering too much too early on.
A personal pet peeve of mine is when characters speak about each other as if they’ve known each other for a long time when it’s only been a few days, for example: saying things like “he’s always been kind to me,” or “I had never seen him this flustered” when the character only knew the other person for maybe a collective three hours. This happened frequently in the first half of the book.
I didn’t not enjoy it, but I also didn’t enjoy it. Would not necessarily recommend it, but it had its moments and kept me engaged through the end.
Overall, the concept of the story was interesting, but the way it was executed was extremely predictable. I knew early on what most of the reveals at the end were going to be. In my opinion, there is a fine line between good foreshadowing and offering too much too early on.
A personal pet peeve of mine is when characters speak about each other as if they’ve known each other for a long time when it’s only been a few days, for example: saying things like “he’s always been kind to me,” or “I had never seen him this flustered” when the character only knew the other person for maybe a collective three hours. This happened frequently in the first half of the book.
I didn’t not enjoy it, but I also didn’t enjoy it. Would not necessarily recommend it, but it had its moments and kept me engaged through the end.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pedophilia, Kidnapping, Blood, Adult/minor relationship, Murder, Mental illness, Colonisation, Alcohol, Sexual assault, Death, Car accident, Addiction, Xenophobia, Sexism, Rape, Racism, Violence, Sexual violence, Sexual content, Misogyny, Gaslighting, Emotional abuse, Classism, Sexual harassment, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Physical abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Drug abuse, Death of parent, and Child abuse
samflowerv6's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
the only enemy is the sea
“I will love you to ruination,” the Fairy King said, brushing a strand of golden hair from my cheek. “Yours or mine?” I asked. The Fairy King did not answer.
Deeply atmospheric tale of how our brains deal with trauma in the backdrop of a gloomy and mysterious cliff by the sea town. Effy and her academic rival (sort of) unfold the mystery of her favorite author on his late estate under the guise of helping rebuild the property. Effy deals with understanding her own mind, battling with the difference between reality and fantasy while struggling as a young woman in a world of men who see her as not smart enough in an academic setting and take advantage of her in others. Preston and Effy comfort each other and mesh well intelligently while the solve mysteries and try to stay under the radar in the gloomy sea side manor. I loved this story so deeply to my core. Ava Reid is a visionary. I love Preston and Effy as individuals and together. The audiobook was also such a treat. This story is a hauntingly beautiful of gothic fantasy, dark academia and survival against the self and everyone else. I would say that the focus isn’t on the romance but that doesn’t make it any less beautiful. Preston loves her in a way that’s different from anything in her life and the the haunting chill that permeates the entire book. He is just the sweetest baby to me and I will die for Effy. I see myself so much in her and the entire book is just so deeply beautiful. The mystical fantasy elements were breathtaking. 🌊
“I was a woman when it was convenient to blame me, and a girl when they wanted to use me.”
“That was the cruelest irony: the more you did to save yourself, the less you became a person worth saving.”
“I wish I had fought.” Effy surprised herself by saying it. The words had leaped out of her throat, unbidden. “I know I beat him in the end, but for so many years all I could do was run and hide. I just sat there and let the water pour in around me. I didn’t know that I could fight back. I didn’t know how to do anything but wait to drown.”
“Oh no, Effy. That’s not what I meant at all. You don’t have to take up a sword. Survival is bravery, too.”
“It began as all things did: a girl on the shore, terrified and desirous.”
“Effy found herself half in love with the Fairy King sometimes, too. The tender belly of his cruelty made her heart flutter. There was an intimacy to all violence, she supposed. The better you knew someone, the more terribly you could hurt them.”
“You're not just one thing. Survival is something you do not something you are. You're brave and brilliant. You're the most real, full person I've ever met.”
“You don’t see yourself very clearly, Effy.” Preston shifted in his seat so that they were facing one another. “Challenging me isn’t pestering. I’m not always right. Sometimes I deserve to be challenged. And changing your mind isn’t foolish. It just means you’ve learned something new. Everyone changes their mind sometimes, as they should, or else they’re just, I don’t know, stubborn and ignorant. Moving water is healthy; stagnant water is sickly. Tainted.”
“That things are only beautiful because they don't last- Full moons, flowers in bloom, you.”
“What is a mermaid but a woman half-drowned,
What a selkie but an unwilling wife,
What a tale but a sea-net, snatching up both From the gentle tumult of dark waves?”
“He had loved nothing more than the truth, and she had loved nothing more than her imagined world. Somehow, in spite of that, they had found each other.”
“I will love you to ruination,” the Fairy King said, brushing a strand of golden hair from my cheek. “Yours or mine?” I asked. The Fairy King did not answer.
Deeply atmospheric tale of how our brains deal with trauma in the backdrop of a gloomy and mysterious cliff by the sea town. Effy and her academic rival (sort of) unfold the mystery of her favorite author on his late estate under the guise of helping rebuild the property. Effy deals with understanding her own mind, battling with the difference between reality and fantasy while struggling as a young woman in a world of men who see her as not smart enough in an academic setting and take advantage of her in others. Preston and Effy comfort each other and mesh well intelligently while the solve mysteries and try to stay under the radar in the gloomy sea side manor. I loved this story so deeply to my core. Ava Reid is a visionary. I love Preston and Effy as individuals and together. The audiobook was also such a treat. This story is a hauntingly beautiful of gothic fantasy, dark academia and survival against the self and everyone else. I would say that the focus isn’t on the romance but that doesn’t make it any less beautiful. Preston loves her in a way that’s different from anything in her life and the the haunting chill that permeates the entire book. He is just the sweetest baby to me and I will die for Effy. I see myself so much in her and the entire book is just so deeply beautiful. The mystical fantasy elements were breathtaking. 🌊
“I was a woman when it was convenient to blame me, and a girl when they wanted to use me.”
“That was the cruelest irony: the more you did to save yourself, the less you became a person worth saving.”
“I wish I had fought.” Effy surprised herself by saying it. The words had leaped out of her throat, unbidden. “I know I beat him in the end, but for so many years all I could do was run and hide. I just sat there and let the water pour in around me. I didn’t know that I could fight back. I didn’t know how to do anything but wait to drown.”
“Oh no, Effy. That’s not what I meant at all. You don’t have to take up a sword. Survival is bravery, too.”
“It began as all things did: a girl on the shore, terrified and desirous.”
“Effy found herself half in love with the Fairy King sometimes, too. The tender belly of his cruelty made her heart flutter. There was an intimacy to all violence, she supposed. The better you knew someone, the more terribly you could hurt them.”
“You're not just one thing. Survival is something you do not something you are. You're brave and brilliant. You're the most real, full person I've ever met.”
“You don’t see yourself very clearly, Effy.” Preston shifted in his seat so that they were facing one another. “Challenging me isn’t pestering. I’m not always right. Sometimes I deserve to be challenged. And changing your mind isn’t foolish. It just means you’ve learned something new. Everyone changes their mind sometimes, as they should, or else they’re just, I don’t know, stubborn and ignorant. Moving water is healthy; stagnant water is sickly. Tainted.”
“That things are only beautiful because they don't last- Full moons, flowers in bloom, you.”
“What is a mermaid but a woman half-drowned,
What a selkie but an unwilling wife,
What a tale but a sea-net, snatching up both From the gentle tumult of dark waves?”
“He had loved nothing more than the truth, and she had loved nothing more than her imagined world. Somehow, in spite of that, they had found each other.”
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Mental illness, and Sexism
Moderate: Death, Sexual content, Sexual assault, Death of parent, and Alcohol
kattila's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
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? It's complicated
4.5
Great atmosphere, a little bit predictable at times, but overall a great story. I liked how the book combined the real world and magic/fairy tales, although I was left a bit confused by certain things.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny, Domestic abuse, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, Sexism, Death of parent, Sexual assault, Panic attacks/disorders, Mental illness, Confinement, Emotional abuse, and Alcohol
Minor: Child abuse, Sexual content, Child death, and Colonisation
jaydeecepticon's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism
Moderate: Domestic abuse and Sexual assault
Minor: Alcohol and Violence
tadah'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? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Sexual harassment, Xenophobia, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Alcohol, Alcoholism, Abandonment, Sexual assault, Violence, and Sexual content
Minor: Death of parent, Animal death, Death, Blood, and War
maregred's review
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, Xenophobia, and Sexism
Moderate: Mental illness, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Panic attacks/disorders, and Sexual content
Minor: Classism, Injury/Injury detail, Death of parent, Grief, War, Alcoholism, and Alcohol
louisepea's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
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? Yes
3.0
'The only reason anything matters is because it ends.'
Effy, the only female architecture student at a prestigious university, wins a contest to redesign the home of her favourite late author.
Troubled by visions of the fairy king her whole life, as well as dealing with sexual abuse from her professor, and an uncaring mother, Effy hopes it will be an opportunity to escape her demons, and finally prove herself. But when she arrives at the dilapidated estate which is threatening to crumble into the sea, Effy discovers another student is secretly attempting to prove that her favourite author is a fraud and the book she finds solace in was penned by another writer.
Effy is furious, but Preston wants her help, and putting her name on his thesis could open doors in the literary college she longs to enter but can't because she's a woman.
With her role to redesign the house proving to be more complicated than she thought, and her host a creepy lech, Effy secretly teams up with the insufferable Preston to uncover the truth about the author and the origin of her favourite book.
Their quest takes them on a dangerous journey which sees them facing two men willing to do anything to hide the truth. a predatory fairy king attempting to claim what he believes is his, the unforgiving forces of nature, and perhaps most perilously of all, their growing feelings for each other. *Gasp*.
Can Effy and Preston uncover the truth and alert the world or will their curiosity see them paying the ultimate price to someone determined to keep it a secret?
*
I was so excited to read this book, but considering the hype online, it wasn't what I was expecting at all, and while I enjoyed it, I guess I'd anticipated so much more.
It was a weird but atmospheric little read about two rival students who team up to secretly uncover the truth about their favourite late author and his most famous book while staying in his creepy, dilapidated old house on other assignments. To be honest, this was a pretty boring storyline I had little interest in, but the threats from their lecherous host, a creepy fairy king, the eerie house, and the elements themselves made it a great, moderately-paced read, and kept me turning the pages. (Although, I felt the addition of a fairy king was a really odd choice for this YA academia / mystery, and made little sense to the story. I think it would've been better without this fantasy aspect).
I really liked the two main characters, Effy and Preston, and their slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance was adorable in a way only young love is. Preston sweetly vowing to look after Effy, a vulnerable young woman who'd known nothing but neglect, fear, and sexual abuse her whole life, might have melted my cold, dead heart. I loved how he always had her back, even when they had different views, and the way she made him blush was too cute.
I was on the edge of my seat during the scenes in the flooded basement, when it seemed like all hope was lost for a happy ending for the two of them, and it added a much stronger climax to the story than the truth that unravelled about the author and Angharad. To them, I say 'meh.'
Overall, I thought it was a suspenseful three star read with an interesting setting, likeable main characters, and some good lessons to be learnt. But did it wow me? No, not as much as I'd hoped.
Effy, the only female architecture student at a prestigious university, wins a contest to redesign the home of her favourite late author.
Troubled by visions of the fairy king her whole life, as well as dealing with sexual abuse from her professor, and an uncaring mother, Effy hopes it will be an opportunity to escape her demons, and finally prove herself. But when she arrives at the dilapidated estate which is threatening to crumble into the sea, Effy discovers another student is secretly attempting to prove that her favourite author is a fraud and the book she finds solace in was penned by another writer.
Effy is furious, but Preston wants her help, and putting her name on his thesis could open doors in the literary college she longs to enter but can't because she's a woman.
With her role to redesign the house proving to be more complicated than she thought, and her host a creepy lech, Effy secretly teams up with the insufferable Preston to uncover the truth about the author and the origin of her favourite book.
Their quest takes them on a dangerous journey which sees them facing two men willing to do anything to hide the truth. a predatory fairy king attempting to claim what he believes is his, the unforgiving forces of nature, and perhaps most perilously of all, their growing feelings for each other. *Gasp*.
Can Effy and Preston uncover the truth and alert the world or will their curiosity see them paying the ultimate price to someone determined to keep it a secret?
*
I was so excited to read this book, but considering the hype online, it wasn't what I was expecting at all, and while I enjoyed it, I guess I'd anticipated so much more.
It was a weird but atmospheric little read about two rival students who team up to secretly uncover the truth about their favourite late author and his most famous book while staying in his creepy, dilapidated old house on other assignments. To be honest, this was a pretty boring storyline I had little interest in, but the threats from their lecherous host, a creepy fairy king, the eerie house, and the elements themselves made it a great, moderately-paced read, and kept me turning the pages. (Although, I felt the addition of a fairy king was a really odd choice for this YA academia / mystery, and made little sense to the story. I think it would've been better without this fantasy aspect).
I really liked the two main characters, Effy and Preston, and their slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance was adorable in a way only young love is. Preston sweetly vowing to look after Effy, a vulnerable young woman who'd known nothing but neglect, fear, and sexual abuse her whole life, might have melted my cold, dead heart. I loved how he always had her back, even when they had different views, and the way she made him blush was too cute.
I was on the edge of my seat during the scenes in the flooded basement, when it seemed like all hope was lost for a happy ending for the two of them, and it added a much stronger climax to the story than the truth that unravelled about the author and Angharad. To them, I say 'meh.'
Overall, I thought it was a suspenseful three star read with an interesting setting, likeable main characters, and some good lessons to be learnt. But did it wow me? No, not as much as I'd hoped.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny, Drug use, Adult/minor relationship, Sexism, and Sexual content
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual assault, Addiction, Gaslighting, Abandonment, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, and Toxic relationship
ramenfuneral's review
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, Grief, Misogyny, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Alcohol
Minor: Death of parent
tiff_taff's review
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Abandonment, Misogyny, and Bullying
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Sexual violence, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual assault, and Sexual harassment
Minor: War and Alcohol
kirbylover16's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
I find the story concepts to be quite intriguing. For example, I am interested in exploring various religious and regional interpretations of a flooded world. Additionally, the idea of Celebrity Sleepers acting as protectors is unique, although it is unfortunately not utilized enough. the Cold War, the start of the second drowning, her mother; all plotlines dropped There was a missed opportunity not to add a Lemony Snicket twist to the title, which should have featured Augharad, or even just the Fairy King would be a better title. I wish the book spent more time with Effy while she attends school. (the dark academia?) This change would not only help us better understand Effy but also enable us to get to know other characters.
The story was supposed to be a romance with rivals-turned-lovers, but it failed to deliver. The main love interest is introduced too late, and we learn little about him, except that he's foreign and Effy is jealous/racist towards him. Effy never stops being racist or unfairly mean to him. I like him more than Effy because he's less whiney and stupid. They don't fight each other in the competition or know each other in school. They're not even staying in the same house. Where is this rivalry? The romance is rushed and not spicy.
TL;DR
I am eager to learn more about the world, but there are still too many gaps and squandered ideas. I made zero connections to any of the characters. The pacing is all over the place. This book is falsely advised and disappointing.
The story was supposed to be a romance with rivals-turned-lovers, but it failed to deliver. The main love interest is introduced too late, and we learn little about him, except that he's foreign and Effy is jealous/racist towards him. Effy never stops being racist or unfairly mean to him. I like him more than Effy because he's less whiney and stupid. They don't fight each other in the competition or know each other in school. They're not even staying in the same house. Where is this rivalry? The romance is rushed and not spicy.
TL;DR
I am eager to learn more about the world, but there are still too many gaps and squandered ideas. I made zero connections to any of the characters. The pacing is all over the place. This book is falsely advised and disappointing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny
Moderate: Car accident, Domestic abuse, Child abuse, and Classism
Minor: Genocide, Mental illness, Kidnapping, Alcohol, Adult/minor relationship, Chronic illness, and Gaslighting
The car accident isn't an accident but not attempted murder either. not very violent.